Cloud intercom with subscription or without?
Several cloud video intercoms (ButterflyMX and others) run on subscriptions. UniFi Intercom runs without a mandatory subscription. Here’s how to compare.
The subscription model
The vendor hosts the service and bills recurring fees, often per building or per unit. Upside: little equipment on site. Downside: the cost runs as long as the building stands.
The no-subscription model
Hardware and console are bought once; the resident app is included. Upfront cost is higher, then only maintenance and updates matter.
Running the numbers
Multiply the monthly fee by the number of units and by 60 months: that’s the 5-year cost, to compare with the purchase price of an installed UniFi system. We include this comparison in every quote.
Estimate the hardware for your doors
Related services
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is the resident app paid?
Not with UniFi: the app is free.
Planning building intercom?
Describe your situation in a few lines; an engineer will call you back quickly. The site visit and quote are free.
Request a quote
Free, no obligation. A quick answer from an engineer, in English or French.
- Free site visit and quote
- An engineer, not a salesperson
- RBQ licensed, 15+ years’ experience
- Hardware stocked on altea.io
Updated 2026-11-05