Scout Alarm Home Security System Review: A Simple Service That Doesn’t Skimp on Quality

Scout Alarm Home Security Review: In-Depth

The main premise of Scout home security is that one size doesn’t fit all. Therefore, the supplier offers customized packages and systems with a do-it-yourself approach.

Key Features

Besides being easy to install, the kits are accessible via a smartphone and sync with several other smart systems. Plus, clients have the freedom to choose month-to-month monitor plans.

• 3G cellular backup
• DIY set-up in minutes
• Motion & environmental triggers
• No contracts
• Professional & self-monitoring
• Remote control

Background Information

Scout alarm home security system was founded in 2013 in Chicago by a team of engineers, designers, and surveillance experts. These people wanted to create new surveillance products and packages that were simple, smart, and affordable but would still protect them. A few years ago, they started a crowdfunding campaign and amassed $500,000 in pre-orders.

Taking a cue from SimpliSafe, their aim to surpass the tired, old systems of days gone by was welcomed by homeowners and business consumers around the nation. The brand’s fundraising efforts allowed them to introduce something new in the world of residential surveillance. In 2021, the security enterprise is taking off and flying past many other leaders in the DIY residential safety industry.

Security Features: Top Tech Details

Besides its beautiful and contemporary aesthetic, this SimpliSafe competitor is an alarm system that offers the brains, compatibility, and trust that consumers want. Below is a review of the best technology and advancements that clients can expect from this provider.

Home Automation: A Comprehensive DIY Surveillance Kit

This supplier boasts one of the most impressive automated security systems in the industry right now. The brand itself offers smart locks, integrated control panels, and detectors, but its products also sync up with a range of third-party accessories. These include IFTTT, Alexa, Google, and Zigbee, so clients can view and monitor from any device they like.

Award-Winning Monitoring; Professional Plans to Secure the Home

Unlike other companies, Scout encourages customers to choose only the features that work specifically for them. There are a few different monitoring options, such as a 24/7 expert watch as well as police and fire dispatch. Best of all, no annual contract is required, which many people will like.

Battery Backup: Never Worry About Running Out of Juice Again

While everything is run by a wireless connection, the security cameras and other products have a cellular 3G backup in case of a power outage. Plus, the devices can run for up to an extra day without any external power origin.

RFID Stickers: An Extra Layer of Reliable Protection

These sensors are attached to the door panels and use radio wave technology to help protect the Hub. Together with the system’s key fobs, the stickers grant property access to specific, trusted people.

Access Sensors: Unique Activity Tracking

These unique detectors will trigger the sound or movement around entry points and ring the alarm. It’s the perfect sensor accessory for entry points throughout the property. Not only that, but the wireless device can sense changes in temperature and can send updates via the app.

Mobile Notifications: Round-the-Clock Alerts & Updates

A modern surveillance plan calls for remote access, anytime, anywhere. For $9.99 per month, customers can get alerts sent to their mobile device. They can also upgrade to a monthly $19.99 fee to direct those notifications to a COPS monitoring facility, which can dispatch local authorities.

Night Vision: No More Grainy Images

The indoor cam uses infrared night vision to ensure that clients can spot movement and activity at all hours of the evening. Combined with the access detection and powerful control Hub, and this is a DIY system that rivals the long-standing professionals.

Audio: Hear Intruders Before They're Seen

The products do a good job of sensing movement as well as sound for an all-over scan of the perimeter. That said, it would be nice for the motion detectors or cameras to have two-way audio as the video doorbell has.

Storage: Save Recordings for Future Reference

It helps to be able to go back and look at previous camera footage Customers can do just that thanks to cloud storage. Keep in mind that this is only included in the Always On+ plan, but clients can add it to a cam for an extra $2.99 per month.

Smart Platform Integration: For Increased Surveillance & Quality

This provider is a good team player and syncs with many of the trusted safety accessories that homeowners depend on. For instance, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, Hue lighting, IFTTT, Google Assistant, Zwave, Nest, Lifx, and Samsung SmartThings.

