Scout calls its products “modern security for the modern home.”
Scout Home Security is truly a 21st-century model of home protection, putting the power in the hands of the user when it comes to setup, customization and system functionality. Scout has strived from its inception to create a product that not only provides top-notch monitoring for your home, but is also accessible in terms of its cost.
Let’s dig further into the Scout alarm security system and help you get all the information you need before you buy.
Overview
One of the main things that draws attention to the Scout home security system is how its founders came up with the idea in the first place. One of them was shopping for their own security system and realized that, despite a plethora of options available on the market, none of them were exactly affordable and not many of them were made for the 2020s.
Why are so many systems strictly reliant on WiFi? Why aren’t the monitoring capabilities more tailored to the homeowner and instead of the monitoring company? And, quite frankly, why does the technology seem dated despite many products recently being released?
Key Features
Does your home have smart integrations like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Zigbee, or something else? Great news: the Scout home security system interfaces nicely with these products and customers enjoy the seamless integration.
Taking Amazon Alexa as an example, Scout’s system features several voice commands that can arm and disarm your security system. While its integration with Google Assistant isn’t as robust, you can still create basic commands and check on the system status using the smart technology.
Customization for Residential Security
Scout’s home security system comes in a variety of bundles and packages that make customization simple.
Or, if you prefer to skip the packaged equipment bundles altogether, you can opt to build your Scout home security system completely from scratch. Here are some of the products you can add to your Scout system:
Cost and contract information
One of the most appealing aspects of Scout home security is easily the lack of contract required to get started. There’s no monthly or yearly commitment; customers can pay month to month as long as they’re satisfied with the service. Scout does offer a modest discount of 10% if you pay for a full year of service in advance, as opposed to monthly payments.
Scout offers two monthly monitoring plans for its home security systems: Always On, and Always On+. The Always On standard plan comes in at $9.99 monthly, or just under $108 per year if you pay for 12 months. Always On+ is $19.99 monthly, or $215 for the full year with the discount taken into account.
In addition to the base monitoring features (which we’ll get to in a moment), the Always On+ plan includes:
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Police and fire dispatch
- Free cloud storage for your first camera or doorbell (normally $2.99 per device)
Here are the base features of both monitoring subscriptions:
- 4G LTE cellular and battery backup
- Scout mobile app for both iOS and Android
- Email notifications
- Push notifications sent to your connected devices
Contract Terms and Flexibility
This is the best part: no contract required!
Purchasing a Scout home security system means you have the choice of either Always On monitoring plan, and additionally, you won’t be tied into a contract like many of its competitors (Ring, ADT, and more). As far as flexibility is concerned, there are not many better options on the market than Scout’s system and subscription plans.
Coverage and policies
Of the many advantages offered by the Scout alarm, connectivity and coverage are among the strongest.
Having WiFi connectivity (you’ll connect the Scout Hub to your internet router via an ethernet cable) in addition to 4G LTE cellular backup, you’re ensured quality coverage throughout the home that is monitored through your system’s devices.
If there’s any limitation to the Scout system, it’s that this is not designed for customers who want a self-monitoring option. Scout’s subscription plans and system are designed for professional monitoring.
Warranty and Policy Details
When you purchase Scout home security products, there are many added perks. First is a 60-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the system.
Scout also offers one of the most generous warranty programs in the home security space. Every Scout bundle, product or package comes with a three-year warranty; most of Scout’s competitors offer one-year warranties on products and equipment.
Scout Equipment
Let’s take a closer look at the core devices and components of the Scout Alarm home security system.
Scout Hub: Much like other home security systems, the Scout Hub is the command station for the network. Through the Hub, you communicate and monitor the sensors and devices on the system and can also do so through the Scout mobile app. The Hub also has an internal battery backup that can supply up to 12 hours of power.
Motion Sensor: Scout’s monitor sensors operate on infrared technology and can sense motion or movement from up to 25 feet away.
Door Panel: Door panels on the Scout home security system are also sensors, but can be used to disarm the system using the key fob (you must enter the doorway and pass the sensor).
Key Fob: Scout’s key fobs allow you to arm and disarm your home security system with a single tap (on door sensors and other panels).
Keypad: The Scout home security system’s keypad is a great addition if you anticipate people coming and going from your home. If someone needs access, you can grant them a one-time key code and then deactivate it once it’s no longer needed.
Integration with Home automation
Scout Security System offers advanced home automation integration, making it a standout choice for those seeking a versatile and smart home security solution. Compatible with major platforms like Amazon Alexa, Zigbee, and IFTTT, Scout allows for seamless integration with a wide range of smart home devices, including Yale and Kwikset locks, Nest cameras, LIFX bulbs, and Philips Hue bulbs????.
This extensive compatibility ensures that Scout not only provides robust home security but also enhances the overall smart home experience. Users can create custom "recipes" or automation scenarios, such as having motion sensors trigger lights, adding both convenience and an extra layer of security??.
Moreover, the DIY nature of Scout's system, with its easy installation and optional professional monitoring, offers flexibility and personalization for diverse home security needs
Customer experience
Scout Security System stands out with its top-notch customer service, accessible daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST. Their user-friendly website provides comprehensive support resources, including video tutorials, a community forum, and a detailed Knowledge Base. For personalized assistance, customers have multiple contact options: email, an online form, or direct phone calls. Notably, Scout does not offer a live chat feature, but their robust customer support compensates for this.
Scout's website is designed for ease of use, showcasing their equipment packages transparently with clear pricing. The packages range from basic options for smaller homes to more comprehensive solutions for larger properties, each described in detail to help users find the perfect fit for their security needs.
Installation
Because Scout is a DIY home security system, the installation is user-friendly and mostly done with the Scout mobile app.
Here’s a quick run-through of the process:
- Download the Scout mobile app (iOS or Android)
- Connect Scout Hub to your home internet (ethernet cable to the router)
- Use app directions to pair all sensors and monitoring equipment to the Hub
- Install sensors and equipment where needed
Bonus: if needed, Scout offers over-the-phone installation assistance through its customer support team
The pros are that installation is very fast and can be done by one person. If there’s a con to Scout’s installation, it’s that Scout’s customer support team isn’t as robust as competitors and you might be waiting longer to get help over the phone.
Professional Installation Options
There’s more good news: you will not need professional installation to get your Scout home security system up and running. This is completely a DIY process from start to finish and it begins as soon as you open the box and download the app.
Bottom line: Evaluating Scout Alarm
Why do we love the Scout Alarm home security system? To summarize, the ease of use (including installation) is superior to many competitors. Also, the lack of a contractual commitment is a plus for the consumer; many other home security systems require one or two-year agreements to gain access to the monitoring features.
The 4G LTE cellular backup is a great feature that provides additional support for your home security system. And we also love the ability to customize your system entirely, or opt to purchase one of Scout’s many pre-bundled packages.
The company’s founders had a vision to modernize home security, and they’ve done just that. From custom options to affordable pricing, there’s something for every homeowner who plans to purchase a Scout Alarm home security system.