Scout Alarm
3.8
6.7
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
Scout was founded in 2013 with the launch of a successful crowdfunding campaign for do-it-yourself home security similar to Abode or Nest. The company boasts sleek and technologically advanced equipment. Scout is one of many self-installed home security systems that requires professional monitoring for users to be able to fully use all of the available features. The company is based in Chicago, Illinois.
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The Good
- Quick and Easy Installation
- Helpful Tutorials
- Choice of Three Colors to Match Decor
- Can be Moved to a New Residence
- No Long-Term Contract
Quick and Easy Installation
Scout offers its customers many attractive features in that they may quickly and easily install door/window sensors or door panels that pair with the Scout Hub with little effort required. Equipment is as follows:
- Scout hub — Scout's version of a typical WiFi-enabled control panel or base station
- Door panel — A disarmable door sensor that contains an RFID scanner and siren
- Access sensors — functions as door/window sensors
- Motion sensor — a sleek version of your typical motion detector
- Water sensors — senses flooding in areas like your kitchen or bathroom
- Indoor camera — view live feeds, day or night
- Video doorbell — answer the door and receive notifications when someone is at the doorstep
- Keypad — arm and disarm the home security system at the touch of a button
- Glass break sensor — 25-foot range detects the sound and vibration of breaking glass
- Smart door lock — integrates with Scout app and features a durable touchscreen
- Smoke alarm — fire dispatch available with On+ Plan
When you install a system, you must have a Scout Hub with at least one door panel. Other sensors can be added at any point. Additional Key Fobs or RFID stickers, which are used to arm or disarm the Door Panel, are also available.
Mobile App
Setting up a system requires that the user have the Scout app on their Android or Apple mobile device. The Scout app allows you to arm, disarm, and customize your system, including shut down false alarms.
Helpful Tutorials
Scout has several video tutorials that show customers how to install and pair their equipment with the Hub. These are available on the company's site (but missing from its YouTube channel).
Choice of Three Colors to Match Decor
The Hub, Door Panels, and Motion Sensors are all available in three colors-black, white, and walnut.
Can Be Moved to a New Residence
Customers can install Hub in a rented home and move their equipment into a new residence free of charge, making Scout a good option for renters.
No Long-Term Contract
Scout Alarm customers pay from month-to-month or can pay for a year of monitoring for a discount. Most home security companies will require a 3- to 5-year contract for home security services. Scout Alarm, meanwhile, attaches a three-year warranty and a 60-day return policy on all products, and free shipping on orders of $200 or more.
The Bad
- Upfront Costs
- Poor Customer Service
Upfront Costs
In addition to the monthly fee you pay for professional monitoring, you must buy all equipment upfront from Scout Alarm's website. This allows you to customize your system how you like, but it could also cost more than a typical installation fee from a traditional home security company. Scout Alarm packages are as follows:
Scout Small Pack: $229
- One Control Hub
- One Door Panel
- One Motion Detector
- Two Door/Window Sensors
- Two Key Fobs
- One Yard Sign
Scout Large Pack: $319
- One Control Hub
- One Door Panel
- Two Motion Sensors
- Five Door/Window Sensors
- Two Key Fobs
- One Yard Sign
Scout Elements Pack: $349
- One Contrl Hub
- One Door Panel
- One Motion
- Four Door/Window Sensors
- Two Key Fobs
- One Yard Sign
- One Smoke Alarm
- One Water Sensor
Scout Architect Pack: $549
- One Control Hub
- Onen Door Panel
- One Motion
- Four Door/Window Sensors
- Two Key Fobs
- One Yard Sign
- One Smart Lock
- One Glass Break Sensor
Poor Customer Service
It is never a solid practice to completely change a product after heavily advertising it with specific features. Scout did so with its initial launch, with many customers excitedly arming their home with Scout products. The company advertised that the system was fully functional without the need of external monitoring services and monthly fee. All previously purchased equipment ceased to function with the same features with which it was normally purchased and promised. The company's customer service has been slow to respond to customer requests in the past. While the customers are able to access helpful tutorials online, being able to receive rapid assistance from a live person is beneficial to customers.
The Bottom Line
Scout originally had many features that were attractive to its customers, primarily that there was no need for professional monitoring service. After customers had purchased equipment for their homes, this equipment failed to function as promised by the company. Since the company had strongly advertised the benefits of not having additional costs or the need for professional monitoring, this resulted in some justifiably angry customers. The company's products are well-reviewed, with the exception of those who were affected by the downgrade of the service. Those looking for a system that is simple and straightforward with a monitoring subscription will find that Scout meets many of their needs. However, the only thing that appears to separate Scout Alarm from a traditional home security company is the lack of a long-term contract. Read Scout Alarm reviews below to see what past and current customers have to say.
