DoorKing vs LiftMaster Telephone Entry for Bay Area Properties: An Installer's Comparison

What DoorKing and LiftMaster each sell for building entry

DoorKing's 1835 and 1837 are telephone entry and access control systems, and DoorKing's January 2026 reference guide lists the 1835 for residential and commercial use. The 1835 has a single-line LCD directory; the 1837 has an eight-line display with half-inch characters.

A visitor uses the A to Z buttons to find the name on the display, then enters the code number or presses CALL. The panel dials the number on file. The 1837 page lists three ways to carry that call: cellular on AT&T 4G LTE, internet through DK VoIP or your own VoIP provider, or a POTS line.

LiftMaster's October 2025 Smart Community Access brochure lists three Smart Video Intercoms. Each lists a 135-degree wide-angle camera, and the CAPXLV2 page says residents can identify guests and grant or deny access through the app.

Elwin installs, repairs, replaces and configures telephone entry systems and video intercoms for multifamily buildings, commercial and mixed-use properties, serving the San Francisco Bay Area, and works with both brands. Seebuilding video intercom systems for how we scope a lobby entry, and gate access control systems for a gated community.

DoorKing 1830 Series and LiftMaster Smart Video Intercom - L, side by side

How residents and visitors use each one

On a DoorKing 1835 or 1837 the visitor scrolls A to Z, presses CALL, and the resident answers on whatever phone number is on file. The panel's keypad sends touch tones after the call is answered, so it works with auto-attendants and answering machines. The system lists four-digit entry codes, one for each telephone number, and its transaction buffer stores the last 8000 events.

The CAPXLV2 page says residents get one-way video calling and two-way voice through the app and can grant or deny access from anywhere. The app also unlocks any authorized entrance or sends a virtual guest pass, and the CAPXLV product guide says the camera captures a video clip for every access event. The CAPXLV page says local system memory allows entry even when the internet is down.

Internet, cellular and the phone line

A DoorKing 1835 or 1837 needs one of three connections: DKS Cellular, a network cable to DKS Internet or a third-party provider, or a telephone line. DoorKing's January 2026 subscription schedule says it does not recommend POTS lines for programming or voice. Its 1830 Series brochure, revised August 2026, says DKS recommends cellular or Ethernet for new installations.

The 1800-080 cellular box runs on AT&T 4G LTE where available, connects up to two entry systems and takes 16 VAC from its own transformer. DoorKing's August 2026 cut sheet lists it for ten DoorKing entry systems, including the 1835 and 1837, and describes a retrofit cellular kit for panels still on a POTS connection. One warning from DoorKing's brochure: cellular and VoIP connections cannot be used for 911 calls.

The 2334-080 DKS Internet box combines the 1830-186, the 1815-578 and an Ethernet switch in one enclosure. DoorKing's subscription guide says Ethernet wire runs are limited to 330 feet (100 m) maximum, and its reference guide says that with 1830 Series systems the circuit board must be Revision Z or higher.

The CAPXLV2 page lists Ethernet and Wi-Fi and adds that a 3rd party cellular modem can be used. LiftMaster's installation readiness survey asks for dedicated bandwidth of at least 5 Mbps up and 5 Mbps down for each Smart Video Intercom. It also lists a dBm signal strength between -30 dBm and -67 dBm, and says anything requiring video needs CAT 6 and higher.

Calls ride on VoIP: the survey says a SIP account is required for calling and that LiftMaster supports only Phone.com for video calling. LiftMaster's October 2025 brochure says that when no internet is available, the myQ Commercial Gateway provides a plug-and-play cellular solution that can be added to LiftMaster intercoms.

Wiring: what a swap reuses and what it does not

Both panels have relay outputs: DoorKing's 1835 has three form C dry contact relays and the CAPXLV2 lists 8 relay outputs. DoorKing's manual rates each relay contact at 30 volts, 3 amps maximum; LiftMaster's CAPXLV product guide rates its relays SPDT, 3 amps at 30 VDC each.

Card reader runs match too. DoorKing caps Wiegand runs at 500 feet on six-conductor shielded wire of 18 to 24 gauge. The CAPXLV2 data sheet lists Wiegand accessory wiring of seven conductors, 18 to 22 AWG, up to 500 feet.

The CAPXLV2 ships with a 120 VAC to 24 VDC transformer or takes PoE at 802.3bt Type 3. Its data sheet lists 14 AWG up to 300 feet, 16 AWG to 200 feet or 18 AWG to 100 feet from the outlet to the controller.

LiftMaster's readiness survey adds that the outlet for a CAPX system must be a dedicated external 120 VAC outlet wired back to its own 10 amp minimum circuit breaker. It also puts main power and control wiring in separate conduits. DoorKing's manual likewise keeps 115 V power lines and low-voltage lines in separate conduits at least 18 inches apart.

DoorKing's manual lists the phone line connection at 800 ft max with 24 AWG wire, twisted and completely isolated from ground. DoorKing's subscription guide limits Ethernet wire runs to 330 feet (100 m) maximum; the CAPXLV2 data sheet lists RJ-45 Internet up to 328 ft.

