I’ve been installing intercoms in New York City apartment buildings since 2001. In the last four years, the most common question I get from property managers is some version of: “Should we go with ButterflyMX or stick with a traditional system?”
The answer isn’t the same for every building. After hundreds of installs across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey, I’ve learned that the right choice depends on your building’s age, your resident profile, and how your management team wants to handle entry.
This guide covers what I tell every client who asks me this question.
What Is a Traditional Intercom System?
A traditional wired intercom system consists of:
- A call panel at the building entrance (residents find their unit on a directory, press a button)
- Hardwired telephone handsets in each apartment
- A door strike or magnetic lock that releases when a resident presses the door release button on their handset
These systems have been standard in NYC apartment buildings for about 40 years. Brands you’ll see in older buildings include Aiphone, DoorBell Fon, Siedle, Comelit, and various no-name panels.
They work reliably when properly maintained — but “properly maintained” is harder than it sounds in a building that’s 30 years old. Wiring degrades, handsets fail, and the panels themselves eventually stop accepting replacement parts.
What Is ButterflyMX?
ButterflyMX is a cloud-based video intercom system. Instead of a wired handset in each apartment, residents use a smartphone app to receive entry calls, see video of the person at the door, and release the door — from anywhere in the world.
The building gets one panel at each entry point. The panel has a high-resolution camera, a touchscreen directory, a QR code reader, and a built-in speaker.
MetroCom Security is a certified ButterflyMX installer — one of a limited number of companies in the NYC/NJ area that holds this certification, which means we’ve completed ButterflyMX’s technical training and can provide both installation and ongoing support.
Side-by-Side Comparison: ButterflyMX vs Traditional Intercom
| Feature | ButterflyMX | Traditional Wired Intercom |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware per unit | None (app-based) | Handset in each apartment |
| Entry call method | App, cell phone, or voicemail | Apartment handset only |
| Video at entry | Yes — HD camera, video log | Not standard (rare add-ons exist) |
| Remote access | Yes — property manager can monitor from anywhere | No |
| Guest access | Virtual keys, QR codes, one-time codes | Physical key or in-person buzz only |
| Package delivery | Delivery PINs for couriers, no resident presence needed | Resident must be home to buzz in |
| Monthly fee | No subscription fee (unlike competitors) | No |
| Installation time | 1–2 days | 2–5 days (unit-by-unit wiring) |
| Lifespan | Panel: 10+ years | System: 15–25 years; handsets fail sooner |
| Works in older buildings | Yes (no new per-unit wiring needed) | Depends on existing wire condition |
| Internet required | Yes — reliable broadband required | No |
| NYC regulatory compliance | Works with existing door hardware | Works with existing door hardware |
The NYC Factor: Why Building Age Changes the Equation
This is where it gets specific to New York, and it’s something I don’t see covered in most intercom guides.
Pre-war buildings (pre-1940): Many have existing conduit that’s too narrow to re-wire for modern handsets without significant construction. ButterflyMX’s app-based model eliminates the per-unit wiring challenge entirely. For these buildings, ButterflyMX is almost always the better choice.
Post-war and 1960s–80s buildings: These often have working wiring but aging handsets. If the wire is in good condition and handsets only need replacing, a traditional system upgrade can still make sense. If 30%+ of the handsets are dead, the wiring is likely also degraded, and ButterflyMX becomes more attractive.
Modern construction (1990s+): Well-structured wiring, likely Cat5 or better. Both systems work well. The decision often comes down to management preferences and resident demographics.
The Honest Pros and Cons of ButterflyMX in NYC Buildings
What I Tell Clients ButterflyMX Does Well
Older residents don’t need to use smartphones. This surprises people, but ButterflyMX can forward calls to any phone number — a landline, a cell phone, anything. A resident who doesn’t own a smartphone just gets a regular phone call when someone is at the door. I’ve installed ButterflyMX in senior buildings in Queens for exactly this reason.
Property managers gain real visibility. The video log is searchable. If a resident reports that “someone was trying to break in at 2am,” the property manager can pull the video immediately without waiting for a police report. This has genuine liability value.
Delivery management is transformed. The number one complaint I hear from NYC building residents is missing packages. ButterflyMX gives couriers a delivery PIN — they can complete their delivery and leave without waiting for a resident. For high-density buildings in Manhattan and Brooklyn, this is a significant quality-of-life improvement.
