Brivo Security Solutions Review | Features & More

Key takeaways

• What is Brivo? Brivo is a cloud-based access control platform that has been pioneering security solutions for over 20 years, serving multifamily and enterprise clients globally.

• Primary benefit of Brivo: Comprehensive remote management capabilities allow property managers to control access systems from anywhere with internet connectivity.

• Primary consideration of Brivo: Self-guided touring and smart home features are not as robust as competitors like SmartRent.

• Notable alternatives to Brivo: ADT Multifamily, ButterflyMX, Avigilon and SmartRent, each offering different strengths in security and property management.

Introduction

Property managers and security directors face increasingly complex challenges when it comes to securing multifamily properties and providing convenient access for residents and visitors. Whether you're looking to upgrade from traditional lock-and-key systems or switch from your current smart technology platform, choosing the right access control solution is crucial for operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.

Brivo has established itself as a veteran player in the cloud-based security space, offering comprehensive access control solutions designed specifically for multifamily properties and enterprise clients. This review will examine Brivo's features, benefits, pricing structure and how it compares to other solutions in the market so that you can make an informed decision for your properties.

About Brivo: An overview

Brivo is a cloud-based security and access control platform that serves multifamily living communities across the globe. The company targets multifamily property owners, operators, managers and security directors, with a primary focus on enterprise-level clients.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Brivo was one of the early pioneers of cloud-based access control solutions, launching its platform in 2002 when most companies were still relying on on-premise client-server technology. This early adoption of cloud technology has allowed them to develop robust, scalable solutions over more than two decades of operation.

Today, Brivo serves commercial accounts in over 60 countries, providing hosted access control facilities that enable end users to control its access systems from anywhere in the world, assuming they have a data connection. Brivo’s long-standing presence in the market has made them a trusted name among security professionals and property managers seeking reliable, enterprise-grade access control solutions.

Brivo's core offerings

Brivo access platform

The cornerstone of Brivo's offerings is its cloud-based access control system that provides comprehensive remote management capabilities for doors, elevators, users and credentials. Property managers can remotely monitor cameras and event logs, manage access control directly from their smartphones and utilize the Brivo Installer app for DIY configuration. The platform also includes a Software Development Kit that allows your development team to program custom integrations tailored to your specific needs.

For more information about access control fundamentals, visit SmartRent's access solutions page.

Mobile credentials

Brivo's mobile credential system eliminates the need for physical keycards or fobs by enabling users to unlock doors using their smartphones through the Brivo app, available on both the App Store and Google Play. This feature streamlines the resident experience while reducing the costs and administrative burden associated with traditional physical access cards.

Visitor management

The visitor management system streamlines registering and tracking visitors, ensuring a secure and efficient check-in experience. Visitors can enter using PIN codes or mobile passes, and the system can be managed remotely or through an on-site kiosk that handles deliveries, badge printing and visitor screening questions. This feature provides property managers with real-time knowledge of who's in their building, which is particularly valuable for emergencies.

Video surveillance integration

Brivo integrates seamlessly with video surveillance systems to provide a comprehensive security solution. Its popular integration with Eagle Eye Networks enhances access control by incorporating cloud-based video surveillance capabilities. This allows users to manage both physical access and video surveillance through a unified platform, thereby streamlining security operations.

Self-guided tours

Brivo offers self-guided tour capabilities that allow properties to safely show available units to pre-qualified prospects without requiring staff to be onsite. This system works with your existing qualification tools to ensure proper prospect screening before providing access.

Smart home integration

Brivo's smart home features include smart thermostats, sensors, lighting and locks that all connect to create a single resident experience platform.

Key features

Cloud-based management: Manage access control systems from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility and responsiveness that traditional on-premise systems cannot match.

Integration capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with third-party applications including video surveillance systems and identity management platforms. Key integrations include:

• Carson

• Eagle Eye Networks

• Entrata

• MRI

• RealPage

• Rent Manager PMS

• SmartRent

• Yardi

Customizable access levels: Tailor access permissions to specific roles or individuals, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter sensitive areas while maintaining operational efficiency.

Key benefits for property managers

Enhanced security: Provides real-time monitoring and alerts, allowing property management teams to respond swiftly to unauthorized access attempts. The comprehensive logging and reporting features ensure complete visibility into all access events.

Scalability: Easily expand your security infrastructure as your portfolio grows without the need for extensive hardware investments or complex installations. The cloud-based architecture allows for seamless addition of new properties and access points.

