Avigilon Alta is the cloud-based security platform from Motorola Solutions, built on the foundation of Openpath, a cloud access control company Motorola acquired and rebranded into what is now part of the broader Avigilon product suite. Kisi is a cloud-native access control platform with a strong integration ecosystem and a dedicated fitness offering. Both are genuinely cloud-first systems and direct competitors in the commercial access control market.
At a glance #
How Kisi and Avigilon Alta compare #
Platform scope and background #
Avigilon Alta is the cloud security arm of Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company and brings together three previously separate products:
- Openpath (cloud access control),
- Ava Security (AI video analytics, now Alta Aware)
- Avigilon's own camera hardware into a unified cloud platform.
Kisi, on the other hand, is a focused cloud access control platform, with video surveillance, visitor management, intrusion detection, and other security capabilities available through integrations and add-on modules.
To understand this distinction is important because it makes a difference for which system is suited for your organization, and not because one is objectively better, but because they're solving slightly different problems.
Hardware and credentials #
On the hardware side, both vendors move away from traditional, bulky on-premises servers in favor of slick, cloud-managed entry devices. However, they configure those devices quite differently
Avigilon Alta focuses on multi-purpose hardware at the door frame with their flagship Video Reader Pro bundling a card reader and a live security camera into a single small unit which then gives you visual verification for every entry event. They also incorporate Wave to Unlock technology, so you can keep your phone tucked away in a pocket or bag.
Kisi, on the other hand, separates daily access from visitor management. Instead of putting cameras on every reader, Kisi uses the Intercom Pro: a dedicated entryway station with two-way audio and live video so admins can screen and buzz in guests remotely. Also, when it comes to daily access, Kisi’s MotionSense offers the same hands-free wave functionality as Alta. However, Kisi has a unique advantage with native Apple Wallet and Apple Watch support, which allows users to tap in even if their phone battery is completely dead.
Both platforms support traditional physical key cards, fobs, and temporary digital guest passes and they are also highly adept at retrofits: Alta is designed for broad backward compatibility, while the Kisi Controller Pro 2 is optimized to take over existing building wiring, locks, and legacy readers, saving organizations from a messy, expensive hardware overhaul during installation.
Integrations #
Both platforms are built on open API architectures and support a similar core set of identity management integrations. For instance, Okta, Microsoft Azure AD, Google Workspace, Slack, and SAML SSO are available on both. Avigilon Alta's Okta integration syncs every 15 minutes with optional manual sync, and supports SAML SSO into the Alta Control Center with granular admin permissions.
Where they differ is in the breadth of the wider integration ecosystem. Kisi's integration library covers 100+ tools including fitness software (e.g. Mindbody, ABC Glofox, Exercise.com, ABC Ignite, TeamUp), coworking platforms (e.g Optix, Archie, OfficeRnD), visitor management, and camera systems (e.g VORTEX, Rhombus, Cisco Meraki). Avigilon Alta integrates well with enterprise and video-focused tools (Envoy, Zendesk, Milestone XProtect, Camio, Cisco Meraki, and G Suite) but has a smaller footprint in industry-specific software like fitness and coworking platforms.
Both have public APIs and mobile SDKs for custom integrations.
Video and AI analytics #
Avigilon Alta takes a vertically integrated approach here. Since they own Alta Aware, the AI video analytics brain is built directly into their ecosystem. The platform continuously analyzes your camera feeds natively, which allows security teams to run forensic "similarity searches" (like looking for a specific clothing color) and spot unusual behavior entirely inside the Alta ecosystem.
Kisi delivers its video intelligence and tailgating detection through an open partner ecosystem. Instead of forcing you onto a proprietary video platform, Kisi pairs with specialized AI video systems like VIVOTEK VORTEX, Spot AI, and Cisco Meraki. For example, Kisi's native tailgating detection utilizes intelligent line-crossing analytics from these connected cameras to flag unauthorized entries and push real-time incident snapshots straight to your Kisi dashboard.
Ultimately, if you want a single vendor to handle native, top-to-bottom video forensics, Alta holds the edge, but if you want the flexibility to use advanced AI analytics and tailgating tools alongside your choice of dedicated camera hardware, Kisi’s approach is far more practical.
Pricing #
Kisi structures its software around a modular subscription model that starts at a transparent $99/month. Instead of a rigid, linear fee for every single door, Kisi aligns its plans with business metrics. For example, for membership spaces like gyms or coworking offices, plans scale based on active user counts rather than capping your doors. With this approach, a possible customer only pays for what matters to their specific workflow, with advanced tools like visitor management or partner-driven tailgating analytics available as simple operational add-ons.
Avigilon Alta operates on a traditional enterprise-dealer model and does not publish pricing online. Every deployment must be custom-quoted through a certified security integration partner. While this makes for a highly tailored hardware layout, third-party reviewers frequently note that Alta's annual software licensing costs can be high and scale aggressively depending on your storage needs.
Deployment and installation #
Both platforms are cloud-based, meaning they eliminate the need for complex on-premises server setups. However, installing the physical hardware at the door still requires technical expertise.
