2025’s Best Access Control Solutions for Businesses

In an industry crowded with affiliate “best of” lists, we’re proud to say that our evaluations are fully independent. At Forbel, we don’t earn commissions or favor specific brands; our perspective comes from real-world installation, long-term system performance, and measurable customer outcomes.

As commercial access control systems installers, we’ve tested and deployed each of these platforms in live business environments. That experience allows us to highlight what truly performs under pressure, so you can make an informed, future-proof investment in your organization’s safety.

Our Access Control System Rankings

Top 5 Commercial Access Control Systems Ranked

1. Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) — Best Overall Performance

Score: 9.2/10

Avigilon Alta combines cutting-edge AI analytics with triple-unlock technology for unmatched reliability and near-zero downtime. It’s ideal for enterprises requiring maximum uptime and compliance.

✅ Pros:

• AI-powered analytics cut false alarms by 75%
• Touchless mobile and wave-to-unlock
• OSDP encryption meets federal standards

❌ Cons:

• Higher upfront cost per door
• Requires professional installation

Pricing: Hardware from $899/door | Subscription: $35–$50/door/month

Best for: Large enterprises, campuses, healthcare, and data centers.

2. Gatewise — Best Value for Multifamily Properties

Score: 8.8/10

Gatewise delivers reliable mobile access with a simple, flat-rate model and no internet dependency, making it perfect for property managers seeking predictability.

✅ Pros:

• Works offline
• Integrates with Yardi & ResMan
• Predictable all-inclusive pricing

❌ Cons:

• Limited enterprise integrations
• Lacks advanced analytics

Pricing: $199/access point/month (hardware included)

Best for: Multifamily, gated communities, property portfolios.

3. Kisi — Most Innovative Cloud Platform

Score: 8.5/10

Kisi offers a mobile-first, API-rich system with over 700 integrations. This platform is ideal for tech-savvy organizations seeking seamless digital access.

✅ Pros:

• Extensive third-party integrations
• Geofencing and time-based rules
• Automated provisioning

❌ Cons:

• Some features require higher-tier plans
• Limited offline mode

Pricing: Readers $599 | Controllers $899 | $20/door/month

Best for: Modern offices, coworking, tech startups.

4. SALTO KS — Best Mobile-First Solution

Score: 8.5/10

SALTO KS excels in mobile access with smartwatch compatibility and real-time cloud control, eliminating the need for physical cards.

✅ Pros:

• Mobile-first with smartwatch support
• Offline-ready architecture
• No user-based licensing fees

❌ Cons:

• Limited advanced integrations
• No built-in video or analytics

Pricing: Quote-based | Cloud plan included

Best for: SMBs, coworking spaces, flexible offices.

5. Brivo — Enterprise Scalability Leader

Score: 8.2/10

Brivo’s proven multi-site management makes it ideal for organizations managing large or distributed operations.

✅ Pros:

• Centralized multi-site management
• Video and visitor management built in
• Scalable API ecosystem

❌ Cons:

• Complex for small teams
• Slower setup for smaller sites

Pricing: From $13.50/door, volume discounts apply

Best for: Multi-location enterprises, REITs, national portfolios.

Find the Right Access Control System for Your Business

When selecting your system, you should align your criteria with your specific operational needs:

• For small businesses (under 10 doors): Focus on cloud-based systems with simple pricing, like Kisi or SALTO KS. These platforms offer fast deployment without significant IT infrastructure requirements.
• For multi-location operations: Brivo's centralized management and enterprise features excel at coordinating access across distributed sites, while maintaining local autonomy where needed.
• For high-security requirements: Avigilon Alta's triple-unlock technology and OSDP compliance meet the stringent security standards required in healthcare, government, and data centers.
• For property management: Gatewise's transparent pricing and property management integrations streamline operations for multifamily portfolios.

Access Control Costs: What to Expect

Commercial access control systems require careful budget planning across three main categories:

Initial Hardware Investment

• Basic setup (1-5 doors): $3,000-$7,500.
• Mid-size installation (6-20 doors): $10,000-$30,000.
• Enterprise deployment (20+ doors): $30,000-$100,000+.

Monthly Operating Costs

• Cloud management platform: $20-50 per door.
• Mobile credentials: $2-5 per user.
• Video integration: $10-30 per camera.
• Maintenance/support: 10-15% of hardware cost annually.

Hidden Cost Savings Often Overlooked

Insurance premium reductions of 5-15% annually are common with certified commercial systems. Modern access control can also reduce administrative costs by 30-40% through automated provisioning and reduced key management overhead, based on the Markets and Markets industry analysis.

Transform Your Commercial Security Today

Modern access control isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a smarter, safer way to run your business. With the market growing 8.56% annually and mobile credentials becoming the new standard, now is the ideal time to modernize.

Forbel designs and installs enterprise-grade access control solutions built for reliability and growth. Our commercial security systems are designed to keep every aspect of your business safe. Contact us today for a customized security assessment and see how we can protect your business while simplifying operations.