Calvis vs Belfry | Security Guard Platform Comparison 2025
When evaluating security guard management solutions, understanding the fundamental differences between platforms is crucial. Calvis and Belfry both serve the security industry but approach the market from opposite directions—one empowers customers to book guards instantly, while the other provides agencies with operations software.
This detailed comparison will help you understand which platform aligns with your needs.
Platform Overview
Belfry: Agency-Focused Operations Software
Belfry is a comprehensive security guard scheduling and management software designed specifically for security agencies to run their operations. It's a business operations platform that agencies purchase to manage scheduling, dispatching, payroll, and client relationships.
Primary Audience: Security agency owners and operations managers Core Purpose: Internal workforce management for agencies Business Model: SaaS subscription for security companies Implementation: Requires onboarding, training, and setup
Calvis: Customer-Focused Booking Marketplace
Calvis is a security guard booking marketplace that connects customers directly with multiple pre-vetted security agencies. It's a customer-facing platform designed to make hiring security guards as simple as booking an Uber.
Primary Audience: Businesses and individuals hiring security guards Core Purpose: Instant guard booking and management Business Model: Commission-based (free for customers) Implementation: Sign up and start booking immediately
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Calvis | Belfry |
|---|---|---|
| Designed For | Customers booking guards | Security agencies managing operations |
| User Type | Security buyers | Security providers |
| Booking Process | Instant online booking (60 seconds) | Request through agency contact |
| Pricing Transparency | See all costs upfront | Depends on agency's implementation |
| Software Cost | Free for customers | $89-$499+/month per agency |
| Multi-Agency Access | Yes - multiple agencies in one platform | No - single agency only |
| Setup Required | None - instant access | Yes - onboarding and training |
| Real-Time GPS Tracking | Standard on all bookings | Available (if agency enables) |
| Mobile App | Customer + Guard apps | Guard management focus |
| Payment Processing | Built-in instant payments | Agency handles billing |
| Customer Reviews | Rate guards after shifts | Internal to agency |
| Best Use Case | Hiring security guards | Managing security company |
Deep Dive: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
1. Target Audience & Use Case
Belfry's Approach:
Belfry is explicitly built for security company owners and managers. Their website markets to "security guard companies" and focuses on helping agencies:
- •Schedule guards efficiently
- •Automate dispatching and shift management
- •Generate invoices and handle payroll
- •Manage client relationships
- •Track guard certifications and compliance
- •Reduce administrative overhead
If you're a customer looking to hire guards, Belfry isn't designed for you. You can't sign up for Belfry to book security—it's software that your security agency might use behind the scenes.
Calvis's Approach:
Calvis is built for the end customer—the business or individual who needs to hire security guards. The platform focuses on:
- •Instant guard booking without sales calls
- •Comparing multiple agencies in one place
- •Transparent pricing before you commit
- •Real-time GPS tracking of your guards
- •Simple payment processing
- •Rating and reviewing guard performance
If you need security guards for your business, Calvis provides direct access to multiple agencies through one platform.
The Fundamental Difference: Belfry is operations software for security companies. Calvis is a booking platform for security customers.
2. Booking & Scheduling Experience
Belfry:
As agency management software, Belfry doesn't offer direct customer booking. Here's how it works:
- •You contact a security agency that uses Belfry
- •Agency sales team discusses your needs (phone/email)
- •Agency provides quote based on their rates
- •Agency uses Belfry internally to schedule guards
- •You receive confirmation through agency communication
- •Changes go through agency contact
Booking Speed: Days to weeks (depends on agency responsiveness) Process: Traditional B2B sales and service delivery Flexibility: Limited by agency's policies and availability
Calvis:
Direct customer booking platform with streamlined process:
- •Visit Calvis platform, describe your security needs
- •See available guards from multiple agencies instantly
- •Compare rates, reviews, and availability in real-time
- •Book guards online in 60 seconds
- •Receive instant confirmation and guard details
- •Manage shifts, communicate, and make changes via app
Booking Speed: 60 seconds online Process: Self-service digital booking Flexibility: Edit shifts in real-time, scale up/down instantly
Winner: Calvis for customers needing fast, self-service booking. Belfry serves a different purpose (agency operations).
