Smart forwarding
FreshBuzzer specializes in parallel or sequential call forwarding. Protobuzz adds condition-based routing with failovers, SMS alerts, and automatic unlocks.
Protobuzz vs. FreshBuzzer
Evaluate how deeper automations, calendar-sync’d guest codes, and property manager tooling stack up against FreshBuzzer’s host-friendly feature set.
Who it’s for
FreshBuzzer focuses on residents and short-term rental hosts who need multi-phone forwarding plus iCal-powered access codes. Protobuzz caters to the same audiences but adds roommates, concierge teams, and property managers who want automation trees, delivery workflows, and exports.
Pricing snapshot
- FreshBuzzer: $35/year (or $4/month) with unlimited minutes, up to five forwarding numbers, and 10 secure access codes.
- FreshBuzzer Plus: From $65/year (or $7/month) for unlimited codes, iCal sync, and multi-property controls (extra units +$5/mo or $50/yr each).
Key features compared
Access codes
Both platforms issue secure codes. Protobuzz layers passcode checks, timers, and usage counts; FreshBuzzer keeps things simple with set limits and party-mode controls.
Calendar sync
FreshBuzzer Plus pulls from iCal feeds for bookings. Protobuzz Premium syncs Google Calendar to trigger concierge, resident, or STR automations across entire portfolios.
Where Protobuzz stays ahead
Beyond forwarding
Protobuzz adds delivery windows, quiet hours, and automatic grant-access actions so hosts get more than sequential/parallel dialing.
Global-friendly rollout
Software-only deployment with calendar sync, exports, and mobile-first UX keeps cross-border STR operations consistent.
Roommate & PM workflows
Multi-building management, group notifications, and audit history make Protobuzz fit for both households and portfolio managers.
Why residents and hosts look beyond FreshBuzzer
Protobuzz combines buzzer call forwarding, virtual buzzer access, and automation rules in one dashboard. Whether you manage roommates, condos, or vacation rentals, you control every door from your phone without new hardware.
If you are evaluating a FreshBuzzer alternative, use this comparison to understand how Protobuzz handles multi-phone routing, schedule based guest codes, and audit ready reporting.
| Capability | FreshBuzzer | Protobuzz |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzer call forwarding | Forward buzzer calls to selected phone numbers one after another (parallel or sequential). | Route calls to multiple phones, set fallback chains, and trigger automations when a call is missed. |
| Access codes | Generate 4–8 digit codes with scheduling and party mode options (10 codes on base plan). | Create reusable or one-time guest codes with schedules, passcode checks, usage limits, and audit-ready history. |
| Short-term rental workflows | Integrates with select short-term rental platforms to sync guest codes. | Sync codes with booking calendars, notify co-hosts, and capture cleaner arrival times in one dashboard. |
| Automations | Focuses on call forwarding and code generation. | Stack conditions and actions to unlock, forward, or notify groups automatically. |
| Hardware requirements | Works without hardware changes when the buzzer already dials a phone number. | Works with existing phone-line buzzers, so no wiring changes are required. |
Feature highlights
| Capability | FreshBuzzer | Protobuzz |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential/parallel forwarding | Core feature | Plus conditional fallbacks |
| iCal booking sync | Plus tier | Google Calendar sync |
| Host-friendly web dashboard | Designed for STR hosts | Web + mobile dashboards |
| Clear base pricing | $4/mo start | $0 Community tier |
| Automation builder | Forwarding + codes | Conditions + actions |
| Delivery workflows | Manual hand-offs | Delivery windows + alerts |
| Usage limits & passphrase checks | Not offered | Built into codes |
| Multi-building management | Per-property add-on | Included on Premium |
| Audit-ready exports | Basic logs | Search + CSV exports |
| Calendar-triggered automations | Sync only | Triggers conditions/actions |
Call forwarding built for every scenario
Forward buzzer calls to multiple phones, set party mode for events, or automate deliveries during specific windows. Protobuzz keeps the experience simple: guests buzz in remotely and you decide what happens next.
Short-term rental hosts can sync codes with bookings, while property managers can monitor multi-building portfolios. Your legacy intercom stays in place while the software handles the rest.
FreshBuzzer alternative FAQs
Protobuzz answers the most common questions about smart buzzer access, subscriptions, and getting started below.
Looking to compare other solutions too? Review the smart buzzer comparison or explore how Protobuzz helps property managers modernize access.
Buzz smarter. Live easier.
