6 Best Cloud-Based Access Control Systems for 2025
In the modern security landscape, companies seeking top-tier solutions for managing access and safeguarding facilities are increasingly choosing cloud-powered platforms. At Nexlar, we understand the importance of moving beyond traditional systems toward true cloud-based access control, where management, monitoring and security converge in the cloud. From remote command and app-driven entry to advanced web-based user interfaces, the right cloud access control system delivers scalability, flexibility and protection. In this blog we will walk you through six of the best cloud-based access control systems for 2025, explore what distinguishes them, and help you decide how to pick the ideal system for your business.
Why the shift to cloud access control matters
Cloud based access control is no longer a niche. It has become a mainstream choice for organisations that must secure multiple sites, provide app based access control, manage guests and users remotely, and integrate access control in the cloud security framework of the business. Traditional access control systems require on-site servers, complex wiring, limited scalability and heavy maintenance. Cloud access control systems, by contrast, allow you to manage credentials, access events, permissions and doors from a central platform. They are part of modern cloud based security systems that tie in web-based access control dashboards, mobile credentialing, remote lockdown capabilities and rich logging.
Key benefits of cloud based user management and cloud based physical access control include lower upfront costs, ease of deployment, remote administration, and real-time visibility. For example, as one guide points out: “A cloud-based access control system provides centralized management, visibility, and control without the cost and complexity of traditional physical access systems.”
What to look for in the best cloud-based access control system
When evaluating cloud access control systems you should assess a number of factors:
Scalability – Can the system manage multiple doors, users, sites with ease (cloud door access control across locations)?
Remote management – Can you access the system via web or mobile app, update permissions on the go, perform lockdowns and get real-time alerts?
Integration – Does it integrate with video surveillance, visitor systems, identity providers, building management systems?
Security and reliability – How strong is the encryption, what is the uptime, does it allow offline fallback if internet fails?
User management – How easy is cloud based user management: add, remove, group users, adjust schedules, monitor logs?
Flexible credentialing – Does it support mobile credentials, key cards, fobs, biometrics (app based access control methods)?
A good summary of these selection criteria is given in the “Ultimate Guide to Cloud-Based Access Control” by one major vendor.
With these criteria in mind, let’s review six standout platforms for 2025.
1. Brivo Cloud Access Control
Brivo offers a comprehensive cloud-based access control platform that unifies door access, video intelligence, visitor management and more—all in a cloud model. According to their site, you “simply control who can access your buildings and when, while tracking all activity within a secure cloud-based platform.”
Why it stands out
For organisations with multiple locations or requiring centralised oversight, Brivo shines. It features strong multi-site support, open APIs for integrations, mobile credentialing and video linkage for full oversight.
Ideal use case
Commercial campuses, retail chains, multi-family residential portfolios and enterprises with dispersed sites.
Key features
Remote management from web and mobile, visitor/guest credentialing, integration with video surveillance, open API support.
2. Avigilon Alta Cloud-Based Access Control
Avigilon’s “Alta” line of cloud-based access control software offers a powerful feature set focused on scalability and high-performance across multiple sites. On their website: “Whether you need to secure a single location or a global enterprise … manage unlimited users, doors and sites from anywhere.”
Why it stands out
Avigilon Alta emphasises rich integration—mobile credentials, real-time video, interactive dashboards, lockdown capability—alongside strong user management and site-wide scalability.
Ideal use case
Large enterprises, multi-site facilities, organisations needing advanced analytics and security workflows.
Key features
Browser and mobile control, integration of access control with video systems, real-time alerting, support for many doors/users.
3. HID Global Cloud-Based Physical Access Control
HID Global offers a cloud-based physical access control platform built for integration, reliability and modern credentialing. Their description emphasises the ability to “monitor and manage access control solutions from anywhere with a cloud-based platform” for physical entry points.
Why it stands out
HID is known for its robust hardware offerings, trusted credentials, and enterprise-grade standards. The cloud-based version marries physical security with cloud agility, making it a strong choice for high-security environments.
Ideal use case
Critical infrastructure, high-security buildings, campuses with major physical and digital security needs.
Key features
Cloud-ready readers and locks, mobile credentials, strong connectivity, high reliability.
4. LenelS2 Cloud-Native Access Control
LenelS2 offers cloud-native access control solutions (such as “Elements” and “OnGuard Cloud”) capable of web-based access, remote monitoring and enterprise-grade security, as highlighted in their “Ultimate Guide” article: “Cloud-based access control is a physical security system that leverages the cloud to provide a better user experience on the back end for getting in and out of your buildings.”
Why it stands out
LenelS2 is focused on large scale deployments, legacy system migrations to the cloud, and hybrid scenarios. If you have existing hardware/investments, this vendor may offer smoother transition to a cloud-based security model.
Ideal use case
Large enterprises, campuses, organizations migrating from traditional on-prem systems to web-based and cloud based access control system.
Key features
Centralised web portal, hybrid capability, supports legacy hardware, remote management and real-time alerts.
