Access control is at the center of today’s security transformation.
Organizations are replacing fragmented, on-premises systems with cloud-based access control platforms that combine automation, analytics, and compliance management. These solutions not only enhance visibility but also enable faster, data-driven decision-making across facilities.
A global survey of over 1,000 security professionals found that 93% of organizations consider access control essential to their risk management strategy; yet, many still struggle with poorly implemented systems, insecure technologies, and over-prioritized convenience. The result? Doors left open, credentials easily cloned, and a rise in cases of forced or unauthorized entry.
That’s why security leaders are rethinking their strategies by adopting unified, touchless, and biometric access systems that combine identity verification, video surveillance, and automated incident response. The goal is to reduce human error, strengthen compliance, and secure every entry point in real time.
This guide highlights the best access control systems, including:
- Expert-reviewed solutions setting new benchmarks for modern security
- Comparisons of key features, integrations, and pricing
- Insights into how unified platforms enhance scalability and compliance
7 Best Access Control Systems in 2025
When choosing the right access control system, prioritize security features but focus more on a solution that balances scalability, integration, and ease of management across multiple facilities.
The best access control systems today combine cloud-based access control and AI automation to create smarter, faster, and more reliable protection.
Coram
Coram is a cloud-driven, AI-powered security solution designed for organizations managing multiple sites and complex infrastructures. It helps unify operations across facilities by combining video surveillance, access control, and automated incident response within one intuitive platform.
For IT, security, and compliance teams, Coram simplifies access management, cuts manual workloads, and ensures every location meets strict security compliance standards while keeping costs predictable through a subscription-based model.
Coram modernizes physical access control by bridging the gap between legacy hardware and modern IP-based systems, eliminating the need for costly replacements.
It empowers teams with centralized visibility across every entry point, whether that’s a corporate campus, hospital, or municipal building, ensuring faster, data-backed control decisions from anywhere.
Key Features:
License Plate Recognition: Manually checking vehicle entries across large campuses wastes time and leaves room for human error. Coram automatically identifies and records license plates, ensuring accurate vehicle tracking and preventing unauthorized access in real time.
AI-Based Entry Management: Manual badge checks and scattered entry logs create blind spots in high-traffic facilities. Coram uses AI-driven identity verification to manage employee, contractor, and visitor access from a single dashboard, reducing manual errors and preventing unauthorized entry.
Tailgating Detection: Unauthorized individuals often enter by following someone through a secure door. Coram’s intelligent cameras detect and flag tailgating in real time, notifying security teams before the risk escalates.
Visitor & Role-Based Access: Managing visitors and temporary staff with spreadsheets leads to inconsistent tracking. Coram automates visitor registration, issues time-limited digital passes, and applies role-based permissions to ensure compliance and accountability.
Centralized Control & Audit Trails: Multiple systems make compliance audits difficult. Coram maintains detailed activity logs, access histories, and automated reports aligned with HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, and NDAA standards, simplifying audits and governance.
Remote Access Management: Responding to access issues across sites can slow incident resolution. With Coram’s cloud console, administrators can lock, unlock, or revoke access remotely, minimizing downtime and maintaining security continuity.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting industry regulations manually can be time-consuming and inconsistent. Coram ensures every component aligns with HIPAA, NDAA, and SOC 2 Type II standards, keeping data and infrastructure fully compliant.
Use Cases
Manufacturing: Multiple production areas and restricted zones make oversight challenging. Coram automates monitoring and access control, keeping critical areas secure while maintaining worker safety.
Healthcare: Hospitals often struggle with balancing patient privacy and facility access. Coram safeguards sensitive areas like pharmacies and records rooms, ensuring HIPAA compliance without slowing operations.
Municipalities: Managing security across public offices and community facilities is complex and labor-intensive. Coram unifies access and surveillance into a single dashboard, allowing teams to respond faster and operate efficiently.
Sensitive Industries: Manual monitoring in high-risk sectors like defense, research, or energy leads to gaps in protection. Coram uses AI-driven analytics to automate threat detection and ensure consistent, round-the-clock oversight.
Honeywell
Honeywell has been a global leader in industrial innovation for over a century, and its expertise now extends to intelligent building and security technologies. The company’s Honeywell Forge and Intelligent Buildings solutions use AI, IoT, and data analytics to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable environments.
In the world of access control systems, Honeywell stands out for its ability to integrate building automation, surveillance, and workforce management under one platform.
Key Features
Unified Access & Building Management: Combines access control, energy monitoring, and visitor management to provide a single operational view of all building systems.
AI-Driven Automation: Uses predictive analytics to identify anomalies, optimize workflows, and reduce manual oversight in high-traffic environments.
