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Kangaroo Doorbell Camera Review in 2024: Pros, Cons, and Verdict

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Kangaroo doorbell camera Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Kangaroo Doorbell Camera a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.


Editor Rating: 4.1/5
Camera Quality: 3.5/5
Features: 3.8/5
Price: 5/5

When most of us think of doorbell security cameras, we instantly associate them with the Ring doorbell. However, the price of that product has some scratching their heads, wondering if there is a budget-friendly alternative. 

That’s where the Kangaroo Doorbell comes to save the day since the off-brand company has the protection you need at a fraction of the cost of its biggest competitor. But it’s not for those who want to check a live video of their front door. Unfortunately, it only takes photos.

Instead, Kangaroo focuses on keeping its prices low to make its products available for every budget; they claim to have the cheapest home security doorbell on the market. In short, we think this is one of the best home security doorbells out there for its price point, and it could be worth your money if you’re willing to deal with its shortcomings.

shutter camera divider 2 Kangaroo Doorbell Camera – A Quick Look

Pros
  • Affordable for all consumers
  • Chime included at no extra cost
  • Motion and ring detection that automatically takes photos
Cons
  • No live video views
  • Audio is subscription only
  • The image quality isn’t amazing
Specification
  • Brand: Kangaroo
  • Model number: V009
  • Mount: Adhesive or screw
  • Power requirements: 3 AA batteries (included with purchase)
  • Photo resolution: 640 x 480
  • Weight: 3.8 ounces
  • Media backup: 24-hour

Chime Bell

With your Kangaroo Doorbell purchase, you get a free chime plug-in that allows for extended battery life and an indoor sound alarm. Once your doorbell is activated by an outsider, it sends a picture alert to your phone via a smartphone app.

Motion Detection

Similar to their chime feature, the Kangaroo can observe movements in its camera while on standby to give you real-time notifications of what the camera sees. This is a vital tool for those who want to catch thieves or keep an eye on package deliveries. You can view images on your app if movement is detected. However, tree branches blown by the wind or cars driving by may trigger this feature. 

Optional Plan

Kangaroo offers a paid subscription that unlocks useful features that can help protect you further. You can add a two-way audio function, 30-day cloud storage, human detection, and a number of other exclusive perks for a low monthly price.

video doorbel
Image Credit: Patryk Kosmider, Shutterstock

Photo Quality

Unfortunately, one lacking area of the Kangaroo Doorbell is its ability to produce high-quality photos. This isn’t to say that the photos are useless; they don’t retain much sharpness or clarity compared to more expensive options. You’ll still be able to use the doorbell after dark since it has a nighttime operation function. 

The biggest disappointment of the Kangaroo is that it doesn’t record videos. This means you’ll have to rely on getting photos at just the right moment if something goes wrong. Luckily, the motion detection feature helps make this possible, but if a video security camera is a priority, this isn’t the one for you. 

shutter camera divider FAQ

How Long Does the Battery Last?

Kangaroo Doorbells don’t have a definitive run time that you can rely on, as most devices in this category have varying usage. The more often the motion detection feature is triggered, the shorter the battery life will be. You may not need to replace the included batteries for months at a time if there isn’t much going on. 

Will It Hold Up Against the Elements?

This product has an IP45 rating, which will protect against light water. It should do fine out in the rain unless the weather is extreme.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 installation
Image Credit: Ring, Amazon

What’s the Warranty/Return Policy?

If purchased through Amazon, you have 30 days to return your product if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.

What The Users Say

Opinions of buyers are critical in determining the reliability of a product. In this case, we’ve read through many reviews to get an idea of what they think is good and bad about the Kangaroo. 

Users are saying they could easily read the instructions and install the doorbell quickly since it doesn’t require a lot of tools or time to set up. The app software also was an area that some said was very intuitive. 

Many owners of the Kangaroo say that the battery life is not a strong point. Some say that they had to replace the batteries of their wireless doorbell every week, despite the multi-month claim by the brand. However, this may be due to a high number of false movements triggered by the camera’s sensors. With that being said, it may be a good idea to return your product if the batteries seem to wear out quickly.

shutter camera divider 2 Conclusion

The Kangaroo Doorbell is an excellent option for security-minded families and individuals to protect their homes without breaking the bank. Although it lacks some standout features, it’s a valuable asset that fits well with people trying out a smart doorbell for the first time. We recommend you search for videos or check out their website to learn more about the product and whether it’s worth it for you. 


Featured Image Credit: Forgem, Shutterstock

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.