1. Executive Summary
If you're looking for an ultra-budget smart doorbell solution, the Kangaroo Doorbell Camera + Chime is a compelling entry point. It’s designed for simplicity: no wiring, easy peel-and-stick installation, and motion or ring alerts sent directly to your phone. But its minimalist design comes with trade-offs — notably, low-resolution images, limited features, and no live video or two-way talk.
Kangaroo Smart Photo Doorbell with Indoor Chime
See who’s at the door and stay connected from anywhere with this smart doorbell and chime combo
Product information
$27.97
Product Review Score
4.47 out of 5 stars
226 reviewsProduct links
2. Key Features & Benefits
Affordability
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Probably the biggest selling point. This model is among the least expensive smart doorbells you’ll find. TechHive noted it as “the cheapest smart doorbell on the market.” TechHive
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Kangaroo’s own site promotes it as a “most affordable” doorbell camera. KANGAROO
Simple, Tool-Free Installation
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No hard-wiring needed — runs on 3 AA batteries, making setup very accessible. Security.org+1
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Peel-and-stick mounting means you can put it almost anywhere you have Wi-Fi. KANGAROO
Photo Notifications
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Instead of video, the device captures still photos when motion is detected or the doorbell rings, then sends those to your phone. Security.org+1
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Includes night vision capabilities via IR LEDs (up to ~15 ft) so you can see in the dark. Security.org
Indoor Chime Included
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Comes with a chime unit you can place inside. That way, when someone presses the doorbell, you get an audible alert indoors, even if you’re not looking at your phone. KANGAROO
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Use the free Kangaroo app (iOS / Android) to manage notifications and view captures. SafeWise+1
Weather-Resistant Design
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Built to withstand outdoor conditions; Kangaroo says the doorbell is water-resistant. KANGAROO
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IR night vision adds visibility in low-light environments. KANGAROO
Optional Porch Protection Plan
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You can subscribe to Kangaroo’s “Porch Protection Plan” (PPP), which offers extended cloud storage (365 days) and package-theft protection. Security.org
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Very low-cost cloud plan ($1.99/mo per some sources) to hold onto images longer than the free 24-hour window. Security.org
3. Drawbacks & Limitations
Image Quality
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The camera captures at roughly 480p resolution, which is quite low compared to modern video doorbells. Security.org+1
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The field of view is limited (per some reviews), meaning you won’t get a very wide-angle view of your porch. YouTube
No Live Video / Streaming
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You can’t stream live video — only photo snapshots are taken when triggered. TechHive
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There’s no continuous video recording, which limits the utility for real-time monitoring.
No Two-Way Audio
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The device has no microphone or speaker, so you cannot speak with visitors or delivery people. TechHive
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Without two-way talk, it's more of a “see who’s there” device rather than full smart doorbell.
Battery Life & Maintenance
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Uses AA batteries, which need to be replaced periodically. According to some user reports, battery can die in 6–7 months. Better Business Bureau
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For frequent motion or ring events, this could lead to higher maintenance than plug-in or wired alternatives.
App & Notification Issues
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Some users report inconsistent behavior in the app, like delayed images, or false motion alerts. Security.org+1
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There are reports of notification settings resetting, or the app not honoring “silent” modes. On Reddit:
“Every time I set the notification settings to silent, it resets as soon as I close the app out.” Reddit
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Others mention that the system doesn’t always alert when sensors go offline. Reddit
Customer Service / Refund Complaints
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According to BBB, some users have had trouble with subscription billing, returns, and refunds. Better Business Bureau
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One review said they never received stitches (photo-sequence) properly, and customer service failed to resolve firmware issues. Better Business Bureau
4. Target Use Cases – Who This Is For
This doorbell is ideal if:
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Budget is your top priority. You want a cheap way to know when someone’s at the door, without paying for premium video doorbells.
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You don’t need live video or talk. If you’re okay with snapshots instead of full video, this fits.
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You want easy installation. No wiring or drilling — great for renters or people who want a fast, tool-free setup.
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You want basic motion alerts. It’s useful for detecting when someone walks up, or when packages are delivered.
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You want low ongoing costs. The base price is extremely low; cloud plan and protection are optional.
This may be less ideal if:
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You expect high-quality video or HD streaming.
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Two-way communication is critical (talking to visitors/deliveries).
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You want constant live monitoring.
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You dislike changing batteries frequently.
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You want seamless, rock-solid app performance.
5. Competitive Context
To put this in perspective, here are some alternative doorbell options:
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Budget but more feature-rich:
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Some users recommend saving a little more to get a refurbished Ring or similar, which offer live video and two-way talk. TechHive
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More robust systems:
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If you already have or want a full smart home security setup, Kangaroo’s own sensors (motion, entry) work, but they’re limited in features and don’t integrate deeply with other systems. TechHive
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Other low-cost brands:
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There are other very low-cost video doorbells on the market; depending on your needs, some may offer better video or audio for a modest additional cost.
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6. Sales-Focused Take (Why Consider Buying It)
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Unbeatable price point: For under $40 (or even less, depending on deals), you get a “smart” security device that gives you peace of mind when someone approaches your door.
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DIY and renter-friendly: The install is so simple that even someone with zero wiring experience can set it up quickly.
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Scalable: If you like it, you can build out your Kangaroo system later (adding motion sensors, other components).
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Value in protection: With the optional Porch Protection Plan, not only do you store images longer, but you also get theft coverage — a nice safety net.
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Minimalism appeal: For users who don’t want over-engineered devices, this is a no-frills solution that “just works” for basic needs.
7. Final Verdict
The Kangaroo Doorbell Camera + Chime is a high-value, low-cost option for basic front-door monitoring. It shines in affordability and ease-of-use, but its pared-down functionality (no video, low resolution, no two-way audio) means it's not for someone seeking full smart doorbell “bells and whistles.”
Buy it if you want a cheap, simple alert system; skip it if you want high-def video, live interaction, or advanced smart home integration.
Kangaroo Smart Photo Doorbell with Indoor Chime
See who’s at the door and stay connected from anywhere with this smart doorbell and chime combo
Product information
$27.97
Product Review Score
4.47 out of 5 stars
226 reviewsProduct links