5. Kisi Cloud-Based Access Control
Kisi describes itself as a cloud-based access control provider designed to ease management of access rights across offices and sites, particularly for flexible, mobile-first workplaces. Their guide notes: “Cloud based access control is ideal for growing businesses with fluctuating workforces” and emphasises remote user rights changes, mobile credentials and cloud-based security.
Why it stands out
Kisi is especially strong for agile organisations, coworking spaces, newer office environments and flexible workforces where app-driven access and cloud user management are paramount.
Ideal use case
Startups, coworking, small to medium offices, remote work environments needing app-based access control and cloud based user management.
Key features
Mobile credentials, app-based access, web portal, flexible user administration, integration with other SaaS tools.
6. Johnson Controls Cloud-Based Access Control Solutions
Johnson Controls, a major global security and building-systems provider, offers cloud based access control that emphasises centralised management via a web-based interface. Their description: “Cloud based access control solutions from Johnson Controls provide you an integrated, flexible, and intelligent way to manage every point of entry and exit in your facility using the cloud and an easy-to-use web-based interface.”
Why it stands out
Because of its global scale, building systems integration and broad hardware portfolio, Johnson Controls is a strong choice for organisations that already use the company for building automation, HVAC, fire and security systems and want unified control.
Ideal use case
Large facilities, campuses with integrated building systems (fire, HVAC, access), multi-facility global operations.
Key features
Web-based interface, real-time access history, remote management of user credentials and entry points, integration with building management systems.
Why Choose Us
At Nexlar, our mission is to help you select, deploy and optimise the best cloud access control systems for your unique environment. We combine deep expertise in cloud security systems, app-based access control, cloud based physical access control and web-based dashboards with vendor-agnostic insight. We work closely with you to understand your requirements, from remote multi-site access and cloud based user management to seamless integration with your broader security infrastructure. With our strategic guidance and hands-on support you unlock the full potential of cloud-based access control—enabling a future-proof, scalable and secure environment.
Choosing the Right Solution for You
Selecting the right vendor among the best cloud-based access control systems depends on your specific context: number of sites, user profiles, integration needs, existing hardware, scalability, credential methods and budget.
- For agile offices and mobile workforces, a platform with strong app-based access control and cloud user management such as Kisi may be ideal.
- For enterprise deployment with many doors across regions, a system like Avigilon Alta or LenelS2 may offer the scalability and enterprise integrations required.
- If you already have building automation and security infrastructure, Johnson Controls may enable unified management.
- For multi-site commercial or residential portfolios, Brivo offers a strong versatile option with visitor management and analytics.
- For high-security physical access with strong credentialing hardware, HID Global offers robust capabilities.
In all cases make sure your system supports remote management via web browser or mobile app, allows you to manage permissions in real time (cloud based user management), supports fallback if connectivity is lost (offline unlocking), and integrates with your surveillance and building management systems.
Final Thoughts
As businesses evolve and security demands increase, choosing a robust cloud access control system is a critical decision. The best cloud-based access control systems for 2025 enable you to manage access at scale, respond quickly, and integrate smoothly with your existing security infrastructure. At Nexlar we recommend you treat this not as a hardware purchase but as a strategic solution—one that combines app based access control, web based access control, cloud door access control, cloud based security systems and cloud based physical access control into a cohesive, modern platform.
If you’d like to explore how any of these platforms may work for your organisation, from evaluation to deployment and integration, we’re here to help. Contact us at Nexlar for a personalised consultation.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is cloud based access control?
A: A cloud based access control system uses internet-hosted infrastructure (rather than on-site servers) to manage access points, credentials, user permissions and logs. Administrators can use web portals or mobile apps to control who enters which door, when, and how.
Q: How does cloud access control differ from traditional access control?
A: Traditional systems rely on on-premise servers, limited scalability, complex wiring and manual updates. Cloud access control offers remote management, lower upfront cost, automatic software updates, scalability and unified oversight.
Q: Can a cloud based access control system work if the internet is down?
A: Yes, many modern systems include offline fallback modes so that doors can still function even when connectivity is interrupted. Once connectivity returns, the system syncs events.
Q: Is user management in the cloud less secure than on-site?
A: Not necessarily. Cloud based user management can be highly secure—leading vendors use encryption, multifactor authentication, role-based access, and redundant architectures. Security depends on vendor and configuration.
Q: What credential methods are supported by cloud access control?
A: Common methods include mobile credentials (smartphones), key cards/fobs, PINs, biometrics and combinations thereof. Many platforms also integrate visitor passes and temporary access.
Q: How do I pick the best system for my business?
A: Start by assessing your number of sites, doors, users, existing hardware, integration needs (video, building systems), remote access requirements, growth projections and budget. Then compare how each vendor supports scalability, management, security and integration. Make sure to evaluate mobile and web-based interfaces, credential methods, vendor support and cost model.
Q: What cost model is typical for cloud-based access control?
A: Often subscription-based, reducing upfront investment (since less on-site hardware or servers may be needed) and shifting to operational rather than capital expenditures.