Home owners these days are putting more money into intercom systems not only for ease but to make their place safer and connect it well with smart gadgets around the house. The front door is usually the main spot to protect and a new intercom lets you see who is there without getting up or putting yourself at risk.
This guide shows you how to pick the best intercom for your place no matter if you have a big spread out house, a small flat or a home with lots of floors.
What Makes the Best Intercom System for a Home?
Picking an intercom for your house can seem like too much with all the choices out there. The good ones keep things steady, safe and easy to use. Here are the main things to think about.
Video vs Audio
Video intercoms let you see who is at the door which makes your place safer because you know exactly who it is. Sound-only systems are easier on the pocket and still let you talk clearly but you miss the extra safety from seeing the person.
Smartphone App Reliability
A good app on your phone lets you check the intercom from anywhere, get alerts and talk to visitors no matter where you are. Pick a system with an app that is easy to use and always works fast so you feel safe all the time.
Wired vs Wireless
Wired intercoms give you a steady link and work best in new houses or ones with lots of floors. Wireless ones are simpler to fit and you can move them around which is great for old places or small homes where pulling cables is hard.
Door Lock & Access Control
When it connects to electric door locks you can open the door from far away. That makes things handy and safer. It is really useful for people who run properties or families that let in visitors or workers often.
CCTV & Smart Home Integration
Systems that link to security cameras and other smart gadgets in your house let you control everything from one spot. You can watch videos, let people in and set up automatic safety stuff all in one app which makes your home run smooth.
Australian Home Compatibility
Think about how far the Wi-Fi goes and how thick your walls are especially in brick houses or ones with lots of levels like most in Australia. Make sure the system runs well in your place so you get steady results every day.
Best Intercom Systems for Home
Here are the top intercom systems available from Borderless Solutions, tailored for different home needs:
1. Hikvision Villa Doorbell Package – Best Overall Intercom
Who it’s best for: Families seeking for reliable security and convenience.
Key features: 7″ indoor touchscreen monitor, 4MP WiFi6 door station, remote door unlock, live video feed, night vision, multiple unlocking methods.
Why it’s great: Combines robust features, easy installation, and smart home integration.
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2. Hikvision IP Video Intercom Package – Best Smartphone Intercom
Ideal users: Frequent travelers or working parents who want mobile control.
Key features: HD video, app-controlled remote access, door unlocking, video playback.
Why it’s great: Lets you communicate with visitors from anywhere via your smartphone.
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3. Dahua Video Intercom Package – Best Wired/Wireless Hybrid Option
Best for: Homes needing a reliable wired system with flexible installation options.
Key features: Multi-station support, door lock integration, HD video, motion detection, optional wireless connectivity.
Why it’s great: Offers the stability of wired systems with the flexibility of wireless technology.
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If you are looking for other intercom options or need a system tailored to your home, contact us today and our experts will help you choose the perfect solution.
Wired vs Wireless vs IP Intercom Systems
| Feature | Wired | Wireless | IP Intercom |
| Reliability | High | Medium | High |
| Installation | Complex | Easy | Moderate |
| Cost | Moderate-High | Low-Medium | Medium-High |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Integration | Limited | Moderate | Advanced |
Key Features to Look for in a Home Intercom System
When you pick a home intercom some extras make it much safer, easier and better to use every day. Here are the main things to check out.
Video Quality & Night Vision
A good video lets you see people at the door clearly even when the light is bad. Night vision makes the camera take sharp pictures in the dark so you stay safe all day and night.
Smartphone Notifications
New intercoms send quick alerts to your phone or tablet when someone rings the bell. You stay in the loop right away no matter if you are inside at work or away on a trip.
Remote Door Unlock
Being able to open the door from far away lets you let in people you trust or workers without getting up. It makes things handy and keeps your place safer too.
Motion Detection
Motion sensors spot movement near the door and tell you straight away. It stops people getting in who should not be there and lets you know if something odd is going on outside.
Recording & Event History
Lots of intercoms can save video and keep a list of what happened. You can check back on who came, watch what they did and keep everything on record for extra safety.
Smart Home Compatibility
When it connects to smart home stuff you can control lights, locks , cameras and other gadgets from one spot. It makes your home run smooth with everything working together on its own.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing an Intercom
One frequent mistake is selecting Wi-Fi intercom systems for homes with thick brick walls or multiple floors without first testing the coverage. Poor signal strength can lead to unreliable performance. Homeowners also often overlook future expansion, failing to plan for additional intercom stations that may be needed as the household grows or property layout changes.
Another common error is confusing consumer-grade video doorbells with full intercom systems, which can result in limited functionality and security. Additionally, many people neglect to consider lock integration during the planning stage, missing out on the convenience and enhanced security that remote door unlocking can provide. Proper planning ensures the intercom system meets both current and future needs.
Is a Smart Intercom System Worth It for Your Home?
Smart intercoms offer remote monitoring, notifications, and integration with other devices. They’re ideal for families, travelers, and security-conscious homeowners. However, in areas with weak Wi-Fi or for homes that only need basic communication, traditional systems may be sufficient. Always consider privacy, reliability, and long-term costs.
Home Intercom Installation What to Expect
Setting up a home intercom can be simple or a bit tricky depending on what kind you pick and how your house is laid out. If you go for a basic wireless one or a wired setup with lots of stations, knowing the steps ahead helps you get ready and skip common mistakes.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Wireless intercoms work well for do-it-yourself jobs because they need hardly any cables and you can fit them fast. Wired ones or systems with stations in many rooms usually need a pro to make sure everything connects right, the signal stays steady and it links up with your other safety gear.
Typical Installation Time
A single intercom unit normally takes 1 to 4 hours to fit. Bigger systems with stations all over or connected to smart gadgets and extra doors can take more time to get right.
Cost Considerations
In Australia fitting a home intercom usually costs between $400 and $2,000. The price changes with the kind of system, how many units you need and extras like opening doors from far away or linking to smart home stuff.
Professional Recommendation
If your house is big, has thick brick walls or the intercom needs to connect to cameras and smart gadgets, get a pro to do the job. That way everything runs smoothly, the wires go in right and it all works well with what you already have at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best intercom system for home use?
Depends on your priorities: video for security, audio for budget, smartphone integration for convenience.
Do home intercoms work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, wired and some IP systems can function without Wi-Fi, but smart features require an internet connection.
Can intercoms integrate with CCTV systems?
Yes, many modern intercoms integrate with cameras and smart home devices.
Are video intercoms better than audio intercoms?
Video systems offer enhanced security and convenience, but audio-only systems can be sufficient for basic communication needs.
Final Recommendation
When choosing an intercom system, consider home type, security needs and lifestyle. Families may benefit from multi-station video systems, while apartments may prefer compact, multi-monitor units. Always plan for future expansion and choose a system that balances security, convenience, and smart integration.
Get Started
Enhance your home security today with the professional intercom system installation. Contact Borderless Solutions to get expert advice and a free consultation. We help Australian homeowners choose and install intercoms that truly fit their lifestyle and property.