From a small business with only two or three doors to a sprawling enterprise spread across different sites, access control allows for streamlined control of movement around your facilities. It restricts employees, guests, and customers from entering areas without authorization and provides analytics on all the comings and goings within a space. It also reports suspicious occurrences to maximize safety and security — even when you’re off-site.
Most access control companies offer both access control hardware and software. The best access control management software provides you with everything you need to remotely manage who can and cannot access your space from an intuitive dashboard while also enhancing your operations and improving user experience. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 access control software companies on the market today.
If you’re looking for the top access control systems overall, check out our guide on the subject.
The access control software market #
The access control market as a whole is undergoing enormous growth. Experts project that it will expand from a market value of $10.4 billion in 2024 to more than $15.2 billion in 2029. This increase is partly due to a more widespread embrace of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and cloud-based systems. Key players in the market include:
- Kisi
- Johnson Controls
- Allegion
- Bosch
- Honeywell
However, not all of these companies focus on access control software. Many are better known for hardware, including electronic locks, readers, and controllers.
Moving forward, the market will likely become more dynamic, with advanced technologies driving enhanced capabilities. For example, companies are relying more heavily on mobile credentials, such as employee badges in Apple Wallet.
Another major trend is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies into access control software to draw greater insights from access data and identify potential security vulnerabilities before they become a problem.
Key features to look for in door access control software #
Before you invest in an access control system, consider your business needs and choose software that can support your goals. For example, a solution with tailored development options, plenty of software integrations, and an open API will enable your business to grow and smoothly scale.
- Global, remote access management
- Visitor management functionalities
- Remote and scheduled unlocks
- Configurable restrictions
- 2FA on mobile credentials
- Intrusion detection and alert policies
- Lockdown
- Event logs and export
- In-and-out tracking
- Real-time analytics and reports
- Capacity management and occupancy analytics
- SSO and SCIM
- Automated provisioning
- Video camera integration
- Tailgating detection
To help you find the best access control software of 2025 that fits most or all these criteria, check out the list below.
Top 10 access control system software #
We know all the ins and outs of physical access control, and we’ve used our knowledge and experience to find the most reliable and useful software. As you consider these options, think about what features are most important to you and how each product will address your organization’s preferences and needs.
1. Kisi #
Kisi is a cloud-based system offering enterprise features to businesses of every size. In terms of functionality, Kisi offers easy access group management and restrictions, remote global management, visitor access, automated provisioning, lockdown features, video surveillance, and a lot more.
Admins appreciate the user-intuitive dashboard, while users get to experience unlocks through either a key card, a mobile phone, fobs, QR codes, or remote dashboard unlocks. In addition to these features, Kisi is also compatible with iOS and Android, and both admins and users get to use the highest-rated access control app. Kisi’s access control software can integrate with dozens of services, from SSO providers to CRM and data management systems.
Unlike other access control software, Kisi boasts an open security platform, offering video surveillance, intrusion detection, and visitor management, all fully integrated into the same dashboard and not requiring any additional Kisi hardware. On top of that, the system's functionalities are extended via integrations with video camera systems, directories, office tools, and more.
Positive reviews for Kisi
“The Kisi software is incredibly easy to use and my team loves that we use an app to enter our suite. I also really like having the ability to grant temporary access to visitors.” - Source: Capterra
Negative reviews for Kisi
“The features that I wish Kisi had [are] actually already on their roadmap! I want SAML 2.0. They have it on the way. I want enhanced administrative levels of control, they already have that on the way!” - Source: Capterra
Pricing
Check out the pricing plans or contact Kisi for a customized quote.
2. Johnson Controls #
Next on our list of the best access control software is Johnson Controls. It is a web-based system that provides access control to enable various activities, such as door lock schedules. It also has the capability to monitor alarms and allows the management of permissions, like enabling temporary visitor access.
Johnson Controls’ access control software includes both web and mobile apps with remote management. It also integrates video surveillance into its operations, works well with a variety of external systems, and is easy to scale and expand as needed.
Explore more details and see how Johnson Controls compares to Kisi.
Reviews for Johnson Controls
There are not currently any reviews available for Johnson Controls.
Pricing
Contact Johnson Controls to request a quote.
3. ADT #
ADT is a well-known provider of security and video surveillance systems. In 2010, they released their access control software, ADT Pulse, which provides a means to monitor movement in a business and can integrate with other alarm systems.
