Canonical URL: https://density.io/resources/density-vs-butlr

# Density vs. Butlr: how should you measure office use without cameras?

[Density Waffle](https://density.io/waffle) uses camera-free radar to distinguish empty rooms, individual use and group use. [Density Instant](https://density.io/instant) turns workplace questions into interactive charts. For teams deciding whether to add meeting rooms or phone booths, Density offers both the room measurement and a way to examine it.

Butlr also measures space without cameras. Compare what each sensor reports and how its analytics help answer the room-planning question.

## Start with what the sensor collects

Density's [privacy and trust page](https://density.io/about-density/trust) states that its radar-based sensors cannot capture, store or interpret personally identifiable information. For a workplace team explaining the program to employees, the purpose is straightforward: understand space use without identifying who uses it.

Butlr's [platform overview](https://support.butlr.io/hc/en-us/articles/33781555446285-Butlr-Platform-Overview) describes low-resolution thermal sensing and AI modeling. Its Heatic sensors interpret anonymous thermal signatures to infer presence and activity, without capturing visual imagery or personally identifiable information.

Both approaches support camera-free measurement. Choose Density when radar-based anonymous sensing fits your workplace requirements, then evaluate the actual outputs and operating workflow. Ask either supplier to show a sample record and explain every field, including information added by integrations. Keep the evaluation tied to what your proposed deployment will collect. Give employees the same concrete explanation, including which spaces are measured and what decisions the team intends to make with the data.

## Match the output to the decision

[Waffle reports zero, one, two or three-plus people](https://density.io/waffle). Those categories distinguish an empty booth, individual room use and group use. They do not provide exact headcounts above two.

Butlr's [Heatic platform](https://support.butlr.io/hc/en-us/articles/33781555446285-Butlr-Platform-Overview) supports occupancy counts, movement patterns and traffic flow, with Presence or Traffic modes depending on deployment. Specify the proposed mode and metric before comparing a Butlr output with a Waffle category. If larger-area counting is part of your project, include [Density Open Area](https://density.io/open-area) in the design.

Consider an illustrative decision: should the next office renovation add booths or retain more group rooms? Begin by measuring how often existing rooms are empty, used individually or serving groups. That is a focused reason to start with Waffle. If you need a precise distribution of four-, six- and eight-person meetings, specify that requirement separately and evaluate a counting configuration suited to it.

## Plan power and commissioning together

[Waffle is self-installable, powered without batteries and connected over Wi-Fi](https://density.io/waffle). Include available power, mounting position and network access in each room's plan.

Butlr's [current model comparison](https://support.butlr.io/hc/en-us/articles/41872026265869-What-s-the-Difference-Between-Heatic-2-and-Heatic-2) distinguishes Heatic 2, which supports battery power or wired power through Heatic Flex, from battery-only Heatic 2+. Its [platform overview](https://support.butlr.io/hc/en-us/articles/33781555446285-Butlr-Platform-Overview) describes Hive gateways relaying sensor data to the cloud.

For powered rooms, Waffle gives you a deployment option without sensor battery replacements. Compare an actual floor plan, including network setup and ongoing maintenance, before choosing the installation approach.

## Ask both systems to answer the same question

[Density Instant's demonstration](https://density.io/instant) shows natural-language exploration of workplace data with interactive charts. Use your room-mix question, select the relevant spaces and period, and inspect the resulting chart before deciding what to change.

Butlr's [product update](https://www.butlr.com/blog/july-2026-product-news-insights-ask-butlr) describes Portfolio Explorer, custom analytical views and Ask Butlr, introduced as a beta AI analyst answering plain-language questions with metrics and recommendations. Confirm current availability in your proposal. AI alone is not the deciding difference.

Bring your room list and one decision to a [Density demo](https://demo.density.io), or email [sales@density.io](mailto:sales@density.io). Ask to see Waffle's room-use categories and the Instant chart you would use to compare the spaces.