The best video intercoms for a private home, according to reviews. TOP 25

Updated: 02/19/2021 18:49:02

Expert: Evgeny Mikhailovich Obolensky

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

When choosing an intercom or video intercom, you should first determine the planned use - whether it will be used only as a means of communication and security, or whether it will be part of a home security system. The functionality of the device depends on this.

What to look for when choosing an intercom or video intercom

When choosing an intercom, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of the device:

1. Connection type
   – wired or wireless. The first option is better suited for installation in apartments. It allows you to do without drilling cable channels in the walls - you just need to install two modules, a receiver and a transmitter. But their range of action is limited. For private homes, it is better to use wired intercoms, which ensure stable communication between the indoor and outdoor modules regardless of the weather;
2. Communication type
   – voice or video intercom. The first option provides the most basic protection against unauthorized entry. The second is more reliable: you can not only hear, but also see the visitor. This is necessary if couriers, delivery people and similar specialists often call your home or office;
3. Availability of GSM module
   . Allows you to track visitors, even if the owners are not at home (or in the office). In some cases it may well be useful;
4. Availability of recording and motion detector
   . These two functions turn the intercom into a full-fledged security system. They allow you to track visitors, even if the owner is not at home - and carefully consider their intentions;
5. Type – private or multi-apartment
   . The first is designed to protect one home. The second is for organizing access control in an apartment building.

It is worth considering that multi-apartment intercoms are usually installed by representatives of management companies or other organizations that monitor the condition of the house.

Additional criteria for choosing a video intercom

All other selection criteria, although not considered basic, nevertheless must also be taken into account. For example, not only the type of lock plays a significant role, but also the outer panel body itself. In addition, the device may or may not be equipped with a tube.

It is extremely important that all parts of the intercom that are located on the outside of the house are sufficiently resistant to external factors, since they will have to deal not only with rain, but also with severe frosts.

If we talk about the configuration of the inside of the device, then the presence of a handset will allow you to talk with the visitor without notifying the whole house about the subject of the conversation. Although many still prefer push-button or touch controls, since, thus, less effort is required to communicate with the guest.

The outdoor unit of the video intercom must be sufficiently resistant to external factors

Intercom or video intercom which company to choose

Among the manufacturers of intercoms and video intercoms are:

1. Commax. They produce budget intercoms;
2. Falcon Eye. A manufacturer of security systems for private homes, which also produces other equipment, including video intercoms;
3. Kenwei. Produces a wide variety of electronics. Intercoms are not the main product, but there are still such devices in the line;
4. Kocom. Manufacturer of security systems with intercom functionality;
5. Slinex. Produces easy-to-install and use intercoms for private homes;
6. Tantos. Manufacturer of intercoms, which, thanks to their expanded functionality, can be “scaled” to an almost full-fledged security system;
7. Tantos. Manufacturer of security systems with remote control functions.
8. Visit. One of the largest manufacturers of intercoms. Based in the Russian Federation. It produces mainly multi-apartment intercoms combined with a door opening or locking system. But devices for private homes are also available;

There are quite a lot of companies involved in the production of intercoms and video intercoms. Therefore, you should choose a device not only based on pricing and functionality, but also based on consumer reviews.

Digital models of video intercoms

Digital video intercoms use either a network cable to transmit audio and video signals, or do not use wires at all. Such devices have good sound and image quality. It will also not be difficult to connect such a video intercom to the smart home system. Sound and image transmission in digital video intercoms is carried out over a network or via a Wi-Fi network.

It is worth noting that digital video intercoms have higher prices compared to analog models. Setting up such video intercoms is also not easy, and the most important thing to remember is that digital models cannot always be combined with conventional calling panels.

Digital is the best intercom for a country house or for an elite apartment in a new building. Since connecting and operating the device will not be difficult for the owner. For an ordinary apartment, installing such a video intercom will cost a pretty penny.

