DoorKing Review | Pricing, Features & More

Key takeaways

• What is DoorKing: A U.S.-based manufacturer of access control and gate operator systems established in 1948, specializing in secure entry solutions for residential and commercial properties.

• Primary benefit: Exceptional durability and longevity with products known to function reliably for 25+ years, backed by industry-leading customer support.

• Primary limitation: Limited video intercom capabilities with its newest system supporting only 10 residents, making it unsuitable for most multifamily communities.

• Notable alternatives: SmartRent, ButterflyMX and Brivo offer more modern, cloud-based solutions with enhanced mobile integration and scalability.

Introduction

Choosing the right access control system can make or break your multifamily property's security strategy and resident satisfaction. As a community manager or asset manager, you're likely evaluating whether to upgrade from an existing system or implement smart technology for the first time. The landscape of access control has evolved dramatically, with traditional hardware-based solutions now competing against cloud-first, mobile-centric platforms.

DoorKing represents the established guard of access control, a company with over 75 years of proven reliability. But does experience always translate to the best fit for today's multifamily communities? This comprehensive review examines DoorKing's offerings, weighs its strengths against modern alternatives and helps you determine whether this legacy provider aligns with your community's current and future needs.

About DoorKing: An overview

DoorKing is a U.S.-based manufacturer of access control and gate operator systems that provide secure entry solutions for residential, commercial, single-family, storage and other gated properties. The company serves property managers and developers, gated HOAs and other residential communities seeking reliable access control infrastructure.

Established in 1948, DoorKing—also referred to as DKS—stands as one of the oldest access control providers in the United States. The company built its reputation on solutions ranging from traffic control to gate opening systems, becoming best known for its legacy in telephone entry access solutions. It’s headquartered in Inglewood, California.

The company's longevity reflects both the durability of its products and the conservative nature of the access control industry. While many competitors have pivoted toward cloud-based, smartphone-centric solutions, DoorKing has maintained focus on tried-and-tested hardware systems that prioritize reliability over cutting-edge features. This approach has earned them a loyal customer base among property managers.

For more information about DoorKing's company history and background, visit its company overview page.

DoorKing's core offerings

Telephone entry systems

DoorKing's telephone entry systems enable voice communication between visitors and residents via phone line, cellular or internet connections. These systems feature directory-based access and programmable codes, representing one of DoorKing's original product categories. The telephone entry systems form the backbone of many residential communities' visitor management strategies, allowing residents to screen and grant access to guests remotely.

Gate operators

The company provides automated systems for sliding, swinging and barrier-arm gates designed for various property configurations. All systems include UL 325 compliant safety features, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards for automated gate operation. These UL 325 external entrapment protection devices help prevent accidents and injuries during gate operation.

Access control systems

DoorKing offers both stand-alone and networked solutions including keypads, card readers, RFID fobs, controllers, exit buttons and magnetic locks. These systems provide comprehensive entry control for doors, gates and amenities throughout residential and commercial properties.

Parking control solutions

Its parking control systems utilize permit and ticket-based access for garages and surface lots. These solutions integrate seamlessly with DoorKing's barrier gates, traffic signals, gate openers and loop detectors to create comprehensive parking management systems. However, it doesn’t offer any smart parking management features.

Vehicle detection & safety devices

DoorKing manufactures ground loops, sensors and reversing devices designed to ensure safe gate operation. These safety components work in conjunction with gate operators to prevent accidents and equipment damage.

Key features

Telephone entry systems: Allow residents to speak with and grant access to visitors via landline, cellular-connected intercoms and the resident-facing app, providing flexible communication options for different property configurations.

Programmable access schedules: Control access for staff, vendors and residents by time of day or specific days—ideal for managing amenity areas or service hours while maintaining security protocols.

Multiple credential types: Supports keypads, RFID cards and fobs, giving property managers some flexibility for tenant preferences and security levels without requiring system overhauls.

Event logging and access reports: Monitor who enters the property and when, with access logs to support accountability and incident resolution.

DoorKing's video intercom models

DoorKing offers video intercoms like the 2108 eVolve, which supports only 10 residents, making it unsuitable for most multifamily properties. Their 2112 eVolve is more advanced and can be controlled from virtually anywhere, but it's designed for homeowners, not the centralized needs of a larger, MDU community.

Other models remain telephone-based, audio-only systems (the 90 and 80 series), many of which are designed for many more users and can accommodate multifamily properties, though without video capabilities.

Key Benefits for property managers

Improved community security: Property managers can restrict access to authorized users only—enhancing safety for residents and staff through proven access control methodologies that have been refined over decades of real-world implementation.

Efficient visitor and vendor management: Property management can easily manage guest access without needing on-site staff at all times using Cloud Account Manager from a browser on a computer, tablet or smartphone, providing remote management capabilities for busy property teams.

Flexible hardware integration and property layouts: DoorKing has products for both small and large gated communities, parking areas and mixed-use properties, allowing property managers to scale solutions based on specific community needs.

For communities considering smart access control solutions, SmartRent offers superior integration possibilities that extend beyond just access, unifying your entire smart apartment ecosystem.

Strengths & considerations

Strengths of DoorKing

Durability and longevity: Through better engineering and high-quality materials, DKS products have earned a reputation for reliability, with many systems continuing to function effectively even after 25 years of operation. This exceptional longevity provides property managers with confidence in its long-term investment and reduces the frequency of costly system replacements.

