Evolv Technology built its reputation on a specific problem: how do you screen thousands of people entering a stadium, hospital, or school without creating the lines and friction that traditional metal detectors produce? Its two main systems, Evolv Express and Evolv eXpedite, use AI-powered sensor fusion to detect weapons as people walk through without bag divestment. Deployed across NFL and MLB stadiums, school districts, and healthcare networks, they have screened more than 4 billion people. For high-throughput entrance screening, Evolv has real scale behind it.
But weapons detection as a category is broader than entrance screening. This guide covers nine Evolv Technology competitors and alternatives, organized by technology type, use case, and how each one compares to Evolv's approach to the problem. Some are direct alternatives for entrance screening; others solve different parts of the weapons detection challenge entirely.
The right platform depends on where your threat exposure actually is: at the entrance, inside the facility, or both.
Evolv Technology Competitors at a Glance
9 Evolv Technology Competitors Worth Evaluating
A note before diving in: not every platform on this list is a direct substitute for Evolv. Evolv specializes in entrance screening, detecting weapons as people walk into a facility. Camera-based platforms like Coram and ZeroEyes solve a different problem: detecting visible firearms across interior spaces continuously. X-ray platforms like Smiths Detection are built for baggage inspection at checkpoints. These are complementary layers in a broader security strategy, not interchangeable alternatives. Understanding which part of the weapons detection problem you're actually trying to solve is the most useful thing you can do before evaluating any of these.
1. Coram
Coram is an AI-native physical security platform that uses existing IP cameras to detect visible firearms in real time across a facility, sending alerts within seconds of detection.
Where Evolv screens people at entry points, Coram monitors continuously across every space your cameras cover: hallways, parking lots, common areas, classrooms, and patient rooms. For facilities that already have IP camera infrastructure, this means adding firearm detection without purchasing dedicated screening hardware at every entrance. Coram's patented AI models process video on-site and use a multi-model confirmation pass before dispatching an alert, which keeps the false alarm rate low without requiring human analysts in the loop. Alerts reach security teams within five seconds, and when a firearm is detected, the response can include forwarding directly to first responders and initiating a lockdown, all from the same app.
The no-rip-and-replace argument matters here specifically. Deploying entrance screening hardware across every access point of a large hospital campus, school district, or multi-building corporate facility is expensive and operationally complex. Coram connects to 1,000+ ONVIF-compatible IP camera models with no long-term commitment, so organizations can start with one camera and expand. For many facilities, this is how Coram fits alongside Evolv (entrance screening at high-traffic entry points, camera-based detection everywhere else) rather than as a direct replacement.
Best for: Schools, hospitals, corporate campuses, and multi-building facilities with existing IP camera infrastructure that want continuous interior firearm detection without deploying entrance screening hardware at every access point.
Strengths:
- Works with 1,000+ ONVIF-compatible IP camera models; no dedicated screening hardware required
- Patented on-device AI processing on Coram Point; no internet bandwidth required for detection
- Multi-model AI confirmation before alert dispatch keeps false alarm rate low without human analyst verification
- Alerts within five seconds; Journey tool tracks suspect movement across cameras by appearance
- Alerts forward directly to first responders; lockdowns initiate from the same app
- Per-camera, per-month licensing with no long-term commitment; start with one camera
- SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA certified; G2 4.9/5, 9.5/10 ease of use
Limitations:
- Detects only visible firearms; cannot identify concealed weapons on a person
- Detection accuracy depends on camera placement, lighting conditions, and video quality
- Requires existing IP camera infrastructure; not a standalone hardware solution for facilities starting from scratch
Pricing: Per-camera, per-month subscription for gun detection. Overall platform pricing is quote-based.
Evolv vs. Coram
Evolv screens people as they enter a facility, catching concealed weapons before they get inside. Coram monitors the interior continuously, detecting firearms once they become visible anywhere in the facility. These solve different threat scenarios, and for many facilities the right answer is both: Evolv or a similar entrance screening system at primary entry points, Coram providing continuous detection across the rest of the footprint. Choose Coram over Evolv when your priority is interior coverage across a large or distributed facility and you already have IP cameras in place. Choose Evolv when high-throughput entrance screening with no bag divestment is the core requirement.
2. CEIA OPENGATE
CEIA OPENGATE is a high-throughput walkthrough weapons detection system built on electromagnetic multi-sensing technology, using two freestanding pillars without a crossbar for a more open screening experience.
The OPENGATE's physical design is its operational advantage: two independent pillars that weigh 25 lbs each, set up in under a minute, and run on battery power with remote management via a mobile app. This makes it genuinely portable in a way that most walkthrough systems aren't. A school district can move units between buildings for events; a hospital can deploy at temporary entry points during high-volume periods. The system supports near-zero nuisance alarms and does not require bag divestment, keeping throughput high.
