Doordeck Review: Access Control Built for Speed and Modern Flexibility

Lost your keys again at the worst moment?

If you’re evaluating ways to ditch physical keys and upgrade building security, you’re probably looking into smart access solutions like Doordeck.

But here’s the reality. Managing multiple access platforms wastes your time daily and can frustrate your users when credentials or fobs malfunction.

Doordeck tackles this head-on by sitting on top of your existing access control, offering smartphone-based entry, app-free visitor passes, and powerful usage analytics—all with zero rip-and-replace headaches. I’ve dug into how their open-API platform stands out, especially for anyone who wants true flexibility and futureproofing.

In this review, I’ll break down how you can instantly elevate security and convenience without going through a disruptive hardware overhaul.

You’ll find a detailed Doordeck review of core features, pricing, implementation, and how it stacks up against competitors—so you can make a confident call.

Here’s everything you need to choose the features you need to secure your building smarter.

Let’s get started.

Doordeck Overview

Doordeck has been focused on modernizing building access using just your smartphone since 2015. Based in London, their core mission provides a simple, software-driven keyless entry alternative.

They primarily help commercial and residential properties upgrade existing security infrastructure without the costly and disruptive process of a total overhaul. What truly sets them apart is their software-first, manufacturer-agnostic API approach, making them uniquely flexible.

I think their acquisition by PropTech firm Coadjute in late 2023 was a smart move. It signals a deeper strategic push, which I’ll explore more through this Doordeck review.

Unlike competitors that often push new, proprietary hardware, Doordeck’s entire value proposition is about upgrading your existing security infrastructure. This practical focus feels like it was built by people who actually understand the real-world budget and operational pressures you face.

You’ll find them working with a wide range of organizations—from small businesses to larger enterprises—who want to modernize their legacy access control systems without the massive upfront capital investment.

From my analysis, their current strategy centers on being the intelligent software layer that brings older, offline systems into the cloud. This directly addresses your need for affordable, less disruptive technology upgrades that deliver immediate and practical value.

Now let’s dive into their key features.

Doordeck Features

Still using old-school keys and access cards?

Doordeck features provide a modern, cloud-based solution for smart access control. Here are the five main Doordeck features that transform how people enter your buildings.

1. Smartphone-Based Keyless Entry

Tired of lost keys and forgotten fobs?

Managing physical keys creates security risks and administrative headaches. This often leads to frustrating delays for users trying to gain entry.

Doordeck lets you unlock doors using just your smartphone via NFC or QR code, completely eliminating the need for traditional credentials. From my testing, the tap-and-go NFC felt incredibly seamless, offering a truly touchless experience. This feature ensures quick, convenient access for everyone.

This means your users get a modern, hassle-free entry, and you reduce the costs and risks associated with physical keys.

2. Integration with Existing Systems

Dreading a full rip-and-replace of your access control?

Upgrading security systems can be incredibly expensive and disruptive. You might delay critical updates due to the sheer complexity.

Doordeck brilliantly integrates with your existing access control hardware, allowing you to modernize without replacing everything. What I love about this approach is how it brings legacy systems online with cloud capabilities instantly. This means you can keep your current infrastructure and still gain smart access.

So you can upgrade to smart access technology cost-effectively, extending the life of your current security investments.

3. Digital Visitor Passes and User Management

Visitor access still a manual, time-consuming process?

Issuing temporary passes or managing permissions for new users can eat up valuable staff time. This often leads to bottlenecks at reception.

Doordeck simplifies this by letting you issue time-limited virtual keys via email – no app download needed for visitors. What you get instead is centralized management of all user permissions through a simple web platform. This feature streamlines onboarding and offboarding effortlessly.

This means you can provide secure, controlled access instantly, freeing up your team and improving the visitor experience.

4. Building Analytics and Reporting

Guessing how your building spaces are being used?

Without data, optimizing space or understanding traffic patterns is nearly impossible. This can lead to inefficient resource allocation and missed opportunities.

Doordeck provides detailed reports and insights into access patterns, showing you who enters and exits specific areas. This is where Doordeck shines, offering actionable data to optimize space utilization and operational efficiency. This feature transforms security data into business intelligence.

So you can make informed decisions about your workspace, ensuring better space management and smarter resource deployment.

5. Doordeck Box for Standalone Systems

Need smart access where internet or networking is tricky?

