Virtual numbers
Lowkey replaces your buzzer number with a virtual local line, while Protobuzz reuses your existing entry listing and layers software rules on top.
Protobuzz vs. Lowkey buzzer
See how multi-phone call forwarding, automation playbooks, and portfolio controls differ so residents, co-hosts, and property teams can decide when to level up from Lowkey.
Who it’s for
Lowkey serves residents—especially Airbnb and other short-term rental hosts—who want automatic guest and delivery buzzing with simple passcode rules. Protobuzz targets the same audience but also layers in logic for roommates, concierge teams, and small property managers who need conditions and actions rather than basic call forwarding.
Pricing snapshot
- Consumer app: Purchase inside the Lowkey mobile app after a 30-day free trial (pricing is not posted publicly).
- Business “Pro” tier: $15 flat + $10 per unit each month, with discounted enterprise plans for larger portfolios.
Key features compared
Automation depth
Protobuzz stacks passcode, timer, count, and schedule conditions with matching actions. Lowkey focuses on auto-buzz routines, call forwarding, and basic password prompts.
Short-term rental tooling
Both platforms pitch STR hosts. Protobuzz adds calendar-driven workflows, delivery windows, and access histories; Lowkey emphasizes set-it-and-forget-it guest buzzing.
Where Protobuzz stays ahead
Automation depth for every scenario
Conditions, actions, and calendar sync let Protobuzz handle roommates, STR stays, and concierge workflows—not just auto-buzz routines.
Transparent, flexible plans
A free Community tier plus clearly priced Standard and Premium options make it easy to scale without guessing what the next bill looks like.
Portfolio-ready controls
Multi-building dashboards, exports, and Canadian support ensure property teams can modernize multiple entrances while keeping auditors happy.
Choosing a Lowkey buzzer alternative
Both Protobuzz and Lowkey replace landline buzzer headaches with apps. Protobuzz goes further with automation playbooks, property manager tooling, and detailed reporting that keep residents, hosts, and staff in sync.
Use this comparison to see how each platform handles call forwarding, guest codes, short-term rental integrations, and multi-building management before you decide.
| Capability | Lowkey buzzer | Protobuzz |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzer call forwarding | Forwards buzzer calls to registered phone numbers. | Route calls to multiple phones with fallback chains, SMS alerts, and automation triggers when nobody answers. |
| Guest access codes | Issues temporary codes for visitors with basic scheduling options. | Create reusable, one-time, or scheduled guest codes with passcode checks, usage limits, and audit-ready history. |
| Automations | Focuses on call forwarding and guest passcodes with limited automation controls. | Stack conditions and actions to unlock, forward, notify, or log events for households, property teams, and short-term rentals. |
| Multi-building & property management | Primarily designed for individual apartments or smaller communities. | Dashboard for multi-unit portfolios, concierge workflows, and resident messaging in one place. |
| Short-term rental support | Provides self-check-in tools for hosts with manual follow-up for larger teams. | Sync codes with bookings, notify co-hosts, and track cleaner check-ins across listings. |
| Compliance & reporting | Offers entry history inside the app with limited reporting tooling. | Export entry history, review audit trails, and share reports for boards or security reviews. |
Fast glance comparison
| Capability | Lowkey buzzer | Protobuzz |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-buzz deliveries | Core focus | Plus layered rules |
| STR host playbooks | Popular with hosts | Adds delivery + calendar logic |
| Multi-user call routing | Forward to several phones | Unlimited contacts + SMS alerts |
| Mobile notifications | App alerts | Alerts + automation triggers |
| Free starter plan | In-app subscription | Community tier $0 |
| Automation engine | Auto-buzz focus | Conditions + actions |
| Calendar sync | Manual routines | Premium Google Calendar |
| Multi-building dashboard | Single-unit view | Portfolio support |
| Exportable history | Basic logs only | Audit-ready exports |
| Compliance tooling | No reporting | Search + CSV exports |
Automations that scale beyond forwarding
Protobuzz gives you complete control over who answers the buzzer and how entry is granted. Automate deliveries, share access with roommates, or run concierge workflows without touching hardware.
When you need to compare other competitors, review the FreshBuzzer comparison or explore how Protobuzz upgrades property manager access control.
Protobuzz vs Lowkey buzzer FAQs
Protobuzz answers the most common questions about smart buzzer access, subscriptions, and getting started below.
Buzz smarter. Live easier.
