Frontpoint vs. Scout Alarm Review

Frontpoint and Scout are both DIY home security systems. For both systems, you get all the devices you order in a box and you set up everything yourself. You don’t have to be a tech wiz, either—if you can peel off the adhesive backing and stick up your own door and window sensors, then you have just about all the manual skills you need.

That said, Frontpoint brings a little more to the DIY table than Scout does. Scout keeps its system simple, with standard sensors and cameras. (Think motion detectors and a little indoor cam.) Frontpoint is more customizable and its cameras could beat Scout’s in any showdown.

Plus, Frontpoint’s equipment is always on sale. Always. It’s not uncommon to see a starter pack of Frontpoint security equipment marked down to $99. You can get the basics for pretty cheap.

Scout also has a unique feature in its door panel. Rather than control your system with a keypad, Scout lets you arm and disarm it with an RFID-controlled door panel.

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and, in this case, it means you can use a little tag or a sticker (which you can put on anything) to arm and disarm your Scout system. No need to search for your phone or type in a code.

Frontpoint’s equipment might offer cheap equipment, but it charges a pretty penny for professional monitoring. The average price for professional alarm monitoring is less than $40 per month. Frontpoint’s monitoring plan costs $49.99 per month.

You’ll have to do some math to see if the cheaper equipment package makes the higher monitoring price worth it for you. But we can tell you right now that you’d still save more per year with Scout or SimpliSafe.

The RFID control is cool and all, but sometimes you do just want the option to type in a passcode on a keypad to disarm your system. Like we said, Scout does offer an analog keypad for its system, but you have to order it separately.

We also don’t love that Scout requires a monthly subscription for self-monitoring. Some systems, like Nest Secure and Abode, let you self-monitor your system for free. With Scout, you’ll pay about 10 bucks per month for the honor.

If you want a more traditional security system with excellent customer support and better security cameras, then go with Frontpoint. If you’re more of a bootstraps DIY-er who wants to self-monitor your system and integrate it with a bunch of smart home stuff, then go with Scout.

Want to compare some other home security options? Check out our other reviews.

• Ring Alarm Security System Review
• Frontpoint review
• Scout Alarm review
• Best Home Security Systems review
• Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe
• Frontpoint vs. Vivint

Sources

1. Better Business Bureau, “Frontpoint Security Solutions, LLC”
2. Trustpilot, “Frontpoint”