3. Pricing & Cost Structure
Belfry Pricing Model:
Belfry charges security agencies monthly subscription fees:
Starter Plan: ~$89/month
- •Basic scheduling
- •Limited features
- •Small agencies (1-10 guards)
Professional Plan: ~$199-$299/month
- •Advanced scheduling
- •GPS tracking
- •Client portal
- •Mid-size agencies (10-50 guards)
Enterprise Plan: ~$499+/month
- •Custom pricing for large operations
- •Full feature set
- •API access
- •Large agencies (50+ guards)
Additional Costs:
- •Setup and onboarding fees
- •Per-user/per-guard charges above limits
- •Add-on features and integrations
- •Training and support packages
For Customers: These costs are invisible to you but are passed through in the agency's guard rates. Agencies using Belfry factor the software cost into their pricing.
Calvis Pricing Model:
Calvis is free for customers:
Platform Fee: $0 for customers Guard Rates: $22-$45/hour (set by agencies, varies by location and requirements) Booking Fee: Small platform fee included in quoted rate Transparent Pricing: See total cost before booking No Hidden Fees: GPS-verified billing, pay only for time worked
Example Cost:
- •Event security: 3 guards × 6 hours × $30/hour = $540
- •Retail security: 2 guards × 8 hours × $25/hour = $400/day
- •Construction site: 1 guard × 12 hours × $28/hour = $336/shift
For Customers: You see the final all-in price before booking. No surprises, no invoices weeks later, no hidden fees.
Winner: Calvis for transparent, straightforward customer pricing. Belfry's costs are for agencies, not end customers.
4. Multi-Agency Access vs. Single Provider
Belfry:
Single-agency limitation:
- •Belfry is used by individual security agencies
- •If you work with an agency using Belfry, you're limited to that one agency's guards
- •No ability to compare pricing across different providers
- •Stuck with one agency's availability, rates, and service quality
- •Switching agencies means starting over with new vendor
Agency Lock-In: Traditional single-provider relationship
Calvis:
Multi-agency marketplace:
- •Access to multiple pre-vetted security agencies in one platform
- •Compare pricing, reviews, and availability across agencies
- •Book different agencies for different needs (best rates, specific expertise, location coverage)
- •Agency competition keeps pricing competitive and service quality high
- •No vendor lock-in—switch agencies seamlessly
- •Consistent platform experience regardless of which agency provides guards
Market Competition Advantage: Agencies compete for your business, driving better pricing and service.
Winner: Calvis - Multi-agency access vs. single provider limitation. This is a fundamental structural advantage.
5. Real-Time Tracking & Transparency
Belfry:
Tracking capabilities for agencies:
- •GPS tracking available (if agency subscribes to that module)
- •Guard check-ins and patrol verification
- •Real-time location monitoring (agency views)
- •Digital timesheets and shift reports
- •Client portal available (if agency enables it)
Customer Visibility: Depends entirely on what your agency chooses to share via client portal. Many agencies using Belfry don't provide customer portal access or limit what you can see.
Transparency Level: Variable—controlled by agency
Calvis:
Built-in transparency for all customers:
- •GPS Tracking: Real-time guard location on every shift (standard)
- •Cost Visibility: See spending accumulate minute-by-minute
- •Digital Timesheets: Automatic GPS-verified timesheets
- •Shift Changes: Make changes and see instant cost impact
- •Incident Reports: AI-assisted documentation accessible immediately
- •Performance Data: Access all guard performance metrics
- •Complete Dashboard: View all bookings, costs, and guards in one place
Customer Visibility: Full transparency standard on every booking—platform is designed for customer visibility.
Transparency Level: Maximum—you control your dashboard
Winner: Calvis - Built-in transparency vs. agency-controlled visibility
6. Technology & User Experience
Belfry:
Operations software focused on agency efficiency:
- •Scheduling Engine: Drag-and-drop shift scheduling
- •Dispatch Tools: Assign guards to shifts quickly
- •Payroll Integration: Streamline guard payments
- •Client Management: CRM-style client tracking
- •Reporting Suite: Operational reports for agency management
- •Mobile App: Guard-focused (clock in/out, receive shifts)
- •Complexity: Feature-rich but requires training
Designed For: Security company operations teams Learning Curve: Moderate to steep (agency staff need training) Updates: Regular feature additions for agency operations
Calvis:
Customer-focused marketplace platform:
- •Instant Booking: Amazon-like browse and book experience
- •Smart Matching: Algorithm matches your needs to available guards
- •Real-Time Pricing: Compare rates across agencies instantly
- •One-Click Actions: Book, edit, or cancel with one tap
- •AI Features: Voice messaging, incident reports, shift optimization
- •Mobile Apps: Customer + Guard apps (iOS/Android)
- •Simplicity: No training needed—intuitive design
Designed For: Customers booking guards Learning Curve: None—start booking immediately Updates: Continuous customer experience improvements
Winner: Tie - Different purposes. Belfry for agency operations complexity, Calvis for customer booking simplicity.