Many locations lack the infrastructure for a traditional networked access control system. This means limited options for modern entry solutions.

The Doordeck Box creates a standalone smart access system, perfect for remote gates or non-networked doors, providing its own internet connection. From my evaluation, its ease of installation with minimal wiring makes it incredibly versatile. This feature extends Doordeck’s reach to any entrance.

This means you can deploy smart access almost anywhere, ensuring consistent security and convenience across your entire portfolio.

You’ll actually appreciate how these Doordeck features work together to create a truly integrated and modern access control experience for your entire business.

Doordeck Pricing

Hidden pricing creating budget uncertainty?

Doordeck pricing operates on a custom quote model, meaning you’ll need to contact sales directly for specific costs tailored to your unique requirements.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Understanding their cost structure.

Doordeck’s pricing model is entirely custom, reflecting its focus on integrating with diverse existing access control systems. What I found regarding pricing is that costs depend heavily on your specific setup, including the number of doors, users, and required features like visitor management or analytics. Factors like your existing infrastructure’s complexity also play a significant role.

Budget-wise, this means your total cost aligns directly with your unique operational needs rather than generic tiers.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Maximizing your access control investment.

Doordeck’s value proposition is centered on upgrading existing systems without full replacement, which can offer significant cost savings over new hardware installations. From my cost analysis, this approach means a strong ROI for businesses looking for modern access without massive upfront capital expenditure on physical keys and fobs.

The result is your budget gets extended further, turning legacy systems into smart access control solutions.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Anticipating total ownership costs.

Beyond the core subscription, consider costs for initial setup, integration with existing systems, and any ongoing support needs. What stood out is how you avoid major hardware replacement costs by leveraging Doordeck’s manufacturer-agnostic API, saving your finance team a lot. Implementation complexity will influence initial setup expenses, so plan for that.

So for your business size, you can expect a comprehensive budget discussion directly with Doordeck to clarify total costs.

My Take: Doordeck’s custom pricing is ideal for businesses that need a flexible, tailored smart access solution that integrates with their current infrastructure, offering strong value without forcing a complete system overhaul.

The overall Doordeck pricing reflects customized value for modernizing existing access control.

Doordeck Reviews

What do customers actually think?

I’ve dug into numerous Doordeck reviews to bring you a balanced perspective on what real users experience with this access control solution.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users report high satisfaction.

From my review analysis, Doordeck users generally express positive sentiment, particularly around its ease of use and modern approach to access. What impressed me is how users appreciate the simplicity and convenience that this smartphone-based system brings to daily operations.

This indicates you can expect a generally positive experience with its core functionality.

2. Common Praise Points

Its ease of use is consistently praised.

Users frequently highlight the app’s intuitive design and straightforward operation for unlocking doors with a tap or scan. From customer feedback, the transition from physical keys to smartphone access is seamless, saving time and simplifying access management.

This means you’ll likely find it very user-friendly and efficient for your team.

3. Frequent Complaints

Reliance on smartphones can be an issue.

While a core feature, some reviews imply potential frustration if a device is uncharged or not working. What stands out in feedback is how initial integration with complex infrastructure might challenge some users, although Doordeck often mitigates this.

These points suggest you should consider your existing infrastructure and user habits.

Overall, Doordeck reviews suggest a strong, positive user experience with minor caveats for specific situations.

Best Doordeck Alternatives

Choosing the right access control solution is critical.

The best Doordeck alternatives include several strong contenders, each offering distinct advantages depending on your specific business scenarios, budget, and integration needs.

1. Kisi

Setting up new access control from scratch?

Kisi offers a well-balanced set of features, including its own hardware and software, making it ideal for new installations or complete system modernizations. From my competitive analysis, Kisi provides a fully integrated, modern solution with robust native features, often with transparent tiered pricing.

You should choose Kisi when your priority is a comprehensive, modern access system with clear pricing structures.

2. Brivo

Need holistic security with integrated video?

Brivo excels for those requiring a more extensive security solution that encompasses integrated video surveillance and dedicated smart building apps. What I found comparing options is that Brivo offers a more holistic security ecosystem, particularly strong for residential real estate, beyond just door access.

Consider this alternative when you need integrated video and smart building apps as part of your comprehensive security strategy.

3. Openpath

Prioritizing cutting-edge touchless access and security?

