The 8 Best Smoke Detectors of 2022

Best Overall: First Alert SCO7CN Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

4.8

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The First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector can pick up trace amounts of smoke and carbon monoxide, and given its utility, it has a surprisingly low price point. If you are looking to upgrade or replace multiple detectors in your home, this is our top recommendation.

This dual-use detector features a voice alarm that tells you whether it detects smoke or carbon monoxide. This is important because it helps emergency responders know how to respond to the call and can also help you and your family egress safely. The detector is battery-powered, which makes it a breeze to install, although you will need to change out the batteries every six months. You can do this using the easy access point on the front.

In addition to having both audible and visual alarms, the test/silence button is also helpful and is clearly labeled on the front of the unit. If you experience a false alarm that you know you can silence, just press the button. Hold it down to test the alarm, which should be done at least once every time you switch out the batteries. You can also use this button to silence the annoying low-battery chirp alarm for up to eight hours. Just make sure to go back and actually switch out the batteries.

Best Budget: Kidde 10 Year Worry-Free Smoke Detector with Lithium Battery

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For the most affordable alarm, the Kidde Worry-Free 10-Year Smoke Detector is the clear winner. It is a fraction of the cost of many other alarms but still offers 10 years of reliable performance. Powered by a 10-year lithium battery, this alarm brings all of the convenience of easy installation without adding the requirement to change the batteries every six months. You also don’t need to deal with low-battery chirps.

You will get an alert when the battery is near the end of its 10-year life, and the whole unit will need replacing. Depending on how well you monitor this, it may catch you off guard. Also, keep in mind that it does not detect carbon monoxide, but for the budget-friendly price, you can add a separate CO detection unit at the most appropriate place.

Best Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector: Kidde Battery-Operated Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice Warning

4.8

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This top-performing smoke detector includes a carbon monoxide alarm. It alerts you to the threat using a voice alert so that you can respond appropriately and notify emergency responders about the problem. The hush button allows you to silence false alarms, although you do need to be able to reach it to use it.

This is a battery-operated unit, which has pros and cons. It is easy to install—if you are replacing another Kidde alarm, you might even be able to use the same base and simply click the new unit on. However, as with all battery-powered units, it does mean that the batteries need to be changed every six months.

Best Hardwired: Kidde FireX Hardwire Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combination Detector 2 Pack

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Having a hardwired smoke detector helps it integrate with other sensors to create a comprehensive home safety system. The Kidde FireX hardwired detector can sniff out both smoke and carbon monoxide, adding to the protection power. It does have a 9V battery backup in case the power goes out, a necessary safety precaution. When one alarm in the system detects smoke or carbon monoxide, they all sound. This helps alert you to dangers even if you are in a different room or floor of your home. It uses a voice alarm to tell you if it detects smoke or CO.

Installation of hardwired detectors can be a bit more complicated, but Kidde systems use compatible bases. If you are replacing another Kidde product, you can likely use the same location to hardwire this detector and eliminate the need to touch up walls or paint. If you are installing a hardwired system for the first time, you will likely need to get the help of an electrician to run wires safely. This adds to the already high cost of these detectors. Buying in packs of two or more can save some money.

Best Battery-Operated: Kidde Code One Smoke Detector

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All you need to operate this convenient smoke detector is one 9V battery—rather than worrying about multiple batteries, just open the door to pop in one battery and attach it to the wall. This smoke detector is very simple, without any extra bells and whistles, such as voice alerts or CO detection. But it does a great job at its only job: detecting smoke and alerting you to get to safety.

Installation is very easy, especially if you are replacing another Kidde unit, and it comes with one 9V battery to get you started. You will need to change it out periodically—most emergency response units recommend every six months. There is a corresponding CO detector that uses a similar setup and also uses a 9V battery for power. Fortunately, this unit is so affordable that you can purchase both this detector and the Kidde Code One CO detector for less than a pricier combo unit.

Best Smart: Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation

5

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This smart alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide for thorough home protection. You can check on the status of the alarm and the battery life, silence false alarms, and even test the alarm from an app on your phone. The voice alert is friendlier than most, which can be pleasant but may not impart the same urgency as a loud beeping alarm. It does tell you whether it detects smoke or carbon monoxide, which is helpful to determine the right response.

The Google Nest Protect is an expensive alarm, which isn’t surprising given its interconnectivity and extra convenience features. You can monitor the alarm while away from home via the app. It includes a night-light that activates if you walk under the light at night. You can purchase it in packs of one or three, and it is available in battery-powered and hardwired options.

Best Dual Sensor: FIRST ALERT BRK 9120LBL Hardwired Smoke Detector with Battery Backup

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Smoke alarms use either photoelectric sensors to detect fast-burning fires or ionization sensors to detect smoldering fires. While most prioritize one method over the other, the First Alert BRK 3120B detector uses both to provide comprehensive safety detection. It is hardwired but has a 9V battery backup to provide power if there is an outage. Unless you are already using a hardwired smoke detector in your home, you will likely need to get professional installation for this unit.

This detector is a bit more expensive than other smoke-only detectors. But given its reliable detection of every type of fire that could threaten you or your home, it is well worth the cost. However, it does not detect carbon monoxide, so you will need to purchase a separate detection unit if needed.