The limitation is scope: CEIA detects electromagnetic threats and does so with precision, but it doesn't layer AI behavioral analytics or broader security software workflows on top of detection the way Evolv does.
Best for: Stadiums, transportation hubs, hospitals, schools, convention centers, and event venues that need portable, high-throughput electromagnetic screening with fast deployment and relocation.
Strengths:
- Fully open wire-free design with self-powered pillars; sets up in under one minute
- High-throughput screening with near-zero nuisance alarms and no bag divestment required
- Portable indoor and outdoor operation with battery support and remote management via OPENGATE app
- Publicly documented pricing available through procurement records
Limitations:
- Focused on electromagnetic metallic threat detection; no AI behavioral analytics or broader security workflows
- Mobile app and cloud management may require additional IT coordination in restricted environments
Pricing: Approximately $33,000+ per unit based on publicly available procurement documents, before contract discounts.
Evolv vs. CEIA OPENGATE
Both are walkthrough screening systems suited for high-throughput entry environments. CEIA offers portability, rapid deployment, and a simpler electromagnetic detection model. Evolv adds AI-assisted analytics, software integrations, and a more sophisticated threat visualization interface. Choose CEIA when portability and straightforward go/no-go screening are the priority. Choose Evolv when you need AI-driven analytics and tighter integration with broader security workflows.
3. Xtract One
Xtract One Technologies (formerly Patriot One Technologies) is an AI-powered venue security platform whose SmartGateway system detects concealed weapons using integrated AI sensors while visitors walk through naturally with bags and belongings.
Xtract One and Evolv compete most directly in the high-throughput venue category (stadiums, arenas, entertainment venues) where reducing friction at entry is a top operational priority. SmartGateway distinguishes personal belongings from potential threats without bag divestment, and the platform includes real-time analytics and operational intelligence tools designed for large venue operations. Where Xtract One differentiates from Evolv is in its emphasis on the patron experience side of venue operations (queue management, flow analytics, staff coordination) rather than Evolv's stronger emphasis on detection scale and market deployment maturity.
Best for: Stadiums, arenas, entertainment venues, and medium-to-large public facilities where patron experience and operational workflow integration are priorities alongside weapons detection.
Strengths:
- Touchless screening with no bag divestment; visitors walk through naturally
- SmartGateway AI sensors distinguish personal belongings from potential threats
- Real-time analytics and operational intelligence tools built for large venue workflows
- Strong focus on patron experience and entry flow management
Limitations:
- Complex multi-site deployments may require additional integration work
- Screening performance can vary based on crowd density, carried items, and deployment configuration
Pricing: Quote-based.
Evolv vs. Xtract One
Both platforms target high-throughput venue entry and are genuine competitors in that space. Evolv has broader market deployment and stronger name recognition at scale. Xtract One emphasizes patron experience and venue operations workflows more explicitly. The decision between them is likely driven by venue-specific evaluation, existing integrations, and pricing, not a fundamental capability gap.
4. Garrett Paragon
Garrett Paragon is a walkthrough metal detector built for high-security checkpoint environments, with 66 detection zones across 22 bands and ECAC certification for regulated environments.
The precision is the differentiator. Most walkthrough metal detectors identify that a threat is present; Garrett Paragon localizes exactly where on the body it is. Combined with IP65 protection, integrated backup power, and Ambiscan (which allows separate sensitivity settings for incoming and outgoing traffic), the Paragon is built for environments where detection accuracy and operational durability are non-negotiable: airports, courthouses, correctional facilities. It is not designed for high-speed venue screening where throughput is the priority.
Best for: Airports, government facilities, courthouses, correctional facilities, and high-security checkpoints where precise threat localization and regulatory certification matter more than throughput speed.
Strengths:
- 66 detection zones across 22 bands for highly precise threat localization
- Bilateral detection technology maintains uniform accuracy across the portal
- Ambiscan allows separate sensitivity settings for incoming and outgoing traffic
- IP65 protection and integrated backup power for operational durability
- ECAC certified for regulated security environments
Limitations:
- Focused on electromagnetic metallic threat detection; no AI behavioral analytics
- Advanced sensitivity controls require more operator training than simpler systems
Pricing: Quote-based.
Evolv vs. Garrett Paragon
Garrett focuses on precise electromagnetic detection and detailed threat localization in regulated checkpoint environments. Evolv focuses on AI-assisted touchless screening and visitor throughput in high-volume venues. These serve different operational contexts. Organizations with regulated checkpoint requirements and compliance mandates will find Garrett the stronger fit. Venues prioritizing frictionless entry and faster crowd movement will find Evolv more appropriate.
5. Athena Security
Athena Security is an AI-powered entryway security platform combining screening hardware, compliance tracking, and real-time alert management, with its Apollo 500 system supporting up to 3,600 people per hour.
