Akuvox is a global leading provider of smart intercom products and solutions. Their products can be found in more than 80 countries and are built to support various markets, ranging from residential to commercial, from healthcare to public safety. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the Akuvox door intercom system, review the Akuvox software, and outline the advantages and disadvantages of buying an Akuvox system.
Overview: Akuvox R29 Doorphone
The Akuvox R29 is a wireless intercom system for buildings, high-rise office buildings and apartment complexes. With a touchscreen interface and built in camera, their apartment video intercom system allows users to easily monitor an entrance door, initiate a two way conversation with visitors, and remotely open the door. In addition to the touchscreen keypad, Akuvox intercom offers multiple access options, including, virtual keys, Wiegand, and facial recognition. The doorphone is durable, with a IP65 Enclosure rating and Collision-proof rating of IK06.
Features:
Easy to install: Utilizing a PoE connection allows installations to use existing wiring.
Durable hardware: Unit is designed with a 7” touch screen, high video resolution and weather resistant hardware.
Mobile application: The R29 works with the Akuvox SmartPlus app to allow residents to communicate with visitors and open doors remotely.
Multiple access control options: NFC, Bluetooth, PIN, and RFID
Facial recognition: Akuvox software allows for facial recognition based entry
Pricing:
Akuvox does not publish their pricing online. Customers need to contact Akuvox for a customized quote.
Advantages
Large touch screen display allows for easy use.
H.264 video provides a high resolution display
The system integrates with Akuvox SmartPlus app to allow remote access and real time visual verification from a smartphone.
Disadvantages
The Akuvox software is made in China, so receiving customer support is more difficult.
The SmartPlus app is not reliable according to app reviews
User interface is not intuitive and can be difficult to navigate
Akuvox Vs. Whoo Intercom
Overall, we really like Akuvox’s hardware. It’s 7” screen, high video resolution and 3M pixel front facing camera make it a leading competitor for video intercom systems. The hardware is easy to install. However, reviews of the Akuvox software, accompanying app and user interface indicate that the Akuvox software is not reliable and can be cumbersome to use.
Whoo intercom uses the Akuvox R29 device as our hardware, but the software and user interface is our own -- designed and built in Boston -- and is hosted under our own cloud servers in the USA. Akuvox is our ODM(Original Development Manufacturer), just like Wingtech is the ODM for Samsung phones.
When purchasing directly from Akuvox, you won’t get the same great customer support that you get from Whoo. Whoo’s solution for multi tenant intercom systems is based in Boston, and our team is always accessible via phone or email to answer any questions or respond to any issues you may have.
Whoo intercom was designed to be intuitive and as easy to use as an apartment buzzer system, with the added convenience of remote access control and increased security via visual verification. Visitors can easily identify the apartment buttons, and the clear audio connection allows for a seamless interaction between visitor and resident. If you are thinking about purchasing an Akuvox apartment intercom, we think you’ll be much happier with a Whoo Intercom system.
