Having your own personal intercom system can make the difference between life and death in some situations. Not only can these tools be used as part of your home security system, but they can also be used as medical alerts systems for the sick, elderly or children in your home.
Because of their importance, you should find the best intercom system for you and your loved ones. This means taking the effort to research the available intercom systems on the market and comparing them to your personal needs.
With this guide, you’ll be able to compare some of the most popular models based on their most significant features. By examining each models strengths and weaknesses, you’ll be able to find the best wireless intercom for your personal security.
Contents
Best Wireless Intercom Systems For Home
- Up to ½ mile range
- Seven designated channels
- Talk, monitor, group call and voice-activated functions
- Secure communications
Review
We set up our system over two floors at opposite ends of the house. As an experiment, we powered one with an external battery and were able to converse three blocks apart. Voice quality was always crystal clear.
I like the designated channels feature so that I can talk to my wife or son privately. We will add another unit for the garage/workshop.
The call ring is jarringly loud. However, it’s a plus when calling my son as he often wears headphones. The VOX feature is nice for hands-free conversations.
- Installation is a breeze
- Plenty of talk features
- Expandable to unlimited number of stations
- The operating instructions are sparse, but it’s easy to figure out
- Call alert volume is rather loud
Summary
Overall, the Hosmart system is a great first-time intercom system for property-wide communications with excellent voice clarity plus private digital channels.
- 20 channels
- Built-in battery for portability or power outage
- Up to 19 units supported
- Private, monitor and group calling options
Review
Since each intercom unit has a built-in 2000 mAH Li-Ion battery, it was easy to test the range by using them like walkie-talkies. Communication was clear and crisp at over 4 blocks from the house.
The system works with any other Samcom intercom or 2-way radio, which means you could take them camping.
- One-to-one and one-to-many modes
- Monitor function for baby’s room
- Built-in Li-Ion battery
- High-threshold VOX activation cuts off the first word spoken
Summary
If you are looking for a solid, expandable, portable system, this Samcom set is ideal. The range will cover your entire property with clear, static-free communication. The monitor and group calling features are very handy.
- Item Weight: 8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 8.5 x 3.2 inches
- Range: 330 feet
The Optex IVPDH iVision+ is the best wireless intercom when considering improvements.
It’s a next-generation wireless intercom system that gives you notification when someone is waiting at your door in addition to the ability to view and talk to them from the safety and comfort inside your home or office.
The iVision+ wireless intercom package comes with a wireless handheld unit with an LCD monitor as well as a wireless doorbell and camera unit for the most convenient security without complicated wiring.
The system has a transmission range of 330 feet, and it can be used with multiple stations. This makes it a great system to monitor multiple areas of your residence or business from up to four locations.
This model can be considered the best video intercom system for home use due to its advanced technology and convenience.
- Wireless Handheld Unit
- LCD Monitors
- Camera Doorbell
- Remote Door Unlock
Review
The new and improvedOptex wireless intercom system provides the ability to monitor who arrives at your door as well as the opportunity to interact with them while still remaining safe in your home or business.
It features new iVision enhancements that act as expansions from the previous model.
In addition to its video ability, it now allows for multiple handheld units, multiple camera doorbell units and the ability to unlock electronic door locks remotely through a gateway unit.
The iVision+ wireless intercom package features a wireless handheld unit with an LCD monitor along with a wireless camera doorbell with a transmission of over 330 feet.
The iVision+ also works with the Optex Wireless 2000 to allow the doorbell camera to be opened when triggered by the Wireless 2000’s sensor.
The handheld units come with a battery pack and charging station, and the camera doorbell uses 3 AA batteries.
- Easy to install
- Handheld LCD monitors
- Fairly expensive
- The camera could have a wider angle to allow for off-center placement
- The doorbell unit relies on batteries that will need replacement unlike the handheld units.
Summary
This high performing unit has a number of applications. Most users purchase it for simple and effective security around the perimeter of their homes.
Those who are immobile or slow to get to the door can check and interact with guests before having to make their way to the entrance or risk having guests leave.
It can also be used for security at small businesses, day cares or schools. The main problem with the unit is the quality of the video is not up to par considering its price, but it’s still one of the best intercom systems in terms of efficiency.
