Scout Alarm Home Security Review: In-Depth

Scout Alarm belongs to those security system providers who focus on customization. Their products have been featured by many leading mass media, including Forbes, the Chicago Tribune and others. As for its gems, they offer DIY installation, as well as customized packages to meet any requirements.

Key Perks

Alongside the DIY installation, Scout Alarm security systems are easily-integrated with smartphones and other smart systems homeowners have within their property. Beyond that, there is a choice between two attractive plans.

About Scout Alarm

Based in Chicago, IL, Scout Alarm company was first introduced to the home security market back in 2013. The company is staffed by experienced designers, engineers, and specialists in surveillance monitoring. Since the very foundation of the company, have they carried the mission to make home security affordable, practical, and customized to meet the needs of customers so that they would not worry about their protection at home, as well as security of their properties whenever they are away. Another remarkable history of the company refers to the crowd-funding campaign which allowed them to amass around $500 000 for pre-orders. In 2020, they are considered one of the leading providers of DIY security systems and may easily compete with such giants as SimpliSafe, Vivint, ADT, and others.

Features of Scout Alarm Security System

Scout Alarm security systems are more than attractive in terms of aesthetics and practicability, as they offer smart integrations and compatibility with existing devices. Below, we have reviewed the main features this provider offers to potential clients.

Home Automation

Their security systems may boast an array of home automation integrations. Need Zigbee, IFTTT, Alexa, Google, or Nest? You got it, as Scout Alarm offers it all. Beyond that, the provider has smart locks, control panels, detectors, and they may all sync up with the current devices the homeowners have. When choosing their bundles, note that the home automation option is available with all of them.

Pro Monitoring

The company forces its potential customers to purchase unnecessary features, as ice is genuinely up to the customer. One of the best gems is the absence of annual commitment in the form of contracts. Besides, Scout Alarm offers around-the-clock expert monitoring backed by fire/police dispatch.

3G Cellular Backup

Their security systems operate wire-free, and their products have a 3G cellular backup, which comes in handy in case of a power outage. Even if you are temporarily cut off a power source, the devices can serve your protection for an extra day.

RFID Stickers

RFID stickers are not really what they sound like, as it is a sensor strip which may be attached everywhere where the potential threat is most likely to occur. Allocate them to the door panels, and protect the main Hub with the help of radio wave technology. Also, in addition to remote key fobs, users may grant access to trusted people.

Detectors/ Sensors

Scout Alarm security system comes with detectors and sensors for precise tracking. Whenever someone is at the closed entrance doors, the system will trigger the alarm. You may allocate them again within the territory. The additional function of these devices is their capability to monitor the weather swings and convey them to the designated mobile app.

Mobile Alerts

By buying a standard plan, which costs $9.99, the users get access to the designated mobile app (available at Google Play) which allows receiving notifications and alerts about home security. With the upgraded plan, at $19.99, users also get the option to redirect the alerts to a COPS facility, which, in turn, alerts respective authorities.

Night Vision

Their cameras provide excellent quality of night images, ensuring the client can spot any suspicious movements within their territory. Together with detectors, sensors, and control panel, this night vision will not miss a thing whenever you are asleep unaware of what is going on outside or inside the house.

Audio

Audio support allows receiving more details within the property and scanning the potential threat. As of now, two-way audio communication is available only with a doorbell camera.

Cloud Storage

Scout Alarm security systems offer storage for all the previously-recorded footage; however, the user may access it only by subscribing for the upgraded plan, or by choosing it as an add-on at $2.99 per month. 

Smart Integrations

Similar to home automation, their smart integration is fully compatible with additional accessories and/or features. The clients may choose what they want exactly, including Amazon Echo Alexa, Nest, Google Assistant, Lifx, Samsung SmartThings, Hue lighting, as well as IFTT. 

AI Technology

Although their security systems can hardly be referred to as powered by AI technology, the Hub`s features are fairly promising. For example, a user can pair it with up to 64 sensors and sync up with third-party accessories available at home to avoid false alarms. Finally, in case of a power outage, the Hub will continue serving its function.

Equipment and Installation

As was said above, Scout Alarm security systems come with DIY installation. Customers should commit to upfront fees in advance and then set up the devices by themselves. Most of the equipment and products come with a 1–2-year warranty, and they are affordable to fit families and customers with different paying capacities.

