CDVI vs Kantech: which access control fits your building?
An honest comparison from an installer that installs and fully supports both.
The quick answer
Choose CDVI ATRIUM if you want a straightforward, encrypted access system managed from a browser, phone or tablet, for a small to mid-size building. Choose Kantech if you want EntraPass software that scales to large and multi-site systems, with DSC alarms alongside it. Many buildings use CDVI locks and door hardware whichever system they choose.
CDVI vs Kantech side by side
| CDVI | Kantech | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A maker of access control and electronic locking products, including the ATRIUM system. | An access control brand, part of Johnson Controls, with EntraPass software, controllers, readers and credentials. |
| Software | ATRIUM, managed from a web browser, phone or tablet. | EntraPass software in several editions, from one building to large multi-site systems. |
| Door hardware | Maglocks, electric strikes, exit hardware, keypads and readers that work with most systems. | Readers, credentials and controllers; locks come from hardware makers such as CDVI. |
| Alarms | Works alongside a separate alarm panel. | Integrates with DSC alarm panels. |
| Best fit | Small to mid-size buildings that want simple, browser-based management. | Larger buildings and portfolios, and sites with DSC alarms. |
Which should you choose?
Choose CDVI if
- Your building is small to mid-size
- You want to manage doors from a browser or phone
- You want access control and door hardware from one maker
Choose Kantech if
- You already run Kantech EntraPass
- The system needs to grow across several buildings
- You want DSC alarms linked to your doors
Best choice by building type
| Building | Our usual recommendation |
|---|---|
| Small office, clinic or shop | CDVI ATRIUM for simple browser-based management. |
| Condo or rental building | Either. CDVI for a small building; Kantech for a large one or where it already runs. |
| Multi-site portfolio | Kantech EntraPass, or a cloud platform such as Avigilon Alta. |
| Any building | CDVI maglocks, strikes and exit hardware fit most systems, including Kantech. |
If you have Kantech wireless fobs
Kantech has discontinued its ioProx wireless P82WLS and P84WLS fobs and the P700WLS receiver, and the new ioSmart wireless fobs do not work with the old receivers. Read our notice on the discontinued fobs for your options.
Costs to consider
The price depends on the number of doors, the locks and readers each door needs, the number of credentials, and how much existing wiring and hardware can stay.
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.
Still not sure?
We install and fully support both, so we’ll recommend whichever fits your building, after a site walk.
More comparisons: Inner Range vs Kantech, ICT vs Kantech and Kantech vs Avigilon Alta.
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.
CDVI vs Kantech questions
Is CDVI or Kantech better?
Neither is better for every building. CDVI ATRIUM suits small to mid-size buildings that want simple management. Kantech suits larger systems and sites with DSC alarms.
Can CDVI locks work with Kantech?
Yes. CDVI maglocks, strikes and exit hardware work with most access control systems, including Kantech.
Can we manage CDVI ATRIUM from a phone?
Yes. ATRIUM is managed from a web browser, phone or tablet.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install and fully support both CDVI and Kantech, so our recommendation is about fit, not what we sell.
Do doors release on fire alarm?
Yes. With either system, we connect locks so exit-path doors release as required when the fire alarm activates, working with your fire alarm contractor.
Do we get admin access?
Yes. We hand over admin access and full documentation on every project, whichever brand you choose.
More answers: Questions about working with HightowerGlossary: access controlIP camera
Get a recommendation
Tell us about your doors and current system. We’ll recommend the right fit and book a site visit.
Call and a real person answers, 24/7 for emergencies.