SimpliSafe vs Scout Alarm

Both SimpliSafe and Scout Alarm are reasonably new home security systems and disruptors to the home security industry. Based out of Boston, SimpliSafe is a home security company covering over 3 million homes in America. It’s known for its flexibility, easy setup, and little startup cost. Scout is the result of a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2013 and, since its inception, has sold over $500,000 in products.

SimpliSafe vs. Scout Alarm- what are the similarities?

Home Integration: With both, you have the option to integrate with Google Home, Amazon's Alexa, and Nest.

Installation: There's no need for costly professional installation; you can install systems from both without any professional assistance.

Optional Professional monitoring: You can incorporate professional monitoring with either system for a monthly fee. Or you can choose to DIY that too.

Quality equipment: Our Security Nerd liked the quality of equipment offered by both companies.

Mobile App: An easy-to-use and comprehensive app with great functionality is offered by both SimpliSafe and Scout. Both can keep you up to date on the go with push notifications. They're relatively well-rated for both iPhone and Android.

Affordability: Both systems are very affordable overall.

Scout Alarm vs. SimpliSafe - What are the differences?

System Control: Scout Alarm doesn't have a control panel and relies mainly on the app and critical fobs for control. SimpliSafe has a control panel in addition to the app and key fob.

Outdoor Cameras: Apart from a video doorbell, SimpliSafe doesn't offer any outdoor cameras.

Only DIY Installation: If you’re not comfortable with a DIY alarm system, you’ll have to look elsewhere as Scout Security does not offer professional installation. While SimpliSafe is designed primarily for a DIY install, you can have professional installation for a fee.

Reliability: Though both overall enjoy a good reputation, SimpliSafe is so far regarded as more reliable by their customers.

SimpliSafe - What you need to know

Installation

The DIY installation is straightforward and relies only on WiFi, but users have reported longer wait times if you require assistance. With that said, when we called the IT line for help, we were connected with customer support staff in under 5 minutes.

Equipment

With SimpliSafe, you get advanced security equipment with a simple setup at a fair price. The best part is, you can pick and choose which gear you want to use based on the size of your home and desired security, allowing you to design your SimpliSafe system. All equipment comes with a 3-year warranty.

Some of the available equipment includes:

• Security cameras
• Motion detectors
• Panic button
• Base station
• Keypad
• Window sensors
• Glass break sensors
• Smoke detector

Home Automation

SimpliSafe has a select range of Home Automation products.

Here are some smart home devices compatible with SimpliSafe products:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Apple TV
• August Door Lock
• Nest thermostat

SimpliSafe remedied part of their compatibility issues by releasing a video doorbell, But this won't work for those who already have a doorbell camera in place. Amazon Alexa compatibility allows you to use voice control.

Costs

You purchase equipment upfront either from a pre-determined package deal or à la carte. There are over 15 different packages in different price ranges to choose from, and you don't have to commit to a monthly contract; the costs are small compared to most competitors.

Monthly monitoring costs start from $14.99 per month.

Nerd Pros

Costs: Even the highest-level security bundle comes in under $500, making this an attractive option for homeowners who aren't looking for expensive home security. A home monitoring service is an optional addition.

Satisfaction Guarantee: SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back promise that you can return it if you don't like the system. They'll even cover shipping.

Flexibility: You can begin customizing your system as soon as you buy it by buying precisely what you need. You can design the system to your tastes. You can choose whether or not to have security monitoring; DIY is an option for those looking to save money.

Nerd Cons

Equipment Incompatibility:  If you purchase security with SimpliSafe and decide to upgrade later, new equipment is not compatible with older equipment, necessitating much more significant upgrades if you want to upgrade even a tiny part of your system.

Scout Alarm - What you need to know

Installation

Installation is easy, but it is a DIY-only process. Thankfully, it's so simple that you shouldn't require any assistance. If you need to contact their customer service team for help, you should know our Security Nerd called and found them knowledgeable and helpful, without pushiness or unnecessary upselling.

Equipment

Scout offers an array of equipment that you can purchase on an a la carte basis.

• Scout Hub
• Entry sensors
• Door Panels
• Motion sensors
• Access sensors
• Scout indoor cameras
• Water sensors
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Door locks

Home Automation

Scout Security will allow you to have complete control over all of your smart home devices, and they offer a much more comprehensive system than SimpliSafe does in this respect. Your new Scout system can integrate with Nest (including the Nest Protect, smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors, and the Nest thermostat), Amazon Echo, Google Assistant, LIFX, and Hue; it is also IFTTT compatible. Overall, Scout is compatible with over 175 smart home partners and can offer you voice control (with Amazon Alexa), smart locks, smart lights, and other brilliant features.

Costs

The equipment costs begin at $229, which is quite reasonable but still not relatively as cheap as SimpliSafe can be. There are no installation costs to consider as it's a DIY process, but monthly fees can be $9.99 (WiFi backup, self-monitoring) or $19.99 with professional monitoring. No contracts are required. However, cloud storage may incur an additional charge.

Nerd Pros

Customization: You can choose which Scout Security products to add to your home or apartment to customize your system. Components cost less than some competitors. And, monthly professional monitoring is only $19.99 with no contracts required. It's almost as flexible as SimpliSafe.

24/7 monitoring: Monitoring is available 24/7 from UL-certified monitoring centers. Monitors can dispatch police or fire services to your home when your alarm sends out an alert; monitoring also comes with a verified video response.

Nerd Cons

DIY only install: If you’re not comfortable with a DIY alarm system, you’ll have to look elsewhere as Scout Security does not offer professional installation.

Equipment: Some users report issues with battery life and reliability, while we didn't have this issue, it's something to take notice of.

SimpliSafe or Scout Alarm System?

Scout Alarm offers more smart home integrations, though there is a significant crossover, too. Cellular backup is also provided in case of an outage, and both have very affordable monitoring plans. With that said, if you're looking for a system with a more proven reputation that can save you more money, then SimpliSafe Security is likely to be ideal for you. But if you want a smart system that encompasses z-wave technology, smart locks, and other functionalities, you might want to consider taking a chance with Scout. Whichever you choose, you have several monitoring options with a customer-focused security company at your disposal, both being flexible and offering excellent options.