Artificial Intelligence: The Brains of the Operation

While these products aren’t exactly AI, the Hub is a machine that grows with the household. Pair it with up to 64 sensors and link it to other third-party devices in the home. Even if the Internet or power goes out, the Hub won’t.

Equipment & Installation

Customers pay for the devices up front and put them together by themselves. Most of the accessories are under a one or two-year warranty. The brand’s affordability and down-to-earth roots make it a popular choice among individuals and budget-conscious families.

Cameras: Great on Their Own or With a Pack

The indoor cam is $99 and allows buyers to stream and record video clips at 1080p HD for a crystal-clear picture anytime. It can detect sound, which increases its ability to catch intruders even if they’re unseen. The DIY set-up is incredibly easy and just takes a WiFi connection to get started.

• Digital zoom
• HD quality images
• Night vision
• Works alone or with a Scout security system

Controls: Unrivaled Power

A review of Scout’s controls includes a look at the key fobs, RFID stickers, mobile app, and the Hub, which serves as the brains of the entire system. It can partner up with 64 sensors and syncs perfectly with the other control devices. Moreover, RFID technology uses radio waves to add another layer of protection to the household.

• 105-decibel siren
• Battery backup
• Radio wave technology
• Remote access
• Third-party integrations

Sensors: Full Range Coverage

These sleek, $30 motion detectors can fit in hard-to-reach places so clients can put it anywhere they’d like. Plus, it senses movement in the daytime and at night for 24-hour assurance. Also, the sleek black or white color will ensure that it doesn’t stand out too much.

• 90° field of view
• Night vision
• Pleasing color palette
• Scans up to 25 feet
• Secures to many surfaces
• Wireless connection

Installation

The entire line-up of products is built to be self-installed and straightforward. There is some customization in how customers choose to set everything up, such as where they place the accessories. It all starts by plugging in the Hub via an Ethernet cable. From there, all of the devices are wireless and sync up to the mobile app.

Scout Alarm Packages & Prices

Scout home security has two monitoring plan choices, and the price only varies by $10. Plus, clients can save 10% if they opt-in to the yearly payment program. Either way, they’ll get cellular 4G LTE backup and unlimited notifications.

Quick Price Comparison Table

This simplified review outlines what to expect from both plans and can make it easier for families to decide which best suits their needs.

Always On+

For just $19.99 per month, customers can get expert monitoring by trained technicians who can alert the local authorities in case of an emergency. This solution also comes with free cloud storage as well as push, email, and text notifications. The yearly price comes out to just $215 if clients prefer that option.

Always On

A great self-monitoring plan, Always On costs just $9.99 per month or $107 yearly. It’s the ideal solution for those who prefer to keep track of their devices themselves. They’ll still get cellular and battery backup as well as unlimited SMS and email notifications. For an addition $2.99 per month, they can add another camera.

Packs

Individuals who don’t want to spend the time personalizing their plan can opt for one of the company’s four preset packs. Each comes with the Hub and door panel, although they vary in the number of accessories they offer.

Comparison Table for Packs

Check out this brief review of the packages and all that’s included in each choice, as well as what to expect in terms of price.

Small Pack

This is the brand’s most popular pack. At $229, it is the best economical solution for those who are new to DIY residential surveillance. It comes with the main control station as well as one motion and two access sensors and a pair of key fobs.

Large Pack

At $319, this is still an affordable choice, especially for larger families or those with a bigger property. It comes with two motion and five access triggers that link to the mobile app for quick and easy updates. Everything is under a three-year warranty.

Elements Pack

This selection costs a bit more at $349, but it also protects against more perils that may endanger a home. For instance, it comes with a smoke and CO2 alarm, as well as a water sensor that can detect excess rainfall. It also includes one motion and four access triggers.

Architect Pack

This pack is designed for houses that have more than one entry point. At $549, it’s the most expensive choice, but it’s also the most comprehensive. Along with everything in the Elements plan, this one replaces the environmental triggers with glass break protection and a smart lock.