- 10 channels
- 1800 foot range
- Private, group, monitor and VOX functions
- Expandable to an unlimited number of TekeyTBox units
Review
TekeyTBox intercoms all play well with one another, so any system you buy is expandable to their other products.
System installation was literally plug and play. The clear button layout, including easy-to-find volume controls, means manual-free operation.
Others have reported voice problems, but we did not experience loss of clarity with units hundreds of feet apart.
- Easy setup and operation
- One-to-one and group calling features
- Monitor the baby or an elder
- Tethered to a wired power supply
- Call alert from calling unit is loud
Summary
For simplicity of operation and price, this is the best home intercom system I’ve seen lately. Buying the 3-unit package is a no-brainer as you can easily expand to more units as it works with everything TekeyTBox makes.
- Item Weight: 2.6 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.5 x 4.2 inches
- Screen: 7″ TFT/LCD
- Camera: 1/4″ CMOS
- Material: ABS plastic & aluminum alloy
- Power Source: AC100V-240V / 50-60Hz
- Warranty: 3 Years
The Gbargain two-way intercom is a video doorbell system that allows you to interact with visitors at your door without even getting up.
It is one of the best video intercom systems when it comes to offering complete convenience. You can monitor your home security while remaining comfortable and safe in your home.
It has a 7-inch LCD screen along with infrared LED capability for viewing guests at night.
Features
- 7″ Color TFT HD LCD Without Radiation, Low Power Consumption
- Hands-Free Intercom
- Infrared Camera With Night Vision
- Electronic Door Release
- Adjustable Volume, Brightness and Contrast
- 16 Ring Types
- Oxidation-Proof
- Mute Indoor Intercom Function
The Gbargain video doorbell intercom comes included with:
- Camera
- Monitor
- DC 15V Adapter
- 1-meter 4-core Connection Cable
- 2-core Connection Cable
- 2 x 4-core Connection Cables
- User Manual
Review
The Gbargain video doorbell is a two-way intercom that allows you to monitor your door step in privacy. You can see, hear and speak to anyone that visits while still remaining safe and comfortable.
The unit has a 7-inch color high-definition LCD screen that uses low power consumption compared to other gadgets. It features advanced infrared lighting for night vision that allows you to identify visitors to your home in low light.
It produces clear images even at night.
One of the most impressive features of the Gbargain video doorbell is its electronic door release. With this feature, you can avoid the trip to the door to unlock it for guests you allow to enter your home.
If you’re not able to make it to the door in a timely fashion or make it at all, you can simply press the button to unlock. You do need to purchase the electronic lock separately to gain access to this feature, and this wireless feature only supports power on unlock mode.
As one of the best wireless intercoms, the hands-free system is easy to install, features 16 types of doorbell rings and allows for volume, brightness and contrast adjustments.
It’s made with an aluminum alloy panel that is stylish and sturdy enough to resist oxidation.
It also features a 3-year warranty, so you can make your purchase with confidence.
- 7-inch LCD screen
- Affordable price
- Low volume for outdoor component
- Wire could be longer
Summary
This is one of the best intercom systems to balance price and function. The Gbargain intercom is very affordable compared to many of its competitors while offering many of the same functions.
It makes a great start to a simple home security system. It provides an effective and economical method to check the front door without revealing your presence or for those who lack a peephole.
Factors & Features to Consider When Buying an Intercom System
Intercom Usage
You should first determine how you plan to use your intercom. Do you need to use your device just between rooms, do you need a unit with rechargeable batteries? Your plans for usage will have a significant effect on the features you need to prioritize when selecting between models.
Performance
Like any other gadget, the performance you get for the tasks you need is one of the biggest deciding factors. Check reviews to analyze the experiences of other consumers, and test out your preferred models when you can. Your goal is to find a system that is reliable enough to perform well for its intended purpose.
Transmission
Having a clear signal is impertinent to good performance. The problem with using intercom systems is the fact that they can often be affected by interference that makes it difficult to communicate on your channel. The best models will be able to resist interference in most situations.
Range
The distance with which you are able to communicate may be a deciding factor for your intercom applications. If you need to use it across a large property, opt for those with a longer range. If your needs are only in a small building, the range won’t matter as much.