Visitor & Contractor Management:Honeywell Forge Visitor Management simplifies guest registration and tracking with mobile check-ins, QR codes, and instant host notifications.
Seamless Integrations: Works with third-party hardware, video surveillance, and IoT sensors, making it adaptable to both new and legacy systems.
Cybersecurity & Compliance: Protects sensitive data with enterprise-grade encryption and ensures adherence to regulatory frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC standards.
Pros
- Highly scalable and suitable for multi-facility environments.
- Strong reputation for reliability and industrial-grade performance.
- Excellent integration with HVAC, energy, and other building systems.
- User-friendly visitor management experience with mobile capabilities.
Cons
- Implementation may require significant setup time for large enterprises.
- Advanced features and integrations come at a higher price point.
- Interface customization options are limited compared to newer cloud-native platforms.
- Customer support response times can vary by region.
Bosch Security
Bosch Security is a trusted name in building technologies and life safety systems, offering a future-ready suite of solutions that blend precision engineering with smart automation. Its hardware and software work seamlessly together to create environments that are both safe and adaptable to evolving operational needs.
Within the access control and life safety ecosystem, Bosch excels by combining real-time monitoring, remote system management, and AI-powered detection.
Key Features
Fire and Smoke Detection Camera: The AVIOTEC IP camera detects fire and smoke directly at the source using AI-based analytics. It provides faster detection than traditional ceiling-mounted detectors, reducing false alarms and response delays.
AVENAR Fire Alarm Panels: Bosch’s AVENAR 2000 and 8000 series offer modular, networked alarm panels that provide real-time visibility and seamless scalability. They enable remote monitoring and faster coordination during emergencies.
Safety Systems Designer: A planning and configuration tool that simplifies the design of complete fire detection and access systems. It helps teams create EN54-compliant setups and customize them for each facility’s specific requirements.
Remote Monitoring Services: Enables facility teams to manage, program, and maintain their systems remotely, ensuring continuous uptime and proactive maintenance from any location.
I/O Interface Modules: The AVENAR 4000 series modules expand functionality, allowing integration with third-party systems for customized automation, data logging, and alarm control.
Pros
- Exceptionally reliable detection with minimal false alarms.
- Scalable and modular architecture suitable for diverse industries.
- Strong remote access and maintenance capabilities.
- Future-proof technology compatible with both legacy and modern infrastructures.
Cons
- Requires professional installation and setup expertise.
- Interface design leans toward industrial users, less intuitive for small teams.
- Premium cost compared to basic commercial systems.
- Cloud features are less extensive than newer SaaS-based competitors.
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart building technology and integrated security solutions, combining decades of expertise in automation, energy efficiency, and life safety. The company’s access control systems are designed to make buildings safer, smarter, and more sustainable, serving industries from healthcare to mitigate risks and education to manufacturing and government.
In the field of access control, Johnson Controls delivers intelligent, cloud-enabled systems that blend physical security with digital intelligence.
Key Features
C•CURE 9000 Access Control Platform: A scalable and flexible solution that unites access control, video surveillance, and identity management in one interface. It supports both on-premises and cloud-based configurations for operational flexibility.
AI-Driven Identity Management: Uses automation to verify credentials, assign role-based permissions, and reduce manual errors. This feature ensures that only authorized users access critical zones while maintaining detailed activity logs.
Open Integration Framework: Johnson Controls’ solutions easily connect with third-party systems, including building management, intrusion alarms, and IoT devices, offering organizations a unified security ecosystem.
Mobile Access Solutions: Provides touchless entry using smartphones or wearable devices, improving convenience while maintaining enterprise-grade authentication standards.
Compliance and Reporting Tools: Built-in reporting and audit functions help organizations meet regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 with transparent data trails and customizable reports.
Pros
- Strong cloud and hybrid deployment options for large organizations.
- Deep integration with building automation and energy management systems.
- High scalability and flexibility for enterprise-level environments.
- Excellent reputation for reliability and cybersecurity.
Cons
- Setup and integration can be complex for smaller teams.
- Some advanced modules require separate licensing costs.
- User interface can feel dated compared to newer SaaS competitors.
- Requires periodic training for full platform utilization.
Brivo
Brivo is one of the pioneers in cloud-based access control, transforming how businesses manage physical security across locations. It helps organizations control entry, monitor activity, and maintain visibility from anywhere through a secure cloud dashboard and mobile app.
As enterprises move away from on-premise hardware, Brivo’s relevance in modern access control systems lies in its unified approach. The Brivo Security Suite integrates access control, video surveillance, visitor management, and intrusion detection into a single, connected platform.
Key Features
Cloud-Native Access Management: Simplifies user control and door scheduling through a web or mobile interface. Administrators can grant or revoke access instantly, eliminating the delays common in traditional systems.
