CellGate vs Brivo: Which Access Control System is Right for You?

Selecting an access control system is a critical decision for property managers and owners. CellGate and Brivo are leading providers in this space, each offering unique features to enhance security and convenience.  So in a head-to-head comparison, Cellgate vs Brivo, which is the right access control provider for your property’s requirements? This blog will explore the similarities and differences between CellGate and Brivo, helping you determine which system is best based on your specific needs.

Features Overview – CellGate vs Brivo

CellGate:

1. Multi-Gate Access Control: Facilitates easy management of properties with multiple entry points, perfect for multi-family residential gate security entry management.
2. Cellular and Internet Connectivity: Offers both cellular and internet options for versatile connectivity.
3. Video and Audio Capabilities: Provides high-quality video and audio for effective communication and monitoring, ideal for residential access control.
4. Virtual Keys: Both QR Code and Pin Code virtual keys are available for visitors’ varied access needs.
5. Cloud-Based Access Control: All CellGate products are controlled via a single login to TrueCloud Connect.
6. Integration with Property Management Systems: Seamlessly integrates with RealPage and Yardi property management software.
7. Mobile App Integration: Comprehensive gate access app (CellGate app) for remote access and real-time alerts.

Brivo:

1. Cloud-Based Access Control: Brivo’s cloud-based system ensures easy scalability and remote management, similar to CellGate’s TrueCloud Connect.
2. Mobile Credentialing: Enables residents to use their smartphones as access credentials via Bluetooth, enhancing convenience for multi-family smartphone access. Additionally, virtual keys can be issued to visitors, providing temporary access.
3. Integration with Smart Home Devices: Seamlessly integrates with various smart home devices for enhanced automation.
4. Visitor Management: Brivo offers visitor management features that streamline guest access and tracking, providing enhanced control and security measures compared to competitors.

Key Similarities

1. Remote Management: Both CellGate and Brivo offer robust remote management capabilities, allowing property managers to control access from anywhere using their respective gate access apps.
2. Mobile App Functionality: Each company provides a user-friendly mobile app for managing access and receiving real-time notifications.
3. Scalability: Both systems are designed to scale, making them suitable for properties of various sizes, including multi-family access control and industrial gate security entry management.
4. Integration with Property Management Systems: Both CellGate and Brivo integrate with leading property management software such as RealPage and Yardi. This integration ensures seamless operations and enhances the efficiency of managing resident access. While Brivo offers extensive integration options, CellGate shines with its robust implementation that provides comprehensive control and monitoring through its TrueCloud Connect platform.

Key Differences

1. Access Credentials: Brivo excels with its mobile credentialing feature, allowing users to access facilities via smartphones. In contrast, CellGate, while traditionally prioritizing secure access through keypads and video intercoms ideal for robust video intercom systems tailored to apartment buildings, is expanding its capabilities. By quarter 3 of this year, CellGate is adding Bluetooth credentials, Bluetooth readers, and QR code readers, enhancing its access options and aligning more closely with modern access control trends.
2. Integration with Smart Devices: Brivo’s ability to integrate with smart home devices offers a more automated experience, whereas CellGate emphasizes robust video and audio communication, making it a leading choice for manufacturing gate security solutions.
3. Visitor Management: CellGate provides a comprehensive visitor management system tailored for properties, emphasizing efficient visitor registration and robust tracking capabilities, ensuring secure access management.

Use Case Scenarios

CellGate:

1. Gated Communities: Perfect for gated communities needing centralized control over multiple gates, enhancing multi-family residential gate security.
2. Rural Properties: Suitable for areas where cellular connectivity is available and where landline or internet access is scarce.
3. Commercial Properties: Ideal for commercial spaces with multiple entry points, including manufacturing gate security solutions.

Brivo:

1. Urban Residential Buildings: Great for urban properties with high visitor traffic and smart home integration needs.
2. High-Tech Offices: Suitable for tech-savvy offices that utilize mobile credentials and smart devices.
3. Multi-Tenant Buildings: CellGate excels in providing advanced visitor management solutions tailored for multi-family environments, enhancing security and convenience with its integrated intercom systems.

Choosing between CellGate and Brivo depends on your property’s specific needs. CellGate’s strength lies in its multi-gate access control and versatile connectivity options. With new features like smart readers and credentialing being added in Q4 2024 of this year, CellGate is enhancing its access options and aligning more closely with modern access control trends. Brivo, on the other hand, excels in established mobile credentialing and smart device integration.

The information provided here was based off research and solutions available at the time this post was written.