ᐅ Video Intercom System – Which One Is Right for My Needs?

Hello,

I have been searching online for several days and many hours but still can’t make sense of it. Everything is very confusing, there are no independent test reports, and the information is sometimes contradictory or outdated. Therefore, I would really appreciate your experiences and advice!

I want a video door intercom system for a new build, my requirements:
- 2 surface-mounted video door stations (one outside at the gate and another next to the front door)
- Installation via network cable with Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Video station in the living room
- Transmission to smartphone via Wi-Fi within the house
- Cloud option, meaning being able to see and talk to whoever is ringing from the smartphone while away. This should be possible without or with reasonable subscription fees
- The network will be set up with Unifi Ubiquiti devices, no full smart home or bus system planned at the moment
- The front door does not have an electric strike, so the intercom is only for video and audio, not for opening the door. RFID readers etc. are therefore not necessary.

What I have found so far, along with my (possibly incorrect) impressions:

2N IP Base:
- Apparently a good manufacturer, high quality and security
- Seems well integratable into networks?
- Little information available
- High price for the cloud service? I read something about 2 euros per device per month, which seems quite expensive

Doorbird (current favorite):
- Mixed reviews on quality (what are your experiences)?
- Compatibility with various standards, open interfaces
- Cloud service appears to be free, is that correct?

Amazon Ring / Google Nest:
- I don’t like the design
- Somehow excluded due to my surveillance concerns

Gira / Siedle / Busch Jäger Welcome:
- Very stylish
- Very expensive
- Additional charge for cloud services?
- Better to invest more upfront to get something proper?

Various offers from China are also not an option.

What would you recommend based on my requirements? Can I take a chance on Doorbird? Or is it better to go straight for a high-end system from 2N / Gira / Siedle / Busch Jäger?

I would also consider Mobotix and Goliath as options.

Oh, I almost forgot the key requirements like audio and video quality, also at night and when using a smartphone.

@Mycraft: Thanks. Based on my requirements, which provider would be your favorite instinctively?

Probably Mobotix or 2N or...

Axis also offers a video door station.

We have used and will probably choose Siedle again. With the gateway, the doorbell can be forwarded to your mobile phone, and with VPN even when you are away.