Ease of Use

The fact that most everything in the packages is wireless means that there isn’t any big secret to setting it up. It’s as simple as working with a router for a WiFi connection. Moreover, the mobile app is straightforward and does a good job of sending rapid responses and notifications. It’s also convenient that clients can move the detectors and other products around without having to worry about cables and cords. On the downside, emergency monitoring is sold separately from the packages. This is particularly inconvenient since it’s required for any of the systems to work.

Customer Experience

This section reviews what current and past clients have to say about this brand. On the whole, the feedback is positive, and the enterprise is good at staying transparent.

Terms & Guarantees

Many buyers report that the corporation has friendly and helpful customer assistance. There’s also the fact that individuals aren’t locked into a contract. They can opt for a monthly or yearly payment plan, both of which come with the same perks. There is a three-year product warranty that includes replacing and repairing any products within that period. There is also a generous 60-day full return policy. In terms of privacy, the corporation collects certain personal information to improve customer experiences. This includes full names, billing and shipping addresses, geographic location, phone numbers, and Scout passwords.

Customer Support

There are various ways to get in touch with a team representative. Individuals can call 844-287-2688 seven days a week or send an email to [email protected]. The brand is also active on social media, and they have a support page on their website. This includes video tutorials and reviews as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Trust Score (Trustpilot & BBB.org)

Even though this provider doesn’t have any reviews with the Better Business Bureau or on Trustpilot, that’s not too out of the ordinary for a newer corporation. It turns out there is also more transparency here than with other brands. The correct prices are listed on the website, and there aren’t any annoying hidden fees.

The support team also gets great feedback for being quick to respond. There’s no pesky upselling or unqualified technicians to deal with either. Moreover, many buyers will be pleased with the refund policy, too. The founding team’s goal was to design products that were budget-friendly, simple, and safe. Therefore, they don’t clog their product line-up with superfluous items and unnecessary packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Scout a Good System?

  Yes, the brand is already surpassing many of the current leaders that sell DIY residential surveillance equipment. While there are still a couple of downsides, the provider is overall a wonderful choice for those who want a simplified yet powerful safety package.

• For Whom Will Scout Security Best Fit?

  This supplier is great for individuals as well as families who don’t want to deal with pesky hardwiring or pushy salespeople. With this brand, consumers can get just the features and equipment they’re looking for without it costing an arm and a leg. It’s good for apartments and larger houses, too.

• Does Scout Offer Professional Installation?

  No, and this is one of the potential disadvantages to the enterprise. For those who are confident in their do-it-yourself capabilities, they won’t have any problems. However, older clients or those who don’t have the time to set everything up themselves may prefer expert installation. Even though everything is DIY, the customer support team is incredibly responsive and available seven days a week. There are also video tutorials on the website.

• What are the Most Popular Add-Ons to Scout Security System?

  Those who purchase the service plans can add on an extra camera or two to round out their surveillance kit. It only costs an additional $2.99 per month, and Always On+ customers can add cloud storage. Other popular items include video doorbell and smoke/CO2 alarms. The doorbell has two-way audio and sends text alerts straight to the user’s smartphone, while the smoke alarm is just one of the environmental sensors the brand offers.

Scout Security Pros & Cons

The Scout home security system is one of the most budget-friendly choices out there and works great for apartment dwellers and homeowners. The DIY installation is fuss-free for the majority of clients. Some reviews mention that they don’t like that there isn’t an option to call in a technician, but it helps to keep the costs down. Alternatively, there are only two plan choices, and clients can choose between expert or self-monitoring. The high-tech equipment and simple wireless connection keep everything streamlined.

Final Thoughts

This corporation has a lot to give, all without pressuring consumers and selling them things they don’t need. While the brand is still quite young, it shows a lot of promise in the world of self-installed household safety. It could be well on its way to competing with the best providers out there.