Openpath is known for its advanced touchless access and robust, multi-layered security features, making it a premium choice for high-security environments. From my analysis, Openpath delivers superior touchless technology and encryption through new, advanced hardware, ensuring a seamless and highly secure entry experience.

Choose Openpath if your priority is investing in cutting-edge touchless access technology and enhanced security hardware.

4. Salto

Implementing a new, complete keyless entry system?

Salto provides a full suite of integrated hardware and software, focusing on wireless and electronic locks for a complete keyless entry solution. Alternative-wise, Salto offers comprehensive new electronic lock systems with integrated software, ideal for businesses ready to install new physical access points.

Your situation calls for Salto if you are looking to implement an entirely new keyless entry system with associated electronic locks.

The best Doordeck alternatives really depend on your existing infrastructure and modernization goals.

Doordeck Setup

Concerned about software setup and adoption?

Doordeck implementation focuses on a streamlined deployment approach with varying complexity levels. This Doordeck review will help you set realistic expectations for your business.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Deployment is more flexible than you might think.

Doordeck’s installation can range from minutes for existing systems to simple wiring for standalone units. From my implementation analysis, integration with major access control systems is remarkably fast, often completed remotely, avoiding extensive onsite work or hardware upgrades.

You’ll need to assess your current access control setup to determine if you’re looking at minutes or a short, straightforward wiring project.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Expect minimal technical hurdles.

Your team will primarily need NFC-enabled smartphones and a stable internet connection for the cloud platform. What I found about deployment is that Doordeck leverages existing access control infrastructure, reducing the need for new hardware purchases or complex IT overhauls.

Plan for smartphone compatibility checks and ensuring a reliable internet connection; for remote areas, the Doordeck Box offers a 4G eSIM option.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption is generally intuitive.

End-users will find the Doordeck app easy to navigate, with a low learning curve for tap-to-unlock functionality. From my analysis, administrators need training for managing permissions and digital keys, but the user interface simplifies access sharing significantly, minimizing extensive training needs.

Focus on onboarding building managers to the cloud platform, while expecting rapid, natural adoption from most end-users due to the app’s simplicity.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor support is a clear strength.

Users consistently praise Doordeck’s support team for being “beyond helpful” and “really quick.” From my analysis, responsive support smooths implementation and ongoing operations, providing a strong safety net when technical questions or issues arise during your rollout.

Factor in the high quality of support as a significant asset for your implementation success, ensuring a positive experience from setup through daily use.

Overall, your Doordeck setup experience will largely depend on existing infrastructure, but the system is designed for minimal disruption and rapid deployment.

Bottom Line

Doordeck: The bottom line.

This Doordeck review provides a comprehensive look at who benefits most from its access control solutions and where it truly shines, helping you decide with confidence.

1. Who This Works Best For

Modernizing existing access control with ease.

Doordeck is ideal for multi-tenant buildings, flexible workspaces, and businesses with existing legacy systems wanting to upgrade to smartphone-based access. From my user analysis, organizations prioritizing contactless entry and cost-effective upgrades will find this software an excellent fit for their needs.

You’ll succeed if your goal is to leverage current infrastructure while gaining advanced security features and valuable usage analytics.

2. Overall Strengths

Seamless integration with existing infrastructure is a highlight.

The software excels by transforming traditional access systems into smart, mobile-first solutions, offering keyless entry via NFC/QR and robust user management. From my comprehensive analysis, its software-as-a-service approach minimizes hardware replacement costs and significant operational disruption for your business.

These strengths translate into enhanced security, streamlined operations, and valuable insights for your building management needs.

3. Key Limitations

Detailed pricing information requires direct engagement.

While powerful, the lack of publicly available pricing details means you must contact sales for a custom quote, which can be an initial hurdle. Based on this review, businesses building new systems from scratch might seek fully integrated hardware/software solutions from a single vendor.

I’d say these limitations are manageable if you prioritize system modernization and are prepared for a tailored consultation process.

4. Final Recommendation

Doordeck is highly recommended for specific needs.

You should choose Doordeck if you manage multi-tenant or flexible workspaces and want to modernize your existing access control with smartphone credentials. From my analysis, your business will benefit from streamlined management and enhanced security without a complete system overhaul.

My confidence level is high for businesses seeking an efficient, cost-effective upgrade to their current physical access control.

This Doordeck review shows strong value for specific business contexts, and I’m confident it will help you make an informed decision.