Gate Access Control and Intercom Systems in the Bay Area
See and let in visitors from your phone, open the gate by app, code, face, or license plate, and manage who gets in. We install and service DoorBird, LiftMaster, CellGate, and Ubiquiti UniFi across the Peninsula and South Bay.
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Access control is how you decide who gets through your gate or door, and how you let them in. A modern gate intercom adds live video, two-way audio, and app unlocking, plus codes, cards, face recognition, or license-plate entry. We design and install the system that fits your property, then tie it cleanly into your gate operator.
There is no single best system, only the best fit for your gate. Below are the four platforms we install most across the Bay Area, what each is best at, and a simple comparison to help you choose. Not sure which one? We assess your site and recommend the right one, then give you a written quote.
The access control systems we recommend and install
Four proven platforms, each with a clear sweet spot. Tap any system to see models, features, and how we install it.
DoorBird
German-engineered IP video door stations with HD video, app unlock, keypad, and RFID. Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa. The premium pick for design-led homes.
DoorBird intercom
Ubiquiti UniFi
Face unlock and license-plate entry, plus app, NFC, PIN, and QR access. Runs on your own UniFi console with one dashboard for access and cameras, and no monthly fees.
UniFi Access intercom
CellGate Watchman
Cellular video intercom over Verizon or AT&T LTE, so the gate only needs power. The W450 to WXL range covers single-family homes up to large apartment and HOA properties.
CellGate Watchman intercom
LiftMaster CAPXL
Cloud smart video intercom on the myQ Community platform, with up to four gates or doors, Wiegand and OSDP support, and remote management for managers and residents.
LiftMaster video intercomWhich system is right for your gate?
A quick comparison of the four platforms by connection, monthly cost, and what each does best.
| System | Best for | Connection | Monthly fee | Stands out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DoorBird | Smart homes and estates | Wired or Wi-Fi (IP) | None required | HomeKit, app video, design |
| Ubiquiti UniFi | Tech homes and offices | Wired PoE network | None, self-hosted | Face unlock, license plate |
| CellGate Watchman | Gates with no internet, HOAs | Cellular LTE | Cellular and cloud plan | No internet needed at the gate |
| LiftMaster CAPXL | HOAs and commercial | Cloud (myQ) | myQ tiers | Up to 4 gates, manager tools |
Still not sure? Call (650) 560-4646 and we will match a system to your gate, property type, and budget.
What a modern access control system gives you
More than a buzzer. Today's gate intercoms combine video, communication, and access in one connected system.
See and screen visitors
Live video and two-way audio let you see and talk to whoever is at the gate, from the unit or your phone, before you let them in.
Open from anywhere
Unlock the gate with one tap in an app from anywhere, and get a notification on every ring, so you never miss a delivery or guest.
Codes, cards, and more
Give family, staff, and trusted visitors their own PINs, key cards, fobs, or app credentials, and revoke any of them instantly.
Face and license plate
On supported systems, enrolled faces and registered license plates open the gate automatically, so you drive or walk in without stopping.
Logs and alerts
Every entry is stored with a time stamp and photo, so you always know who came in and when, with alerts for unusual activity.
One system, many doors
Scale from a single gate to a whole community or campus, with resident directories and one dashboard to manage it all.
What our customers say
Automatic Gate Masters installed a pedestrian gate at our commercial property in San Francisco, and we couldn't be happier. Matt managed the project professionally.
They replaced my old gate with a beautiful, secure one. The workmanship is excellent, and customer service was top-notch from start to finish.
Automatic Gate Masters installed three new gates for us, and the workmanship is outstanding. The gates are both beautiful and secure, giving us peace of mind.
Traditional, IP, and cellular access control
A quick primer on how these systems connect, and the credentials they use, so the comparison above makes sense.
Traditional vs IP vs cellular
Traditional access control uses a control panel as a hub for door readers and locks, wired with power and data. IP systems connect devices straight to your network over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, which is simpler to set up and scales to many doors. Cellular systems, like CellGate, skip the network entirely and run on an LTE signal, ideal when there is no internet at the gate.
Credentials and entry methods
Modern systems support several credentials: PIN codes, key cards and fobs, mobile app unlock, one-time QR codes for guests, and biometrics like face recognition. For higher security, we combine two methods. On vehicle gates, license-plate recognition can open the gate for known cars automatically, with every event logged.
Why Bay Area property owners choose AGM
Licensed, insured, and gate-first. We install access control as part of a complete, working gate system, not a box on the wall.
- Licensed CA contractor #1060180, fully insured
- We install all four major intercom platforms
- Clean, weatherproofed, code-compliant wiring
- Residential, estate, HOA, and commercial gates
- 4.8 average rating across Google, Yelp, Thumbtack
- Up to 2-year labor warranty
Serving the Entire Bay Area
Same-day service from San Jose to San Francisco. For a homeowner focused overview of your options, see our guide to residential gate access control systems.
Frequently asked questions
Which gate intercom system is right for my property?
Do I need internet at the gate?
Which systems have monthly fees?
Can you install access control for an HOA or gated community?
Do you install license-plate recognition?
Do you service existing access control systems?
What is a gate access control system?
How much does gate access control installation cost?
What is the best intercom for an apartment or multi-tenant building?
How long does access control installation take?
Get a free access control quote
Tell us about your gate and property, and we will recommend the right system and give you a clear, written estimate.