CellGate vs. ButterflyMX: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to property access control solutions, video intercoms for visitor management are critical tools in property access control.  Thus choosing the right provider is crucial for both security and convenience. CellGate and Butterfly MX are two prominent names in the industry, each offering unique features and benefits. In this blog, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between CellGate and Butterfly MX to help you make an informed decision.

Features Overview – Video Intercoms

CellGate:

1. Multi-Gate Access Control: CellGate provides robust solutions for properties with multiple gates or access points, ensuring seamless management from a single platform. Ideal for multi-family residential gate security or commercial property security, CellGate’s Watchman line of multi-family products provides one-way live streaming video of visitors, telephone entry, and Virtual Keys for visitor management.
2. Cellular and Internet Connectivity: Offers flexibility with both cellular and internet connectivity options for remote access and control.
3. Video and Audio Capabilities: High-quality video and audio features in the Watchman line allow for clear communication and monitoring.  This has made it a top choice as a video intercom and visitor management system for apartment buildings.
4. Cloud-Based Access: Utilizes cloud-based administration via TrueCloud Connect for easy scalability and management.
5. Mobile App Integration: Comprehensive gate access app (CellGate app) for remote gate/entry management and instant notifications.
6. Integration with Property Management Systems: Seamlessly integrates with RealPage and Yardi property management software.

Butterfly MX:

1. Smart Video Intercom: Butterfly MX excels in providing two-way smart video intercom systems.  They also provide enhanced visitor management with visual verification, suitable for multi-family intercom systems.
2. Mobile App Functionality: Their mobile app allows residents to grant access remotely and receive real-time alerts, perfect for multi-family smartphone access.
3. Cloud-Based Access: Utilizes a cloud-based access control system for easy scalability and maintenance.
4. Integration with Property Management Systems: Seamlessly integrates with approximately one dozen existing property management software for streamlined operations.

Key Similarities

1. Remote Access: Both CellGate and Butterfly offer robust remote access capabilities.  This is accomplished through their respective gate access apps, allowing users to manage property access from anywhere.
2. Video Intercom Systems: Both companies provide high-quality video intercom systems, providing clear visual and audio communication with visitors.
3. Cloud-Based Solutions: Both companies leverage cloud technology for secure and efficient access control management.  This is done via CellGate’s TrueCloud Connect and Butterfly MX’s online management dashboard.

Key Differences

1. Multi-Gate Access: CellGate stands out with its specialized focus on multi-gate access control, making it an ideal choice for properties with complex gate setups and multifamily residential gate security entry management.
2. Connectivity Options: While CellGate offers both cellular and internet connectivity options, Butterfly primarily relies on internet connectivity, which may influence your choice based on your property’s infrastructure.
3. One-Way vs. Two-Way Video: Both CellGate and Butterfly’s video intercoms allow the resident to visually see the visitor who is requesting entry (one-way video). Butterfly MX also can allow full two-way video so that the visitor can also see the resident as well, if the resident chooses to allow this.
4. Integration Capabilities: Butterfly’s integration with a longer list of property management systems may give it an edge in streamlining operations for large residential complexes and office building gate security solutions.
5. External Cameras: CellGate’s system architecture allows external cameras to be integrated at or near a Watchman access control/visitor management installation, and they too can be controlled via TrueCloud Connect. Up to three cameras can be added per Watchman multi-family model, and this allows the property to get additional views of visitors, including capturing license plate and vehicle model details. Butterfly MX does not integrate with external cameras.

Use Case Scenarios

CellGate:

1. Gated Communities: Ideal for gated communities needing centralized control over multiple access points, enhancing multi-family residential gate security solutions.
2. Rural Properties: Suitable for rural areas where cellular connectivity may be more reliable than internet access.
3. Commercial Properties: Perfect for commercial properties with multiple gates and entry points, including industrial gate security entry management.

Butterfly MX:

1. Urban Residential Buildings: Great for urban apartment complexes with high visitor traffic.
2. Small to Medium-sized Properties: Efficient for smaller properties where internet connectivity is stable and reliable.
3. Integrated Property Management: Best for properties that already use sophisticated property management systems.

Both CellGate and Butterfly MX offer top-tier access control solutions, each with its own set of strengths. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s the flexibility of multigate access from CellGate or the seamless property management integration from Butterfly. Evaluate your property’s requirements and choose the system that aligns best with your security and operational needs.

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