Overview

Scout Alarm offers customizable home surveillance systems with professional and self-monitoring options at a fairly reasonable price point. They have high-quality products, functional features, and smart integrations, and provide an easy way to protect your home. The mobile app could be developed further but it is worth checking out the security systems offered by Scout Alarm.

Highlights and Features

Hassle-free installation

One of the major features that Scout Alarm offers is the ease of the whole setup process. There’s no need for bolts and screws or wires because you can just attach the devices and alarms to your table, wall, cabinet top, or other surfaces. It’s also straightforward to link your security devices to your smart devices like Alexa.

Wireless Sensor

Scout Alarm’s security devices feature a wireless sensor so you can maintain security in your home. The door panel sensor will detect when the door is opened or closed. Access sensors will detect the opening or closing of windows, safes, and cabinets.

Motion Detector

You can monitor your staircase, hallway, and room with a single motion detector. These motion detectors are easy to set up, active 24/7, and battery-powered which means they won’t be affected by electrical blackouts.

LTE 4G Backup

A good home security system should be active round the clock if you want real protection. Scout Alarm’s security system relies on 4G/LTE backup whenever the WiFi connection is disrupted or there is a power outage.

Products from Scout Alarm

Home Security Camera

The indoor camera from Scout Alarm costs $99. You’ll get live stream footage of your house in 1080p quality. The sound and motion alert features are of excellent quality. Cameras will record footage if it detects a sound or movement.

Scout Alarm also offers a video doorbell for the same price. This has a people-detection capability which sends you alerts if someone is walking through your front door. It also records footage in 1080p quality and is just as easy to install as the indoor camera. You can download the Scout app to take advantage of the 2-way audio feature if you don’t want to open your door every time someone knocks on it.

Home Security System

If you’re looking for a complete surveillance system, Scout Alarm offers the Scout Hub. It’s a central brain that connects all the security devices and sensors that you can install in your home. This hub costs $120 and has a backup battery so your home remains protected even in emergencies.

The Scout Hub links with sensors in your home such as motion sensor, door panel sensor, water sensor, glass break sensor, and access sensor. The siren is at 105 dB which is definitely loud enough to deter burglars. You also get a door lock and keypad with your Scout Hub purchase.

Life Safety Alarm

In addition to cameras and security sensors, Scout Alarm also provides life safety alarms such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. If carbon monoxide or smoke is detected, you will get siren alerts so your family can exit the home safely as fast as possible.

Smart Home Compatibility

Scout Alarm’s security systems and devices are compatible with most smart devices such as Google Assistant, Alexa, If This Then That automation tool, and more. IFTTT can be used to customize other services. Scout integrates really well with Alexa. You can use Alexa to deliver an order to disarm the alarm which Scout will then execute.

Available Plans and Prices

Scout Alarm has two monitoring subscription plans for home security. You can choose between the Always On and Always On+ plans. Getting an annual subscription will save you 10% on the cost. There are no installation fees and orders above $200 get free shipping. Also, if you sign up for their email list, you can get another 10% discount on your first purchase.

If you are looking for a complete system, Scout Packs makes it easier by bundling the devices you’ll need in your security system. Prices for Scout Packs range from $229 to $549.

What to Expect with Blue’s Services

If your Scout Alarm sensor detects unusual activity, it will send an alert to the Scout Hub. The response will depend on your settings so you may either receive a custom alert on your phone or a siren sound to alert the whole house. You can visit the video or activity log to review the reported activity and decide if it needs intervention from the police or if it is not a threat.

If you have professional monitoring and your alarm is activated, an operator from the central monitoring station will reach out to you to confirm the emergency and if you need assistance. If you say No, you will be asked to provide your passcode. If the monitoring center doesn’t receive the correct code, they will dispatch the police or fire team. If the registered user cannot answer the call, Scout Alarm will reach out to a dedicated contact before they send the police.

Monitoring

The advanced Always On+ comes with 24/7 professional monitoring. Both plans do come with real-time notifications via text, email, or push if a sensor is triggered. However, professional monitoring provides you with the expertise of a team that can assess various situations and quickly calls emergency personnel for help.

Mobile App

The mobile app gives you remote access to your security system 24/7. You can easily set it up and configure the response settings for triggered alarms. You can also customize the notifications you get from the app. If you have a doorbell camera, you can view the footage from the app and even allow access to the house by using your phone. Their mobile app does need improvement as reflected by the low rating on the Google Play Store with reports of the app crashing.

Installation Process

Installing a Scout Alarm is easy. You will get a guide that outlines the process so you can set up the devices on your own. Once you unbox the alarms, you need to create an account on Scout Alarm’s website. Turn on the Scout Hub and use an Ethernet cable to connect it to your router. Once the WiFi connection is set up, Scout Hub will initiate pairing. You can start installing the sensors that will be located closest to the Hub and move further. This is all you need to do to install your security system.

On average, you will spend 30 to 45 minutes for the installation of the smallest hardware package from Scout. Device pairing takes only a minute or so. If you still need help with installation, you can contact customer service by phone.

Warranty and Contract

There is no annual or lock-in contract with Scout Alarm. The subscription is renewed every month which you can pay monthly or annually. You can switch plans at any time or cancel your subscription altogether without any charge.

For order returns, it usually takes 3 days for them to process the request. You have free returns for 60 days, a complete refund, and a 3-year limited warranty. The warranty is not applicable to defective items due to misuse.

Client Service and Customer support

The customer support service provides users with a knowledge base with clear topic categories to answer the most common questions. There is a thorough FAQ section with various topics the users might be curious about. The blog contains supplemental guides and links to other resources to help you figure out solutions for your issues.

Email and phone support are open 9 AM to 6 PM, CST Monday to Sunday. Email response time ranges from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. The contact form on the website lets you send questions and receive a response within 30 minutes.

Scout Alarm Vs. Other Home Security Providers

Scout Alarm vs Vivint

Vivint security systems are at a higher price point than Scout Alarm due to the professional services they offer. Technicians from Vivint will conduct the whole installation process in your home. Vivint also has a live chat option for customer support that allows you to receive responses within 3 minutes or less.

Scout Alarm vs SimpliSafe

Scout Alarm and Simplisafe both offer DIY home security systems. SimpliSafe’s features are easier to use and more customer-centered (the video verification allows the police to be dispatched to your address faster). They also give homeowners lifetime warranty on equipment. Both Scout Alarm and SimpliSafe do not offer live chat support or community forums so you need to depend on phone and email support channels.

Scout Alarm vs Cove

Scout Alarm offers a three-year warranty on defective devices while Cove provides a lifetime warranty on the equipment. Although Cove is slightly pricier, features including smash and grab protection, which sends alerts to the police if your security system is damaged, make it an excellent value for money. Cove also has chat support and you can get a response in just a minute.

Bottom Line

Scout Alarm is a great bargain if you’re in the market for a hassle-free and affordable home security system with lots of features. The plans are fairly priced relative to competitors. They also offer professional monitoring and device bundles. The mobile needs improvement to avoid crashes but you can monitor your home, and control cameras and sensors while you are away through the Scout app.