The Best Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
We compared seven smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs to find the best options for your home.
Updated
The bottom line
The First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (B0CLVQF7MC) is our top pick for its advanced sensing technology, ease of installation, and high customer satisfaction with a 4.4/5 rating from 1749 reviews. Priced at $71.76, it offers dual protection and battery backup. The First Alert SMICO100-AC (B0CLVQJMWQ) is a close runner-up, providing similar features but at a higher price of $528.99 for a 12-pack. For a budget option, the First Alert Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (B0CY3BZCX9) offers reliable performance at $32.08 with a 4.4/5 rating from 1143 reviews.
First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm $71.76
Best overall smoke and CO alarm
The First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (B0CLVQF7MC) is our top pick due to its advanced sensing technology, ease of installation, and high customer satisfaction with a 4.4/5 rating from 1749 reviews. Priced at $71.76, it offers dual protection and battery backup. Those on a tight budget should consider the battery-operated model instead.
Check price on Amazon
First Alert SMICO100-AC $528.99
Best high-end smoke and CO alarm
The First Alert SMICO100-AC (B0CLVQJMWQ) is a close runner-up, offering similar features to our top pick but at a higher price of $528.99 for a 12-pack. It has a 4.4/5 rating from 1766 reviews and includes battery backup and system integration. Consider this if budget is not a concern and you need a comprehensive system.
Check price on Amazon
First Alert Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm $32.08
Best budget smoke and CO alarm
The First Alert Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (B0CY3BZCX9) is our budget pick, offering reliable performance at $32.08 with a 4.4/5 rating from 1143 reviews. It includes advanced sensing technology to reduce false alarms. Those needing hardwired options should look elsewhere.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Best balance of features, price, and customer satisfaction. 9.0/10 $71.76 Amazon
- First Alert SMICO100-AC High-end option with comprehensive features but at a premium price. 8.5/10 $528.99 Amazon
- First Alert Battery Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Affordable option with good performance and advanced sensing technology. 8.0/10 $32.08 Amazon
- First Alert Smoke & CO Alarm Good hardwired option but slightly more expensive than top pick. 7.5/10 $53.99 Amazon
- Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, 10-Year Battery Decent battery-operated option but lacks expert reviews. 7.0/10 $49.97 Amazon
- First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Reliable but reports of occasional false alarms. 6.5/10 $124.40 Amazon
- First Alert BRK Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup Highly rated but very expensive and limited lifespan. 6.0/10 $600.00 Amazon
What owners say
Owners of the First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (B0CLVQF7MC) frequently mention its ease of installation and reliable performance. One owner noted, 'The installation was straightforward, and it immediately linked up with the other alarms in the house.' However, some users of the First Alert SMICO100-AC (B0CLVQJMWQ) have reported issues with the new connector, though most find the installation manageable.
Also-rans
The Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector (B0CX6BWRMM) and the First Alert Hardwire Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (B0CLVS37Z9) did not make our top picks due to either lacking expert reviews or reports of occasional false alarms. The First Alert BRK Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup (B014KER0J0) is highly rated but very expensive and has a limited lifespan, making it less practical for most users.