The 10 Best Smoke Detectors of 2024

Best Overall

First Alert Hardwired Smoke Detector

$30 At Amazon View On Firstalertstore.com

For a reliable, long-lasting, and effective smoke detector, we recommend the First Alert BRK 3120B Smoke Detector. This 10-year, hardwired model is equipped with both a photoelectric and an ionization sensor. “Dual detectors allow the device to detect both smoky fires and flames,” says Mock. “These are great for optimizing safety and precaution in your home.” 

In addition, First Alert uses a patented design that provides 360 degrees of access to the sensors inside the unit, enhancing the responsiveness of the device to smoke. If you’re concerned about false alarms, don’t be. The unit features a test/hush button that silences the 85-decibel alarm. 

Like all hardwired smoke detectors, this one is equipped with a 9V battery backup to ensure uninterrupted monitoring even during a power outage. The hardwired installation may mean that you’ll need the help of an electrician to install this smoke detector, although it is equipped with a quick-connect wiring harness to make the job easier. 

Keep in mind that while this model is a top-notch smoke detector, it’s not a combination unit that can also detect elevated carbon monoxide levels. It also doesn’t include advanced features like a voice alarm or smart functions. 

_{Power Source: Hardwired︱Sensor Type: Photoelectric, ionization︱Pack Size: 1}

Best Value

Kidde Fire Sentry Smoke Alarm

$7 At Amazon $8 At Home Depot $44 At Walmart

The Kidde i9030 Code One Smoke Detector is a battery-powered version that costs less than $10 and has a 10-year lifespan. A single 9V battery is included, adding to the value of this pick.

This smoke detector can be installed easily in small spaces thanks to its compact, 4-inch diameter. The Kidde Code One Smoke Detector uses an ionization sensor designed to detect the smoke particles associated with fast-burning, flaming fires. A test button means that you can routinely test the functionality of the unit, and it also silences the 85-decibel horn in the event of a false alarm.

There aren’t many other features to speak of on this budget model, like a carbon monoxide detector or voice alert. However, for an economical way to monitor for smoke in bedrooms, living areas, basements, and more, pick up several of the Kiddee Code One Smoke Detectors.

_{Power Source: 9V battery︱Sensor Type: Ionization︱Pack Size: 1}

Best Smart

Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm

$61 At Amazon

Smoke detectors are relatively simple by design and usually rely on an audible alarm to grab your attention. But if you’re looking for more advanced monitoring, we think the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is the right choice. 

This smart smoke detector uses a photoelectric sensor and relays alerts to an app on your smart device, in addition to using a voice alarm, horn, and LED light to grab your attention. It also integrates with Google Home and Amazon Alexa and responds to voice commands for things like checking the carbon monoxide level in the room—which is helpful since this unit doesn’t have a digital screen for displaying carbon monoxide levels.

This hardwired combination detector requires more advanced installation than a battery-operated version. However, it has a 10-year lifespan, and set-up is simple once the hardware is mounted—just use your smart device to scan a QR code on the device to get the process started. 

It’s worth mentioning that this is an interconnected smoke detector, meaning that it can wirelessly connect with compatible Kidde devices, including devices that lack smart functionality. When you install the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, it will send an app notification to your smartphone if any device in the network triggers an alarm. This helps to justify the higher expense of this smoke detector. Spend big on one smart, interconnected device and save money by purchasing basic but compatible Kidde smoke detectors for other rooms in your home. 

_{Power Source: Hardwired︱Sensor Type: Photoelectric, CO︱Pack Size: 1}

Best Features

Google Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm

$149 At Amazon $149 At Home Depot $119 At Walmart

For a smoke detector that does more and keeps you in the loop, look no further than the Google Nest Protect. We tested this popular pick and were pleased with its numerous features and the convenience of monitoring and controlling a smoke detector with an app. You can pick between hardwired and battery-operated versions; we found the latter to be super easy to install in a matter of minutes, but be forewarned that it requires six AA batteries—more than any other smoke detector on our list. 

Of the many features that distinguish the Google Nest Protect, the ability to receive alerts and silence the alarm in the Nest app is a real game-changer. If you’ve ever frantically opened windows and fanned a smoke detector with a towel in an effort to silence a false alarm, you’ll agree that pushing a button in the app to silence the alarm is faster, simpler, and less unnerving. Nest even delivers a ‘heads-up’ alarm that delivers a push notification to the app and causes the smoke detector to glow yellow, giving you a chance to dismiss a false alarm before the unit enters full-fledged alarm mode. 