Customer support: DoorKing is widely recognized for its exceptional customer service, providing property managers with reliable technical support and responsive assistance when issues arise. Its experienced support team understands the nuances of its products and can provide targeted solutions quickly.

Industry reputation: As an industry leader with more than 75 years of experience, DKS brings institutional knowledge and proven methodologies to access control challenges. While it’s just now entering the video intercom market, DoorKing’s extensive background in traditional access control provides a solid foundation for property managers seeking reliable solutions.

Considerations

Limited scalability: DoorKing is entering the video intercom market with products that support only 10 residents, making its newest technology unsuitable for most multifamily living environments. This limitation forces larger properties to rely on older, audio-only systems or seek alternative solutions.

Smart technology gap: DKS only recently introduced modern technologies like video intercoms. Additionally, its mobile app has received poor ratings, indicating challenges in user experience and mobile integration. It’s behind the smart technology curve compared to more modern competitors. Community managers should consider reviewing a smart technology checklist to ensure their chosen system meets modern expectations.

Integration limitations: DoorKing's products work well within its own suite of solutions but offer limited integration with third-party platforms. This constraint requires site teams to manage multiple software platforms, increasing administrative overhead and reducing operational efficiency.

Pricing

DoorKing sells its products primarily through dealers and partners, so prices can vary significantly based on location, project scope and dealer relationships. However, since many of its systems require hard-wired installation, overall costs tend to be much higher than wireless systems. Property managers should factor in both equipment costs and installation expenses when budgeting for DoorKing solutions, as the wiring requirements often necessitate professional installation and may require building modifications.

Alternatives to DoorKing

Linear vs. DoorKing

Overview: Nice, the company that owns Linear, has been in business since 1961 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Multifamily security and access control represents just one of its verticals, alongside health and wellness, analytics, power and AV solutions.

Similarities & differences:

• DoorKing maintains a greater focus on traffic and parking management, extending beyond Linear's garage door openers and gate operators to include traffic spikes and other barrier solutions.

• Both companies concentrate primarily on wired, telephone-based access control, though DoorKing offers two video intercom options while Linear provides none.

• Both companies have operated in the industry for more than 60 years—far longer than many proptech companies—bringing institutional knowledge and proven reliability to its solutions.

ButterflyMX vs. DoorKing

Overview: Founded in 2014, ButterflyMX started with a video intercom focus and has since expanded to multiple access control products and services. The company maintains headquarters in both New York City and Croatia.

Similarities & differences:

• ButterflyMX emphasizes modern access control features like video intercoms, mobile credentials and sleek hardware design, while DoorKing focuses on older, tried-and-true technologies with fewer advanced features.

• While ButterflyMX offers vehicle intercoms and readers, it doesn't provide gate openers or comprehensive traffic control equipment like DoorKing.

• ButterflyMX systems are smartphone-centric and prioritize resident experience, whereas DoorKing's hardware relies more on physical interaction and traditional interfaces.

Brivo vs. DoorKing

Overview: Founded in 1999 as an early cloud-based solution when most companies relied on on-premise client-server technology, Brivo is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

Similarities & differences:

• Both companies provide access control solutions for various multifamily and commercial properties.

• While DoorKing offers cloud-based programming options, Brivo operates as a cloud-first system, emphasizing remote management capabilities from the ground up.

• Brivo includes both intercoms and surveillance cameras in its offerings but lacks a combined video intercom system like DoorKing's newer models.

SmartRent vs. DoorKing

Overview: Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, SmartRent has rapidly established itself in the multifamily technology space. Some of the biggest names in multifamily have implemented SmartRent's solutions to add value to their units, save teams time, grow NOI and increase resident satisfaction.

• Serving 600+ clients

• 1.3M rental homes serviced

• 828K rental homes powered

• 3.1M connected devices

Key benefits:

• SmartRent operates as a cloud-based system designed to integrate completely with proptech solutions community managers already use.

• Its modern approach focuses on smartphone-based management and resident interactions, placing greater emphasis on resident experience than DoorKing's traditional approach.

• While DoorKing concentrates on access control, entry, traffic control and security, SmartRent expands into smart apartments, community WiFi, self-guided tours, smart package management, maintenance management, answer automation, inspection management and audit management.

• SmartRent leverages AI to automate workflows and generate insights about resident behavior, while DoorKing doesn't appear to incorporate AI into any of its solutions.

• In addition to card and fob readers, SmartRent offers hands-free and mobile credentials, providing more flexibility for modern residents who prefer smartphone-based access.

Feature comparison: DoorKing vs. SmartRent Access Control

Empower your residents & secure your space with SmartRent

The access control landscape has evolved significantly, and community managers now have more options than ever to enhance security while improving resident experience. While DoorKing's proven reliability and longevity make it a solid choice for communities prioritizing traditional, hardware-based solutions, modern alternatives like SmartRent offer comprehensive, cloud-based platforms that integrate seamlessly with today's multifamily operations.

Ready to explore how modern access control can transform your community management approach? Discover SmartRent's comprehensive solutions and see how the right technology partner can help you increase NOI, improve resident satisfaction and streamline your operations.