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Which access control system should you choose?
Paxton, Salto, UniFi Access, Avigilon Alta and Verkada compared: how they are managed, what they cost to run, how secure the fobs are, and which suits one door or fifty.
Access control systems at a glance
| System | Company based in | How it is managed | Ongoing cost | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paxton Net2 | UK (Brighton) | Software on a PC or server on site | None compulsory | Single-site offices, schools, surgeries |
| Paxton10 | UK (Brighton) | Server on site, browser and app, access and video together | None compulsory | Sites wanting access and CCTV in one |
| Salto | Spain | On-site or cloud, battery-powered wireless locks | Depends on platform | Many doors, hard-to-cable buildings |
| UniFi Access (Ubiquiti) | USA | Ubiquiti console on site, app | None | Small offices already on UniFi |
| Avigilon Alta | USA (Motorola Solutions) | Cloud | Subscription | Multi-site businesses |
| Verkada | USA | Cloud, with CCTV, intercom and sensors | Licence per door | Multi-site businesses, schools, housing |
The big decisions
On-site or cloud? On-site systems run on a PC, server or controller in the building: no monthly fee, but someone looks after the software, backups and updates. Cloud systems are managed in a browser or app from anywhere, suit several sites, and carry a subscription or licence.
Wired or wireless locks? Wired doors (a reader, controller and maglock or electric strike) are the most robust for main entrances. Battery-powered wireless locks, such as Salto’s, make it practical to control dozens of internal doors without running cable to each one.
Just doors, or doors plus video? If you also want CCTV, a system that shows door events next to the camera footage saves a lot of time when something goes wrong.
System by system
Paxton. A British company based in Brighton and one of the most widely installed systems in the UK. Net2 is the long-established option, run from software on a PC or server, and suits single sites well. Paxton10 combines access control and video management, managed through a browser or app, for larger or multi-site set-ups.
Salto. A Spanish company known for battery-powered electronic locks and cylinders that fit existing doors, which makes it strong for buildings with many internal doors, such as offices, schools and student or hotel-style accommodation. Available as an on-site system or a cloud service.
UniFi Access. Ubiquiti’s access control, managed alongside UniFi networks and cameras with no subscription. Good value for small offices already using UniFi; like UniFi Protect, it works best with Ubiquiti’s own hardware.
Avigilon Alta. Motorola Solutions’ cloud access control, formerly Openpath. Managed from anywhere, with phone-based entry, and suited to multi-site organisations.
Verkada. Cloud-managed access control in the same platform as Verkada cameras, intercoms and sensors, so door events and video sit side by side. Each door needs a licence; card readers do not need their own. If licences lapse, badges keep working but you lose access to manage the system after a 30-day grace period. Our sister company SEGcore installs Verkada. For Verkada’s security history, see our CCTV guide.
Fobs, cards or phones
The credential matters as much as the brand. Older 125kHz proximity fobs and cards are not encrypted and can be copied in seconds with cheap equipment. For new systems we recommend encrypted smart credentials such as MIFARE DESFire EV3, or mobile credentials on staff phones, with a PIN as a second factor on server rooms and other sensitive doors. If you are upgrading, it is often possible to run old and new credentials side by side while people swap over.
Access control and fire safety
Access control must never trap people. Electrically locked doors on escape routes should release on loss of power and, where there is a fire alarm, when it activates, with a manual release such as a green break-glass beside the door. BS 7273-4 is the British Standard for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of these release mechanisms, and fire doors need hardware that keeps their fire rating. As electricians who also install fire alarm systems, we design and test the interface between the two.
Which access control system suits you?
- One or two doors in a small office or shop: Paxton Net2 or UniFi Access, installed properly, is usually the best value.
- Lots of internal doors or a building that is hard to cable: Salto’s wireless locks.
- Access control and CCTV together on one site: Paxton10 or Verkada.
- Several sites, schools, care and housing providers: a cloud system such as Verkada or Avigilon Alta, managed from one place.
- Blocks of flats: usually a door entry system with fob access on the communal doors.
Access control questions we’re asked
What is the best access control system for a small office?
For one or two doors, a simple system with a reader, lock, exit button and power supply on each door is usually enough. Paxton Net2 and UniFi Access are common choices with no compulsory subscription. If you want to manage it from anywhere without a server on site, a cloud system such as Verkada or Avigilon Alta is worth comparing.
Are proximity fobs secure?
Older 125kHz proximity fobs and cards are not encrypted and can be copied with cheap equipment. For new systems we recommend encrypted smart credentials such as MIFARE DESFire EV3, or phone-based credentials, and adding a PIN for sensitive doors.
Can staff use their phones instead of fobs?
Yes. Most current systems, including Paxton, Salto, UniFi Access, Avigilon Alta and Verkada, support mobile credentials, so staff tap or wave their phone. You can usually mix phones and fobs on the same system.
What happens to access-controlled doors in a fire?
Doors on escape routes must let people out. Electrically locked escape doors should release on loss of power and, where there is a fire alarm, when it activates, with a green break-glass or exit device as back-up. BS 7273-4 is the British Standard for how those release mechanisms are designed, installed and tested. We test the release at handover.
Can I add access control to my existing doors?
Usually, yes. Most doors can take a maglock or an electric strike, or a battery-powered electronic lock where cabling is difficult. We check the door, frame and fire rating first, because fire doors need compatible hardware.
Can access control work with CCTV and the intercom?
Yes. Several systems combine them: Paxton10 and Verkada, for example, put door events and video in one place, so you can see who opened a door. Others link to separate CCTV through integrations.
Sources
- Norbain, Paxton Net2 or Paxton10: which is best?
- Fire Industry Association, BS 7273-4 update on securing escape doors
- ICT, the 125kHz proximity card dilemma
- Motorola Solutions, Avigilon security suite (Avigilon Alta)
- Verkada, managing licences
Written by SEG. Last updated 10 October 2026.
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