CellGate Access Control Systems Review: Streamline Secure Wireless Access

Managing property access shouldn’t be this confusing.

If you’re evaluating access control solutions, you’re likely searching for a way to get secure, reliable control across every entrance—without endless wiring, lost keys, or confusing user management.

But here’s the real problem: you’re stuck juggling multiple disconnected systems just to know who’s coming and going. It’s stressful, and it puts your property’s security at risk every single day.

CellGate takes this pain seriously, with a unified access system that brings video entry, cloud management, mobile remote control, and even AI-powered user tracking into one flexible package you can actually manage.

In this review, I’ll show you how you can finally centralize and simplify your access management with CellGate while staying in full control.

You’ll get the full inside story in this CellGate review—covering features, pricing, real-world use cases, what makes CellGate unique, and which alternatives might fit better.

By the end, you’ll know the features you need to make a confident security decision for your property.

Let’s get started.

CellGate Overview

CellGate has a sharp focus on cellular-based access control and monitoring. Based in Texas, I see they’ve been specializing in this essential niche since their 2006 founding.

What I find most practical is their broad market fit. They serve multi-tenant residential buildings, commercial industrial sites, and even sprawling ranches, all unified by their need for reliable wireless security. This specific specialization is one of their key strengths.

Recent moves, like migrating their entire infrastructure to Microsoft Azure for enhanced platform security, are critical to note through this CellGate review. It demonstrates a clear, forward-thinking trajectory.

Unlike competitors that often require stable hardwired internet, CellGate built its entire platform around providing reliable access without trenching. This feels like it was designed by people who truly understand real-world property installation challenges.

You’ll find their systems securing a diverse range of properties, from large multi-family apartment complexes and self-storage facilities to companies managing critical, remote oil and gas sites.

From my analysis, their strategy is laser-focused on strengthening their TrueCloud management platform and expanding key software integrations. This directly addresses your need for a centralized, efficient way to manage all property access points.

Now let’s examine their capabilities.

CellGate Features

Tired of juggling multiple access control systems?

CellGate features offer an integrated suite of security and visitor management tools designed to simplify property access. Here are the five main CellGate features that streamline how you manage entry points.

1. Watchman Video Telephone Entry Systems

Visitors calling multiple numbers, still not getting in?

Many entry systems make it hard for guests to reach residents, causing frustration and delays. This can leave your property less secure.

The Watchman series uses a “visitor-first approach,” allowing callers to try up to nine numbers in three tiers to reach someone. From my testing, the 1080p live video streaming on models like the WXL really enhances visitor identification. This feature ensures your residents can always connect with guests.

This means you can dramatically improve visitor access success rates and enhance overall property security and resident satisfaction.

2. TrueCloud Connect™ Management Portal

Struggling to manage access across multiple properties?

Scattered access data and manual configuration can lead to errors and consume valuable management time. This makes scaling a nightmare.

TrueCloud Connect is your central hub for all CellGate hardware, allowing you to manage multiple locations from a single login. What I found impressive is how it orchestrates data flow across all networks, providing detailed activity logs and pictures. This feature gives you full oversight.

So you can effortlessly configure systems, track access, and manage visitors with ease, saving you countless hours of administrative work.

3. CellGate Mobile App

Can’t control your gate or see visitors when you’re away?

Being tied to a physical location for access control limits your flexibility and responsiveness. This can be inconvenient for residents and managers alike.

The CellGate mobile app puts remote access control directly in your pocket, letting you receive live video calls and grant entry from anywhere. This is where CellGate shines, as you can open gates, take photos, and review logs from your smartphone. This feature ensures you’re always connected.

This means you and your residents get unparalleled convenience and peace of mind, enhancing security whether you’re home or on the go.

4. OmniPoint® Wireless Multi-Point Access

Facing high costs and complexity for large-property wiring?

Extensive trenching and wiring for access control across large properties are both expensive and disruptive. This adds major headaches to installation.

OmniPoint is CellGate’s advanced wireless system using LoRa technology for local communication, drastically reducing the need for wiring. From my evaluation, this system’s ability to integrate seamlessly with Watchman devices offers robust access without heavy infrastructure. This feature simplifies complex deployments.

This means you can achieve comprehensive access control for sprawling properties with significantly lower installation costs and minimal disruption.

5. Security Features and Audit Trails

Need to know exactly who entered your property and when?

Vague access logs or missing data make it nearly impossible to investigate incidents or ensure compliance. This leaves security gaps.

