The Best Smoke Detector for Your Home

According to NFPA (the National Fire Protection Association), about two-thirds of home fire fatalities occur in rooms lacking smoke detectors. A fire can quickly fill your house with thick, black smoke. The crucial warning they offer can have life-or-death implications.  Take the time to replace your detectors if they are damaged or very old. Fortunately, even the best smoke detector is inexpensive and straightforward to install.

Below is the list of the best smoke detectors in 2023.

• Google Nest Protect - Best overall

• First Alert SCO7CN - Best budget pick

• X-Sense - Best digital display

• First Alert SA320CN - Best basic

• Kidde Hardwired Smoke Detector - Best battery changes

Other ways to eliminate smoke that enters your place of business or home include using the best air purifier for smoke. In addition, we also dedicated a whole article on how to buy the best air purifiers with a detailed buying guide for you to take a look. The list of the best home air purifier is also listed in another article, along with in-depth reviews from our expert.

Read the in-depth reviews below to choose the best smoke detector. 

1. Google Nest Protect - Best overall

PRODUCT SPECS:

• Brand: Google

• Color: White

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.3 x 1.5 x 5.3 inches

• Item Weight: 1 Pounds

• Style: Battery

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Sensor Type: Photoelectric

• Alarm: Audible

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PROS:

• Mobile alerts

• Light

• Voice alerts

• Carbon monoxide alarm

• In-app battery warnings

CONS:

• Pricey

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Your house is safeguarded in numerous ways by the Google Nest Protect. Yes, it can identify smoke, but because of its split-spectrum sensor, it can also detect fires without active flames in addition to smoke. Carbon monoxide can also be detected using the help of an electrochemical sensor.

When a carbon monoxide or smoke detector is activated, the Nest Protect will flash its integrated light, raise an alarm, and use voice warnings to let you know precisely what kind of emergency it is detecting. Through the app, it can also send notifications to your phone.

In addition to protecting your family, it has a few frustration-saving features.  You won't have to put up with a continuous beeping sound till you replace the batteries because its app will alert you when the battery is low. With the app, you can also disable false alarms. No more tapping the button with a broom handle.

This Google smoke detector can establish a network of safety with other Nest Protect alarms in your house. Thus, audio alerts might let you know exactly where smoke or a fire was found. You'll be able to leave your house safely because you'll know which locations to avoid.

The downside is that this fire alarm costs a lot of money. Even so, the advantages outweigh the cost, particularly if you live in a smaller house where fewer smoke detectors are required. If you're on a tight budget, it is better to choose the following option.

2. First Alert SCO7CN - Best budget pick

PRODUCT SPECS:

• Brand: FIRST ALERT

• Color: White

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎5 x 2 x 5 inches

• Style: Battery Powered with Voice Location

• Item Weight: 10.7 ounces

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Sensor Type:  Photoelectric, Electrochemical

• Alarm: Audible

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PROS:

• Alerts you when your CO or smoke detector goes off

• Provides professional monitoring

• Features voice alarm

CONS:

• No app

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In addition to detecting smoke, the First Alert SCO7CN can also identify dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) levels in your house. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and fatal gas.  Buying a CO detector is important because detecting this gas is impossible without one. 

There are lights on the front of the alarm that will alert you about a CO or fire emergency. The SCO7CN notifies you when there is an alarm, just like the Nest Protect.

Our favorite feature is the easily accessible battery swap process that can be accomplished without removing the device from the wall or ceiling.

3. X-Sense - Best digital display

PRODUCT SPECS:

• Brand: X-Sense

• Color: White

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎5.7 x 5.7 x 2 inches

• Item Weight: ‎0.71 Pounds

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Sensor Type:  Photoelectric, Electrochemical

• Alarm: Audible, Visual

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PROS:

• LED screen

• Dual sensor

CONS:

• No app

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Because it features an internal digital display, the X-Sense differs slightly from its rivals. The battery level is visible at a glance, and the display shows the present CO levels in your house. You get the most recent readings because it updates every 10 seconds.

This lithium-ion smoke detector is expected to last for up to 10 years, so there is no need to replace the battery until it is time to replace the device itself.  If something goes wrong, the display changes color to let you know. Red indicates that the alarm is sounding, yellow suggests that there is a problem with the alarm, and green indicates that everything is in working order.

This smoke and carbon monoxide detector combination's ability to prevent false alerts is another useful feature. It takes three air samples before the alarm goes off. 

Considering other home appliances that are useful in keeping your house shiny and clean? Take a look at the best robot vacuum in 2023 and the best steam cleaner suggested by experts.

4. First Alert SA320CN - Best Basic

PRODUCT SPECS:

• Brand: FIRST ALERT

• Color: White

• Style: SA320CN

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎5 x 5 x 2 inches

• Item Weight: ‎0.9 Pounds

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Sensor Type:  Ionization, Photoelectric

• Alarm: Audible 

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PROS:

• Reasonably priced

• Reliable

CONS:

• Battery-run only

• Lacks home automation compatibility

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Compared to our best pick, the First Alert SA320CN is quite a basic option. However, it's quite reliable, which is the most crucial factor in fire detection.    Additionally, First Alert has a strong reputation with a long history dating back to 1958.

Although the 85-decibel siren's volume could be improved, we believe that if you install several alarms throughout your house, it should be sufficient. It has dual sensors that can detect both smoldering and fire, and a testing button that can also be utilized to silence the alarm.

Although it isn't the most flashy, we consider it to be a fantastic option if you require a simple, cost-effective smoke detector.

5. Kidde Hardwired Smoke Detector - Best battery changes

PRODUCT SPECS:

• Brand: Kidde

• Color: White

• Style: Hardwired Smoke Detector

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8.1 x 7.4 x 2.8 inches

• Item Weight: ‎0.1 Pounds

• Power Source: Corded Electric

• Operating Humidity: non-condensing, up to 85% relative humidity.

• Alarm: Fire safety, interconnected, ionization, wired, tamper-resistant

• Lower Temperature Rating: 40 Degrees Fahrenheit

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PROS:

• Interconnectable

• Easy-swap battery

CONS:

• Not compatible with older models

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Changing batteries has never been simpler than with the Kidde hardwired smoke detector. The slide-load battery door on the front makes it easy to keep this smoke detector operational. This smoke detector is the only one on our list that has a quick-change battery.

This Kiddle smoke alarm is also simple to install and can be linked to additional alarms to form a complete home smoke detection system.

1. How do I make a smoke detector stop beeping?

The batteries in your smoke detector may be becoming low if it is beeping frequently. First, try replacing the batteries. If the device keeps beeping, it can be sending out erroneous alarms. Make sure it is located far enough from the stove or bathroom in  order to avoid sensing steam or heat whenever you use the room.

2. Is it better to buy a smart smoke detector?

Smart smoke detectors have advantages and disadvantages, but it all depends on your preferences and budgets. When connected to your phone, smart smoke detectors let you know when the alarm goes off while you're away from home. These, however, aren't completely foolproof either. Since they  are connected to your Wi-Fi, you might not be protected when your internet connection fails.

3. How frequently should I test my smoke detector?

We advise monitoring your smoke detectors once a month for the best outcomes. This will avoid false warnings and beeping from depleted batteries while ensuring that you are always prepared for an emergency.

Although it's rather pricey, we decided to choose the Google Nest Protect as the best smoke detector since it is just so incredibly useful. The app eliminates the frustration associated with traditional fire alarms in addition to the ability to identify carbon monoxide and many types of fires.