Rating of the best video intercoms

Falcon Eye FE-74R

Rating: 4.9

Wired video intercom with a 7-inch display and advanced functionality. Supports three asynchronous connection channels via coaxial cable and a standard 4-pin bus. Control is performed using touch buttons on the front panel. Equipped with a recorder function, it can record video manually or automatically. There is no built-in storage, but there is a slot for MicroSD cards.

The intercom is not equipped with a separate handset. The speaker and microphone are located in the device body itself. Wall mount, powered by 13.5 V, adapter included. You can also use the included remote control for setup.

Advantages

• Easy to set up;
• Recorder mode;
• Compatible with most calling panels;

Flaws

• No built-in memory;
• The package may not include a calling panel, please check before purchasing.

Falcon Eye FE-70I

Rating: 4.8

Multifunctional video intercom monitor with support for 6 communication channels – 2 for calling panels and 4 for video cameras. External modules are connected via a standard 4-pin bus. Supports photo and video recording, including motion detection mode. Data is stored on a MicroSD memory card (purchased separately).

A simple and intuitive user interface allows you to work with the device without prior training. The main advantage of a video intercom is its compatibility with addressable intercoms, including multi-apartment ones. It is compatible with Vizit interfaces - intercoms that are used in city houses.

Advantages

• Compatible with Vizit;
• Recorder mode;
• Compatible with most calling panels;

Flaws

• No built-in memory;
• No calling panel included.

Wired or wireless?

The function that provides wired communication is a convenient addition that makes using the device more comfortable. But you don’t always need to overpay for this add-on.

A wireless intercom would be a good choice for a two or three-story private house. Usually this is a tablet that can be carried from room to room so that you don’t have to go to the door every time and open it for the visitor.

Wireless video intercoms are purchased when it is necessary to install a couple of calling panels at once and minimize installation work. For example, up to 4 calling panels can be connected to one monitor, with minimal effort required. Wireless video intercoms of recent years provide communication within a radius of 100 meters.

You need to keep in mind that such a system is not cheap, and in order to purchase a high-quality wireless device for your home, you need to spend a considerable amount of money. Do not forget that the operation of such equipment is also affected by weather conditions and obstacles that can interfere with the signal. These factors must be taken into account when choosing.

It is worth understanding that it makes no sense to buy a wireless video intercom for small one-story houses, where you can get by just fine with a wired model. If the building is located at a distance of less than 20 meters from the fence, then a wired video intercom will be the best solution. Installing it is not difficult even on your own.

The best classic intercom

Vizit BVD-SM101R

Rating: 4.9

An intercom for apartment buildings with support for duplex voice communication, a maximum number of subscribers of 100 nodes, a memory for 600 branded RFID keys, control of electromagnetic locks with a resistance of 10 Ohms and the ability to work with a concierge remote control.

Since the main functional module is installed outdoors, the intercom is housed in a waterproof housing and remains operational in a wide temperature range. To open the door, you can use individual and general codes, a personal RFID key or a button on the intercom inside the apartment.

Advantages

• Durable, reliable, vandal-proof housing;
• Compatible with concierge remote control and electromagnetic locks;
• Memory for 100 numbers and 600 keys;

Flaws

• Voice only;
• Difficult to install (a separate switching unit is used).

Types of video intercoms for apartments

Of course, it will be easiest for owners of apartments in new buildings. In such houses, cameras are immediately installed at the entrance and special calling panels at the front door of the house. Residents can only connect to existing equipment and purchase an additional calling panel for their apartment and a monitor for the room.

For owners of older houses, installing a video intercom will be a little more difficult and costly, but nothing is impossible. Let's look at the main types of video intercoms. Perhaps this information will help you save money.

The best wireless video intercoms

Falcon Eye FE-35WI

Rating: 4.9

Wireless video intercom kit, which includes an internal monitor and an external calling panel.

The monitor is equipped with a 3.5-inch liquid crystal display, mechanical control buttons, a mode of operation as a recorder (photos and videos are recorded on a MicroSD memory card) and the ability to connect up to three calling panels.