CellGate’s systems prioritize security with detailed activity logs that record all access events, often with accompanying photos. I especially appreciate how QR code and PIN virtual keys are tracked, providing a clear audit trail for every temporary entry. This feature ensures accountability.

This means you gain crucial insights for incident investigations and compliance, enhancing your property’s security and operational transparency.

You’ll find these CellGate features work together to create a cohesive and powerful access control system, whether you’re managing a single home or a multi-tenant complex.

CellGate Pricing

Worried about unclear security system costs?

CellGate pricing operates on a custom quote model, meaning you’ll need to contact sales directly to get a detailed breakdown specific to your property’s needs.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Understanding CellGate’s cost structure.

CellGate pricing is composed of hardware, installation, and recurring monthly service fees. The final cost depends heavily on hardware choices like Watchman models, additional cameras, and whether you opt for cellular or internet connectivity for your system. Factors like property type (residential, multi-family, commercial) and monthly transaction volume also significantly impact service fees.

From my cost analysis, this means your total cost of ownership will reflect your exact operational requirements.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Is CellGate worth the investment?

CellGate offers scalable access control, which provides significant value through enhanced security and remote management. Their cellular options, for example, can greatly reduce trenching and wiring costs during installation, potentially saving you thousands compared to hard-wired systems. The TrueCloud Connect platform and mobile app centralize management, streamlining operations and reducing manual oversight.

Budget-wise, this translates to improved efficiency and security that justifies the initial hardware and ongoing service expenses.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Planning for all the expenses.

Beyond the initial hardware and installation, remember to factor in the mandatory monthly service fees to utilize all features. What I found regarding pricing is that implementation costs can vary substantially, ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 based on your site’s complexity and existing infrastructure, so plan carefully for this.

So for your business, expect to discuss your specific needs thoroughly to understand the full budgetary impact.

My Take: CellGate pricing is customized, making it ideal for diverse property types needing robust, scalable access control, but requires direct consultation for accurate budgeting.

The overall CellGate pricing structure reflects tailored security solutions for various property needs.

CellGate Reviews

What do CellGate users really think?

From my analysis of CellGate reviews, I’ve delved into real user feedback and experiences, presenting balanced insights into what customers truly think about this access control software.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Mixed but leaning positive sentiment.

From my review analysis, CellGate has a 3.7-star rating on Birdeye, but its mobile app averages 2-2.4 stars. What I found in user feedback is a clear split between hardware reliability and app functionality, indicating a dual user experience.

This means you can expect robust physical systems but a potentially frustrating mobile interface.

2. Common Praise Points

Reliability and remote access shine.

Users consistently praise CellGate’s dependability and comprehensive features, especially for security and remote management. Review-wise, I saw many mentions of the cellular-based installation simplifying setup and improving visibility of property activity with detailed records.

This suggests you’ll appreciate the convenience of managing access and monitoring properties from anywhere.

3. Frequent Complaints

App experience is a recurring issue.

What stands out in customer feedback is the consistent complaint regarding the low ratings and functionality of the CellGate mobile app. I also saw reviews mentioning one-way video calling and historical limitations in integrations, although these seem to be evolving.

These issues might be minor for some users but could be deal-breakers for those relying heavily on app features.

Overall, CellGate reviews reveal strong hardware performance with app and integration caveats for potential users.

Best CellGate Alternatives

Which access control system is right for you?

The best CellGate alternatives include several robust options, each better suited for specific business scenarios, connectivity needs, and budget considerations you might have.

1. DoorKing

Prefer traditional, established gate entry systems?

DoorKing is an established alternative known for its robust traditional telephone entry systems and integration with existing internet for voice/video. What I found comparing options is that DoorKing offers a potentially lower initial hardware cost and a wide range of proven products.

Choose DoorKing if you prefer a traditional brand with an existing internet connection and a lower upfront hardware budget.

2. LiftMaster

Prioritizing a well-known brand for durable gate access?

LiftMaster excels when you need durable, reliable gate access control solutions, especially if you value integration with garage openers and their myQ technology. From my competitive analysis, LiftMaster is strong for robust construction and ecosystem integration within an existing LiftMaster setup.

Consider this alternative if you prioritize a durable, established brand and seamless integration with your existing LiftMaster products.

3. ButterflyMX

Is a mobile-first, user-friendly experience your top priority?

