Sometimes in life, you need to simplify. With so many security systems out there with tons of components and monitoring options, it can be a bit overwhelming. But if you want something incredibly minimalist that performs simple but effective tasks, then you’re definitely reading the right review.
Kangaroo is a startup smart home security company based in New York, my hometown! In their second round of funding, they got over ten million dollars, bringing their total funding to over 14 million. That’s a lot of money, so I’m hoping that their security sensors are worth the investors’ (and your) time. In this review, I’ll tell you about the system’s components, installation, and monitoring, throwing in some information about Kangaroo’s customer support and app to round it out. Let’s get started!
For only $30, you can get Wi-Fi and Amazon-enabled motion and entry sensors from Kangaroo, one of the most exciting new startups in smart home security.
Kangaroo System Components
Since Kangaroo is such a new company, they don’t have what I think of as a “complete” security system, only a motion and entry sensor. Of course, I recommend getting a security camera along with glass break sensors and a panic button at the very least. Since both these sensors integrate with Alexa if you buy monitoring, it makes sense to buy a security system that does too, like Ring Alarm or Nest Secure. Regardless, let’s talk about the sensors themselves.
Entry sensor
You’ll put the entry sensor on doors or windows to tell when they have been opened or closed. I recommend using them for main entrances on the ground floor. The entry sensor is powered by two double A batteries which should last about a year. Installation is peel-and-stick and there’s no hub required. Plus, the sensor has tamper protection, meaning you’ll get alerted if someone tries to mess with it. Of course, you’ll need Wi-Fi to use Kangaroo’s entry sensor so you can receive notifications on their app (which we’ll get to later).
Motion sensor
The entry sensor has the exact same properties as the entry sensor, except it senses motion from up to 20 feet away with an 110 degree field of view. One thing I really like about the motion sensor is its pet sensitivity. As long as your pet is under two feet and four inches, the motion sensor will not detect it, saving you a ton of unnecessary notifications.
Kangaroo Installation
Both of these sensors are peel-and-stick, making for an incredibly simple installation process. I also like that they don’t require a hub, as you won’t have to buy one!
After you download the Kangaroo app and input your information, click on add new device and select motion and entry sensors. From there, pull down the yellow tab on the motion sensor so it’ll sync with the entry sensor. You’ll see the motion sensor blink if you do it correctly, then the Kangaroo app will walk you through installation.
You’ll have to install it between four feet and three inches and four feet and nine inches high, which is a bit lower than I’m used to. Once it’s in place, Kangaroo will help you test it out to make sure it works well. Another thing to note is that the motion sensor has a button that you can press if you want to open a door or window when the system is armed, giving you a one minute grace period. Overall, the process was easy and straightforward.
Professional Monitoring with Kangaroo
With Kangaroo, you have two options. You can either monitor your sensors yourself through their app, or buy professional monitoring. 24/7 professional monitoring means that a team will be alerted if either of your sensors go off, and if you don’t respond, they can contact emergency services if necessary. At such a low price of either nine dollars a month or $60 a year, I definitely recommend getting professional monitoring.
Along with monitoring, you’ll also get text and call notifications, plus that Alexa integration I mentioned and a discount on your homeowner’s insurance! It’s no doubt this is a good deal, as I bet you’ll save more than you spent on monitoring. Plus, they give you a monthly or a yearly option, not forcing you into a long-term contract.
Unfortunately, the Kangaroo sensors don’t come with cellular backup of any kind, so they won’t work if your power goes out, a clear drawback. Otherwise, I’m really happy with Kangaroo’s monitoring options.
Kangaroo Customer Support
If you need help with your Kangaroo sensors, you can check out their online FAQs, or speak to a human through live chat, phone, or email weekdays from nine AM until six PM EST.
Of course, I wanted to know what real Kangaroo customers had to say about their support, so I checked out their reviews on Amazon. Unfortunately, only the motion sensor is on Amazon, but it does have an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars, which is really good. When looking at the 224 customer reviews, I saw that 72% were at five stars, but what did people think of their support specifically? Well, out of the 13 reviews that mentioned customer support, nine were positive, a little shy of 70%. This is excellent and really good to hear!
“The Kangaroo Home Security Motion Sensors (I ordered 2) are PERFECT! Support side was also excellent in ensuring my app was correctly installed and functioning. Thank you Kangaroo!!”
wrote Amazon user Diana in a recent five-star review. Love the enthusiasm!
For only $30, you can get Wi-Fi and Amazon-enabled motion and entry sensors from Kangaroo, one of the most exciting new startups in smart home security.
The Kangaroo: Simple Home Security App
You’ll use the Kangaroo: Simple Home Security app to arm or disarm your sensors, receive notifications, invite users, and if you do the monitoring plan, set up your Alexa integration. The app has awesome ratings, a four from the Google Play store and a 4.9 from the Apple store. This is actually the highest rating I’ve seen from a security app, so I’m super happy about that!
Recap of the Kangaroo Security Sensors
All in all, I’m very pleased with Kangaroo’s motion and entry sensor, although I wish they were a part of a larger security system. But at only $30 for the pair or $12.99 for the motion sensor on Amazon, this is certainly a good start.
I think the Kangaroo sensors would be a good fit if you want…
- Minimalist system: If you want security at its most simple, a motion and entry sensor is a good place to start.
- Alexa integration: The monitoring plan includes Alexa, meaning you can control the sensors using your voice alone.
- Flexible and affordable monitoring option: I love that professional monitoring is only nine dollars a month, with no long-term contract required!
However, steer clear if you were looking for…
- System with cameras, panic buttons, etc: You won’t be able to see what’s going on with your house through a camera.
- Cellular backup: If the power goes out, so do the Kangaroo sensors.
- Integration with Google Assistant: For those already in the Google smart home ecosystem, Kangaroo may not make the most sense.
That’s it from me! For more options, check out my list of 2019’s top home security systems or my list of the best self-monitored security systems.