No monthly fee. Most competing smart intercom systems require ongoing subscription charges per unit each month, which can add up significantly in larger buildings. ButterflyMX involves a one-time hardware and installation cost instead.
Where Traditional Systems Still Make Sense
Buildings with reliable existing wiring and handsets. If the current system is working and just needs a panel refresh or a few handset replacements, a traditional system is often more cost-effective. We install and repair traditional systems regularly.
Buildings with very limited internet. ButterflyMX requires reliable building broadband. Most NYC buildings have this in 2026, but not all older buildings in outer boroughs have had this infrastructure updated.
Short-term or transitional situations. If the building is being sold, or the owner plans significant renovation, spending $5,000+ on a new intercom might not be the right call. A traditional panel repair can buy time.
What ButterflyMX Installation Actually Involves
As a certified installer, here’s what we do on a standard NYC install:
- Site survey (usually 30–60 minutes): We assess the existing entry hardware, door strike compatibility, internet access points, and any structural considerations (recessed vs. surface mount for the panel).
- Panel installation (typically half a day to one day): We mount the ButterflyMX panel, connect to the door strike relay, run network cable to the building’s internet connection, and configure the building profile in the ButterflyMX dashboard.
- Unit directory setup: We program the resident directory in the ButterflyMX admin panel. This can be done by MetroCom or delegated to the property manager.
- Resident onboarding support: We provide written and verbal instructions for residents. The app takes most people less than 10 minutes to set up.
- Testing: We test every entry scenario — app call, phone forwarding, QR code entry, virtual key — before we leave.
For buildings with multiple entry points (main entrance + parking garage + package room), each point needs its own panel, and installation typically spans two days.
How to Choose: A Simple Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is the existing wiring in good shape? – Yes, most handsets still work → Traditional system upgrade worth considering – No, multiple failed handsets / very old wiring → ButterflyMX makes more sense
2. Do your residents use smartphones? – Mixed/older demographic → ButterflyMX still works (phone forwarding available) – Primarily young professionals → ButterflyMX is ideal
3. Do you need video and remote access? – Yes → ButterflyMX or another video-capable system – No → Traditional systems are lower-cost
4. Are you dealing with a package theft problem? – Yes → ButterflyMX (delivery PINs) is a meaningful solution
5. What’s your building’s internet situation? – Reliable building broadband → ButterflyMX is viable – No broadband / unreliable internet → Traditional system required
ButterflyMX Installation in NYC
How much does ButterflyMX installation cost in New York City?
For a standard single-entry installation in an NYC apartment building, costs typically include the ButterflyMX hardware panel and professional installation labour. Buildings with multiple entry points, complex wiring, or older construction may require additional work. We provide written quotes after a free site survey.
Is ButterflyMX worth it for a smaller building (10–15 units)?
Yes, in most cases. The per-unit cost is actually lower in smaller buildings because you’re paying for one panel regardless of unit count. The management benefits (video log, remote access, delivery PINs) apply equally to smaller buildings.
How do I find a certified ButterflyMX installer in NYC or NJ?
MetroCom Security is a certified ButterflyMX installer serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and all of New Jersey. Call (866) 470-2244 or request a quote online.
Can ButterflyMX be repaired if the panel fails?
Yes. MetroCom provides ButterflyMX repair and support services across NYC and NJ. We have a dedicated support team.
See our ButterflyMX repair services
Does ButterflyMX work with elevator access control?
Yes. ButterflyMX offers elevator controls as an add-on, allowing the system to manage which floor a visitor can access once they’re buzzed in. This is particularly useful in luxury residential buildings and commercial properties.
What happens if the building’s internet goes down?
If the building’s internet connection fails, ButterflyMX panels continue to operate in offline mode for a limited period. The door release function and QR code entry remain operational. App-based calls require internet connectivity. We recommend ensuring the panel is on a reliable, dedicated network segment.
Ready to Replace or Upgrade Your Building’s Intercom?
Whether you’re looking at ButterflyMX or a traditional system, MetroCom Security can help you make the right decision for your specific building. We’ve been doing this in New York and New Jersey since 2001, and we’ll give you an honest recommendation — not just the most expensive option.
📞 (866) 470-2244 | ✉ concierge@metrocom.us
Get a Free Building Assessment
Author:
Steven Risman, Founder, MetroCom Security
Certified ButterflyMX Installer | Serving NYC, NJ & Long Island Since 2001
