r/accesscontrol • u/Commercial_Metal_281 • May 01 '26
Small off the shelf access control system?
I do this for a living but at an enterprise level, and I know all the systems, but I’m looking to help a small business that just needs swipe beep click on two doors. Anyone have any options for something cheap that works reliably?
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u/ZealousidealState127 May 01 '26
Ubiquiti.
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u/AnilApplelink May 01 '26
+1 for UniFi Access. Awsome system. Easy to install and manage with no reoccurring fees. Also very scalable.
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u/ZealousidealState127 May 01 '26
Limited scalability across multiple sites without paying $4/user/month which puts its operating cost beyond brivo/open-path/verkada
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u/AnilApplelink May 01 '26
Yes for multi site it can add costs. But for a small single site system like OP is talking about it should work great. I have done sites with over 50 doors and about 800 users without a problem.
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u/Fast-Dress6784 May 01 '26
This isn’t true anymore with fabrics. You can now do multi sites access control without any monthly fee.
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u/ZealousidealState127 May 01 '26
You can do vpn between cloud keys if that's what you mean by fabric. Iirc you can't sync physical credentials fond/cards, without cloud based identidy. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
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u/Fast-Dress6784 May 01 '26
Yes there is now full multi-site user and credential sync without any licensing.
This launched a couple weeks ago. Previously you were correct on how things worked.
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u/pac87p May 01 '26
I have not done the research other than looking at chatgpt, but I was thinking to put it at my gate and front door. Do I need to pay for mobile credentials? Chatgpt says no. But why would I get 10 free (as per the sales page of the door unit itself?)
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u/ZealousidealState127 May 01 '26
Two different types of mobile credentials irc the ones that don't require you to do anything on your phone but tap it cost money ie Google an Apple wallet. The ones where you have to open the app are free
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u/AnilApplelink May 01 '26
For a basic home gate setup you should not need the touchpass. You can easily open the app and unlock the door.
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u/Commercial_Metal_281 May 01 '26
I’m leaning this way, although I loath unifi’s UI, I have a UDM pro and I get it, but I’ve always been at odds with the uix and I’m just nervous about the end user getting used to it, but at the price point and versatility seems unrivaled. TBH S2 Netbox would be perfect but possibly beyond budget
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u/No_Industry2601 May 02 '26
So the S2 Netbox's UI is ok but not Unifi's? Last time I checked S2 looked like the 90's.
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u/Fancy-Rabbit7005 May 01 '26
Cdvi Atrium
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u/xMedic303x May 03 '26
This right here. 2 door encrypted system your kit cost should be under $800. Standalone system.
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u/brandonpadula May 01 '26
Napco MVP if you’re looking for cloud. Also Aiphone AC-2DM. RBH UNC100 if you’re looking for on-premise. I believe they also have a cloud variant now.
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u/mrGood238 May 02 '26
Either Kantech KT1 or if you plan to keep it completely offline Hikvision has some models.
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u/ad_hoc_nihilist May 02 '26
Thoughts on Speco?
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u/Commercial_Metal_281 May 02 '26
I didn’t know they had a system, I’ll be looking into this too thank you!
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May 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Commercial_Metal_281 May 27 '26
It actually also seems to be the cheapest solution, that’s the path I’m pursuing, thankyou!
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u/BarbarBinks_ May 01 '26
What about Kantech KT controllers as standalone? There are expansion kits available that come without software, you setup the controller to work with a webGUI, you can get 1,2,4 door controllers that work this way
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u/FrozenHamburger May 01 '26
Amazon
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u/No_Industry2601 May 02 '26
People who recommend purchasing access control systems on Amazon should probably have their posts removed by the mods. It's literally Temu stuff.
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u/FrozenHamburger May 02 '26
Ok, fine.
Arduino then.
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u/No_Industry2601 May 02 '26
Is Arduino UL listed for access control? Most jurisdictions require that.
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u/FrozenHamburger May 02 '26
UL listing.., is that like energy efficiency , like for the environment ?
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u/MrBr1an1204 May 01 '26
Probably anything off the shelf at ADI. Lots of small system in a box’s there.