Kantech vs Avigilon Alta: on-site or cloud access control?
An honest comparison from an installer that installs and fully supports both.
The quick answer
Choose Kantech if you want access control that runs on software at your building, or your building already runs Kantech in good shape. Choose Avigilon Alta if you want cloud management from a browser or phone, phone credentials for residents or staff, and one dashboard across several buildings.
Kantech vs Avigilon Alta side by side
| Kantech | Avigilon Alta | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An access control brand (part of Johnson Controls), run with EntraPass software on a computer or server at your site. | Cloud-managed access control from Avigilon (Motorola Solutions), formerly known as Openpath. |
| Where it runs | On-site software, with remote access available. | In the cloud: manage doors from a browser or phone app. |
| Credentials | Fobs and cards. ioSmart cards are the more secure choice for new systems. | Phone credentials as standard, plus fobs and cards. |
| Ongoing costs | Usually software licences rather than a subscription. | An ongoing subscription. |
| Cameras | Integrates with several video platforms. | Pairs closely with Avigilon cameras and video software. |
| Existing hardware | Very common in Canadian buildings, so many sites already have Kantech controllers and fobs. | Door hardware and some readers can often stay; we check during design. |
| Best fit | Buildings that want on-site control, or already run Kantech. | Managers and portfolios that want cloud management and phone access. |
Which should you choose?
Choose Kantech if
- You want the system and its data at your building
- Your building already runs Kantech and the controllers are in good shape
- You prefer software licences to a monthly subscription
Choose Avigilon Alta if
- You manage several buildings and want one cloud dashboard
- Phone access for residents or staff matters
- You want updates handled for you, with no server in the building
Best choice by building type
| Building | Our usual recommendation |
|---|---|
| Condo or rental building | Both work. Alta for phone access and remote management by a property manager; Kantech where the building already runs it or wants on-site control. |
| Office building | Alta for cloud management and phone access; Kantech for on-site control and existing Kantech hardware. |
| Industrial or heavy commercial site | Kantech where an on-site system is preferred; Alta where sites are well connected and managed from one office. |
| Multi-site portfolio | Alta, for one cloud dashboard across every building. |
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. Whichever way you go, that part of the system needs a plan. Read our notice on the discontinued fobs.
Costs to consider
The price depends on the number of doors, the readers and locks, the credentials, and whether you choose cloud or on-site management. Cloud systems usually have an ongoing subscription, while on-site systems have licences and a computer or 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.
Switching from one to the other
Switching usually means new controllers, and often new readers and credentials. Locks, door hardware and much of the wiring can often stay. We plan the change in stages so doors keep working while it happens.
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 Genetec Synergis for access control and Milestone vs Genetec for cameras.
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.
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Kantech vs Avigilon Alta questions
Is Kantech or Avigilon Alta better?
Neither is better for everyone. Kantech suits buildings that want on-site control or already run it. Avigilon Alta suits managers who want cloud management, phone access and one dashboard for several buildings.
Can we keep our Kantech fobs?
If you stay on Kantech, usually yes, unless they’re the discontinued ioProx wireless fobs. Moving to Avigilon Alta usually means new credentials.
Does Avigilon Alta need the internet?
It’s managed in the cloud, so it needs a reliable connection for management and updates. We design the network and backup power around it and confirm how your doors behave during an outage.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install and fully support both Kantech and Avigilon Alta, so our recommendation is about fit, not what we sell.
Can door alarms go to a monitoring team?
Yes. Forced-door and door-held-open alarms can go to our monitoring partner with the matching camera view.
Do we get admin access?
Yes. We hand over admin access and full documentation on every project, on-site or cloud.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
Get a recommendation
Tell us about your doors and what you use today. We’ll recommend on-site or cloud and book a site visit.
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