Another feature that makes the Nest Protect a top contender is the fact that the device checks its battery level 400 times a day and quietly tests the speaker and horn function every 30 days, meeting the NFPA’s recommendation for monthly testing of smoke detectors. It’s also worth mentioning that the smoke detector is equipped with both photoelectric and ionization sensors for more comprehensive protection against fires. An electrochemical sensor is responsible for detecting levels of carbon monoxide, and the device regularly updates its algorithm to remain sensitive to elevated levels of this gas. 

Whether you use other aspects of the Nest smart home system, this combination of smoke and carbon monoxide detector is worth its high price tag. Just be prepared to keep a supply of AA batteries on hand for its power source and spend some time learning the functions of the device and how to use the Nest app, although the quality instructions certainly help.

_{Power Source: 6 AA batteries︱Sensor Type: Photoelectric, ionization, CO︱Pack Size: 1}

Best Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm

$61 At Amazon

A combination smoke detector, like this version from Kidde, is built with sensors for detecting both smoke and carbon monoxide. We tested the Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm and recommend it for its simple installation and voice alerts, which clearly identify the trigger for the alarm event. It’s UL-certified and has a 10-year lifespan, although the two AA batteries will need more frequent replacement.

This smoke and carbon monoxide detector has an ionization sensor for fire detection and an electromechanical sensor for carbon monoxide. It can replace two standalone units, reducing the number of devices you need installed in any given space. At under $50, this unit is often more economical than purchasing two separate devices for monitoring smoke and carbon monoxide levels. The fact that the base of this model is compatible with most other Kidde mounting systems means that you can more easily upgrade a smoke detector in your house to this combination unit. 

Like any battery-powered smoke detector, you should replace the batteries every six months (and sooner if the low battery alert sounds). While a front-facing battery compartment would make it easier to change out the batteries, the rear battery door wasn’t overly challenging to access. We like the fact that the battery compartment won’t close unless the batteries are correctly installed, providing a safeguard against improper battery placement and a unit that won’t power up. 

_{Power Source: 2 AA batteries︱Sensor Type: Ionization, CO︱Pack Size: 1}

Best for Kitchen

First Alert SCO7CN Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

$41 At Amazon

We think the First Alert SCO7CN Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector is a great option, since it will sound the alarm if smoke or elevated levels of carbon monoxide are present in the kitchen or any other room where you install this battery-operated smoke detector. This way you can keep on guard against cooking fires by installing this kitchen smoke detector.

Aside from fire danger, gas cooking stoves can be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. The First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector is vigilant about both hazards and uses a voice alarm to clearly specify the danger detected, along with the location. The unit also emits a loud beep and flashes an LED light as an additional warning signal. 

If it’s a false alarm, you can silence the alarm using the hush feature. The same is true for the low-battery alert. Speaking of low batteries, keep in mind that you’ll have to regularly swap out the old batteries for a pair of new AA batteries. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you do so every 6 months. 

_{Power Source: 2 AA batteries︱Sensor Type: Photoelectric︱Pack Size: 1}

Best Wireless Interconnected

First Alert Interconnected Wireless Smoke Alarm

$67 At Amazon $60 At Wayfair $67 At Walmart

The First Alert SA511CN2-3ST Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarm is our top choice for whole-home protection. Fire safety guidelines typically recommend that you have smoke detectors installed throughout your home. We recommend that you install one in every room in your home in order to optimize safety.

If you pick wireless interconnected smoke detectors, you create an alert system that ensures you’ll hear an alarm anywhere in your home, no matter which detector is triggered. Sold in a two-pack or individually, this battery-operated smoke detector uses a photoelectric sensor and can wirelessly link to each other and other compatible First Alert units. The fact that this smoke detector has a voice alarm enhances the interconnected functionality.

Pick from 11 different locations (or choose ‘No location’), and the system will announce that location in connection with alarm or low-battery alerts. This means you don’t have to guess which smoke detector is beeping because of a low battery, and in the event of an emergency, you’ll instantly know which room the smoke has been detected in. 

