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.
Lowkey Buzzer vs Protobuzz
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 the Lowkey buzzer app serves
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.
Lowkey buzzer limitations to note
Lowkey’s strength is auto-buzz simplicity, but it stops short of deeper automation. There are no branching rules, exportable histories, or portfolio dashboards, so call forwarding is often the only tool available when access gets busy.
If you manage roommates, concierge desks, or multiple entrances, those guardrails matter. Protobuzz adds automation conditions, SMS alerts, exporter-friendly logs, and multi-entrance controls without forcing another hardware change.
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 |
Pricing comparison
Lowkey vs Protobuzz pricing tiers
Match each Lowkey buzzer plan with the closest Protobuzz tier to see how monthly spend and features stack up.
Protobuzz Community
Free essentials for households
$0
CAD per monthplus local taxes
Lowkey 11.50/mo • $137.97 CAD billed annually.
- Lowkey Lite: no automation beyond auto-buzz timers.
- Remote unlock from any device via Protobuzz app.
- Re-use your existing buzzer number—no rewiring.
- Basic automation rules instead of fixed schedules.
- Share access with roommates for free.
Protobuzz Standard
Automation sweet spot
$4.99
CAD per monthplus local taxes
Lowkey 19.87/mo • $238.47 CAD billed annually.
- Lowkey Premium: more users, same automation ceiling.
- Dedicated number plus call-forwarding chains.
- Remote unlock & guest codes with logging.
- Group access without per-seat upcharges.
- Alerts and activity history you can export.
Protobuzz Premium
Property teams & concierge
$9.99
CAD per monthplus local taxes
Lowkey 41.88/mo • $502.56 CAD billed annually.
- Lowkey Business: pricey multi-unit tier without deeper automation.
- Protobuzz Premium still runs multiple entrances without extra hardware.
- Advanced automations & Google Calendar sync baked in.
- Audit-ready exports for boards and owners.
- Over 50% cheaper than Lowkey Business for the same footprint.
Lowkey pricing at the time of writing: Lite $11.50/mo ($137.97 billed annually), Standard $11.90/mo ($142.79 annually), Premium $19.87/mo ($238.47 annually), Business $41.88/mo ($502.56 annually). Protobuzz Community stays free forever; Standard ($4.99/mo CAD) and Premium ($9.99/mo CAD) include annual discounts and automation upgrades.
Save 50%+ versus Lowkey buzzer subscriptions
Lowkey’s published Business tier charges $15 flat plus $10 per unit every month. A 5-unit property would pay $65 monthly before taxes. Protobuzz Standard is $4.99 CAD per unit with volume-friendly annual billing, so the same footprint lands at $24.95—more than a 50% savings while gaining automation depth.
Even as you add entrances, the gap widens. Customers switching from Lowkey routinely cut their monthly access bill in half while still gaining exportable history, calendar sync, and Canadian support.
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.