What distinguishes Athena from most competitors is hardware agnosticism on the software side. The Athena platform integrates with CEIA, Garrett, Metrasens, and Apollo screening systems, meaning organizations can choose their detection hardware and layer Athena's compliance workflows, threat visualization, and alert management on top. This makes Athena a strong fit for environments with strict regulatory requirements (hospitals, schools, casinos) where operational oversight and documented compliance matter alongside detection speed.
Best for: Hospitals, schools, casinos, corporate campuses, and large public venues where high-throughput screening and documented compliance workflows are both required.
Strengths:
- AI-assisted threat localization visually highlights suspected weapon locations on screen
- Hardware-agnostic platform integrates with CEIA, Garrett, Metrasens, and Apollo systems
- Supports up to 3,600 people per hour without bag divestment
- Compliance tracking and audit workflows built in for regulated environments
Limitations:
- Heavy AI and software integrations can add operational complexity
- Advanced capabilities are better suited for larger deployments; smaller facilities may find it more than they need
Pricing: Demo-based custom quote.
Evolv vs. Athena Security
Both focus on modern high-throughput weapons screening. Athena's key advantage is hardware flexibility and compliance workflow depth: it works with multiple detection hardware vendors and is built for environments where operational oversight and auditability are requirements. Evolv is more tightly integrated with its own proprietary ecosystem and optimized for frictionless venue entry. Choose Athena when compliance documentation and hardware flexibility matter. Choose Evolv when deployment simplicity within a single integrated system is the priority.
6. Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is an AI-assisted X-ray screening platform that automates detection of guns, gun parts, ammunition, and knives during baggage and checkpoint screening using deep learning algorithms.
Smiths Detection's iCMORE Weapons software is the relevant product here. It integrates with HI-SCAN X-ray systems and identifies prohibited items in real time without stopping the conveyor belt, which is a meaningfully different category from walkthrough person screening. The right comparison is not Smiths Detection vs. Evolv for the same use case; it's Smiths Detection for baggage inspection at checkpoints, Evolv for person screening at entry lanes. Airports and government facilities often need both.
Best for: Airports, government facilities, transit hubs, and cargo operations where conveyor-based baggage inspection and automated X-ray weapon detection are the primary requirements.
Strengths:
- AI-powered detection of guns, gun parts, ammunition, and knives in real time during X-ray screening
- High-throughput conveyor operation without stopping bags for manual review
- Works across multiple HI-SCAN systems and supports upgrade-based deployment on existing equipment
Limitations:
- Focused on X-ray baggage screening; not designed for frictionless person screening or venue entry
- Requires significant infrastructure and deployment planning compared to portable screening systems
Pricing: iCMORE hardware approximately $6,049; five-year software subscription approximately $15,975. Complete HI-SCAN systems range from roughly $25,000 to over $300,000 depending on model and configuration.
Evolv vs. Smiths Detection
These platforms solve different parts of the weapons detection problem and are more complementary than competitive. Smiths Detection handles baggage inspection at checkpoint conveyor systems. Evolv handles person screening at high-throughput entry lanes. Facilities that need both (airports, large government buildings) would typically deploy both rather than choose between them.
7. ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes is an AI-powered visual gun detection platform that integrates with existing security cameras to identify visible firearms in real time, with every detection verified by human analysts before alerts are dispatched.
The human verification layer is ZeroEyes' defining characteristic. Rather than relying entirely on AI to trigger a response, every potential detection is reviewed by a trained analyst before security teams and law enforcement are notified. This adds seconds to the alert process but significantly reduces false alarms, which matters in environments like schools and hospitals where a false alarm has real operational and psychological consequences. Like Coram, ZeroEyes is a camera-based platform that monitors interior spaces continuously rather than screening people at entry points.
Best for: Schools, campuses, parking lots, transportation facilities, and public spaces where continuous interior gun detection with human-verified alerts is the priority.
Strengths:
- Human analyst verification of every detection before alert dispatch, reducing false alarms
- Integrates with existing security cameras; no dedicated screening hardware required
- Supports indoor and outdoor monitoring across large coverage areas
- Routes verified alerts to security teams and law enforcement within seconds
Limitations:
- Detects only visible firearms; cannot identify concealed weapons on a person
- Detection performance depends on camera placement, lighting, and image quality
- Human verification layer adds time between detection and alert compared to fully automated systems
Pricing: Per-camera subscription model; requires a camera assessment before receiving a quote.
Evolv vs. ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes and Evolv solve different parts of the weapons detection problem. Evolv screens people proactively at facility entry, stopping threats before they get inside. ZeroEyes detects visible firearms across interior spaces after a weapon becomes exposed within monitored areas. The human verification model makes ZeroEyes particularly well suited for environments where false alarm consequences are high. Many facilities benefit from both: entrance screening to catch threats at the perimeter, camera-based detection to catch threats that make it inside.