When it was initially released, ADT helped modernize access control by introducing a mobile app service. This provides managers with the ability to manage access remotely and receive real-time alerts of any suspicious activity. ADT’s business access control system allows for mobile access and keycard readers, as well as intercoms.
Read more details and explore an ADT Kisi comparison.
Positive reviews for ADT
“My favorite aspect of ADT Commercial Access Control is its integrated security ecosystem.” - Source: SoftwareReviews
Negative reviews for ADT
“What I dislike most about ADT Commercial Access Control is the limited customization options for reporting and analytics. More advanced, tailored reporting features would provide deeper insights and improve decision-making for businesses with complex security needs.” - Source: SoftwareReviews
Pricing
Contact ADT to request a free security assessment and quote.
4. Acre/Vanderbilt Industries #
Acre Security, a company that falls under the umbrella of Vanderbilt Industries, offers access control and video surveillance solutions. Users can choose between cloud-based and on-premise access control. ACT365 is Vanderbilt Industries' cloud-based solution that enables remote management of single or multiple locations from an easy-to-use access control interface.
The benefits of ACT365 include its scalability and easy integration with other apps. Equipped with intelligent door readers and encrypted smart cards that make it possible to enter and move between various spaces quickly, it is one of the top access software for multiple door infrastructures.
Positive reviews for Acre
“The software is very easy to integrate into an organization, and is completely customizable for each organization’s needs. Customer service/support is always on hand if we have any questions.” - Source: Capterra
Negative reviews for Acre
“The cons include a limited entry tier that only covers eight doors, end user support that goes through the installer only, and very opaque pricing.” - Source: TechRadar
Pricing
Contact Acre to request a free security assessment and quote.
5. Verkada #
Verkada’s access control system is operated through Verkada Command, cloud-based software that connects their various security products. It allows for customized access settings with tiered access levels for different doors and schedules.
In addition, you can use Verkada’s software to instantly look at feeds for various doors by clicking on them through the app. You can also remotely unlock doors and initiate lockdowns in the event of an emergency. Verkada’s access credentials include proximity cards, fobs, mobile devices, and mobile apps.
Positive reviews for Verkada
“The easy access since it is a cloud based software. It doesn’t consume our bandwidth.” - Source: Capterra
Negative reviews for Verkada
“The views, the grids. I think they could be improved.” - Source: Capterra
Pricing
Verkada’s software licenses begin at $249, but you can contact them for a custom quote for hardware and software.
6. Brivo #
Brivo is a security company providing cloud-based access control and video surveillance products. Besides the hardware, Brivo offers a few different app products, each with its own intended user.
Brivo Mobile Pass serves as a mobile credential for users to install to unlock doors. Brivo Access is for admins to manage their spaces. Brivo Smart Home allows residents to access smart buildings and manage certain amenities.
The dedicated smart building app and functionalities make Brivo a great alternative for residential real estate. Still, spreading their software over different apps makes managing commercial facilities more complex. The need for downloading multiple apps at times makes onboarding employees and admins more challenging. Read our comprehensive Brivo review for more software and hardware details.
Positive reviews for Brivo
“It is fairly easy to use. It was very easy to add and remove employees. The app provided a great solution for the end of physical keycards.” - Source: Capterra
Negative reviews for Brivo
“Some of the features are a bit clunky, but that comes with any software. There are always workarounds.” - Source: Capterra
Pricing
Contact Brivo to request a demo and quote.
7. Avigilon #
Avigilon has been a popular provider of security systems for more than two decades, but their access control software is a more recent addition. After acquiring OpenPath in 2021, Avigilon began offering cloud-based and on-premise access control systems. The cloud-based software, known as Avigilon Alta Access, allows for remote management and multiple credentials, including key cards, fobs, PINs, smart devices, and digital passes.
Other noteworthy features from Avigilon’s access control software include remote lockdowns, live activity resorts, and alarm management. Alta Access can integrate with many other platforms and services.
Discover more info and see how Avigilion compares to Kisi.
Positive reviews for Avigilon
“The ease of use with Avigilon Alta has been a real treat. It is very intuitive and user friendly with fantastic customer support.” - Source: G2
Negative reviews for Avigilon
“A more DIY support will be helpful, Right now the user interface seems a bit not good for the end users.” - Source: G2
Pricing
Contact Avigilon to request a demo and quote.
8. Dormakaba #
Dormakaba is a security solutions provider that offers door hardware, entrance systems, and access control software. Their E-Plex software has advanced capabilities, including access scheduling, visitor management, and holiday and vacation blocks. Dormakaba also offers Keyscan access control software for both large and small applications.
