Kantech vs Genetec Synergis: which is right for your building?
An honest comparison from an installer that fully supports both. Updated October 2, 2026.
The quick answer
Choose Kantech if you want a proven, cost-effective access control system that scales from one door to many sites and pairs with DSC alarms. Choose Genetec Synergis if access control is part of a bigger unified platform with video and plate recognition, especially across many sites or mixed hardware.
Kantech vs Genetec Synergis side by side
| Kantech | Genetec Synergis | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A dedicated access control system from Johnson Controls, managed with EntraPass software. | The access control part of Genetec Security Center, an open, unified platform. |
| Hardware | Kantech KT-1 and KT-400 controllers and ioSmart readers. | Works with a wide range of controller and reader brands. |
| Video and alarms | Integrates with DSC intrusion panels. | Unified with Genetec video (Omnicast) and plate recognition (AutoVu) in one interface. |
| Scale | Special, Corporate and Global editions, from single buildings to multi-site. | Built for large, multi-site and enterprise systems. |
| Upgrades | Common in Canadian buildings, with upgrade paths from older Kantech systems. | Often used to unify older, separate systems into one platform. |
| Best fit | Condos, offices and businesses that want reliable, cost-effective access control. | Organizations that want access, video and plate recognition in one platform. |
Which should you choose?
Choose Kantech if
- You want dedicated, cost-effective access control
- You already have Kantech or DSC on site
- Your building doesn’t need a full unified platform
Choose Genetec Synergis if
- You want access, video and plate recognition together
- You have mixed hardware brands to unify
- You run many sites from one system
Best choice by building type
| Building | Our usual recommendation |
|---|---|
| Condo or single office building | Kantech, for reliable, cost-effective access control. |
| Building already running Kantech or DSC | Kantech, upgraded in place without starting over. |
| Multi-site organization | Genetec Synergis, with access, video and plate recognition in one platform. |
| Site with mixed controller brands | Genetec Synergis, which works with a wide range of hardware. |
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?
They’re separate systems, so most sites choose one. If you already run Kantech, we can upgrade it in place, or plan a move to Genetec if a unified platform makes more sense.
Still not sure?
We install and fully support both, so we’ll recommend whichever fits your building and budget, after a site walk.
Using Kantech P82WLS or P84WLS wireless fobs? They’ve been discontinued. See your options.
More comparisons: Kantech vs Avigilon Alta for access control, Avigilon vs Genetec for cameras and ButterflyMX vs 1VALET for intercoms.
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.
Kantech vs Genetec Synergis questions
Is Kantech or Genetec better for access control?
Kantech is a strong, cost-effective choice for dedicated access control. Genetec Synergis makes more sense when access is part of a unified video and plate recognition platform.
Can you upgrade our old Kantech system?
Usually, yes. EntraPass offers upgrade paths, and multi-technology readers let you switch credentials gradually.
Does Kantech work with alarms?
Yes. Kantech integrates with DSC intrusion panels.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install and fully support both Kantech and Genetec.
Can door alarms from either system go to a monitoring team?
Yes. Forced-door and held-open alarms from either system can be paired with camera video and sent to a remote video monitoring team. We set up the connection to suit your system.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
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