Scout Security is perfect for people who want a DIY home security system and don’t want to spend a ton of money on equipment or monitoring. In fact, that is basically their origin story. The founder was looking to secure his own home and saw how difficult and expensive it could be. As a result, he launched a crowdfunding campaign to pre-sell their devices.
They’ve come a long way since then, but their mission has remained the same; Create a home security system that is smart, simple and affordable.
Quick Look At Scout
If you’re busy and just want the quick overview of Scout Security, here is what you should know:
- They are great for DIY home security installation.
- They offer plenty of security devices to cover your home.
- The cost of devices is standard, but their monthly monitoring is very affordable ($19.99).
- They play well with other smart devices and voice assistants.
- Their app lets you customize how your system responds to any triggered alarm.
Scout Security Devices
There are four main things I love about Scout’s home security devices:
Easy to install. The entire system is wireless, which is a critical criteria for anyone looking to install a home security system themselves. This means no ripping up drywall, no need to hire electricians, and no need to run conduit. You simply place the device in the monitoring location and it talks to the Scout Hub through your WiFi network.
Great Selection. Because Scout is made for the DIYer, you can completely customize your equipment configuration, and they have plenty of home security devices to choose from. The one required component is the Scout Hub. It acts as the “brains” of the system. It connects with your router to monitor all your devices, but also had battery 4G cellular backup included, in case there is a power outage. Beyond that, you can add anything you can think of:
- Door panels
- Access Sensors
- Motion Sensors
- Cameras
- Video Doorbell
- Keypads
- Smoke Alarms
- Water Sensors
- Glass Break Sensor
- Smart Locks
You get the idea. No matter what your house is like, Scout will have the devices to help ensure you’re covered.
Beautiful Design. You can choose from two different color themes with Scout devices: Arctic or Midnight. Arctic is a sleek white theme and Midnight is black. However, both themes look like something Apple would design, with simple design and smooth edges, which will look great in any home. Aesthetics aside, the design is also incredibly durable and sturdy. With some DIY home security solutions, the devices can feel fragile or cheap, but Scout’s sensors have the heft you want for something that is supposed to be protecting your home. In fact, the devices are so sturdy, they come with a 3-year warranty.
Made For Smart Homes. Candidly, this is my favorite aspect about Scout’s home security system. One of the appeals of a smart home is that all of the devices speak to and coordinate with one another. When I leave my house, I want it to automatically arm itself. I want the AC to turn up. I want my laundry to automatically start. Maybe that last one is asking too much, but you get the dream.
Scout Security Pricing
Device pricing is comparable to other DIY home security systems, but where Scout’s pricing really shines is in its monthly plans.
There are two plans: Always On and Always On +.
Always On: This is the self monitoring plan and includes the 4G LTE back-up and unlimited notifications (email, push notifications, SMS, and phone calls). There is no annual contract. It’s priced at $9.99 a month.
Always On +: This version includes everything from the Always On version and 24/7 professional monitoring. It’s priced at $19.99 a month, but also doesn’t require any contract.
If you want even more discounts, and don’t mind a contract, then you can save 10% on the fee. This makes Scout one of the cheapest home security systems with professional monitoring.
Scout Security’s Mobile App
Regardless of if you go the self-monitoring route or the professional route, a great security system has to have a great mobile app, and Scout’s is definitely solid. The app allows you to arm and disarm from anywhere, livestream from the cameras, and set some smart rules for how the system should behave. For example:
- How the security system should respond in certain situations;
- Set locations and context-based modes;
- Create a network of people that Scout should contact in case an alarm is tripped and you are unreachable.
In short, the app will give you all the control you need to effectively monitor your home and manage any alerts that get triggered.
