ButterflyMX vs 1VALET: which is right for your building?
An honest comparison from an installer that fully supports both. Updated October 2, 2026.
The quick answer
Choose ButterflyMX if your main need is a reliable smartphone video intercom with visitor and delivery access. Choose 1VALET if you want a Canadian all-in-one smart building platform for multifamily, with entry, keyless access, parcel lockers and resident communication in one app.
ButterflyMX vs 1VALET side by side
| ButterflyMX | 1VALET | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A smartphone-based video intercom and access platform for multifamily and commercial buildings. | A Canadian smart building platform from Ottawa, built for multifamily properties. |
| Entry | Video intercom panels that call residents’ phones. | Touchscreen entry consoles with video calling, and facial recognition where enabled. |
| Keyless access | Smartphone access and virtual keys for guests. | Residents use their phone as a fob, with virtual keys and PIN codes. |
| Deliveries | Delivery access for couriers, with a record of every delivery. | Parcel management with courier access, parcel scanning and smart lockers. |
| Resident features | Focused on entry and access. | Amenity booking, announcements and building management in one platform. |
| Best fit | Multifamily and commercial buildings that want a proven video intercom. | Multifamily buildings that want one platform for entry, parcels and resident communication. |
Which should you choose?
Choose ButterflyMX if
- You mainly need a video intercom and smartphone entry
- You manage commercial or mixed-use buildings too
- You want a focused, proven intercom platform
Choose 1VALET if
- You manage apartments or condos
- You want parcel lockers and amenity booking in the same app
- You prefer a Canadian platform
Best choice by building type
| Building | Our usual recommendation |
|---|---|
| Rental apartment building | Either. Choose 1VALET if you also want parcel lockers and amenity booking in the same app. |
| Condo building | Either. ButterflyMX if the focus is the intercom, 1VALET for an all-in-one resident platform. |
| Mixed-use or commercial building | ButterflyMX, which is built for commercial as well as residential entrances. |
| Student residence | Either. 1VALET’s parcel handling is a plus with heavy delivery volumes. |
Costs to consider
The price of either option depends on the size of the building, how many doors, cameras or entrances are involved, and whether you choose cloud or on-site management. Cloud platforms usually have an ongoing subscription, while on-site systems have licences and a server to maintain.
Ask any installer for the full cost of ownership, including licences, subscriptions, maintenance and future expansion. We include all of it in our written quotes, so there are no surprises.
Can they work together?
Most buildings choose one platform for the front door. Both can sit alongside a separate access control system for other doors, and we’ll design whichever fits your building.
Still not sure?
We install and fully support both, so we’ll recommend whichever fits your building and budget, after a site walk.
More comparisons: Avigilon vs Genetec for cameras and Kantech vs Genetec Synergis or Kantech vs Avigilon Alta for access control.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
ButterflyMX vs 1VALET questions
Is ButterflyMX or 1VALET better for condos?
Both work well. ButterflyMX is a strong choice for video intercom and access. 1VALET suits buildings that want parcel lockers, amenity booking and resident communication in the same app.
Is 1VALET Canadian?
Yes. 1VALET is based in Ottawa.
Can either replace an old buzzer system?
Yes. Both are common upgrades from phone-line buzzer intercoms, and we handle the swap and wiring.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install and fully support both ButterflyMX and 1VALET.
Can the entrance be monitored after hours?
Yes. Whichever intercom you choose, the entrance cameras can be added to remote video monitoring so after-hours problems at the door are handled live. See video monitoring.
More answers: Video intercom questionsGlossary: video intercommobile credential
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