How to Choose a Doorbell for Apartments
When selecting the ideal doorbell for an apartment, it’s essential to consider a range of factors tailored to your living situation. Unlike traditional homes, apartments often present unique challenges such as limited space, restrictions on installation, and shared entryways. Whether you’re looking for a wireless option, a video doorbell for enhanced security, or a model that doesn’t require permanent installation, choosing the right doorbell can improve both convenience and peace of mind.
Best Doorbell Cameras for Apartments: Top Wireless and Smart Picks for Renters
| Doorbell Model | Key Features | Why It’s Great for Renters | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kangaroo Video Doorbell | Affordable, renter-friendly, easy to install without wiring or drilling, motion detection, alerts to phone, optional cloud storage for video clips. | Simple installation that won’t damage walls or doors, perfect for keeping your landlord happy. | Budget-conscious tenants looking for essentials. | $69.99 |
| Ring Video Doorbell | Available in wired and battery-operated versions, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio. | Battery-powered option eliminates complicated installation, suitable for apartments without existing wiring. | Tenants wanting a solid, reputable smart doorbell. | $99.99 |
| Ring Peephole Camera | Replaces traditional peephole with a video doorbell camera, motion detection, night vision, live view through peephole. | Ideal for apartments with installation restrictions; fits into existing peephole. | Tenants looking for a discreet, non-invasive solution. | $199.99 |
| Blink Video Doorbell | Wireless, battery-operated, up to two years of battery life, HD video, motion detection, chime compatibility. | Quick installation without hardwiring makes it renter-friendly. | Renters needing a hassle-free smart doorbell. | $99.99 |
| Arlo Essential Video Doorbell | Wireless with a wide field of view, HD video quality, two-way audio, night vision, built-in siren for extra security. | Wireless installation is easy, covers more door area, ideal for apartment front doors. | Renters looking for feature-rich cameras. | $199.99 |
Why the Kangaroo Video Doorbell is the Best Choice for Renters
The Kangaroo Video Doorbell stands out as an ideal choice for renters due to its combination of affordability, ease of installation, and essential features tailored to apartment living. Here’s why it’s the top pick:
Renter-Friendly Installation: Designed with tenants in mind, the Kangaroo Video Doorbell can be installed without any wiring or drilling, ensuring that your landlord remains satisfied. This non-invasive approach allows for easy removal when it’s time to move.
Affordable Security: Offering competitive pricing, the Kangaroo Video Doorbell provides budget-conscious renters with an effective way to enhance their home security without breaking the bank. It includes features such as motion detection and smartphone alerts, making it a cost-effective solution.
Essential Features: The doorbell comes equipped with key functionalities like night vision and real-time notifications, allowing tenants to monitor their front door effectively. The optional cloud storage for video clips adds an extra layer of security, ensuring you don’t miss important moments.
User-Friendly App: The accompanying mobile app is intuitive, making it easy for renters to manage their doorbell settings and receive alerts directly on their smartphones. This seamless connectivity is perfect for tenants who want to stay informed about their front door activity.
Flexible Security Options: For those who may have specific needs, the Kangaroo Video Doorbell can be part of a broader Kangaroo Home Security system, providing additional layers of protection for your apartment.
Great value!
"For the price, this is great and comparable to the ring. I like that you can adjust the motion to only record when someone records the bell and not all motion. I put this in my condo door which has a lot of activity in the hallway so that was important to me."
-Erin, Amazon Verified Purchase
Awesome
"Love, love, love!! So much cheaper than a ring device and works just the same. It does exactly what it's supposed to do and I've yet to run into any problems with it. Definitely worth it!"
- Viiolet, Amazon Verified Purchase
Great alternative to Ring
"This was very easy to install & has been working great so far. The motion detector is a little sensitive, but better safe than sorry." - Brianna, Amazon Verified Purchase
Affordable Protection Plans
Kangaroo offers a variety of plans, such as the Kangaroo Camera Protect and Kangaroo Complete Plan, designed to provide comprehensive coverage for renters. These plans include essential features like cloud storage for security footage, professional monitoring, and reimbursement for stolen packages. This robust level of protection safeguards you against common risks associated with rental properties, ensuring that you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is well-protected.
How Kangaroo Home Security Helps Lower Renter's Insurance Premiums
Direct Insurance Coordination: Kangaroo Home Security partners directly with Dory to work with your insurance provider, helping you verify your eligibility for home insurance discounts.
Lower Premiums: Installing Kangaroo's state-of-the-art security systems may lead to reductions in your homeowner's insurance premiums.
Proactive Support: We ensure your security enhancements are recognized, giving you both peace of mind and potential financial relief.
Affordable Protection: Safeguarding your home while managing insurance costs can be both simple and budget-friendly. Consider bundling your home and auto insurance policies with Kangaroo’s advanced security systems to protect your investment and potentially lower your premiums.
How do apartment doorbells work?
Apartment doorbells work by signaling a resident using wired or wireless technology when someone is at their door. Here's a breakdown of how they typically function:
Wired Apartment Doorbells: In traditional setups, a wired doorbell is connected to the apartment’s electrical system. When the button is pressed, an electric current flows through the wires, triggering the chime inside the apartment. In some buildings, these doorbells are integrated with an intercom system, allowing tenants to speak with visitors and unlock the door remotely.
Wireless Apartment Doorbells: Wireless doorbells, more common in modern apartments, use radio signals to connect the button (transmitter) at the door to the receiver inside. When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to the receiver, which then activates the chime. These doorbells often require batteries and can be easily installed without the need for wiring or professional help.
