Intercom or smart doorbell: which one should you choose?

To choose between an intercom and a smart doorbell, it all depends on your type of home and your need for access control. If you live in an apartment or want to unlock your front door remotely, an intercom (especially a video intercom) is essential. If you are looking for a simple, quick-to-install, and cost-effective solution to be alerted on your smartphone when a visitor arrives, a smart doorbell or a QR code digital doorbell is the ideal option. Here is a complete comparison to help you make the best choice.

What are the main differences between an intercom and a smart doorbell?

Although both devices share the same goal — alerting you to a visitor's presence at your home —, they operate very differently and do not meet the same technical constraints.

The traditional or smart intercom is a complete two-way system. It not only allows you to establish audio or video communication with the person ringing, but it is also connected directly to your gate or front door's electric strike system. This means you can unlock access remotely with a single click. Installing a classic intercom often requires complex wiring and professional assistance, especially in apartment buildings.

The smart doorbell, on the other hand, focuses on alerts and communication. When a visitor presses the button or scans a support, you instantly receive a push notification on your smartphone or a chime on an indoor receiver. It generally allows you to see and speak to your visitor, but it does not, by default, allow you to unlock the door remotely unless it is paired with an independent smart lock. It stands out for its ease of installation, often being completely wireless.

When should you choose an intercom for your home?

An intercom is the go-to solution in several specific setups where security and physical access control are the top priorities.

• Apartment living: In multi-family housing, intercoms are the standard. They allow you to manage secure access to the building lobby from your flat, whether through a classic wall handset or a mobile app for newer generation intercom systems.
• A distant gate or entryway: If your front door is located dozens of yards away from your property line, a smart intercom saves you from walking all the way out to let guests or delivery drivers in.
• Property management: For landlords, installing a robust intercom system secures the building and simplifies daily life for tenants, who can control access independently and securely.

Why choose a smart doorbell or a digital doorbell?

Smart doorbells are increasingly popular with households thanks to their flexibility, affordability, and smart features tailored to modern lifestyles.

• An installation anyone can do: Unlike heavy-wired intercoms, a wireless smart doorbell can be set up in minutes. Better yet, a digital doorbell based on QR code technology requires no drilling, no batteries, and no hardware to mount on your facade.
• Real-time interaction wherever you are: Whether you are at the office, traveling, or at the bottom of your garden, every visitor triggers a push notification on your phone. You can then tell them exactly where to leave a package.
• A controlled budget: Buying and installing a video intercom can quickly run into hundreds of pounds or dollars. A smart doorbell, and especially a hardware-free software solution like Dringbell, offers an extremely cost-effective and maintenance-free alternative.
• Ideal for tenants: If you rent your home, you cannot alter the electrical wiring. A wireless doorbell or a digital QR code doorbell can be set up and removed without leaving a trace, keeping your deposit safe.

How to choose the best solution for your needs?

To make your final decision between these two smart home access technologies, ask yourself the right questions about your daily use and budget:

• Do you need to unlock the door remotely? If yes, go for a smart intercom connected to your electric strike. If you simply want to be notified and talk to visitors, a smart doorbell is more than enough.
• What is your installation budget? Tight budgets or anyone looking for absolute simplicity will prefer a QR code digital doorbell, which eliminates hardware costs and battery failures.
• Are you a homeowner or a tenant? Homeowners often choose video intercoms to add value to their property, while tenants and minimalists will prefer the flexibility of a portable or digital smart doorbell.

Conclusion

The choice between an intercom and a smart doorbell primarily depends on your need to trigger your front door lock remotely. If this feature is crucial, an intercom remains essential despite its higher cost and more complex installation. However, for simple monitoring, instant communication with visitors, and a hassle-free setup, a smart doorbell is the way to go. Innovative solutions like the Dringbell digital doorbell prove that it is now possible to modernise your home access instantly, without any DIY work and at a lower cost, simply using a smartphone.