Pros & Cons
Pros
- Works Without Monthly Fee
- Contract-Free
- Easy To Install
- Low-Cost Monitoring
Cons
- Limited Equipment Offer
- Works As Local Alarm Without A Subscription
- No Progress In A While
The Good
Scout's "no pressure, no contract" approach has always been its best quality. You can use it with or without a subscription, and if you subscribe to professional or self-monitoring, you're free to cancel anytime.
The Bad
It's been a while seen the last we've seen an innovation from Scout. It used to be a system that stands out, but now, it just fits right in with most self-monitored security systems.
Bottom Line
Scout's career might have peaked too early. It was once this great company with unique offers that truly stand out, but they took a hit after putting certain features behind a paywall.
Equipment & Monitoring Packages
Scout lets you choose your own equipment from its lineup of sensors and devices. Every Scout system starts with a hub, the Scout Hub, available in black and white. This router-like device ties your system together by connecting to individual sensors. When a sensor is triggered, it sends a signal to the Scout Hub and then the hub forwards the alert to either you or the monitoring center.
The Scout Hub is assisted by the Door Panel. The Door Panel is simply a control panel designed to be placed near your front door for easy access. However, instead of a touchscreen interface or keypad, it has a RFID reader. It arms and disarms your system when the correct RFID fob or sticker is placed near it. The Door Panel comes with two RFID Fobs and one RFID sticker that you can stick on any object, like your key or phone.
Other Devices
Aside from the hub and Door Panel, Scout offers security sensors, environment sensors, and even an indoor camera and Yale smart lock.
- Door Panel: $50
- Access Sensor: $20
- Motion Sensor: $30
- Scout Indoor Camera: $99
- Smoke & CO Detector: $50
- Glass Break Sensor: $50
- Water Sensor: $30
- Yale Smart Lock: $229
- RFID Key Fob: $4.99
- RFID Sticked: $2.49
Monitoring
Once you purchase the equipment, you can add a monitoring service anytime. Scout offers two monitoring plans: AlwaysOn and AlwaysOn+.
AlwaysOn is a self-monitoring service that activates Scout's key features, including 4G cellular backup for when your internet is down, email, text, and push alerts during emergencies, and smartphone access for remotely controlling your system. These features make self-monitoring your system possible. An AlwaysOn subscription will cost you $9.99/month, but if you pay for an entire year at once, you'll only have to pay $107. That's $8.90/month
AlwaysOn+ offers the same features but with the addition of professional monitoring. AlwaysOn+ will cost you $19.99/month, but if you pay for a whole year in advance, you'll only pay $215. That's like $17.90/month.
In addition to monitoring plans, security camera access is a premium feature that requires a subscription to either of the monitoring plans. Each camera you add to your system will cost you $2.99/month for cloud storage. If you don't pay, you'll still be able to view your cameras (assuming you have a monitoring subscription), but it won't be able to record events. AlwaysOn+ subscribers get free cloud storage for one camera.
Key Features & Tech
Mobile Control
Instant mobile monitoring with the Scout Alarm app ensures you always have access to monitor your home, no matter where you are. There are two versions of the app, including one for iOS and one for Android, with the option to voice-control devices using Google Assistant and/or Alexa. The app allows users to view notifications based on events and provides the ability to remotely arm and disarm the system as well as customize modes.
Redundancy
For as low as $9.99 a month, Scout owners can purchase an “Always On” monitoring plan. This fee activates the 3G chip that is embedded in the hub. If your internet fails, the system will stay connected using a cellular signal. If the power goes out, the hub includes battery backup. Redundancy means you stay protected. While 4G activation requires a fee, battery backup is a free feature for all Scout owners.
Home Automation
Along the way, Scout has made good friends in the smart home industry. The Scout system now integrates with Nest, Philips Hue, Wemo, Lifx, IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Scout Customer Service
Scout provides a variety of support materials and channels. If you need help with installation, there are tutorial videos on Scout's website. If you need help troubleshooting your system, Scout has an extensive knowledge base. And if you can't find the answers you're looking for, you can always email or call Scout. Both channels are active seven days a week between 9AM and 6PM.
Scout also offers customer-friendly policies:
3-Year Warranty
Every equipment you buy from Scout is covered by a 3-year warranty, which is longer what most alarm companies offer.
60-Day Returns
Scout also offers a 60-day return period for all products purchased directly from Scout. As long as you send the product back in good condition with all the accessories that came with it, you'll get a full refund. Scout reserves the right to refuse your return request if the system is heavily damaged or charge a 10% restocking fee, which will be deducted from your refund.
Moving Policy
With Scout, moving is never an issue. Should you need to relocate, simply take down your system, box it up, and install it in your new home. If you're on the AlwayOn+ plan, you'll also need to inform Scout of the move so they can update your address.
