Paxton Net2 review
A door and user management system with a free Lite tier and advanced Pro controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Paxton Net2 is a networked access control system administered from a PC, for organisations managing users, doors and entry rights across a site. It has a free Net2 Lite option for standard access control and user reporting, making it relevant to small and mid-sized sites looking for a no-cost starting tier. The system is also listed for Windows, web, iOS, Android and API access, with desktop and mobile deployment. Its focus is physical access management rather than AI features or open-source deployment.
The tier split is important. Net2 Lite manages access privileges and reports on users, while Net2 Pro adds advanced access control features and support for Paxton Connect and Net2Online. The product description associates lockdown, anti-passback and roll-call reporting with Pro. Net2 is described as licence-free, but paid-plan prices are not published, so buyers should contact sales to understand costs. Paxton says the overall system supports up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users; this is a system-level capacity statement, not a limit specified for Lite or Pro separately.
For sites that need more than basic entry permissions, Net2 offers access levels and timezones, temporary rights, PC and remote door opening, event logs, site graphics, image verification, triggers and actions, and muster reporting. Local API and approved integrations are supported, though the integration picture is not detailed enough here to judge ecosystem fit. Deployment is on-premises; Paxton says its remote services do not store data in the cloud. Phone support and documentation are listed. Choose Net2 when centralised door control and a free entry tier matter; consider alternatives if a cloud-first operating model or clearly priced paid plans are essential.
Paxton Net2 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Centralises door access, user privileges, schedules and event reporting
- Supports temporary rights, remote opening, lockdown and anti-passback
- Free Net2 Lite covers standard access control and user reports
- Where it doesn't
- The system is administered from a PC, which may not suit web-first teams
- Remote management is tied to supported Pro systems
- Pricing for Net2 Pro requires contacting sales
Paxton Net2 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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