First Alert points out that for the smoke detectors to function as a mesh network, each device needs to be within 50 feet of at least one other unit. It’s worth noting that the smoke detectors aren’t paired together straight out of the packaging. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to link the two detectors (and any additional units you add). Most users don’t find the process too challenging, but it should be done before installing each detector. 

_{Power Source: 2 AA batteries︱Sensor Type: Photoelectric︱Pack Size: 2}

Best Hardwired

First Alert Hardwired Ionization Smoke Alarm

$43 At Amazon $13 At Home Depot $16 At Walmart

We think the First Alert BRK 9120B Smoke Detector is a basic but effective choice if you’re shopping for a hardwired smoke detector. It’s equipped with an ionization sensor and includes optional locking mechanisms to prevent the unit from being tampered with or removed.

A quick-connect harness and a gasket-less design make it simple to install the unit, although you should enlist the help of an electrician if you lack experience with home wiring systems. This smoke detector from First Alert is sold in a pack of 3, 6, or 12 so that you can install as many units as needed to protect your home, but you can purchase single units, too.

The alarms aren’t interconnected, but a latching feature will tell you which unit initiated an alarm or a low battery alert. On the subject of alarms and alerts, a silence button quiets false alarms and the intermittent beeping associated with low power for the backup battery. The only downside to this hardwired alarm is the lack of dual sensors or a carbon monoxide detector.

The ionization sensor is intended to detect fire particles associated with fast-burning flames but can be more sensitive to false alarms than a photoelectric sensor, which is optimized for smoldering fires. And without a carbon monoxide sensor, you’ll still need to install a separate monitor to alert you about elevated levels of this odorless gas. 

_{Power Source: Hardwired︱Sensor Type: Ionization︱Pack Size: 3}

Best Battery-Operated

Kidde 10 Year Worry-Free Smoke Detector

$20 At Amazon $25 At Home Depot

The Kidde Worry-Free 10-Year Smoke Detector is a battery-operated smoke detector with an ionization sensor that is easy to install and long-lasting. This UL-certified device has a lithium battery that should last for the 10-year lifespan of the unit, saving you from replacing batteries every six months like you typically need to with battery-operated smoke detectors. Of course, we think you should still test the unit on a monthly basis to ensure it’s in good working order.

While it’s hard to see the long-lasting battery as a downside, it could be easy to lose track of how long this smoke detector has been installed. Fortunately, the unit won’t let you forget—as it nears the end of service, it will chirp intermittently (every 40 to 45 seconds) to let you know it’s time to replace the entire unit.

There aren’t many other features or functions to mention beyond a flashing LED light that accompanies the 85-decibel horn or a hush button that silences the unit in the case of a false alarm. But for under $30, it’s hard to beat the simplicity of this battery-operated smoke detector. 

_{Power Source: Lithium battery︱Sensor Type: Ionization︱Pack Size: 1}

Best with Air Quality Monitor

Kidde Smart Smoke Detector with Indoor Air Quality Monitor

$90 At Home Depot

This model from Kidde is the first to offer dual monitoring for smoke and reporting on your indoor air quality. Plus, you can keep tabs on metrics like temperature, relative humidity, and the level of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). It’s also interconnected, meaning that it can network with other Kidde-compatible devices in your home, even if they’re not smart smoke detectors.

We like that the Kidde Smart Smoke Detector with Indoor Air Quality Monitor connects to your Wi-Fi network, enabling you to check the status of the device or receive notifications to the Kidde app on your smartphone. For example, the device will send you an alert if smoke is detected or when other significant changes are detected to your home’s air quality, like high humidity levels that cause an elevated risk of mold. Or, you can have the device send alerts to family and friends, which can be helpful if you’re away from home on vacation and have someone else looking after your home. 

This Kidde alarm relies on a photoelectric sensor for detecting fire threats, but it doesn’t have a sensor for carbon monoxide detection—which is surprising for a device that monitors home air quality. If that feature is more important to you, then you may be better off with the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm. It’s also worth noting that while this smoke detector integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, it offers limited functionality when it comes to voice commands.

More information is available in the Kidde app, so you’ll be tied more closely to that platform for using this smart smoke detector. Even still, this is the best and only option on the market for a smoke detector with a built-in air quality monitor. 

_{Power Source: Hardwired︱Sensor Type: Photoelectric︱Pack Size: 1}