Video Doorbells: Video doorbells combine a camera with a chime system to add security. When someone presses the button or approaches the door, the camera activates, allowing the resident to see who’s there via a smartphone app. These are typically wireless and work over Wi-Fi, making them ideal for apartment living where installation restrictions may apply.
Apartment doorbells are designed to be practical and adaptable to the specific needs of renters, providing convenience and security without requiring significant modifications to the property.
What is the difference between a doorbell camera and a security camera?
The key differences between a doorbell camera and a security camera lie in their primary functions, placement, and features. Here's how they differ:
Primary Purpose:
Doorbell Camera: A doorbell camera is specifically designed to monitor the area directly in front of your door and notify you when someone presses the doorbell or approaches. It combines the function of a traditional doorbell with video recording capabilities, allowing you to see and communicate with visitors in real time via a smartphone or tablet.
Security Camera: A security camera is intended for broader surveillance, monitoring various areas of your property like entryways, parking lots, or common spaces. Its goal is to provide continuous or triggered monitoring to detect and record suspicious activity, rather than just interactions at your door.
Placement:
Doorbell Camera: Installed at the front door, replacing or complementing the existing doorbell, its placement is specifically focused on the entryway.
Security Camera: Can be installed anywhere around the property, including hallways, stairwells, or outside the building. Security cameras offer more flexibility in terms of coverage and are often mounted on walls, ceilings, or posts.
Features:
Doorbell Camera: Typically includes two-way audio, motion detection, and push notifications when someone rings the bell or approaches the door. Some doorbell cameras have night vision and limited cloud storage for video recordings.
Security Camera: While security cameras can also have motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision, they often offer more advanced features such as higher video quality, wider fields of view, longer recording times, and enhanced storage options (cloud or local).
Connectivity:
Doorbell Camera: Often relies on Wi-Fi to connect to a smartphone app, allowing for remote viewing and interaction.
Security Camera: Can also use Wi-Fi, but many security cameras can be wired directly into a security system for continuous monitoring and recording.
Navigating Doorbell Camera Installations in Apartments: A Guide for Renters
1. Lease Agreements
Most leases prohibit permanent modifications like drilling or wiring for doorbell cameras. Renters should review clauses about security devices, as some landlords allow temporary solutions like adhesive-mounted cameras.
2. Landlord Approvals
Renters often need landlord permission to install doorbell cameras, especially if modifications are involved. Providing details about the device and offering to reverse the installation can help. Landlords may also request liability waivers or insurance adjustments.
3. Installation Restrictions
Landlords may prohibit drilling or hardwiring. Wireless, battery-powered, or adhesive-mounted cameras are ideal alternatives. Some restrictions may also apply to camera placement to avoid recording common areas or neighbors.
4. Tenant-Friendly Solutions
Wireless or battery-powered cameras with peel-and-stick mounts are renter-friendly options. Indoor cameras or smart locks with built-in cameras are great alternatives for those who want security without outdoor installations.
5. Legal Considerations
Renters must comply with privacy laws that restrict camera placement and ensure they don’t infringe on neighbors' privacy. Some tenant rights allow security devices, but lease terms often dictate how installations can be done.
Enhancing your home security as a renter doesn't have to be complicated or intrusive. With options like the Kangaroo Video Doorbell and other innovative solutions, you can enjoy peace of mind without worrying about damaging your rental property or violating your lease agreement. Each of these devices offers unique features tailored to fit various budgets and preferences, ensuring that you find the right fit for your needs.
Q&A: The Right Doorbell Camera for Your Apartment
Your Questions Answered!
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Yes, many door cameras, including models like the Kangaroo Video Doorbell and Ring Doorbell, are equipped to record sound in addition to video. This feature allows for two-way audio communication, letting you interact with visitors at your door while also capturing audio for security purposes.
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Most door cameras are not continuously recording. They typically use motion detection to activate recording only when someone approaches the door. This helps save battery life and storage space, although some models may allow for continuous recording if desired.
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The Kangaroo Video Doorbell offers renters an easy installation process, typically requiring no wiring or drilling. Its features, such as motion detection and night vision, make it a smart choice for monitoring your front door without altering the property.
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The Ring Doorbell is a popular choice among renters due to its reliable performance and features like two-way audio and advanced motion detection. The Blink Video Doorbell is battery-operated and offers a more budget-friendly option, though it may have fewer advanced features compared to the Ring.
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While wired doorbells offer continuous power and reliable performance, they may require installation that needs landlord approval. Renters should consider whether their apartment has existing doorbell wiring before opting for a wired model.
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When selecting a smart doorbell, consider features such as a wide field of view, night vision, motion detection, and whether it is battery-operated or wired. Additionally, check for compatibility with chimes and existing smart home systems.
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Yes, the Ring Peephole Camera is designed specifically for apartments. It replaces the traditional peephole and requires no drilling, making it an excellent choice for renters who want to enhance their security without making permanent changes.
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Night vision technology allows doorbell cameras, like the Kangaroo Video Doorbell, Arlo Essential and Ring Doorbell, to capture clear video footage in low-light conditions. This feature is essential for monitoring your front door at night or in dimly lit areas.
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Yes, it’s advisable for tenants to obtain landlord approval before installing any doorbell camera, especially if it involves modifications. Wireless doorbells typically require less installation, making them a more tenant-friendly option.
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Some of the best video doorbells include the Kangaroo Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell, and Arlo Essential. Each offers different features, so it's important to choose one that meets your specific needs as a renter.