Video Intelligence Integration: Combines live and recorded video with access data, helping teams verify incidents, prevent unauthorized entry, and maintain a complete activity audit.
Visitor and Contractor Management: Offers smooth guest check-ins and remote visitor tracking, ensuring compliance while improving the front-desk experience for employees and guests alike.
Open API and Integrations: Connects with existing HR, property management, and IoT systems, enabling automation across security, workforce, and facility operations.
Mobile Credentials: Allows secure smartphone-based entry through encrypted credentials, removing the need for keycards and reducing administrative overhead.
Pros
- 100% cloud-based platform with remote management and instant scalability.
- Easy to install, configure, and maintain with minimal IT involvement.
- Strong integration ecosystem through open APIs and mobile-first design.
- Excellent customer support and intuitive interface praised in G2 reviews.
Cons
- Limited offline functionality during internet outages.
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools require premium tiers.
- Custom branding and dashboard options are somewhat restricted.
- Integration depth can vary depending on third-party platforms.
OpenPath
Openpath, now part of the Avigilon Alta security suite by Motorola Solutions, delivers one of the most advanced cloud-based access control systems in the market.
As access control merges with video and AI analytics, Openpath (Avigilon Alta) stands out for unifying everything from door access to camera feeds into one platform. The system helps businesses manage users, monitor activity, and respond to incidents in real time, all through an intuitive web or mobile interface.
Key Features
AI-Powered Video Intelligence: Integrates with existing cameras to detect unusual activity, identify vehicles or individuals, and alert security teams instantly, reducing investigation time from hours to minutes.
Mobile and Touchless Access: Employees can unlock doors using their smartphone, smartwatch, or wave gesture, offering secure entry without physical keycards. This minimizes hygiene risks and improves user convenience.
Cloud-Native Management: Administrators can control access, manage credentials, and activate lockdowns remotely, without the need for on-site servers or complex IT setup.
Real-Time Alerts and Analytics: The platform sends instant notifications for unauthorized access or unusual patterns, helping teams act before risks escalate.
Seamless Integrations: Openpath’s open architecture supports third-party apps like Workday, Okta, and HR systems, allowing automated onboarding, offboarding, and role-based access provisioning.
Pros
- Fully cloud-native system with powerful AI and analytics.
- Intuitive, modern interface praised for ease of use and fast deployment.
- Strong integration ecosystem with HR, identity, and IoT platforms.
- Reliable mobile credentialing that eliminates keycard dependency.
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing compared to traditional systems.
- Requires internet connectivity for full functionality.
- Some firmware updates may cause temporary configuration delays.
- Limited customization for lower-tier plans.
Allegion
Allegion is a global pioneer in physical security systems, known for its century-long expertise in door hardware, electronic locks, and access control technology. With over 30 trusted brands operating in 120 countries, Allegion’s mission centers on creating safer spaces where people live, work, and connect.
In today’s landscape of cloud-based access control and hybrid workplaces, Allegion continues to bridge the gap between physical and digital security. Its electronic access and monitoring solutions integrate smart locks, readers, keypads, and credentials under one system, helping organizations modernize their access management while maintaining strong security compliance.
Key Features
Electronic Access & Monitoring: Offers advanced electronic locks, readers, and credential management systems that simplify user control while maintaining robust physical security across facilities.
Cloud and Mobile Access: Allows administrators and employees to manage doors, credentials, and schedules remotely through mobile apps or browser-based dashboards.
Smart Hardware Integration: Supports a wide range of hardware from traditional locks to smart IoT-enabled devices, creating a unified ecosystem for secure building access.
Workforce Productivity Tools: Incorporates access data into analytics platforms to monitor facility usage, identify bottlenecks, and enhance operational efficiency.
Health and Safety Innovation: Uses antimicrobial finishes and quiet-closing mechanisms to improve occupant safety and comfort in high-traffic environments.
Pros
- Strong reputation backed by leading global security brands like Schlage and LCN.
- Broad hardware compatibility and flexible system integrations.
- Durable, enterprise-grade access solutions ideal for large facilities.
- Focus on safety, hygiene, and accessibility in design.
Cons
- Cloud capabilities still evolving compared to newer SaaS platforms.
- Some solutions require multiple systems for full integration.
- Higher initial hardware investment for enterprise-scale deployment.
- Limited advanced analytics in standalone products.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Access Control System
After reviewing the best access control systems for 2025, it’s clear that not all solutions fit every organization. The right choice depends on your building size, compliance needs, and how well the system integrates with your existing physical security setup.
Below are the essential factors to keep in mind before finalizing your investment.