The calling panel is equipped with a 0.3 megapixel camera with a viewing angle of 45 degrees, infrared sensor illumination for better visibility in the dark, a waterproof metal case and connectors for connecting a lock. Can be powered by a battery or a separate 5 V power supply. Communication with the monitor is carried out via a radio channel.

Advantages

• Simple, ready-to-install kit;
• Recorder and motion detection modes;
• Infrared illumination of the camera sensor;

Flaws

• There is no Internet connection for remote control and monitoring;
• Low video camera resolution.

Connection diagram for video intercom with electromagnetic lock

The connection diagram for the video intercom calling panel is usually included with the device by the manufacturer, so it is best to use it as a guide. If the kit does not provide connecting cables, and you have to purchase them yourself, then it is best to use those with wires in multi-colored insulation. This will greatly simplify the task.

If video communication is not provided, then you can use a four-wire wire, which will have the following distribution:

• general purpose conductor;
• power core for the electronic part of the device;
• a core that performs the function of a signal wire;
• a core that provides power to the castle itself.

Option for connecting a video intercom with an electromagnetic lock

If you also need to connect video communication, then this will require another wire. The cable can be laid underground or on special supports. In the first case, a special pipe or corrugation must be used as protection, and in the second, the cable is tied to a steel wire or cable, which is pulled between the supports. This must be done, since the cable itself is quite fragile and easily damaged.

Important! Due to the fact that the intercom with an electromagnetic lock is powered through a transformer, the level of safety and reliability of such a device is much higher.

It is extremely important to pay attention to the quality of the interface unit itself for the video intercom that will be used. Since any malfunctions in its operation will lead to the fact that the entire system will not function properly.

The best inexpensive video intercom

Commax CDV-35A

Rating: 4.7

Ultra-budget indoor monitor for video intercom. Equipped with a handset for easy communication, a 3.5-inch LCD display, touch buttons for control (including opening the lock) and a wall mount. You can connect two external calling panels to the monitor with a standard 4-pin connection.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Easy to install;
• Ease of use thanks to the handset;

Flaws

• No DVR;
• The set includes only the monitor, without the calling panel;
• No Internet access;

Equipment installation

Before proceeding with the installation of the security system, it is recommended that you read the instructions and act on them. Experts note that the process of connecting an intercom can be divided into:

• installation of an external panel;
• fixation of the internal part;
• connecting the power supply;
• supply of wires;
• system programming (keys and codes).

To protect the lock and external panel, experts recommend placing them in an IP65 class cabinet. In addition, you need to connect the system to an emergency power supply so that it works in the absence of electricity in the network.

The best intercom for a private home

Slinex SL-10IP

Rating: 4.9

A multifunctional video intercom for a private home, on the basis of which you can build a full-fledged security system. You can connect up to four external devices to it - two calling panels (with a camera, a button and a locking mechanism) and two additional video cameras. The devices operate in synchronous mode - you can view video from four sensors.

The DVR function is also present. Photos and videos are recorded onto a separately installed MicroSD memory card.

The indoor monitor can connect to Wi-Fi. This provides remote control and event viewing. There are also special mobile applications for receiving Push notifications about visitors.

Advantages

• Attractive design, glass and metal body;
• Expanded functionality;
• Large 10-inch screen;

Flaws

• Minor cropping of images from connected cameras;
• No calling panel included.

Intercom - device, types, principle of operation, features

An intercom is a special device installed on the front door of a house and allows you to control access inside. With its help, the homeowner can hear and see events occurring in the immediate vicinity of the entrance, and take the necessary actions based on the data. Such a device is essentially an element of a security system.

Varieties

There are two main types of device:

1. Audio.
2. Video.

The first are characterized by the fact that they make it possible to identify events behind the door only by sound, the second by both sound and image. In addition, the latter most often have a video recording function. The device not only transmits images, but also records to built-in or removable media. Their installation diagrams are almost identical, except that the video version does not require additional communications to transmit the signal between the calling module and the intercom itself.