Great Value Cameras

Their indoor camera costs $99 and comes with live-streaming and recording of the footage in 1080p HD. Beyond that, it can detect sound which is highly helpful when you are unable to see the intruders. As for installation, the user should just connect it to Wi-Fi and enjoy crystal-clear images.

Pros:

Controlling Equipment

Scout Alarm security system comes with a remote key fob, designated mobile application, the main Hub, RFID stickers. The Hub can be paired with up to 64 sensors, and sync up with existing monitoring devices. RFID stickers are tiny sensors with built-in radio wave technology to support the primary functions of the Hub.

Pros:

Sensors

The motion sensors are available at $30. They can be allocated within the territory to sense suspicious movement and ensure the security at night. The design of sensors allows hiding them, so intruders will find it hard to notice them before you connect to respective authorities.

Pros:

Installation

All gadgets from the assortment are easy to install and use. There are some tutorials and hints for users on where to place the devices best; however, it is mostly up to the clients. First, a user should run the Hub by connecting it to the Wi-Fi; from there on, all the devices will start functioning. You can access the security system via a designated mobile app to control it remotely.

Available Plans and Their Prices

Scout Alarm security system is available with 2 monitoring plans varying in price. The first one will cost $9.99, while the upgraded version is only double the price — $19.99. For a further economy with Scout Alarm, customers can subscribe to the yearly payment program. Beyond that, they can apply for 4G LTE backup to get unlimited alerts. As to customizing of the bundles, the price may vary.

Comparing the Plans

Always On+

At $19.99, clients get professional monitoring connected to Scout facilities, from where, in case of any potential threat, the technicians alert the respective authorities. Always On+ comes with cloud storage and mobile notification and alerts for remote control. In the case of the yearly payment, it will be $215.

Always On

If you are good with self-monitoring, Always On will be a perfect fit for you at $9.99 monthly only. With the yearly payment, it costs $107. The plan comes with battery/cellular backup and mobile applications. Upon request, users may also opt for a camera at $.2.99/monthly. It is a good choice for those who want to keep an eye on their particular accessories.

Packs

Those clients who do not need any customization in terms of plans can switch to Scout Alarm packs. There are 4 of them, and each is equipped with the main Hub, door panel, and more.

Comparing the Packs

Small Pack

This is one of the most popular choices with customers, as it offers basic security devices at an affordable price of $229. It comes with the main Hub, motion and access sensors, and 2 key-fobs.

Large Pack

It costs $319 and perfectly fits big families and large properties. It has motion sensors and 5 access sensors. All the devices have a 3-year warranty, and you may access them through a designated mobile application to simplify your security.

Elements Pack

This pack comprises a water detector, a smoke alarm, a yard sign, and sensors, which altogether cost $349. It fits those houses that are located in an area with a higher potential for burglary or intrusion. It is triggered by any suspicious events happening within your property.

Architect Pack

This pack fits houses with an array of entry points. It costs $549 and offers several devices for peace of mind. It comes with a glass break detector and a smart lock.

Overall Usability

Overall, usability is excellent, as the installation and the actual usage are trouble-free. All you need is connect the devices to WiFi and get the security system started. Scout Alarm offers a mobile application that helps users receive security alarm alerts and notifications. Beyond that, the equipment attracts with their easy-allocation, as you can move sensors and detectors as you wish. As for drawbacks, emergency monitoring comes at an additional price, and it is reportedly inconvenient.

Customers’ Feedback on Use

All in all, there is more positive feedback about the Scout Alarm security system, equipment, and devices. The customers report it is value for the money.

General Terms on Use of Scout Alarm Security System

Real users of the Scout Alarm security system report the overall efficiency of the customer service. They also enjoy the no-commitment option, as they are not bound to any contracts and can easily enjoy the systems with monthly payment only. Beyond that, the devices come with an effective warranty, which includes repairing of equipment as well as a 2-month money-back guarantee.

Customer Support

Scout Alarm company can be reached in a few ways, including phone, email, and social media. Besides, they have a support page on their official website to leave the inquiry. For those lacking understanding in operating security systems, there are many tutorials, reviews, and FAQ sections.

Trust Score 

Scout Alarm security systems do not have reviews with BBB and Trustpilot although they are highly trusted by the clients. In general, the provider offers affordable prices, which the clients confirm, and there are no hidden fees. The customer support team has received positive feedback.

FAQs on Scout Alarm Security System

Scout Alarm Security System Pros&Cons

The Bottom Line