Akuvox vs Hikvision Intercom: Which IP Intercom Should You Choose?

If you are choosing an IP video intercom system in New Zealand, there is a good chance that both Akuvox and Hikvision will appear on your shortlist.

Both manufacturers offer professional network-based intercom solutions with video calling, indoor touchscreen monitors, PoE connectivity, mobile app support and access-control functionality. Both can be used for homes, apartment buildings and commercial installations.

However, the two brands approach intercom slightly differently.

Hikvision is particularly strong when the intercom is being installed as part of a wider Hikvision CCTV, access-control or security system.

Akuvox has a stronger intercom-first focus, with an extensive range of SIP-based door stations, indoor monitors, smart access products, apartment solutions and retrofit options.

So which one should you choose?

For most dedicated IP intercom projects, we give Akuvox a slight overall advantage. Hikvision remains an excellent choice, particularly on sites already using Hikvision security equipment.

Akuvox vs Hikvision Intercom: Quick Comparison

What Is an Akuvox IP Intercom?

Akuvox specialises heavily in IP intercom, SIP communication and smart building access.

The Akuvox range stretches from compact single-button residential door stations through to advanced apartment entrance panels, touchscreen indoor monitors, access-control intercoms and multi-tenant systems.

One of the major advantages of Akuvox is its use of SIP technology. SIP is widely used in IP communications and can give installers considerably more flexibility when integrating compatible intercom equipment with other network-based communication systems.

Akuvox also offers both conventional Ethernet IP intercoms and dedicated solutions for projects where existing cabling needs to be reused.

For a typical home or small commercial installation, the Akuvox E12S/S562 IP Intercom Kit is a good example.

It combines a compact outdoor video door station with a 7-inch indoor touchscreen monitor, giving users a traditional indoor intercom experience while also taking advantage of modern network-based technology.

Akuvox E12S/S562 IP video intercom kit available from Essential Security Supplies.

What Is a Hikvision IP Intercom?

Hikvision is one of the best-known security technology manufacturers in the world and is particularly associated with CCTV and video surveillance.

Its intercom range extends that security ecosystem into video door entry, apartment communications and access control.

Hikvision IP intercom systems can include outdoor video door stations, indoor touchscreen monitors, PoE networking, mobile connectivity and door-release functionality.

A good example is the Hikvision DS-KV8113-WME1 family of villa door stations, which combines a 2MP camera, PoE, two-way audio, access-control functionality and network connectivity in a compact outdoor unit.

That makes Hikvision particularly attractive for sites where Hikvision CCTV or other Hikvision security products have already been installed.

Hikvision DS-KV8113-WME1 IP video intercom door station.

1. IP and PoE Installation

Both Akuvox and Hikvision offer strong IP-based intercom platforms.

For new builds and major renovations, Ethernet cabling such as Cat5e or Cat6 is generally the preferred starting point for a modern IP intercom.

PoE — Power over Ethernet — can allow compatible devices to receive both power and network connectivity through the same Ethernet cable.

This can simplify installation considerably compared with systems that require separate data and power wiring.

Both Akuvox and Hikvision have PoE-capable door stations and indoor monitors available.

Winner: Tie.

2. Door Station Choice

Both manufacturers offer much more than a basic doorbell.

Depending on the model selected, modern IP intercom door stations can include:

• Integrated HD video cameras
• Two-way audio
• Door-release relay outputs
• RFID card readers
• PIN-code access
• Mobile credentials
• Multiple call buttons
• Touchscreen directories
• Facial recognition on selected models
• Apartment calling

Hikvision has a substantial range of villa, modular and apartment intercom products.

Akuvox also covers these applications, but its particularly strong focus on intercom means installers can choose from a very wide selection of entrance devices for residential, commercial and multi-dwelling projects.

Winner: Akuvox, by a small margin.

3. Indoor Touchscreen Monitors

The indoor station remains an important part of a professional video intercom installation.

Although smartphone apps are convenient, many users still want a permanently installed monitor inside the house, office or apartment.

Both Hikvision and Akuvox offer touchscreen indoor monitors that can answer calls, display the visitor and operate the connected door or gate.

Akuvox offers a particularly broad selection of indoor monitors, ranging from straightforward Linux-based displays through to more advanced touchscreen models.

The Akuvox S562, for example, is a 7-inch Linux indoor monitor designed specifically around smart intercom applications.

Winner: Akuvox, narrowly.

4. SIP Integration

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider Akuvox.

SIP — Session Initiation Protocol — is deeply embedded throughout the Akuvox product range.

SIP is widely used in IP telephony and network communications. On compatible projects this can make it possible to integrate an intercom with SIP-based systems such as:

• IP PBX telephone systems
• Reception phones
• SIP handsets
• Commercial communications systems
• Building-management applications
• Other compatible SIP endpoints

This makes Akuvox especially interesting for commercial buildings, apartment complexes, offices and other sites where the intercom needs to operate as part of a broader communications environment.

