Best Cloud Based Access Control Solutions

Most teams discover building access is only as strong as the network and wiring behind it during a weekend outage, not from a vendor demo. Working across different tech companies, the biggest wins came from getting three things right: OSDP reader wiring instead of Wiegand for tamper resistance, battery backed door controllers with supervised outputs, and SSO group sync so offboarding revokes cards automatically. The average data breach cost reached $4.88M in 2024 (up from $4.45M in 2023), according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, which makes tightening physical identity a budget friendly decision too. You will find that cloud physical access now competes on open APIs and hybrid video, a shift highlighted in Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 access control benchmarking. (IBM newsroom, Frost & Sullivan summary)

I analyzed 15 platforms in this space. Four consistently delivered reliable cloud management, mobile credentials, and deployment flexibility without forcing full rip and replace. Below, I narrowed to Brivo, Kisi, ProdataKey, and ButterflyMX. You will learn what each does well, where reviews say they stumble, how they price, and when to pick one over another, backed by third party reports and user feedback. (Frost & Sullivan market view, G2 category pages)

Brivo

Cloud based physical access control that unifies door access with video and visitor tools. Often deployed across multi site enterprises with centralized administration.

According to industry coverage, Brivo is a long running cloud access pioneer that pairs access control with video intelligence and visitor workflows in one suite. Independent news also confirms SECOM’s combined $192M investment in the category, including $100M in Eagle Eye Networks and $92M in Brivo. (Business Wire investment news, Frost & Sullivan competitive factors)

• Best for: Multi site businesses and property portfolios that want unified access, video context, and visitor management in one cloud console.
• Key Features: Cloud managed access, integrated video, mobile credentials, and visitor management are frequently cited by users and press coverage. (Capterra reviews referencing mobile management, news noting unified suite capabilities)
• Why we like it: From my experience in the startup ecosystem, Brivo’s open integrations make it easier to fold doors, cameras, and visitor logs into SOC dashboards without juggling multiple portals. (Frost & Sullivan competitive factors)
• Notable Limitations: User reviews cite support delays and that admin changes pause during internet outages even though doors keep working on cached rules. Some reviews also mention clunky reporting. (G2 review noting cloud dependency for admin changes, Capterra reviews on UX and support)
• Pricing: Pricing not publicly available. Contact an authorized dealer or integrator for a custom quote. Community threads confirm Brivo is sold through certified partners. (Reddit thread on dealer channel)

Kisi

Cloud based access control with strong mobile unlock, hardware plus software integration, and centralized management.

Independent reviews describe straightforward deployment, mobile credentials, and integrations with cameras such as Cisco Meraki for event verification. Tech press also notes that pricing is quote based and that the platform leans into a cloud first architecture. (G2 reviews, TechRadar review)

• Best for: Offices, gyms, and distributed workplaces that prefer mobile first unlocking and simple web administration.
• Key Features: Mobile credentials, cloud console for multi door management, and camera integrations for event context are commonly referenced. (TechRadar review, G2 user feedback)
• Why we like it: After helping startups scale, I have seen Kisi reduce badge printing and speed up onboarding with mobile invites and group based access.
• Notable Limitations: Recent user and admin threads cite periods of inconsistent support, hardware stability complaints, and surprise licensing changes. Validate with your own pilot. (Reddit technician reports, Capterra complaints about pricing changes)
• Pricing: Pricing not publicly available. Request a quote or work through an integrator. Third party press notes hardware and software costs are not fully listed publicly. (TechRadar pricing commentary)

ProdataKey (PDK)

Cloud based access with Red hardware panels and mobile credentials through the PDK Access app. Frequently deployed by integrators that want flexible wiring options and backup power support.

Reseller datasheets list UL 294 compliant Red controllers with battery backup provisions and wireless or PoE communication options, while the PDK Access mobile app covers issuing and using mobile credentials. (KOA Electronics Red 4 specs, SLK Online Touch io details, Apple App Store listing)

• Best for: SMB to mid market sites that want dealer installed panels with backup power and broad credential choices, plus remote mobile unlock.
• Key Features: Red series controllers with backup battery options, AES encrypted readers, wireless and PoE connectivity, and mobile credentials via the PDK Access app. (SLK Online product details, CCTV.net Red 8 controller specs, Apple App Store listing)
• Why we like it: Working with integrators, we have saved roll truck time by handling configuration and user changes from the cloud while keeping doors powered locally during outages.
• Notable Limitations: Some reviews complain that certain setups are too cloud dependent and that features can feel limited without dealer guidance. Pilot with your use case and confirm offline behavior on site. (G2 review citing cloud reliance)
• Pricing: Pricing not publicly available. Most projects are quoted through authorized dealers. Hardware MSRPs may appear on distributor sites but vary by channel. (KOA Electronics Red 4 listing)

ButterflyMX

Cloud based smart intercom and access control focused on property entry with video, mobile app access, keypad PINs, and delivery code workflows.

