HID vs Kantech: readers, fobs and cards compared
An honest comparison from an installer that installs and fully supports both.
The quick answer
HID makes readers, cards, fobs and mobile credentials used by many different access control systems. Kantech makes a complete system: EntraPass software, controllers, and its own readers and credentials. Choose HID readers and credentials when you want encrypted, widely supported credentials that can move with you to another system. Choose Kantech readers when your building runs Kantech and you want everything from one maker.
HID vs Kantech side by side
| HID | Kantech | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A maker of readers, cards, fobs and mobile credentials, part of ASSA ABLOY. | A complete access control brand (part of Johnson Controls): EntraPass software, controllers, readers and credentials. |
| Readers | Signo and iCLASS SE readers, which support several card types and mobile credentials. | ioProx and ioSmart readers, made for Kantech systems. |
| Credentials | Seos cards and fobs are encrypted; older HID proximity cards are easier to copy. | ioSmart cards and fobs are the more secure choice; older ioProx proximity fobs are easier to copy. |
| Mobile access | HID Mobile Access lets people use their phone at the door. | Mobile options depend on the EntraPass version; we confirm during design. |
| Works with | Most access control systems, including Genetec and Kantech, depending on the model and card format. | Mainly Kantech systems. |
| Best fit | Buildings that want encrypted credentials that can stay if the system changes. | Buildings that run Kantech and want one maker for every part. |
Which should you choose?
Choose HID if
- You want encrypted credentials that work with many systems
- You may change access control software later
- You want phone credentials with HID Mobile Access
Choose Kantech if
- Your building runs Kantech EntraPass
- You want readers, fobs and software from one maker
- You’re replacing older ioProx fobs with ioSmart
Can you mix them?
Often, yes. Many Kantech systems run HID readers, depending on the controller and card format. We check your controllers, readers and current fobs during design, then plan a change-over that doesn’t lock anyone out.
Older fobs and copying
Older 125 kHz proximity fobs and cards, from either brand, can be copied with cheap tools. Encrypted credentials such as HID Seos and Kantech ioSmart are far harder to copy. Most buildings move in stages: put in readers that accept both old and new credentials, then swap everyone over time.
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 readers, the credential type, how many people need credentials, and whether controllers or software need upgrading too.
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: Kantech vs Avigilon Alta and Kantech vs Genetec Synergis.
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.
Help: Export Avigilon video
HID vs Kantech questions
Is HID or Kantech better?
They do different jobs. HID makes readers and credentials for many systems; Kantech makes a complete system. Many buildings use HID readers on another maker’s system.
Can HID readers work with Kantech?
Often, yes, depending on the controller and the card format. We check during design.
Our fobs are easy to copy. What should we do?
Move to encrypted credentials, such as HID Seos or Kantech ioSmart. It can be done in stages with readers that accept both old and new credentials.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install and fully support both HID and Kantech, so our recommendation is about fit, not what we sell.
Can we use phones instead of fobs?
Yes, with the right readers and system. HID Mobile Access is one option. Most buildings run phones alongside fobs.
Do we get admin access?
Yes. We hand over admin access and full documentation on every project, whichever brand you choose.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
Get a recommendation
Tell us about your doors, readers and fobs. We’ll recommend the right setup and book a site visit.
Call and a real person answers, 24/7 for emergencies.