7. Guard Quality & Vetting
Belfry:
Agency-level quality control:
- •Helps agencies track guard credentials
- •Training module management
- •License and certification tracking
- •Performance monitoring for agency use
- •Internal quality metrics
Customer Perspective: You get whoever the agency assigns. Guard quality depends entirely on that single agency's standards.
Calvis:
Platform-level quality standards:
- •Multi-Agency Vetting: Access agencies that meet platform standards
- •Guard Pre-Screening: All agencies must verify credentials
- •Customer Reviews: See guard ratings before booking
- •Performance Tracking: Rate guards after shifts
- •Quality Competition: Multiple agencies compete on service quality
- •Verified Credentials: Platform verifies agency and guard licenses
Customer Perspective: Choose from multiple agencies, see guard reviews, rate performance—active role in quality control.
Winner: Calvis - Active customer involvement in quality vs. passive reliance on single agency
8. Payment & Billing
Belfry:
Agency-controlled billing:
- •Belfry helps agencies generate invoices
- •Agencies handle all payment collection
- •You receive invoices on agency's schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
- •Payment terms set by agency (NET 15, NET 30, etc.)
- •Disputes handled through agency billing department
- •Manual timesheet review and approval process
Payment Experience: Traditional B2B invoicing (wait for invoice, review, pay, handle discrepancies)
Calvis:
Platform-managed payments:
- •Transparent Pricing: See exact cost before booking
- •GPS-Verified Billing: Pay only for confirmed time worked
- •Instant Payment Processing: Credit card or ACH payment
- •No Invoicing Delays: Know costs in real-time during shift
- •Automatic Reconciliation: No manual timesheet review needed
- •Clear Disputes: Platform mediates with GPS proof
Payment Experience: Modern digital payments with full transparency
Winner: Calvis - Instant, transparent payments vs. traditional invoicing
Use Case Scenarios
When Belfry Makes Sense
Belfry is designed for these scenarios:
You Own a Security Agency:
- •Managing 10-200+ security guards
- •Need to schedule shifts efficiently
- •Want to automate dispatching and payroll
- •Require client management tools
- •Need compliance and training tracking
- •Looking to professionalize operations
You Manage In-House Security:
- •Large enterprise with dedicated security team
- •50+ in-house security personnel
- •Need workforce management software
- •Want scheduling and compliance tools
- •Have IT resources for implementation
Example: "I run a security company with 85 guards across three cities. I need software to manage scheduling, track certifications, handle payroll, and manage client relationships."
→ Belfry is perfect for this.
When Calvis Makes Sense
Calvis is designed for these scenarios:
You Need to Hire Security Guards:
- •Event security for concerts, weddings, corporate events
- •Retail store security for loss prevention
- •Construction site protection
- •Executive or personal protection
- •Emergency or on-demand security needs
- •Venue, bar, or nightclub security
You Want Modern Booking:
- •Instant online booking without sales calls
- •Transparent pricing and cost control
- •Multiple agency options in one place
- •Real-time GPS tracking and management
- •Flexible scheduling without rigid contracts
Example: "I'm planning a corporate event next month and need 4 security guards for 6 hours. I want to see pricing, compare agencies, book online, and track guards during the event."
→ Calvis is perfect for this.
Common Misconceptions Clarified
Misconception #1: "They're competing products"
Reality: They serve different markets.
- •Belfry = Operations software for agencies (B2B software)
- •Calvis = Booking platform for customers (B2C marketplace)
It's like comparing Shopify (helps merchants run stores) vs. Amazon (where customers buy products). Both involve e-commerce but serve opposite sides of the transaction.
Misconception #2: "I can use Belfry to book guards"
Reality: You can't. Belfry is sold to security agencies, not customers.
If your security agency uses Belfry, you benefit indirectly through their improved operations, but you still go through traditional agency booking processes.
Misconception #3: "Calvis competes with agencies"
Reality: Calvis partners with agencies.
Calvis is a distribution channel for security agencies—like how Uber partners with drivers or Airbnb partners with property owners. Agencies join Calvis to access customers they wouldn't reach otherwise.
