1. Additionally, they don’t require any installation or activation fees and you don’t have to sign any contracts either. And, they give you a 10% discount if you pay for a year’s monitoring in advance. So there’s an upfront cost for the equipment, but it’s a DIY installation. Here are some of the Scout pros and cons. The Scout system works with Alexa, Google Home, Nest, IFTTT, and can be voice controlled, or by using the mobile app. The Scout hub also comes with ZigBee and Z Wave as well. However, Scout isn’t as user friendly as some because you have to use their app for control. The Scout system doesn’t come with a control panel/keypad. You can buy their basic packages, then add on to them as needed. However, if you want to use the automation features, including the app, you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.