Along with software, the company also provides hardware, including electronic door locks, readers, credentials, and keypads. If you would like to use Dormakaba’s wireless locks with another access control provider, rest assured that their hardware can integrate with Kisi.
Reviews for Dormakaba
There are not currently any reviews available for Dormakaba.
Pricing
Dormkaba offers pricing information for specific products, but you can also contact them to request a quote.
9. Salto #
Salto is an access control and identity management provider with residential and business applications. Salto KS is their cloud-based access control solution, a scalable system that includes event reporting, integrations, and real-time notifications. You can use this software to select specific days, times, and locks for certain users, allowing you to fine-tune your building access.
Like the other cloud-based software on this list, you can control Salto KS remotely, monitoring access points and updating access authorizations from virtually anywhere. You can also use the software’s data analytics to track entries and exits and analyze access events.
Explore more details and check out the Salto KS Kisi comparison.
Positive reviews for Salto
“The Salto program is very easy for the basic computer user to navigate. The program includes a very easy process of removing, deleting, or changing the access that an employee has.” - Source: TrustRadius
Negative reviews for Salto
“Once the office mode is on, it leaves all the door in the unit open, so there is no way to turn this mode off for one room only. All the rooms will remain open, even if each room has a lock. That imposes a huge safety issue if there are roommates..” - Source: Capterra
Pricing
Contact Salto to request a quote.
10. ISONAS #
Acquired by Allegion in 2018, ISONAS offers an effective access control system for smaller businesses. It operates as a pure IP-type system that requires minimal hardware thanks to its web browser interface. Along with this control system, you are provided with proximity or keypad door readers at access points.
ISONAS' access control software, Pure Access Cloud, is a fully hosted platform designed for low to mid-complexity applications. The customizable dashboards and the step-by-step access point checkout are just a few of the benefits offered. Read more details and see how ISONAS compares with Kisi.
Reviews for ISONAS
There are not currently any reviews available for ISONAS.
Pricing
Contact Allegion to learn more about pricing for ISONAS Pure Access Cloud.
How to choose the best access control software? #
While researching software for access control, keep in mind what is essential and what will work best for your business needs. Consider your business plan and what you may want to have in your software in the future.
Some specific points to compare between products include:
- Hardware requirements and deployment options
- Integrations with other systems and technologies, such as video surveillance cameras
- Data analytics that offer a deeper understanding of your security, space utilization, and employee performance
- Customer support before, during, and after installation
- Scalability and whether the system will be able to grow with you
- Simplicity and navigation of the user interface
- Pricing structure and ongoing costs
Most access control software providers offer free demos. Before you commit to a product, take advantage of this opportunity to see the solution in action and evaluate how it aligns with your company and employees.
Get what you need from access control software with Kisi #
Getting used to access control software can feel overwhelming for business leaders and their teams. Kisi's ease of deployment, cloud management, extensive software integration directory, and regular over-the-air updates will ensure that your needs are met no matter how your business changes down the road.
Get in touch with our security experts for a tailored migration path for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions #
What is the best access control software for businesses in 2025? #
Because of its well-balanced features, integrations, and flexibility, Kisi is the best access control solution for businesses. Other top-performing providers include Acre, ADT, and Johnson Controls.
Why should I invest in access control software? #
Access control software offers streamlined management of your facilities’ entries and exits. You can monitor who comes into and leaves your building, receive intrusion and door held open alerts, and update access authorizations from a single dashboard or app. This improves your business security, offers greater convenience for your employees and guests, and enhances your overall operations.
Is access control software available for small and medium-sized businesses? #
Yes, many companies, including Kisi, offer access control software for organizations of all sizes. This includes enterprise software for large companies with multiple facilities and small business software ideal for only one or two doors.
What should I look for in access control software? #
Every business has unique needs for access control, but top points to consider include remote management, lockdown capabilities, a clean user-interface, and data analytics. Try to find access control software that combines these capabilities with scalability and integrations.
Can I use one provider for access control software and another for hardware? #
Yes, you can use products from different providers if you choose access control software that’s compatible with your existing or preferred hardware. For example, Kisi’s access control software can integrate with extensive third-party hardware, including readers, turnstiles, and fire alarms.
Bernhard Mehl
Bernhard is the co-founder and CEO of Kisi. His philosophy, "security is awesome," is contagious among tech-enabled companies.