Avigilon Alta operates on a traditional enterprise model, so that means the deployments are handled end-to-end through their certified dealer and integration network.
Kisi provides more deployment flexibility since they offer fully open technical documentation and wiring schematics. Kisi's open framework allows an internal IT team, facilities manager, or a preferred local electrician to handle the physical installation.
Worth noting that for existing buildings, the Kisi Controller Pro 2 simplifies this process significantly since it lets your team migrate the system over your existing wiring and readers. If you don't have an internal team or an independent contractor, Kisi also maintains a vetted network of certified installers to handle the job from start to finish.
Compliance and security #
Both vendors hold SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications and are NDAA compliant. Avigilon Alta additionally holds ISO 27017, 27018, and 27701 certifications (the latter covering privacy management) and adheres to GDPR with in-region data hosting options. Kisi is also GDPR and CCPA compliant and runs on Google Cloud Platform with Cloud Armor protection. For most commercial deployments both vendors meet enterprise security requirements. Regulated industries should verify specific requirements directly with each vendor.
Which industries is each system suited for? #
Corporate offices and enterprise #
Both systems are strong in corporate environments, but Avigilon Alta's advantage here is the unified platform. That means that managing access, video, and AI analytics in one interface reduces vendor complexity for large enterprise IT and security teams. For enterprises where physical security is a standalone function with its own budget and tools, Alta's consolidated approach is compelling.
Kisi's strength in corporate environments is its integration breadth. IT teams using a diverse stack of tools (including non-standard or industry-specific platforms) will find Kisi's open API and 100+ integrations easier to work with than Alta's more enterprise-focused, narrower ecosystem.
Fitness and wellness #
Kisi has a clear advantage in this vertical through KisiFit. Also, named integrations with Mindbody, ABC Glofox, Exercise.com, TeamUp, and ABC Ignite mean fitness operators can connect access directly to membership status without custom development. Tailgating detection via camera integration, 24/7 self-service access, and after-hours revenue features are specifically built for gym and studio operators.
Avigilon Alta does list gym and fitness facilities as an industry it serves, and integrates with ABC Fitness, but the depth of fitness-specific features and named integrations is significantly greater on Kisi's side.
Kisi is widely used in coworking. Integrations with Optix, Archie, and OfficeRnD enable automated member access tied directly to membership status, with multi-tenant management and booking integration. Avigilon Alta also serves coworking environments through its core platform but doesn't have the same depth of coworking-specific integrations.
Commercial real estate and multi-tenant buildings #
Both systems handle multi-tenant deployments well, but Avigilon Alta's unified video and access platform can be an advantage for large commercial real estate operators who want a single security vendor across a portfolio. Despite that, Kisi's flexible credential options and tenant experience integrations also make it a strong fit for CRE operators that have existing building management systems they want to connect with rather than replace.
Education #
In the education sector, Avigilon Alta has a stronger foothold with its multiple deployments. The unified platform which covers cameras, access, and AI analytics fits with education environments where security coverage across a campus is a priority. Kisi is also suited to educational organizations and university environments, particularly where identity management integration and large rotating user populations are important.
Healthcare #
Avigilon Alta's compliance certifications and AI analytics capability make it a great decision for healthcare environments where audit trails, access logging, and physical security integration are tightly regulated. Kisi serves healthcare as well, and its GDPR and CCPA compliance and SOC 2 Type II certification meet most healthcare access control requirements, though it doesn't have the same depth of healthcare-specific references as Avigilon.
Kisi vs Avigilon Alta reviews #
Kisi — positive reviews
"Kisi's intuitive platform empowers us to manage access like a pro, ensuring our security posture remains strong." — Capterra
Kisi — negative reviews
"While Kisi excels in core features, advanced investigation tools could be more robust." — Source: Capterra
Avigilon Alta — positive reviews
"One of the best BLE technology for access control on the market making it a lot more reliable for user day to day use." — G2
Avigilon Alta — negative reviews
"The only problem with the solution lies in the area of recurring yearly licenses, for which the solution does not provide any reminders to users stating that they need to renew their licenses" — PeerSpot
Which one is right for you? #
Choose Kisi if:
- Access control is your primary need and you want a focused, best-in-class platform rather than a broader security suite
- You need named integrations with fitness, coworking, or other industry-specific software platforms
- Pricing transparency matters to your procurement process
- You have existing Wiegand infrastructure you want to retain
- Your organization already uses dedicated camera or analytics tools and wants access control to connect to them rather than replace them
Choose Avigilon Alta if:
- You want access control, AI video analytics, and video surveillance natively unified in one platform
- Video intelligence (object detection, real-time alerts, fast footage search) is a core security requirement
- Your organization is enterprise or multi-site and wants to consolidate physical security under one vendor within the Motorola Solutions ecosystem
- The Video Reader Pro (camera embedded at the door reader) is relevant to your security setup
- Deep Okta or Azure AD integration for fully automated user provisioning is a priority
Looking for an Avigilon Alta alternative? #
If you want an access control system that gives you the freedom to choose your own hardware and software integrations, get a custom Kisi quote today and see how easily a cloud-native platform can adapt to your existing space.
