0300 088 0295UniFi Access Readers are the user-facing part of your Access Control system, enabling secure door entry. They connect to the UniFi Access Control Hub, which controls the unlocking relay. All Access Readers are UL 294-compliant, ensuring security, durability, and reliability. This article will help you choose the ideal readers for your deployment.
| Update your UniFi OS, Access application, and Access devices to the latest versions for the newest features and optimal performance. |
Reader Overview
UniFi offers four types of readers, each designed for specific access control needs:
- Reader Pro
- Intercom
- Compact Reader
- Hub-Integrated Reader
A UniFi Access Reader is compatible with all UniFi Access Control Hubs. You can mix and match readers within the same deployment to create a flexible, secure access control system.
Reader Comparison
The table below provides a comparison of all Access Readers.
| Reader Type | Reader Pro | Intercom | Compact Reader | Hub-Integrated Reader | ||||
| Reader Model | G3 Reader Pro | G2 Reader Pro | Intercom | G3 Intercom | G3 Reader | Reader Flex | G2 Reader | Access Ultra |
| Door Unlock Methods | ||||||||
| NFC Card | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile Touch Pass | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Facial Recognition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| PIN Code | ✓ (Software Keypad) | ✓ (Software Keypad) | ✓ (Physical & Software Keypad) | ✓ (Physical & Software Keypad) | — | ✓ (Physical Keypad) | — | — |
| QR Code | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Hand-Wave | — | — | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Entry Request Methods | ||||||||
| Doorbell Ring | ✓ (Software) | ✓ (Software) | ✓ (Physical) | ✓ (Physical) | — | — | — | — |
| Directory Calling | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Real-Time Door Monitoring | ||||||||
| Live Video Streaming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓1 | ✓1 | ✓1 | ✓1 |
| Two-Way Audio | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Intercom Viewer Pairing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Mounting | ||||||||
| Outdoor Ready | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wall Mounting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Junction Box Mounting | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mullion Mounting | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
- Requires pairing with a UniFi Protect camera.
- For a full list of product specifications, visit techspecs.ui.com.
Reader Architecture
UniFi has several models of readers. The key criteria in determining which should be used in an application consist of:
- Unlock Methods: Some readers provide comprehensive door unlock methods to accommodate diverse user preferences and security needs, including NFC card, Mobile Unlock, Face Unlock, Touch Pass, PIN code, and QR code.
- Entry Request Methods: Readers with built-in features like doorbell ringing and directory calling simplify entry requests.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Readers with real-time monitoring capabilities enhance security and surveillance, offering features like live view streaming, two-way audio communication, and pairing with Intercom Viewer for improved control.