Hikvision also supports SIP functionality on compatible equipment, but SIP interoperability is particularly central to the Akuvox platform.

Winner: Akuvox.

5. Smartphone Intercom Calls

Smartphone connectivity has become one of the most requested intercom features.

Instead of relying only on an indoor monitor, compatible systems can allow a user to receive an intercom call remotely.

Akuvox uses its SmartPlus ecosystem on compatible installations, allowing users to interact with visitors and remotely control entry depending on the system configuration.

Hikvision provides mobile connectivity through Hik-Connect on compatible intercom systems.

For normal residential use, both manufacturers provide a strong mobile experience.

Winner: Tie.

6. CCTV Integration

This is where the decision becomes more interesting.

Hikvision has an obvious advantage if the property already uses a substantial Hikvision CCTV system.

Keeping cameras, intercom equipment and other security devices within one manufacturer's ecosystem can simplify installation and system management.

For a new installation that is already being designed around Hikvision surveillance, a Hikvision intercom can therefore be the logical choice.

Akuvox takes a more integration-oriented approach.

Compatible Akuvox models support standard network video technologies including RTSP, while selected devices and applications can be incorporated into wider IP-security environments.

That makes Akuvox attractive where the intercom needs to coexist with equipment from multiple manufacturers.

Winner: Tie.

Hikvision wins for a Hikvision-centric site. Akuvox has the advantage where broader interoperability is a priority.

7. 2-Wire Retrofit Intercoms

This is an important consideration in New Zealand because many existing houses and apartment buildings already have older intercom cabling installed.

Replacing existing wiring with Cat6 can be straightforward during a new build, but considerably harder after the walls, ceilings and landscaping are finished.

Akuvox offers a dedicated range of 2-wire intercom solutions designed specifically for retrofit applications.

Depending on the existing wiring layout and condition, this can provide a practical upgrade path from an older analogue or legacy video intercom to a modern system without automatically requiring complete recabling.

Hikvision also offers 2-wire intercom solutions, so this is not an Akuvox-only capability.

However, for installers comparing the platforms specifically for retrofit work, Akuvox's 2-wire range is one of its major strengths.

Winner: Akuvox.

8. Access Control and Door Entry

Modern video intercoms are increasingly becoming part intercom and part access-control system.

Depending on the model selected, both Akuvox and Hikvision can provide features such as:

• RFID credentials
• Door-release relay outputs
• PIN access
• Remote unlocking
• Mobile access
• Visitor management
• Facial recognition on selected models

Hikvision benefits from having an extensive wider access-control portfolio.

Akuvox, however, builds many smart access functions directly into its intercom range, making it particularly attractive for installations where video calling and access management need to work closely together.

Winner: Tie.

9. Akuvox E12S: A Good Example of the Akuvox Approach

The Akuvox E12S demonstrates why Akuvox is becoming a popular option for modern IP intercom installations.

Despite its relatively compact format, it combines several important intercom and access features, including:

• 2MP camera
• Real-time two-way talk
• SIP support
• 802.3af PoE
• IP65 outdoor rating
• RF card reader
• Door relay output
• Network video streaming
• Mobile app compatibility
• Live camera viewing

Akuvox E12S compact SIP IP video intercom door station.

This ability to combine intercom communication, network connectivity and access control within one relatively compact device is typical of the wider Akuvox range.

10. Which Is Better for a Home?

For a new home with Cat5e or Cat6 cabling already available, either Akuvox or Hikvision can provide an excellent IP video intercom system.

Hikvision becomes particularly appealing if Hikvision cameras and recording equipment have already been selected for the property.

Akuvox may be the better choice where the intercom is being selected independently and the installer wants greater flexibility around door stations, indoor monitors, SIP connectivity or future expansion.

Akuvox also deserves particular attention when upgrading an older intercom and existing cabling needs to be reused.

Our residential choice: Akuvox, by a narrow margin.

11. Which Is Better for Apartments?

Apartment intercom systems can become significantly more complex than a single-house installation.

A larger system may need to manage:

• Multiple apartments
• Multiple entrance doors
• Resident directories
• Indoor monitors
• Mobile app users
• Visitor access
• Card or mobile credentials
• Gate control
• Property management
• Network integration

Both Akuvox and Hikvision offer products designed for multi-tenant applications.

Akuvox's strong focus on IP intercom, SIP communication, smart access and apartment entrance hardware gives it a particularly compelling position in this market.

Our apartment choice: Akuvox, again by a small margin.

12. Which Is Better for Commercial Sites?

The answer depends heavily on the existing infrastructure.

