Kangaroo Security

Kangaroo Home Security is one of the newest companies in the business. As such, it’s keeping it simple — at least for now. So far, the company has generated a positive rating with the Better Business Bureau. Kangaroo’s biggest selling points are simplicity and affordability. Equipment is inexpensive and easy to install, and there are only two plans: free and complete. The complete plan is nowhere near as comprehensive as those from other, more established companies, but it’s also much more affordable. In fact, it’s one of the least expensive plans available anywhere. If you’re looking for a cheap and easy system with a low commitment, Kangaroo Home Security might be right for you.

What we like

• No long-term contract
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
• No hub required

What we don’t like

• No home automation
• Limited equipment options
• No established reputation

Kangaroo offers a slim line of equipment with just two camera options, three types of sensors and two accessories. Their cameras include a doorbell camera with chime and a privacy camera. Sensors include a Kangaroo motion sensor, an entry sensor and a water-plus climate sensor. Accessories are limited to a keypad and siren (which is totally optional) and “roo tags,” which allow arming and disarming at the touch of a button.

• Motion/Entry Sensors: Entry sensors are bundled with Kangaroo motion sensors, or you can purchase motion sensors separately. Kangaroo sensors notify you via the app if they detect motion or the opening of a door or window and can be switched into just motion or just door/window to help prevent false alarms.
• Doorbell Camera + Chime: Kangaroo packages its doorbell camera with a chime and both connect to your phone, where you’ll get motion and ring alerts along with photo-motion recordings of activity.
• Siren + Keypad: The Kangaroo keypad/siren gives you the option to have an audible alarm trigger when there’s a breach. The unit also listens for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms (up to you to provide separately) and notifies your phone if it hears one.
• Roo Tags: Included with the siren/keypad and available separately, roo tags allow one-touch arming and disarming of your system, which is especially convenient for guests. Rather than give a guest your code, you can simply provide them with a roo tag while they’re staying with you.

True to form, Kangaroo keeps it simple with its package pricing. The company offers two plans: the free Basic Plan, and the $99-per-year Complete Plan. That’s $8.25 per month if you lock in for a year, or if you prefer to stay month-to-month you’ll pay $10 per month.

Kangaroo security equipment is designed to be easy to install yourself. Just pair with your phone, peel and stick to place, and go. Systems work on Wi-Fi and have no central hub or wiring. Since the system is designed to be simple, Kangaroo doesn’t offer professional installation services.

Kangaroo’s mobile app is the central piece of its service. All equipment is paired with your phone and connects to the cloud via Wi-Fi, so you’ll get notifications directly on your phone if your sensors or camera detect anything. Plus you can watch your video feed directly on your phone from anywhere, 24/7. If you’re a paying customer, you’ll get added features such as two-way talk with monitoring agents, longer video storage, text and voice call notifications.

Kangaroo’s Complete Plan comes with “Kangaroo Coverage,” which covers losses that Kangaroo’s system could have helped prevent. Losses covered are up to $1,000 per year with a maximum of $250 per claim (so 4 claims per year at $250 maximum each.