The unit with the monitor is characterized by ease of control and clear settings Source centurio66.ru

However, modern models increasingly use wireless communication technologies for this purpose. Which, on the one hand, is very convenient, as it simplifies installation when it is necessary to install it at a large distance, for example, on a wicket or gate, and on the other hand, it increases the final cost of the device.

Device

A basic wireless video intercom for a private home consists of several main components - an external unit including a calling device and a camera, a terminal with a monitor for indoor installation, a power supply and an electromechanical or electromagnetic lock.

Each of these components has its own key features:

• External module.

It consists of two devices (video camera and call panel) connected into one housing. To improve visibility, some models are equipped with additional video cameras that are installed separately at some distance from the device.

Two main blocks of a wireless video intercom - an internal panel with a monitor and an external module with a camera Source video-glazok.ru

As a rule, the case is more durable and has anti-vandal characteristics. The module is mounted externally at a height of about 1.5 meters from the surface. Equipped with such elements as:

1. Call button.
2. Speaker.
3. Microphone.
4. Camcorder.
5. Electric lock drive control device.
6. Digital code reading system.

Thanks to the latter, home owners or guests with a trusted status can freely open the door using a card or key.

• Control block.

The main control unit is installed in any convenient place in the room - in most cases in the hallway. The control panel can have push-button or touch controls. It is used to control the access system.

The device includes:

1. Monitor – one or several for installation in different rooms.
2. Audio communication.
3. Button for opening and closing the lock.
4. Signal reception and transmission system.

The module operates using a built-in or external power supply. For maximum reliability, it can be equipped with a battery to continue operation of the system in the event of a power outage.

Internal control unit with touch panel Source fortvideo.ru

• Lock.

Installation of modern video intercom models in a private home, in addition to the identification system, necessarily involves the use of a locking mechanism. Often these are electric locks of 2 main types:

1. Electromechanical. Closing is based on a mechanical latch, and opening is based on forced activation of an electromagnet. At the same time, there are two types of locks - with fully electromagnetic control and a built-in key cylinder. Thanks to the latter, the lock can open regardless of the position of the electronic mechanism. This is very convenient when there is a power outage, and also when no one is home.
2. Electromagnetic. Consists of a steel plate and an electromagnetic core. The door will remain closed while current flows through the coil. As soon as the opening occurs, the plate will return to the reverse position and the door leaf will open. To avoid opening during a power failure, the locks are equipped with a backup power source - battery or UPS.

Interaction diagram of the main components of the intercom Source stroy-podskazka.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in electrical work of any complexity

In order to get inside through a door with an intercom, the lock must be opened with a key, card or command from the control panel from the house. For the fastest possible opening, a button is also installed on the inside of the door. It is especially relevant on the gate inside the local area.

Note! When choosing electrical equipment for a door with an intercom from different manufacturers or models, you need to pay attention to the compatibility of their electrical characteristics. In addition, the climatic design and operating temperature range of those components that will be installed outdoors are not the least important.

Wireless video intercom with portable control unit Source dizos.ru

Which intercom or video intercom to buy

When choosing an intercom or video intercom, you should be guided by the following criteria:

1. Is this an intercom for an apartment building? Only a classic option like Vizit;
2. Don't want to worry about laying cables? Wireless models;
3. Need remote control? Intercoms with Wi-Fi, Ethernet or GSM;
4. Do you need to connect a large number of cameras? Intercoms with multiple connectors.
5. Other characteristics, such as a handset or a recorder, should be taken into account depending on your needs.

Analogue video intercom for apartments

The transmission of audio and video signals in such video intercoms occurs via an analog cable. The price of analog models is not high and connection is not difficult in a Russian high-rise building. Analog video intercoms are easily combined with calling panels from almost all modern manufacturers.

Connecting an analog video intercom via an interface unit to a regular audio panel and a video surveillance camera on the entrance door is very simple. At the same time, you can choose a modern touchscreen monitor and a hands-free one. We choose what we like. There is no need to buy outdated models or models with a tube.