Sound Clarity
The quality of the sound being transmitted will determine how well your messages get across to the other party as well as how you receive theirs. You need an intercom that can transmit messages without static and white noise. The sound should be clear and loud enough to understand what’s being said.
Ease of Use
There is little point to having an elaborate and high-tech intercom system if you don’t know how to use it. The intercom you purchase should be simple to use while still offering the functions you need. Compare models and test them when possible to see which ones are the most simple.
Volume Control
You may want to change the volume level on either end of your intercom. Try to find a model that allows for wide volume adjustment. This will enable you to hear as well as you need without being a disturbance. It also allows individual users to adjust the volume to meet their own preferences.
Price
The price you pay may be influenced by the build quality of the unit or the types of features it has. Don’t waste money paying too much for things you don’t need, but don’t lose out on important features just to pinch a penny. Find a balance between price and features.
Video Capability
This isn’t a feature you should expect on every quality intercom, but video capability is becoming more popular on some of the more advanced models. The best intercom system for home use will have some video capability. If having video along with sound transmission is something you’d like, place it high on your list of priorities when comparing models.
Resolution
Intercoms that do come with video capabilities should present images that clearly identify those at your door. Don’t purchase a video intercom without checking its resolution as you may end up with a product that falls short of what you need.
Tips on Choosing the Best Intercom System
Deciding why you need the intercom system and how you plan to use it will help you when searching for an appropriate model. If you know how you plan to use the intercom, you’ll already know what features you need when making your selection.
Know How to Use It
Even before you buy your intercom, you should become familiar with how to use that specific model. Even if you purchase the best home intercom system, it will have no value if you don’t know how to operate it properly. Read up, ask around or watch tutorials to help you get a feel for the device.
Video Capability
High-tech intercoms that offer the most security will often have video capability. The best video doorbell intercom should have a resolution that allows you to clearly identify the individuals in the image.
Check Reviews
You may peruse reviews only to find subtle details about intercoms or to find which models are the most popular. If you want to get the best model for your needs, you must take reviews seriously. Use them to compare models based on the features you find most important.
Try It Out
When possible, test any intercom system you expect to buy. You can learn as much as you can, but it won’t provide the same knowledge as actually getting to use it. Using this method will help you get the best wireless home intercom system when you make the purchase.
Intercom System FAQ
Why Should I Opt for a Wireless Intercom?
Wired intercoms are more reliable, and some applications may be better suited for a wired system. In other situations, a wireless system is more beneficial. Wireless intercoms are more affordable in addition to being easier to install. The best wireless intercom system will serve more advantages than disadvantages compared to hard wired systems.
Do obstructions such as walls and pillars limit the range of the wireless intercom?
Naturally, any thick or dense obstruction will have an effect on the range of any wireless device. The range listed by the manufacturer usually relates to the range in a clear line of sight. The extent of the limitation will depend upon the materials with which the wall is made and any wiring or framing within it.
Will a wireless intercom interfere with my wireless Internet?
Wireless Internet signal operate at a frequency of 2.4GHz, but your intercom system does not. There should be no concern for significant interference from the intercom or from your wireless network. The best home intercom should be able to withstand interference from most other wireless devices.
If I need need to use a wireless intercom for my front door and inside my house, can I do both?
Yes, some of the best wireless intercoms do both, and you may not even need separate units. There are wireless intercom models available that allow you to communicate with visitors at the front door as well as with others inside your home.
If I call someone in another room, can they respond even if they’re hands aren’t free?
Yes, many intercoms allow hands-free use for businesses and home use. A voice activation, or VOX, mode will allow a recipient to respond to a page without having to press a button.
Making the Decision
Choosing the best video intercom for your home or business shouldn’t be done without the right preparation. There are several steps to take before you find the best intercom system. Take into account your reasons for purchasing an intercom system.
Why do you need an intercom above another communication device? Why are you opting for a wireless unit instead of a standard one? How large is the space within which you need to use it? How many people will use the system on a daily basis?
Analyzing these factors will help you determine what features are most important to you. The best wireless intercom systems for home security and communication is one that meets your daily demands without hassle. Only look for models presenting the features you need, and don’t spend more for models that have features you won’t even use. Once you’ve found the right product, bring home your wireless intercom and enjoy its benefits as soon as possible.
