The clipboard sign-in is officially over. Return-to-office policies, escalating compliance demands, and tighter building security have pushed visitor management systems (VMS) into a new role: the digital front door that ties identity, access, and auditability together.
The latest tools don’t just print badges; they pre-screen guests, sync with access control, trigger real-time alerts, and feed compliance-ready logs to Security and IT. In this list, you’ll find platforms that prioritise security without adding friction - so guests get a smooth experience while your team gets traceability, governance, and scale.
We evaluated platforms on: security & compliance (pre-registration, badge printing, visitor logs), integrations (especially access control, Slack/Teams, SSO/SCIM), usability (for guests and front desk), scalability (multi-site, hybrid), and reporting (audit trails, evacuation lists, analytics).
Archie is the best visitor management software for mid-sized and large offices. It replaces scattered tools with a streamlined guest sign-in workflow from pre-registration to visitor reporting.
Guests can check in on-site or through a pre-sent QR code, triggering instant host notifications, badge printing, and automatic visitor logs. Archie also integrates with leading door access systems such as Kisi, Salto, and Brivo, enabling automated door unlocks or temporary credentials as part of the visitor flow - tightening security while keeping the experience smooth.
The platform works seamlessly on both iPad and Android devices, making it easy to deploy across receptions, coworking spaces, and corporate lobbies. With audit trails, NDA capture, and evacuation lists built in, Archie delivers enterprise-grade visibility without unnecessary complexity.
Key Strengths:
Envoy remains a category staple with enterprise-grade security features. The Visitors product consolidates tech that used to require multiple tools - ID scanning, background checks, blocklist/watchlist screening, and temporary access credentials, reducing both risk and vendor sprawl. Recent updates emphasise emergency notifications and safety workflows that tie into screening policies.
Teams can enable watchlists, perform ID checks, and add third-party screening via integrations like Checkr Trust. Host notifications, pre-registration, and secure guest Wi-Fi are well-trod features; the breadth of ecosystem integrations (e.g., Cisco, Brivo) makes Envoy a safe pick for larger estates.
Key Strengths:
Proxyclick rebranded as Eptura Visitor in 2025, signaling tighter alignment with Eptura’s broader workplace stack. The product continues its compliance-first orientation with enterprise security posture, GDPR-aware policies, encrypted storage, and retention controls. It’s well-suited to regulated industries and multi-site global operations.
Eptura’s content and product pages underscore visitor identity verification, QR-based check-ins, and integrations with physical access control systems - core to separating public spaces from secure areas while keeping a clean guest experience.
Key Strengths:
SwipedOn offers an approachable, tablet-first visitor flow and strong value for SMBs without skimping on security. It supports contactless sign-in, photo capture, and badge printing, plus Microsoft Teams and Slack integrations for host notifications (Teams setup requires admin permissions and is available on Enterprise plans).
Privacy-minded buyers will appreciate SwipedOn’s GDPR stance and straightforward data controls. For distributed offices, Teams notifications and AD/Azure AD integrations make it easy to keep directories and alerts in sync.
Key Strengths:
The Receptionist focuses on a reliable, customisable kiosk experience that front desks actually like using. Features include photo and ID capture, NDA/signature collection, badge printing, and two-way messaging with visitors via email/SMS/Slack. “Receptionist in a Box” bundles the kiosk hardware for turn-key deployments across locations.
Security basics are covered with cloud visitor logs, searchable reports, and SSO add-on for admin access; pricing is transparent and features are widely available across tiers, which keeps procurement simple.
Key Strengths:
In today’s fast-paced work environments, managing who enters and exits your premises is no longer just an administrative task - it’s a critical component of security, compliance, and operational efficiency. With the rise of hybrid workplaces, multiple office locations, and increasingly stringent regulations, organizations need more than a simple sign-in sheet. Modern visitor management systems (VMS) offer a centralised, digital approach that not only tracks guests but also integrates with broader workplace systems to enhance safety and productivity.
Beyond streamlining reception workflows, advanced VMS platforms now leverage data to deliver actionable insights. Visitor trends, peak traffic hours, and repeated guest patterns can all be analysed to optimise staffing, plan for emergency scenarios, and improve overall visitor experience. Some of the most forward-thinking systems even incorporate predictive modeling, using historical check-in data to forecast visitor volumes, anticipate potential security risks, and proactively allocate resources. This predictive capability allows organisations to move from reactive security measures to a more strategic, risk-aware approach.
Security and compliance remain top priorities. Modern VMS platforms combine features like ID verification, badge printing, watchlists, and access control integration with audit-ready logs and regulatory adherence, creating an end-to-end system that protects both people and data. Additionally, by digitising visitor workflows, organisations can enforce consistent policies across locations, manage privacy regulations, and ensure emergency preparedness without introducing friction for guests or staff.
The best visitor management systems combine airtight security with a frictionless guest experience. Archie is the top choice for mid-sized and large workplaces thanks to its strong security and customisable workflows, iPad and Android compatibility, and predictable per-location pricing with unlimited visitors.. Eptura Visitor and Envoy excel in enterprise compliance, while SwipedOn and The Receptionist serve smaller or high-traffic sites well.