Sleek and Modern Security System any Good?
We aren’t sure what sound a Fox makes but this home security system makes a very loud one if you ever set it off. It’s not smart to make a Scout mad! This new home security company is turning heads with sleek technology and affordable monitoring. It may not appeal to everyone, but for Millennials and techie gadget lovers, it is a fresh approach.
Mobile app control shown
A glance at the pros and cons of Scout Alarm
Pros
- Pay upfront for the equipment and easily add to it later.
- Modern unique security system you may actually find yourself showing off to friends and family.
- Low monthly monitoring available.
- Free mobile control app. Doesn’t share the same negative reviews that it’s competitor Samsung Smartthings does.
- Future of innovation to look forward too
- 30 day product returns
Cons
- Can’t take over existing alarm system or use with GE, Honeywell equipment.
- With over 100 security companies to choose from, it’s nice to have someone with a track record.
- Their stickers and sign to put in front of your house cost extra out of pocket money.
- If you want a DIY company with modern technology check out Frontpoint who has in and outdoor security cameras.
What’s the Scout Alarm going to cost?
Ala-cart option. Pay upfront for the Scout security system on a as-needed basis.
Even with better looks it still costs the same or less than other DIY alarm systems. Buy the equipment needed and add more in future if needed.
Here is their lineup of security products they offer:
The door panel is unique to them. The wrest of the products are similar to most other security companies. The prices are what you would pay for most any other DIY system. They don’t have the typical tiered bundled packages such as ‘basic, advanced and home automation’. Their monitoring stays at one flat fee and equipment costs are up to you.
EXAMPLE TIME:
Let’s go to the drawing board… Taking an average home of 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, 1 living room, kitchen and 2 hallways here is what it would cost to secure it:
A Scout Hub – $129/ea. 1 is required for every system, it is the ‘brain’ of their system. Compare it to the control panel of every other company that is touch screen or with a keypad. The difference with this is it looks good enough you don’t have to try to hide it or drill holes next to your door. 1 x $129 = $129
Access Sensor – $29/ea. A new name for the generic ‘door and window sensor.’ With our example we need to cover the front and back door, 1 window in each bedroom and 3 windows between the kitchen and living room. 8 x $29 = $232
Motion Sensor $49/ea. You need one for the hall and one to cover the living room and kitchen area. They don’t have a glass break sensor as of yet so if you have large pets you may want to try a company like ADT who has more equipment available. 2 x $49 = $98
Accessories $2.50-10/ea. We aren’t a fan of this. They charge you for the sign and stickers. These are things promoting them to your neighbors, should be free! Since they are needed, lets buy some for this example anyways. 1 yard sign at $10, 4 stickers at $2.50 and 2 key fobs at $5 = $30
Monitoring. $10+/mo. Note the * next to ‘starting at $9.99. The system can be used without monitoring but that defies the point of having a security system. If you are away from your phone at work or vacation and someone breaks in, a self-monitored system isn’t going to do much. 1 x $10/mo = $10
We are skipping the door panel ($69/ea.) in this example as it isn’t needed.
Total: 129+232+98+30+10 = $499
One may think we are on ‘Price is Right’ the way that added up!
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The Foxxy Security System Lineup
Most custom looks one can get with a security system. Users can choose their color and how many pieces per they want.
When placing an order online, users choose between 3 different colors – white, black or walnut wood. This is the only company currently that lets you match equipment to the look and feel of your home.
Here is a variety of their equipment with a notification being features on the smart phone:
And here is some of the equipment we bought in our example. Be mindful, this would only cover 1 door and 1 living room so this package isn’t too practical.
Here are the features that Scout boasts about. We aren’t sure if they have been in the industry long enough to claim fewer false alarms but we’ll go with it for now.
Not long ago…
Scout has a short history but is gaining traction fast.
Their name and logo fits them as a company perfectly. Sleek and fast. They started as a Kickstarter (funding platform) project. There was enough demand that they exceeded their goal within 30 days. Insteon has a similar story along with an ‘all in one’ security camera
Founded in Chicago of 2013. They did over a half million dollars in sales within 18 months. At this time we do not have a number amount of customers available and we are unsure how many users decide to monitor or not.
Their niche is for modern homes and anyone who enjoys a sleek, rich feeling design. Much like what Apple did to the mobile phone.
BBB rating: Because they are so new there has yet to be a BBB rating attached to their business.
Scout crowd sourced its way to success – over 2000 total backers
Our Fox-like conclusion…
Scout is a hands down a cool alarm system. For being in its infant stages (compared to ADT who has been around over 80 years) the company is on track to do big things and win more market share. Scout doesn’t fit everyone’s budget to pay $500+ upfront but for those looking for stylish security alternative they have found it.
If you have had any experience with them or use their security system currently, please share your feedback below.
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Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Last update on 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wanda says
They have sex appeal for home security which is brilliant since no one else ever changed up how door/window sensors look. Aside from look they appear to be pretty average or below from other companies. If you want sleek and good looking then do Vivint. If you want low prices I suppose these guys might do the job. Great for urban / apartments but don’t know if I trust a new companies monitoring service.
JD says
Delayed alarms, stopped working without warning, and overall not a good home security solution.
I had used a Scout system for about 18 months and paid for Always On monitoring. It frequently failed to provide any form of security. It would work for a few weeks after I called tech support, and then stop working again. I kept it for so long because I was just too lazy to switch.
Trish says
For a new system going up to battle against ADT, I think it puts up a good fight. My mom uses this system and she tell me its super easy to use. She says it’s very dependable and would recommend it to anyone. Thanks for this post! Currently still doing my research, but might go with the more trusted ADT just because it’s been around for so long…
Marcus Flemming says
I’ve been pleased with my system thus far. The app’s interface is modern and easy to use which is nice. I agree that it’s appealing to “millennials” however I am in my 40’s and I enjoy the technology rich advances this security system employs. I must add though, the alarm is so dang loud! Need to figure out how to lower the volume!
Robbie Evans says
I really appreciate the a la carte buying used on the website and the month-to-month contract. That means no early termination fees! I also enjoy that you can choose to self minitor or choose the cheap low cost monitoring service they offer. Overall, a really appealing security system if it fits your needs. Thanks for the detailed review.
Jillian Connor says
The door panel is definitely unique to them and adds to the value of the Scout Alarm Security System. I had 4 sensors and the door panel and it looks about 45 minutes to install. Whenever I have questions, which is quite a few times, they have been responsive, caring, and prompt with any questions I had. Awesome system! 4.5/5 in my book.
Dana Arevalo says
As a millennial, it’s a huge up front cost for the system for us who are struggling with student loan debt and credit card debt. But, you can’t pay for peace of mind… or can you? I like this security system because of it’s sleek white modern design, easy setup, and flexible monitoring plans.
Alarm Reviews says
To be or not to be, that is the question ;). Thanks Dana
Jazmine says
the Scout security system was easy to get up and going. I’ve been let down by the functionality of the app, maybe they need to do another fundraiser to higher some better app developers. I look forward to when they have more automation features to add but I will recommend this over paying $80+ for monitoring.
Paul says
I use the Scout alarm system and really like it. The wood variation (color) isn’t quite as good looking when I got the security system in the mail as it is shown online but it is alot better than most typical Honeywell sensors. It was a quick and easy setup for the wife and I and has integrated good with my smart phone. I don’t feel like the customer service is as good as a top provider in the industry but seems to be working for now. Thanks for the review and keep adding new ones please.