Third party reviews highlight smartphone based entry, video calls to residents, and PIN or virtual key options for guests and deliveries, while community threads discuss real world delivery code use. (G2 reviews, Reddit delivery PIN discussions)

• Best for: Multifamily, mixed use, and gated properties that need video intercom plus mobile and PIN based visitor access.
• Key Features: Video calling, mobile app unlock, property directory, visitor photos on entry, and delivery PIN or one time codes. (G2 feature mentions, community notes on codes)
• Why we like it: After helping startups scale into new buildings, ButterflyMX shortened delivery headaches and lobby congestion with simple guest flows residents understand.
• Notable Limitations: Reviews cite internet dependence, occasional screen or reliability issues outdoors, and pricing concerns for smaller properties. Validate hardware placement, weather exposure, and LTE backup. (Trustpilot reviews, Reddit facility manager experiences)
• Pricing: Pricing not publicly available. Quote based via installers or sales. Independent reviews frequently mention subscription and install costs vary by building. (G2 user commentary)

Cloud Based Access Control Tools Comparison: Quick Overview

Cloud Based Access Control Platform Comparison: Key Features at a Glance

References: (G2 Brivo, TechRadar on Kisi, Apple App Store for PDK app, G2 ButterflyMX)

Problems & Solutions Section

• Problem: Internet outage locks people out.

  • What the web shows: Brivo users note that while admin changes pause during loss of connectivity, doors continue to function on cached rules. (G2 Brivo user feedback)
  • How tools solve it: Brivo and PDK use on site controllers, and PDK panels include battery backup provisions that keep readers and locks powered during brief outages. Ask your integrator to install UL 294 compliant backup batteries sized for your load. (KOA Electronics Red 4 specs, SLK Online Red 2 details)

• Problem: Delivery drivers cannot get in, causing missed packages.

  • What the web shows: ButterflyMX residents and drivers discuss using delivery PINs, with mixed success when buildings misconfigure codes. (Reddit delivery PIN discussions)
  • How tools solve it: ButterflyMX supports building level delivery PINs and resident issued one time codes so couriers can enter without a call. Train staff on code lifetimes and placement of intercoms out of direct sun to reduce screen failures. (G2 reviews highlighting delivery and video features, Reddit facility manager experiences)

• Problem: Mixed feedback on vendor support and hardware reliability.

  • What the web shows: Admins reported periods of slow support and hardware instability with Kisi, followed by later improvements noted by other users. PDK reviews highlight that some configurations can feel too cloud dependent. (Reddit sysadmin thread on Kisi hardware and support, Reddit follow up noting improved support, G2 PDK review)
  • How tools solve it: Run a 30-day pilot on production wiring, enable network best practices such as IGMP snooping where required, and document SLAs. Select an integrator with 24x7 coverage and stock spare readers or controllers.

• Problem: Proving ROI for budget approval.

  • What the web shows: Breach costs continue to rise, averaging $4.88M globally in 2024 (up from $4.45M in 2023), and identity related controls deliver measurable savings. (IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report)
  • How tools solve it: Use cloud access audit logs, visitor records, and video linked events to cut incident investigation time and reduce badge printing costs through mobile credentials. Industry research highlights the shift toward cloud and hybrid as a competitive advantage. (Frost & Sullivan competitive factors)

The Bottom Line on Cloud Based Access Control

If you manage a single office with plans to grow, pick a platform that gets the basics right offline and gives you mobile credentials and open integrations. Brivo stands out for large portfolios that want unified access, video, and visitor in one place. Kisi is a good fit when you want mobile first admin and simple camera tie ins. ProdataKey suits integrator led builds that value controller choice and battery backed resilience. ButterflyMX is the property entry specialist for multifamily and mixed use. Validate each with a real pilot. For market context and risk, lean on analyst coverage of cloud and hybrid access trends and the 2024 breach cost data when you make your case. (Frost & Sullivan 2024 access control benchmarking, IBM breach cost 2024)