The 1835 90 Series cabinet is 14.75 inches high by 12.75 wide by 3.75 deep. LiftMaster's CAPXLV product guide lists the CAPXLV at 18 by 14 by 4.5 inches, and the CAPXLV2 data sheet lists surface, flush or gooseneck mounting. Measure the existing cutout before you pick a flush-mount model.

For how the lock itself is chosen and powered, see electric strike vs maglock vs electrified lever. For the cable runs, see commercial low-voltage security wiring.

What each one costs to buy and to run

Its connection fee schedule is DoorKing's January 2026 subscription schedule, with pages revised in May 2026.

DoorKing's January 2026 subscription schedule lists a one-time $45.00 activation fee for each cellular control box registered.

The schedule lists VoIP + Data at 38.95 and 428.45 for use with the 2334-080, VoIP Only at 33.95 and 373.45 for the 1815-578, and Data Only at 14.95 and 164.45 for the 1830-186. DKS Cloud is included with these subscriptions, and DoorKing says legacy telephone entry systems do not require a Cloud account to be serviceable. Its brochure also describes avoiding DKS subscription fees with the 1830-185 adapter and your own VoIP provider, with manual setup by an IT technician.

The brochure says all LiftMaster Smart Access Solutions, including the CAPXLV2, CAPXM, CAP2D, CAPXS and CAPAC, require monthly subscriptions to a myQ Community plan tailored with a dealer or LiftMaster representative. The CAPXM page says the plan is tailored by increasing the number of app licenses or expanding video storage to 30 days.

The CAPXLV product guide says Phone.com service is required for VoIP and video calls, with additional charges applying. The CAPXLV product guide lists 30 days of video storage and video licenses as optional add-ons. Budget the panel, the myQ Community plan, the Phone.com service and the internet service before comparing with a DoorKing panel on one cellular plan.

Our guide towhat access control costs per door covers the lock, cable and controller work.

Who installs it, who supports it, and what the warranty covers

LiftMaster's CAPXS page says professional installation is recommended and that the device requires electrical wiring and an electronic door strike. Its CAPXLV2 page points to dealers and to a LiftMaster partner login to purchase. Its readiness survey asks the installer to gather the site's IT information and staff and assess the internet connection before installation.

DoorKing includes software programming support with any DoorKing subscription account: phone, chat and email, Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, excluding weekends and observed U.S. holidays. Its two-year limited warranty covers the 1833, 1834, 1835, 1837 and 1800 Series cellular devices for bench repairs only, made at the factory or at a place DoorKing designates in writing. DoorKing will not pay for onsite service calls or for labor to remove and replace a defective part, and external transformers count as maintenance items.

LiftMaster's CAPXLV2 page lists a 2 Years warranty (Intercom/Operator), and its CAPXM page lists an Operator Warranty of 2 Years. Its online limited warranty, effective September 1, 2022, is written for the first retail purchaser for the residence in which the product is originally installed. It also says you are responsible for removal and reinstallation costs, so for an apartment building or HOA gate get the commercial warranty terms from the dealer in writing.

Elwin installs, repairs, replaces, configures and supports both brands. Elwin is the single accountable point of contact from site walk through installation and support.

Which one fits your property

Start with what reaches the panel today. No internet at the gate and residents who answer on a phone number point to a 1835 or 1837 on DKS Cellular, which needs no phone line or internet cable. Wired internet or Wi-Fi at the entry, residents who expect video in an app, and a budget for a monthly plan plus a VoIP line point to a LiftMaster Smart Video Intercom.

LiftMaster's community management page pairs a Smart Video Intercom with single family homes with gates and multifamily buildings with 2-9 units. Its CAPXS page names smaller multi-tenant buildings and single-family homes with a gate, and its CAPXLV2 page names 50-to-50,000-unit buildings and garden-style communities. A DoorKing 1835 or 1837 stores up to 3000 telephone numbers and names, and DoorKing's reference guide lists the 1835 for residential and commercial use.

A CAPXLV2 links wirelessly to LiftMaster gate operators made after November 2017, up to 750 feet, so the gate needs no new trench. A DoorKing panel takes gate operator information and data from selected DoorKing vehicular gate operators through a Tracker expansion board. One DoorKing cellular box's line can be split for a guard tower or dual entry.

Bring these to the site walk:

• A speed test at the entry: LiftMaster asks for 5 Mbps up and 5 Mbps down per intercom. A signal strength reading: LiftMaster's survey lists -30 dBm to -67 dBm.
• Where the current panel's power, lock and phone or data wires run, and whether the lock wiring tests good.
• Cell signal at the panel: DoorKing's cellular box runs on AT&T 4G LTE where available, and LiftMaster's survey lists an RF cellular signal meter among its recommended tools.
• How residents want to answer: on a phone number, or in the app.
• Unit count and the number of entrances. A CAPXLV2 controls up to 8, a CAPXM up to 2 and a CAPXS 1; a DoorKing panel has three relays and expands to 48 wired entry points.

Questions about DoorKing and LiftMaster entry systems