If a commercial building already has Hikvision CCTV, Hikvision access control and Hikvision management software, there can be significant value in keeping the video intercom within that same ecosystem.

However, a commercial site with an IP PBX, SIP phones or multiple security manufacturers may benefit more from Akuvox's SIP-focused architecture.

For offices, reception areas, commercial entrances and mixed-platform projects, Akuvox can therefore offer considerable integration flexibility.

Commercial winner: depends on the existing system.

When Should You Choose Hikvision?

Hikvision should not be dismissed simply because Akuvox wins this comparison overall.

There are several situations where Hikvision may actually be the better choice.

Choose Hikvision if:

• The building already has Hikvision CCTV
• The site is being designed around the wider Hikvision ecosystem
• Your installer regularly specifies Hikvision
• You want security products from one primary manufacturer
• You already use Hik-Connect

In these circumstances, the convenience of keeping systems within one ecosystem can outweigh some of Akuvox's intercom-specific advantages.

When Should You Choose Akuvox?

Choose Akuvox if:

• The intercom itself is a major part of the project
• SIP integration is important
• You want flexibility with third-party network systems
• You want a broad range of dedicated intercom products
• You require a 2-wire retrofit solution
• You are designing a multi-tenant or apartment system
• You want a wide choice of indoor touchscreen monitors
• You want strong smart-access functionality

Akuvox vs Hikvision: Our Verdict

Akuvox and Hikvision are both very capable professional IP intercom platforms.

There is no reason to describe Hikvision as a poor intercom choice. In fact, for a property already heavily invested in Hikvision CCTV and access-control equipment, Hikvision may be the most sensible option.

But when we look specifically at the intercom platform rather than the wider security brand, Akuvox takes our overall win — narrowly.

Its combination of:

• Strong SIP architecture
• Wide door-station selection
• Extensive indoor monitor range
• Smart access functionality
• IP and PoE connectivity
• Apartment solutions
• 2-wire retrofit options
• Integration flexibility

makes Akuvox particularly attractive for installers designing a new intercom system from the ground up.

Final result: Akuvox wins, but Hikvision remains a very strong alternative.

Akuvox vs Hikvision FAQ

Is Akuvox better than Hikvision?

For dedicated IP intercom installations, we give Akuvox a slight advantage because of its strong SIP architecture, extensive intercom-focused product range and flexible retrofit options. Hikvision can be the better option for a property already using Hikvision CCTV and access-control equipment.

Does Akuvox support PoE?

Yes. Many Akuvox IP door stations and indoor monitors support Power over Ethernet. Always confirm the power requirements of the specific model being installed.

Can Akuvox work with existing intercom wiring?

Akuvox offers dedicated 2-wire intercom products for retrofit applications. Whether an existing cable can be reused depends on its condition, topology, length and the particular Akuvox system being installed.

Does Hikvision have IP video intercoms?

Yes. Hikvision offers a substantial range of IP video intercom products including villa door stations, apartment solutions and touchscreen indoor stations.

Can Hikvision intercoms work with Hikvision CCTV?

Hikvision intercom products are particularly attractive where the property already uses Hikvision security equipment, although the exact level of integration depends on the products and system design.

Can I answer an Akuvox intercom from my phone?

Compatible Akuvox systems can provide smartphone calling and remote access through the Akuvox SmartPlus ecosystem, depending on system configuration and licensing.

Which intercom is best for an apartment building?

Both Akuvox and Hikvision offer apartment solutions. Akuvox is particularly strong where SIP integration, multiple indoor monitor options, smart access and a dedicated intercom-focused architecture are important.

Which is better for replacing an old intercom?

Akuvox deserves particular consideration for retrofit projects because of its dedicated 2-wire intercom range. The existing cabling should always be inspected before equipment is specified.

Explore Akuvox Intercom Systems in New Zealand

Essential Security Supplies offers a comprehensive range of Akuvox intercom products for residential, apartment and commercial installations.

The range includes:

• Akuvox IP intercom kits
• Akuvox villa door stations
• Akuvox apartment entrance stations
• Akuvox indoor touchscreen monitors
• Akuvox 2-wire intercom systems
• Intercom accessories and installation hardware

Need help specifying an intercom system?

Tell Essential Security Supplies how many entrances, apartments and indoor monitors you require, whether the site has existing intercom cabling or Cat5e/Cat6, and what other security equipment is being installed.

Explore the Akuvox Intercom Range at Essential Security Supplies →

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Related Intercom Guides

For more information before choosing your system, also read:

• Video Doorbell vs Video Intercom: Which Is Better?
• 2-Wire vs IP Intercom Systems: Which Is Better for New Builds and Retrofits?

Manufacturer & Product Sources

• Akuvox
• Hikvision Video Intercom
• Essential Security Supplies – Akuvox Intercom Range