Access Control · Technology Explained

Intercom System Types Explained

Audio or video, wired or wireless, analogue or IP: which intercom fits your building.

A knock at the gate should be a question, not a decision.

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • Audio: low cost, voice only.
  • Video: see visitors before opening.
  • 2-wire: reuses old intercom cable.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-03Updated 2026-10-032 min read
On this page01. The main types02. Choosing03. FAQ
Intercom keypad on a wall
Quick answer

Intercoms differ by what they carry (audio only or video) and how they connect: 2-wire and 4-wire systems run on dedicated cable, IP intercoms run on the network and can ring phones, Wi-Fi units connect wirelessly to the router, and GSM intercoms call mobile numbers over the cellular network.

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Key takeaways

  • Audio: low cost, voice only.
  • Video: see visitors before opening.
  • 2-wire: reuses old intercom cable.
  • IP/SIP: scalable, phone app, apartments and offices.
  • GSM: gates with no cable to the house.

01The main types

TypeConnectionBest for
Audio intercom2/4-wireBudget homes, internal calls
Analogue video (4-wire)4-wire cableSingle homes
2-wire videoTwo wiresReplacing old systems without recabling
IP / SIP videoNetwork cable (PoE)Apartments, offices, phone answering
Wi-Fi videoWireless to routerHomes where cabling is hard
GSM intercomMobile networkGates far from the house

02Choosing

See intercom system prices, apartment intercoms and gate intercoms.

03Frequently asked questions

Which intercom is best for an apartment block?

IP intercom systems scale best and let residents answer on their phones.

Can I reuse my old intercom cables?

Often yes, with a 2-wire system designed for existing cabling.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

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