ButterflyMX

Overview

ButterflyMX is a property access and security platform that brings intercoms, access control, cameras, and related systems together. It is best suited to owners and managers of multifamily, commercial, student housing, and gated-community properties that need resident and visitor entry alongside staff-side oversight.

Its appeal is a connected entry workflow, including free access for residents and visitors. The trade-off for property owners is the cost and coordination of hardware, installation, and recurring per-unit software.

Key features

Resident and visitor entry

Residents can see and speak with visitors, grant entry remotely, set temporary PINs, and issue visitor passes. The free Apple and Android app makes those tools accessible to residents, though registration depends on providing an email address to the property manager or owner. Visitors can use the QR Code Intercom in a browser without downloading an app, a practical option for occasional guests. It uses end-to-end encryption, geofencing, session limits, and audit logs to protect that access route.

Property-side controls

Staff can manage permissions remotely and review entry events with date- and time-stamped photos retained for 365 days. Access schedules, mobile credentials, audit logs, and support for both locks and gates make ButterflyMX more than a lobby calling system. The photo history gives managers a useful record, but its one-year retention window may not fit every property's record-keeping needs.

Integrations, API, and security

Integrations include Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, AppFolio, Google Workspace, Yale, Kwikset, SALTO KS, Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet. An open API and SDK, with iOS and Android documentation and an API reference, give teams a route to build or connect workflows. ButterflyMX describes its platform as SOC 2 compliant and says it undergoes independent security audits, with a public Trust Center.

Installation and support

Access control requires internet, power, and an electronic or magnetic lock, and local installers handle installation. That makes building readiness and installer coordination important parts of the decision, not just procurement details. Mobile app access, updates, and live support by phone, email, or chat are included in software pricing.

Pricing

ButterflyMX is a paid property system, although residents, tenants, and visitors use the service for free. Owners pay for hardware and annual software; the software fee is billed per apartment unit, ranges from $30–$42 per unit per year, and varies with integrations and features. The exact charge requires a property quote, so the advertised starting point of $20/mo should not be mistaken for the complete property cost.

The surface 8-inch unit is the lowest-cost listed hardware choice; recessed mounting or a larger display raises the initial outlay. None of these hardware prices replaces the annual software fee, and the system also depends on suitable building infrastructure and local installation. There is no separate lower-feature software tier described for owners to trade capabilities for a smaller recurring bill.

Platforms

ButterflyMX supports Android, iOS, web, and API. The resident app is available for Apple and Android devices, while the browser-based QR intercom means visitors do not need to install an app.

Who it's for

ButterflyMX makes the most sense for property owners and managers who want a shared system for resident entry, visitor access, permissions, and event review across multifamily, commercial, student housing, or gated-community properties. Residents and visitors benefit from free access, while staff get remote controls and retained entry records. Smaller sites or owners seeking to avoid upfront hardware, annual per-unit fees, or installer coordination should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Residents can handle visitor calls, remote entry, temporary PINs, and passes in one service, with no charge to residents or visitors.
• Pros: Staff can manage permissions remotely and review timestamped photo records, with a stated 365-day retention period.
• Pros: Integrations, an open API and SDK, and support for both locks and gates make it adaptable to property workflows.
• Cons: Owners must fund hardware separately from annual software fees, so the advertised starting price does not capture the full property cost.
• Cons: Installation requires internet, power, a compatible lock, and a local installer, which can complicate deployment in buildings that are not ready.
• Cons: Resident registration runs through the property manager or owner, adding a step before residents can use the app.

Alternatives

For a broader category comparison, see Property Access Control Software.

• Paxton10 is worth considering when avoiding software licence fees matters: hardware is priced separately, with capacity listed for up to 100 sites, 1,000 doors, 1,000 cameras, and 50,000 users.
• Raven CloudAccess suits readers who want a free-for-life entry point: its free tier covers up to two doors and five users, with seven days of event history and community support.
• Gallagher Command Centre is another paid access-control option.
• Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator is a paid option without a free plan.
• Napco MVP Access may suit properties looking for monthly flat-rate pricing per door and unlimited users.
• C•CURE 9000 is an alternative for readers comparing large-scale reader and credential capacity.
• Nexkey is another paid option for Android, iOS, and web.
• PointCentral Self-Guided Tours is another paid option for Android, iOS, and web.

Verdict

Choose ButterflyMX if you manage a property that needs resident and visitor entry tools alongside remote permission management and event review. Its strongest case is combining those workflows while keeping resident and visitor use free. Look elsewhere if upfront hardware, annual per-unit software, or installer requirements make the ownership model a poor fit.