Tantos

Tantos has long been a leader in sales of video intercoms in our country. A particularly popular model from this manufacturer is the Tantos Amelie apartment intercom. The 7-inch color monitor and touch screen allow you to use this device comfortably. In addition, additional functions are present:

• Possibility of connecting up to two calling panels.
• Two video cameras.
• Signal transmission in PAL format.
• Possibility to combine up to three monitors into an intercom system.

The monitor is sold complete with an installation bracket and mounting wires.

This model from Tantos has repeatedly confirmed its reliability and high quality workmanship.

Falcon

High-quality Falcon equipment occupies one of the leading positions in the intercom systems market. Video intercoms of this brand have a wide range of models, as well as a wide variety of built-in functions.

Apartment monitors of this brand are equipped with a color screen and have a four-wire connection system. The signal format for these devices is standard PAL/NTSC. It is possible to control the lock using the calling panel. Many devices have the ability to customize the intercom. You can change the melody and customize the screen saver. In addition, the user will be able to shoot video and take photos during a call.

If you are looking for a high-quality video intercom for an apartment, then you should pay attention to the Falcon FE-Slim model. It is the thinnest monitor on the market. The thickness of the device is 9mm. The aluminum body and touch screen make the video intercom super stylish and able to decorate any hallway, while providing reliable security for your apartment.

Another popular model from this manufacturer is Falcon Eye FE-71 TM. The monitor has a 7-inch widescreen screen. The menu is entirely in Russian. Using this video intercom, you can record video from 4 cameras in color and watch the broadcast of video surveillance of the territory online. Additional functions of this device include a photo frame, alarm clock and answering machine. This way you can not only secure your apartment, but also get an additional multifunctional device for your home.

Commax

If you are in doubt about which intercom to buy, take Commax! Video intercoms from the Korean company Commax have been no less popular than Tantos video intercoms for many years. By annually improving its products, this company continues to win the trust of more and more new customers.

By purchasing video intercoms from this manufacturer, you will receive an easy-to-use device that even a child can understand. Many models include a monitor, calling panel and electric lock. An additional advantage will be the low cost.

A popular model from this manufacturer is the CDV 35A. This video intercom is equipped with a TFT LCD touch screen and has a color display. There is also a handset for talking. This device is equipped with a minimum of all necessary functions.

Video intercom models with built-in recorder

This type of video intercom contains both an intercom and a video recorder. Thanks to additional functions, using such a device you can not only answer an incoming call, but also monitor the situation on a flight of stairs or in the surrounding area. You can also record video surveillance and save it to a memory card or to the cloud on the Internet. This additional feature is very useful in today's world. This way you can always see who scratched your neighbor’s car and even take a photo of the criminal and hand it over to law enforcement agencies.

Most often, video intercom models with DVRs can forward calls to a mobile phone and make it possible to view video in real time from both a phone and a computer or tablet. To do this, you need to connect the video intercom to your phone via the Internet through a special application.

VIZIT

Manufacturers of security systems VIZIT are at the forefront of designing intercoms. The range of this company is distinguished by the simplicity of devices made with color and black and white screens. Video intercoms easily connect to almost all entrance intercoms. Therefore, you can buy a model for your apartment that will suit all your requirements.

Typically, the settings of VIZIT video intercoms are adjusted using buttons on the device body. The screen itself turns on when an incoming call arrives or when the handset is picked up. Typically, several CCTV cameras are connected to the monitor at the same time. But a distinctive feature of VIZIT monitors is the impossibility of simultaneously displaying images from all surveillance cameras on the screen at once. You can only watch videos by switching between cameras one by one.

All models of this brand are marked:

• S – video intercom with built-in power supply
• C – color image;
• M – there is video memory.

Otherwise, the operating principle of “Visits” is no different from the others. There is a light indication of all operating modes. This is especially convenient when simultaneous calls are received from different calling panels. The indication will help the user navigate and answer incoming calls correctly.

Also, some video intercoms of this brand can open electromagnetic locks using a separate DOOR button.