8. SafePointe
SafePointe is an AI-based concealed weapons detection system using discreet bollard-style sensors, 3D cameras, and NVIDIA-powered edge processing to screen people as they walk naturally through entry lanes.
The operational model is the differentiator: SafePointe's bollard design is less visually prominent than traditional walkthrough portals or Evolv's entry lanes, which matters for facilities where the presence of visible security hardware changes the environment (hospitals, corporate campuses, museums). Edge processing means detection happens locally rather than in the cloud, which is relevant for privacy-sensitive environments. The tradeoff is scale: SafePointe has a smaller public deployment footprint than Evolv, and performance benchmarks at large venue scale are less documented.
Best for: Hospitals, enterprise campuses, casinos, museums, and warehouses where discreet passive screening and unmanned operation are priorities over high-volume venue throughput.
Strengths:
- Discreet bollard-style design integrates into facility aesthetics without visible checkpoints
- Free-flow touchless screening; visitors walk through naturally without bag divestment
- AI, magnetic sensing, 3D cameras, and edge processing for local threat analysis
- Analytics, reporting, dashboards, and incident review tools included
Limitations:
- Smaller public deployment scale than Evolv; fewer documented performance benchmarks at large venue throughput
- Relies on AI threat analysis and sensor calibration; accuracy in dense crowd conditions is less proven
Pricing: Custom quote.
Evolv vs. SafePointe
Evolv is more widely deployed across large public venues and entertainment environments with documented throughput performance. SafePointe focuses on discreet passive screening for facilities where the visual presence of security hardware is itself a consideration. Choose SafePointe when facility aesthetics, unmanned operation, and privacy matter more than proven large-venue scale. Choose Evolv when throughput performance and deployment maturity are the deciding factors.
9. Liberty Defense HEXWAVE
Liberty Defense HEXWAVE is a walkthrough screening system using active 3D millimeter-wave imaging and AI-driven threat analysis to detect both metallic and non-metallic weapons without bag divestment.
The non-metallic detection capability is what separates HEXWAVE from most alternatives on this list. Evolv, CEIA, and Garrett all focus primarily on metallic threats. HEXWAVE's 3D radar imaging, processing 400,000+ voxels per scan, is designed to detect plastic weapons, ceramic knives, and other non-metallic threats that electromagnetic systems miss. This makes it relevant for high-security environments where the threat model includes non-metallic weapons: airports, critical infrastructure, government buildings.
Best for: Airports, government buildings, critical infrastructure, stadiums, and transportation hubs where the threat model includes non-metallic weapons and detailed volumetric threat analysis is required.
Strengths:
- Detects both metallic and non-metallic threats using active 3D millimeter-wave imaging
- Processes 400,000+ voxels per scan for detailed volumetric threat analysis
- No divestment required; visitors keep phones, belts, jackets, and shoes on
- Over-the-air updates continuously improve detection models
- Supports layered indoor and outdoor deployment
Limitations:
- Advanced millimeter-wave imaging increases deployment and infrastructure costs compared to electromagnetic systems
- Throughput (~1,000/hr) is lower than high-speed walkthrough alternatives like Evolv or CEIA
- May require additional planning and calibration based on entry layout
Pricing: Quote-based.
Evolv vs. Liberty Defense HEXWAVE
Evolv uses sensor fusion and AI-assisted detection focused primarily on metallic threats at high throughput. HEXWAVE uses active 3D millimeter-wave imaging to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats with more detailed volumetric analysis, at lower throughput. Choose HEXWAVE when the threat model includes non-metallic weapons and you're operating in a high-security regulated environment. Choose Evolv when throughput speed and frictionless entry are the primary requirements.
How to Choose the Right Evolv Alternative
Start with where your threat exposure actually is.
If the problem is high-throughput entry (screening thousands of people walking into a stadium, hospital, or school without creating lines) the relevant alternatives are Evolv, Xtract One, CEIA OPENGATE, Athena Security, and SafePointe. Each takes a different approach to the same core problem: detecting weapons at entry points without disrupting visitor flow.
If the problem is interior coverage (detecting firearms anywhere across a large or distributed facility, not just at entrances) camera-based platforms are the relevant category. Coram and ZeroEyes both work with existing IP cameras and monitor continuously. They differ on alert model: Coram is fully automated; ZeroEyes routes every detection through human analyst verification before dispatching an alert.
If the problem is baggage inspection at a checkpoint, Smiths Detection is the category. If non-metallic threat detection is a requirement, Liberty Defense HEXWAVE addresses it. If precise electromagnetic localization in a regulated checkpoint environment is the requirement, Garrett Paragon is built for that.
For most facilities, the honest answer is that entrance screening and interior camera-based detection are complementary layers in a broader security strategy. The right question is not which platform to choose: it's which combination maps to where your actual exposure is.