Remote management: Manage access permissions and monitor entry points from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling efficient oversight of multiple properties without the need for physical presence at each location.

Cost efficiency: Reduce costs associated with traditional security systems by eliminating the need for on-site servers and minimizing maintenance expenses. The cloud-based model shifts from capital expenditure to operational expenditure, providing more predictable budgeting.

See how data-driven insights from smart technology, like access control, contribute to digital transformation. Explore SmartRent's article on smart apartment data and analytics.

Strengths & considerations

Strengths of Brivo:

• Scalability: Easy to expand your security infrastructure with Brivo's cloud-based architecture, allowing for seamless growth as your portfolio expands.

• Cloud-based access control: Control systems from anywhere, anytime, providing operational flexibility that traditional systems cannot match.

• Mobile app: Unlock doors and manage security remotely through intuitive mobile applications that work on both iOS and Android devices.

Considerations:

• Self-guided touring: Brivo’s solution isn’t as robust as specialized solutions like SmartRent. While Brivo offers self-guided tour capabilities, it's not its primary feature focus, and the system doesn't qualify prospects for you. You'll need your own tools and processes for lead qualification.

• Integration costs: Initial integration costs are on the higher end and require significant work from your development team to implement custom integrations effectively.

• Limited smart home features: Brivo doesn’t offer as comprehensive or specialized smart home solutions as SmartRent. Its basic smart home capabilities may not meet all property management needs.

For a comprehensive guide on implementing self-guided apartment tours, visit SmartRent's self-guided tour implementation guide.

Pricing

Brivo doesn't display pricing on its website, requiring a consultation to receive specific pricing information. However, its packages come in four different options: Standard Edition, Professional Edition, Enterprise Edition and Multifamily Edition. Regardless of which package you choose, pricing is structured on a per-door basis. If you want additional features without upgrading to the next package tier, add them a-la-carte.

Alternatives to Brivo

ADT Multifamily vs. Brivo

Overview

ADT Multifamily, formerly known as IOTAS (acquired by ADT in 2022), is backed by ADT, a company founded in 1874 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.

Similarities & differences

• Both companies maintain a heavy security focus while also including smart apartment and self-guided tour solutions.

• ADT features live monitoring from ADT staff, while Brivo's platform focuses on making it easy for your staff to monitor systems independently.

• ADT offers mobile credentials for its business and enterprise customers, but it's unclear whether ADT's multifamily product includes this feature.

ButterflyMX vs. Brivo

Overview

Founded in 2014, ButterflyMX started with video intercom solutions and has since expanded to offer multiple access control products and services. The company is headquartered in New York City and Croatia.

Similarities & differences

• ButterflyMX and Brivo both focus on access control solutions.

• ButterflyMX adds comprehensive package management solutions, while Brivo includes smart apartment features.

• Both provide robust visitor access management capabilities. However, Brivo focuses on making management easy for property managers, while ButterflyMX emphasizes the resident experience.

Avigilon (Motorola Solutions) vs. Brivo

Overview

Avigilon is a global security solutions provider that caters to both business and multifamily customers. Founded in 2004 and acquired by Motorola in 2018, the company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Similarities & differences

• Both Avigilon and Brivo focus on security and access control rather than more complete property management solutions.

• Brivo uses AI for security analytics, while Avigilon also uses AI for call routing.

• Both use open standards to integrate with other platforms, but Avigilon is designed as part of the broader Motorola ecosystem.

SmartRent vs. Brivo

Overview

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, SmartRent has become a trusted partner for some of the biggest names in multifamily. These industry leaders have implemented SmartRent's solutions to add value to their units, save teams time, grow NOI and increase resident satisfaction.

SmartRent's scale

• 600+ Clients served

• 1.3M Rental homes serviced by Smart Operations Solutions

• 828K Rental homes powered by Smart Communities Solutions

• 3.1M Connected devices

Comparison chart

For more information about SmartRent's hardware and software integrations, visit SmartRent's integrations page.

Important note: SmartRent has an integration with Brivo to provide clients with flexibility in keeping their existing system without having to retrofit their access solution.

Secure your property with SmartRent

When evaluating access control and smart home solutions for your multifamily communities, it's essential to consider platforms that offer comprehensive, integrated solutions designed specifically for the unique challenges of property management. SmartRent provides enterprise-scale solutions that seamlessly integrate access control, smart home features and community management tools into a single platform.

Ready to explore how SmartRent can enhance your community's security and operational efficiency? Learn more about SmartRent's solutions and discover how industry leaders are transforming their communities with integrated smart technology.