6 Best Biometric Security Devices: Guide for Enterprise IT

The role of biometrics is more critical than ever. Enterprises are facing more sophisticated cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access attempts every day.

Investing in a biometric security device can help you prevent these and add an extra layer of security. Investing in a biometric security device doesn’t make sense in all situations, but if you’re looking to:

• Improve your enterprises’ overall security
• Eliminate the risks of lost or shared passwords
• Speed up the authentication process
• Comply with identity verification regulations

Then, it makes sense to invest in one of the best biometric security devices. To help you do that, our team at Atera created this article.

In this article, you’ll find:

✅ The 6 best biometric security devices reviewed

✅ Features, reviews, pricing, pros and cons for each one

✅ Key considerations when buying a biometric security device

What is a biometric security device?

A biometric security device is a piece of hardware that uses behavioural or biological characteristics to identify an individual. These devices include fingerprint scanners, facial recognition cameras, iris scanners, and voice recognition systems.

Key factors to consider when selecting a biometric security device

Before you purchase biometric security devices for your enterprise, you should:

• Understand different types of biometric security devices and their use
• Compare key factors like speed, accuracy, and available integrations 

We’ve explained these in more detail below. 

Types of biometric security devices and their use

Biometric security modalities refer to the specific physical or behavioural characteristic that identifies or authenticates a person. Each one has advantages and disadvantages for a given use case.

The main biometric security modalities include:

• Facial recognition: As the name suggests, facial recognition uses a person’s facial features to authenticate identity. It is best when touchless recognition is needed for multiple access points, such as office entrances and secure rooms.
• Fingerprint recognition: Works by scanning a person’s fingertip for authentication and ideal for controlled environments, like server rooms or employee check-in systems.
• Voice recognition: Voice recognition uses vocal characteristics to confirm identity. They’re ideal for remote workforce authentication or identity verification over the phone.

Sure, there are other biometric security modalities, too (iris recognition, vein recognition, etc.), but the above three are the best for most enterprise IT departments.

Compare key factors (Speed, accuracy, integrations, etc.)

As part of selecting the right biometric security modality, it is necessary to compare key usability factors, such as:

• Accuracy and reliability: Accuracy is based on several criteria, including false acceptance rate (FAR), false reject rate (FRR), error rate, and identification rate. 
• Anti-spoofing capabilities: The best biometric security devices include anti-spoofing to protect against attackers using fake biometric samples.
• Integrations: Some biometric security devices only work with the vendor’s own access management systems. However, some vendors, like Suprema and YubiKey, offer integrations with third-party tools, which is important for enterprises.
• Other factors: Consider things like the size, durability, cost of maintenance, and the long-term scalability of the biometric security device.

These factors ultimately define the quality of a biometric security device.

The 6 best biometric security devices for enterprise IT

Based on our research and what other IT professionals recommended, the best biometric security devices for enterprises are:

1. Suprema BioStation 3 – Best overall biometric security device
2. Brivo Door Station – Best cloud-based access control system
3. HID® DigitalPersona® 4500 Fingerprint Reader – Best fingerprint scanner for enterprise desktops
4. YubiKey Bio Series – Best portable biometric security device
5. Windows Hello for Business – Best built-in biometric security device
6. Alcatraz Rock X – Best AI-based facial recognition device

Below is a more detailed review of each option.

Suprema BioStation 3 – Best overall biometric security device

Our choice for the best overall biometric security device is the Suprema BioStation 3. It is a door access device that offers multiple authentication methods, including mobile access, facial recognition, QR and barcode access, and traditional RFID/prox card capabilities.

This model features a 47% size reduction compared to previous Suprema biometric devices. Its compact design is compatible with any kind of door and suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.

In this Reddit thread, other sysadmins discussed the best biometric devices, and Suprema was a highly popular option.

Brivo Door Station – Best cloud-based access control system

Brivo Door Station is the best cloud-based biometric security device and integrates video and audio intercom capabilities with facial authentication into a single unit. 

Brivo Door Station users are required to subscribe to their cloud-based system. While this comes at an extra cost, it includes remote access control, video control, reporting and analytics, and access to Brivo’s firmware updates.

Brivo is another brand that is used by many enterprises. One reviewer commented, “Brivo is great, easy, and stable. I’ve worked with Brivo since 2009, along with other more enterprise-level systems, and I can say they’re just as stable.”

HID DigitalPersona 4500 Fingerprint Reader – Best fingerprint scanner for enterprise desktops

If you’re looking for a simple fingerprint scanner for enterprise desktops, the HID DigitalPersona 4500 is our recommendation. It is a USB fingerprint reader that uses optical scanning technology for biometric identification.

According to HID, it is ideal for individual desktop users and for multiple users in shared environments.

One Capterra user commented on HID: “I feel safe using my HID DigitalPersona because it uses fingerprint scanning instead of a key or PIN to open the lock. It is very secure, and biometric security is a huge improvement.”

YubiKey Bio Series – Best portable biometric security device

The YubiKey Bio Series is perfect for enterprises looking for biometric security devices on the go. It is a simple, fingerprint-based security key that enables passwordless login. Its key capabilities include:

• Biometric and PIN-based login
• Strong 2FA and passwordless MFA
• Support for Smart Card/PIV and FIDO2
• Support for web authentication and desktop login
• No moving parts or batteries required

The YubiKey Bio Series works across macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Linux, Chrome, and Edge operating systems and is available in both USB-C and USB-A form factors.

Windows Hello for Business – Best built-in biometric security device

If you want a laptop with built-in biometric security, Windows Hello for Business is the best option. Windows Hello for Business is an authentication technology integrated directly into Windows devices. It allows users to sign in to their Windows devices using a PIN or biometric data instead of a regular password. 

Windows Hello for Business is an extension to Windows Hello that offers enterprise-grade security, including conditional access policies, device attestation, and certificate-based authentication.

Alcatraz Rock X – Best AI-based facial recognition device

The Alcatraz Rock X is a strong option for enterprises wanting a biometric security device that utilizes AI. The AI detects and prevents tailgating in real-time and sends instant alerts to access control systems with actionable footage.

Alcatraz Rock X connects to existing access control systems by installing in line between an existing Wiegand or OSDP reader and the ACS. Users can enroll using their mobile devices or web browsers.

One Reddit user commented on this model: “We deployed Alcatraz units a little while back. The cool thing is they have AI, and it’s not bad either, which makes it pretty good at mitigating or alarming tailgaters. Plus, for more secure areas, you can create an MFA entryway that requires valid biometrics and a badge/pin before the door will unlock.”

Checklist for choosing the best biometric security devices

If you’re still not sure which biometric security device is best for your organization, you can refer to my checklist below:

✅ Identify your security needs – For example, higher risk areas may need more strict, and potentially more expensive, biometric systems.

✅ Choose the right biometric modality – Compare different biometric modalities, like fingerprint and facial recognition. 

✅ Consider scalability – Ask yourself: Can the biometric security device handle an increased number of users?

✅ Consider security integrations – Make sure the biometric security device you choose integrates with your existing access control systems. 

✅ Test and evaluate – Request free trials of biometric security devices from different vendors to experience the features firsthand.

There are advantages and disadvantages to biometric security devices, and investing in one doesn’t always make sense. If you need help with other hardware (or software) for your enterprise IT department, we here at Atera constantly review the best hardware.