1. Security and Functionality
Your access control system should match your facility’s risk level. High-security areas like labs or government offices need biometrics or multifactor authentication, while smaller offices may do fine with card or mobile credentials.
Choose a cloud-based, scalable platform that can expand to new users or locations without replacing existing hardware. The best systems also integrate with video surveillance, intrusion detection, and visitor management, giving you centralized control and faster response.
Look for advanced analytics like real-time tracking, anomaly detection, and automated alerts to identify risks early.
2. Usability and Management
Complex tools go unused. Opt for intuitive dashboards where admins can add users, update permissions, and review reports with ease.
For multi-site operations, remote access management is a must, allowing teams to lock doors or adjust rights anytime, anywhere.
Systems that support custom access levels and time-based permissions help your team adapt to changing security needs quickly.
3. Support and Reliability
Security systems must perform 24/7. Select vendors offering dedicated support, regular updates, and clear service-level guarantees.
Ensure the platform continues to function during network outages by storing access data locally, and choose providers with a strong reputation for uptime, compliance, and long-term product stability.
How to Evaluate Integration, Scalability, and User Experience
Whether you’re deploying a new cloud-based access control platform or upgrading legacy hardware, evaluating integration, scalability, and user experience helps ensure your investment stays effective for years to come.
Evaluate Integration:
Integration is what separates modern systems from siloed solutions. Your access control platform should connect easily with video surveillance, alarms, HR software, and identity management tools to create one unified security view.
Here’s how to assess integration quality:
- Define scope: Map out every system that needs to communicate, such as HR databases for automated onboarding or CCTV for event-triggered video capture.
- Check interoperability: Ensure the platform supports open APIs and industry standards like ONVIF so it can work with both current and future technologies.
- Test data flow: Verify that access logs, alerts, and credentials sync correctly between systems without delays or data loss.
- Assess alert coordination: Look for real-time, event-driven integrations like a door-forced entry triggering immediate camera footage review.
- Validate vendor partnerships: Strong integration partners (e.g., Okta, Workday, or Milestone) signal long-term flexibility and lower maintenance costs.
Key metrics to watch: data accuracy, error rate during system syncs, and interface functionality between tools.
Evaluating Scalability
Scalability determines how well your access control system can support business growth - more users, more sites, or higher compliance demands without compromising performance.
When evaluating scalability, focus on:
- Capacity for expansion: Can you add new doors, devices, and user groups quickly without replacing hardware?
- Cloud readiness: Cloud-based access control solutions should allow remote provisioning and instant updates across multiple locations.
- Performance under load: Ask vendors for benchmarks on how their system handles high traffic, such as hundreds of simultaneous mobile credential authentications.
- Flexible architecture: Systems offering modular upgrades or hybrid options (cloud + on-prem) adapt better to changing infrastructure.
- Licensing model: Choose vendors with transparent pricing that doesn’t penalize you for scaling up.
Key metrics to evaluate: system response time under load, number of supported users and devices, and overall uptime percentage.
Evaluating User Experience (UX)
Even the most secure system can fail if it frustrates users. A good user experience means security teams, employees, and visitors can use the system confidently with minimal friction or training.
When reviewing UX, consider:
- Ease of administration: Is the dashboard intuitive enough for admins to create new users, manage permissions, and pull reports without relying on IT?
- End-user convenience: Does the system support mobile credentials or touchless entry to simplify daily use?
- Training requirements: Evaluate how long it takes new staff to get comfortable with the interface, especially in multi-location environments.
- Customization and accessibility: Check for support for multiple languages, role-based views, and mobile-friendly layouts.
- Feedback and analytics: The best platforms include user activity insights and allow feedback collection to improve future configurations.
UX metrics worth noting: task completion rate (e.g., granting new access), user error rate, and overall satisfaction scores from admin surveys.
An access control system that integrates cleanly with your existing tools, scales effortlessly as your organization grows, and provides a smooth experience for both users and administrators is one that will stand the test of time.
These three pillars: integration, scalability, and user experience define not just how secure your system is, but how sustainable and future-ready it becomes.
Ready to Modernize Your Access Control System?
Access control has evolved from simple keycards to intelligent platforms that combine automation, compliance, and real-time insights. Choosing the right system today means investing in long-term security and operational efficiency.
Key takeaways:
- Centralized cloud-based access control enhances visibility, scalability, and compliance across distributed sites.
- AI-powered systems enable proactive monitoring, reducing security risks before they escalate.
- Seamless integration creates unified physical security systems that are easy to manage and expand.
- Intuitive dashboards simplify access management, improving both user experience and administrative control.
If you’re ready to see how a modern access control solution can transform your security operations, book a demo or start a free trial with a trusted provider today.
