Access control software alternatives for property managers
There is no single best access system for every building. This page sorts the main options into four families, says what each is good at, and where Vega Access fits. Vendor facts come from their public pages, with the date we read them.
First, what are you choosing?
Access control has two layers. The hardware: battery smart locks on doors, wired readers and controllers, gateways, cards and fobs. And the software that decides who opens what, records entries and lets your team work. Some vendors sell both as one package; others, like Vega Access, are software that runs hardware you buy separately. Before comparing names, decide what you already own, what you are willing to replace, and how many buildings the system must cover.
1. The lock’s own app
Most smart locks come with a free app from their platform; for SMLock-based locks that is the SMLock app (TTLock). It is the cheapest way to run a few doors and it works well for an owner with a handful of locks.
Limits for a property manager: locks are a flat list, staff rights are given lock by lock, cards are added lock by lock, and there is no building, unit or tenant structure. Vega Access fits on top of the same locks when you outgrow the app: see the SMLock (TTLock) integration.
2. A wired controller on its own
Wired systems such as UniFi Access run readers and door hubs from a controller on site. Ubiquiti sells the hardware, and running doors on the local controller has no software subscription (Ubiquiti store, read 2026-10-25).
Good for: one office or one building with wired doors and an IT person. Limits: battery smart locks on apartment doors, tenants per unit and a portfolio of buildings are outside what the controller manages. Vega Access fits beside it, through the WLock (UniFi Access) integration, so wired common doors and battery unit locks share one panel.
3. Door-based cloud platforms
Cloud access platforms such as RemoteLock, Kisi, Brivo and Avigilon Alta sell a cloud subscription. Those that publish their pricing size it by doors, units or devices, and hardware comes from the vendor or from its list of supported locks and readers.
- RemoteLock publishes plans for vacation rental, multifamily and commercial properties. Pricing is based on what you manage (units, doors, elevator floors) plus optional applications; entry tiers are self-serve and higher tiers go through sales. Event history depends on the tier, from 90 days to 1 or 3 years (remotelock.com/pricing, read 2026-11-04). See our Vega Access vs RemoteLock comparison.
- Kisi publishes its plans with a monthly base price and a number of doors included in each tier; hardware is separate (getkisi.com/pricing, read 2026-11-02).
- Brivo, Avigilon Alta and others quote through sales; we found no public pricing page (read 2026-11-02).
Good for: commercial sites and portfolios that want one vendor for doors, readers and software, often with integrations to other building software. Compare carefully: what is counted (doors, units, devices), how long history is kept on your tier, which locks are supported, and where data is hosted.
4. Multifamily bundles
Some vendors package hardware, installation and software per apartment unit, sometimes with intercoms, thermostats or resident apps.
- SmartRent reports hardware, professional services and software revenue per unit in its public filings (Form 10-Q for Q2 2026, read 2026-11-02): a hardware-plus-software model sold per unit.
- ButterflyMX publishes per-apartment software pricing and intercom panel prices on its cost page (butterflymx.com/cost, read 2026-11-02); its focus is video intercom at the entrance.
- Latch and similar new-build systems quote through sales (read 2026-11-02).
Good for: new construction or full retrofits where replacing every lock is planned anyway. Limits: you usually adopt the vendor’s hardware throughout, which makes existing locks harder to keep.
Where Vega Access fits
| Question | Vega Access |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Works with SMLock-based locks and gateways and with WLock (UniFi Access) doors. Locks and gateways are bought separately; you keep compatible locks you already have. |
| Who it is built for | Property managers, condo syndicates, rental owners, offices and garages, in Quebec first. |
| Structure | Buildings, floors, units and doors, roles per building, tenants per unit. |
| Language | English and French site and support; bilingual panel with the French interface rolling out. |
| Hosting | A Canadian data centre with encrypted daily backups; the lock vendor’s cloud may be outside Canada. |
| Pricing | Quoted per portfolio, based on buildings, doors and support level; see plans and the calculator. |
| What it does not do | No intercom, no thermostats, no rent payments, no elevator control. If you need those in one package, a bundle may suit you better. |
How to choose in practice
- List your doors by type: unit doors, common doors, garage, and which ones are wired.
- Note what you own today and what you would keep. Check if your locks are SMLock-based.
- Decide who runs the system: one superintendent, a management company, or a board.
- Ask every vendor the same questions: what is counted, history length, data location, French support, and what happens when the internet is down.
Vendor names are trademarks of their owners. Facts were read on the vendors’ public pages on the dates shown and may have changed since; tell us if something here is out of date and we will correct it.
Related pages
See your buildings in Vega Access
Tell us about your doors and we’ll walk you through Vega Access on a short call — with your own buildings in mind, not a canned slideshow.
- Bring your lock models — we’ll confirm what is SMLock-based and what gateway you need.
- See the real panel — buildings, cards, tenants, remote unlock and the audit log.
- Get a tailored quote — for your doors, buildings and support level.
Prefer the phone? Call +1 (833) 330-8080.
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