ButterflyMX is a popular cloud-based alternative known for its mobile-first design, smartphone app control, and extensive video intercom capabilities. What I found comparing options is that ButterflyMX delivers a highly user-friendly mobile experience with a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and advanced features like delivery PINs.

Choose ButterflyMX if a mobile-centric approach, extensive features, and strong customer reviews are paramount for your property.

4. Brivo

Seeking cloud-based access with strong mobile credentials and smart home integration?

Brivo is a strong contender if you need established mobile credentialing, extensive smart home device integrations, and comprehensive visitor management features. From my analysis, Brivo provides flexible mobile credentials and smart home integration, offering easy scalability and remote management through its cloud platform.

Choose Brivo if robust mobile credentialing, extensive smart home integrations, and scalable cloud management are key for your operations.

The best CellGate alternatives depend on your property’s connectivity, feature priorities, and budget more than just basic functionality.

CellGate Setup

What does CellGate implementation really involve?

Understanding CellGate setup is crucial for prospects. This CellGate review section breaks down what it takes to deploy and adopt the system, setting realistic expectations for your business.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Not always a simple plug-and-play installation.

CellGate implementation can range from relatively easy for cellular-only systems to more complex depending on location, existing wiring, and required accessories. What I found about deployment is that installation costs vary significantly based on your specific property and desired configuration.

You’ll want to plan for power, networking, and cabling, and consider professional assistance for optimal setup.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Expect some infrastructure and integration challenges.

Your CellGate setup primarily relies on stable cellular (AT&T/Verizon LTE) or hardwired ethernet, requiring a strong signal for optimal performance. From my implementation analysis, specific integrations like Control4 need an Ethernet connection to compatible Watchman models.

Plan for robust power sources (AC or solar), mobile device compatibility for the app, and internet access for the TrueCloud Connect portal.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption requires effective training.

Property managers and staff will benefit from live training to fully leverage features like QR code visitor management and customizing home screens. From my analysis, the intuitive app and portal simplify learning but dedicated training helps unlock advanced functionalities for your team.

Invest in user training to ensure smooth adoption and maximize the value of CellGate’s comprehensive access control features.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor support is a key success factor.

CellGate offers strong customer and dealer technical support, available primarily via phone during business hours, with some after-hours on-call options. What I found about deployment is that knowledgeable and patient support staff are crucial for resolving activation or usage issues quickly.

Plan to utilize their Gold Key Service and live training to facilitate a smoother implementation and ongoing system management.

The overall CellGate setup requires careful planning for connectivity and training but offers robust access control benefits when deployed effectively.

Bottom Line

Who should consider CellGate for access control?

This CellGate review explores its access control solutions to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your property management and security needs.

1. Who This Works Best For

Property managers needing robust remote access control.

CellGate excels for property managers and owners overseeing multi-family, commercial, or remote properties that benefit from cellular connectivity and comprehensive visitor management. From my user analysis, businesses with limited wired internet infrastructure find CellGate’s wireless solutions particularly ideal for installation.

You’ll find success if you prioritize detailed activity logs, photo/video capture, and streamlined visitor entry via smartphone.

2. Overall Strengths

Reliable cellular connectivity offers superior remote management.

The software delivers robust cellular-based access control, allowing remote management of gates and doors, real-time monitoring, and detailed audit trails with photo/video capture. From my comprehensive analysis, its cellular nature eliminates costly trenching and wiring making it highly cost-effective for diverse property types.

These strengths ensure enhanced security, reduced operational costs, and convenient oversight for your properties, even in remote locations.

3. Key Limitations

Mobile app user experience could be better.

While powerful, CellGate’s mobile app has received lower user ratings, indicating potential friction points in functionality or overall experience compared to some competitors. Based on this review, the app’s performance may not meet expectations if your residents rely heavily on a highly polished, intuitive mobile interface.

These limitations are worth considering, especially if a superior mobile experience is a top priority for your tenants or staff.

4. Final Recommendation

CellGate earns a strong, but qualified, recommendation.

You should choose CellGate if you require a reliable, scalable, and remotely manageable access control system, especially for properties benefiting from cellular connectivity. From my analysis, it’s an excellent choice for robust visitor management and comprehensive security features where wired options are impractical.

My confidence level is high for properties needing cellular solutions, but consider alternatives if a top-tier mobile app is paramount.

This CellGate review demonstrates strong value for specific property needs, particularly where cellular connectivity is crucial, but advises caution regarding the mobile app experience.