Real-World Comparison
Scenario: Corporate Event Security
Using an Agency with Belfry:
Monday:
- •Email security agency contact
- •Describe event needs
Tuesday:
- •Phone call to discuss requirements
- •Agency promises quote by end of week
Friday:
- •Receive quote via email
- •Questions about rates, need clarification
Monday (following week):
- •Revised quote arrives
- •Request contract review
Wednesday:
- •Approve contract, sign paperwork
- •Agency confirms guard assignments
Event Day:
- •Guards arrive (hopefully on time)
- •No real-time visibility into locations
- •Invoice arrives 1-2 weeks later
Total Time to Book: 10-14 days Cost Visibility: Delayed until invoice Flexibility: Limited by contract terms
Using Calvis:
Monday 10:00 AM:
- •Open Calvis app on phone
- •Enter event date, time, location, guard requirements
- •See 3 agencies with available guards and pricing
- •Compare reviews and rates
- •Book 4 guards in 90 seconds
- •Receive instant confirmation
Event Day:
- •Track guards via GPS in real-time
- •See cost accumulating minute-by-minute
- •Communicate via built-in messaging
- •Guards complete shift, automatic payment processing
- •Rate guard performance after event
Total Time to Book: 90 seconds Cost Visibility: Real-time during event Flexibility: Edit shift anytime via app
Pricing Reality Check
What It Actually Costs
Agency Using Belfry (Professional Plan):
- •Belfry subscription: $299/month = $3,588/year
- •This cost is passed to customers through higher guard rates
- •Example: Agency adds $1-2/hour to guard rates to cover software costs
- •For 100 hours of security monthly: $100-$200 in hidden software costs
Customer Using Calvis:
- •Platform fee: $0
- •Pay only guard rates (typically $22-$45/hour depending on market)
- •No software costs passed through
- •Full pricing transparency before booking
The Math: Over a year with moderate security needs (200 hours), you might pay $200-$400 more with agencies that pass through software costs vs. using Calvis where pricing is competitive due to multi-agency marketplace dynamics.
Customer Support & Service
Belfry:
- •Support for agency administrators
- •Help desk for software issues
- •Training and onboarding for agency staff
- •Doesn't provide end-customer support
Customer Experience: Support through your agency, not Belfry
Calvis:
- •Direct customer support team
- •24/7 support during active shifts
- •Platform help and troubleshooting
- •Agency coordination if issues arise
- •Quick response times
Customer Experience: Direct access to Calvis support team
Winner: Calvis - Direct customer support vs. agency-mediated support
Integration & Scalability
Belfry:
- •Payroll system integrations (QuickBooks, ADP, etc.)
- •Accounting software connections
- •HR systems integration
- •Designed for growing security companies
Agency Benefits: Streamlines agency operations as they scale
Calvis:
- •Scales instantly with your needs
- •Book 1 guard or 100 guards with same ease
- •Enterprise API for large customers
- •Multi-location management built-in
Customer Benefits: Seamless scaling without implementation
Winner: Different strengths for different needs
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Belfry If:
You own or manage a security agency You need guard scheduling and dispatch software You want to streamline agency operations You need payroll and billing automation You manage in-house security for a large enterprise You have 10-200+ guards to schedule You need compliance and training tracking
Who it's for: Security company owners and managers
Choose Calvis If:
You need to hire security guards for your business You want instant online booking You value pricing transparency You want to compare multiple agencies You need flexible, on-demand security You want real-time GPS tracking standard You prefer modern, app-based management
Who it's for: Customers hiring security guards
The Bottom Line
For 99% of people reading this comparison: If you're trying to hire security guards, you want Calvis, not Belfry. Belfry isn't available to you as a customer—it's internal operations software for security companies.
Calvis is the customer-facing marketplace that gives you what you actually need: instant booking, transparent pricing, multiple agency access, and modern management tools.
Experience Modern Security Hiring with Calvis
Stop dealing with slow RFP processes, opaque pricing, and limited options. Calvis provides instant access to multiple pre-vetted security agencies through one modern platform.
What You Get with Calvis:
- •Instant Booking: Book guards online in 60 seconds
- •Multi-Agency Access: Compare and choose from multiple providers
- •Transparent Pricing: See all costs upfront, no surprises
- •Real-Time GPS Tracking: Monitor guards during shifts
- •Flexible Management: Edit shifts on-the-fly
- •Simple Payments: Automatic GPS-verified billing
- •Quality Assurance: Review guards and agencies
- •24/7 Support: Direct customer support team
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