We Tested the Best Smoke Detectors—Here Are the Top Picks for Your Home

Smoke detectors are a lot like income taxes: they need to be dealt with once a year, not a whole lot of people understand them, and issues with either can be particularly, well, alarming. Simple yet necessary heroes of home safety and security, smoke detectors tend to be forgotten until they go off (a good thing) or fail to function in an emergency (a potential tragedy). Well-functioning, high-quality smoke detectors are essential for every household, so we researched more than 20 top models and put 15 to the test.

Our favorite was the X-Sense SC07 Wireless Smoke & CO Alarm. It monitors for smoke and carbon monoxide and has a large digital display that broadcasts the carbon monoxide parts per million. We also appreciated the slim, sleek design.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least one smoke detector for each floor of a home, as well as one in every bedroom. It’s important to become familiar with the types of detectors, how they operate, and some of the finer points of fire alarm technology. Read on to learn what you should look for in a smoke alarm and how we tested and selected the best smoke detectors on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: X-Sense SC07 Wireless Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: First Alert SMI100 Precision Detection Smoke Alarm
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3. BEST SMART: Kidde Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
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4. BEST INTERCONNECTED: X-Sense Interconnected Wireless Smoke & CO Detector 
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5. BEST VOICE ALARM: First Alert SMCO210V Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm 
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6. HONORABLE MENTION: SimpliSafe Wireless Smoke Detector
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7. ALSO CONSIDER: X-Sense XP0A-iR Smart Smoke & CO Detector
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Smoke Detectors Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

These top picks include photoelectric, ionization, and dual-sensor smoke detectors to suit a variety of different needs. All are high-quality models currently on the market that we’ve tested ourselves.

Note: All of the following models are battery-powered smoke detectors, making them very easy to install. They’re also all Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed for safety.

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Value 4.3/5

The X-Sense SC07 combo alarm is a two-way detector that would benefit many homeowners. This model features a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke particles and an electrochemical sensor that detects the presence of carbon monoxide. It also features a digital display that shows the carbon monoxide levels in the air in parts per million (PPM), as well as the battery’s status. Overall, it has a sleek design that will seamlessly blend into modern spaces.

The real star of the show is the display, which clearly indicates the level of carbon monoxide in the air when it exceeds 30 PPM (if it’s under that amount, it registers as 0). While a sensor capable of reading lower levels would be better, we still find this reassuring. 

We’re not, however, a big fan of this model’s activation switch. While it worked perfectly on the model we tested, we have broken that switch on previously tested X-Sense models, so we would still caution users to be very gentle with it. Otherwise, we felt this was the best overall smoke detector. Plus, an interconnected version is available for those who need that feature. 

What our tester says: “This device triggered within 10 seconds during testing—an impressively fast response—though it did take a while to silence.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the X-Sense SC07 smoke detector at Amazon or X-Sense. 

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Value 4.5/5

The First Alert ionization smoke detector isn’t flashy and doesn’t have the features you’ll find on other pricier smoke alarms, but it will get the job done at a budget price. It’s simple to install and produces a very loud alarm.

During testing, the First Alert smoke detector was slightly slower to respond to smoke than the pricier models we tested. It took about 20 seconds to sound an alarm once we released our test smoke. But we were impressed by the fact that the silence button immediately muted the alarm, which is nice in the event you accidentally set the alarm off by burning dinner. 

Along with its performance, we also like its compact, rounded shape, which makes it a bit more aesthetically pleasing than some of the larger smoke detectors we’ve seen. Unlike combination units, this one does not detect carbon monoxide, so you’ll need a separate alarm for those duties. You’ll also need to change the batteries periodically, as it is not hardwired. That said, for those looking for a budget-friendly smoke detector, it’s a great deal, especially when purchasing multiple smoke detectors. 

Get the First Alert SM100 smoke alarm at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 4/5; Functionality 4.7/5; Value 4/5

Kidde’s smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector allows you to monitor your home from afar. Once connected to the home’s Wi-Fi, you can receive alerts on a smartphone via the Kidde app. 

This alarm was one of the fastest responding smoke detectors we tested, producing an alarm within 10 seconds of releasing our smoke spray. The alarm is loud and accompanied by voice alerts, and it instantly sent an alert to our phone, too. The Kidde smoke detector supports interconnectivity, so it will set off all compatible Kidde smoke detectors in the house when one is triggered. 

The Kidde was easy to install, as it worked with our existing hardwired jack in the ceiling. For those who don’t already have the jack, adding it is a relatively easy process that involves attaching two wires to an existing electrical box. A large LED ring that clearly displays if the detector is working properly, malfunctioning, or detecting a hazard based on color. 

The Kidde smoke detector is one of the higher-cost smoke detectors on the market, but we think it’s worth it if you value smart features and its ability to detect carbon monoxide and test air quality. 

Get the Kidde smoke detector at The Home Depot. 

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 5/5; Functionality 3.3/5; Value 5/5

Interconnected smoke detectors communicate with each other through a wireless signal; once one goes off, they all go off. Connecting them can sometimes be confusing, so we appreciated this three-pack from X-Sense that came interconnected—no app or Wi-Fi needed. Activation was as simple as installing the mount on the wall and attaching the smoke detectors by turning them clockwise.

These X-Sense detectors alert residents to smoke and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The digital display shows the battery level as well as CO levels in PPM. Fortunately, these smoke detectors each come with a sealed lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 10 years, and the unit will notify you when the battery life has ended, so you won’t have to worry about replacing batteries.

Through testing, we discovered one downside to these smoke alarms: they didn’t alert when we tested them with canned synthetic smoke, but we were able to trigger them by blowing out a candle from about 3 feet away. While the unit then alerted, it was a concern that it didn’t recognize the synthetic smoke. We installed one of these smoke detectors in our basement, one on our first floor, and another on our second floor. When we set off the alarm on the first floor, all three smoke detectors loudly alerted us. Silencing them was as easy as pressing a button on the alerted detector.

Get the X-Sense interconnected smoke detectors at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 5/5; Functionality 4.3/5; Value 4/5

In addition to a loud beeping alarm, First Alert’s SMCO210V smoke and carbon monoxide detector is equipped with voice alerts that relay the location and type of alarm (smoke or CO). This smoke detector has a simple interface with one test/silence button, and programming its location took us less than 2 minutes. We also appreciated the sealed battery, which lasts up to 10 years before the unit needs to be replaced.

This First Alert smoke detector was one of the loudest we tested. We put it in an upstairs hallway and could hear the beeping alarm from our basement, two floors below. When sprayed with our test can of synthetic smoke, the alarm alerted in less than 15 seconds. 

There was only one thing we didn’t like: The test/silence button was very hard to push. It took us a few tries to silence the alarm after we set it off, simply due to the stiffness of the button.

What our tester says: “This smoke and carbon monoxide detector was one of my favorites. The alarm was loud and the voice alerts were clear, letting me know the location and type of threat.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the First Alert SMCO210V smoke detector at Amazon, Target, Walmart, or First Alert.

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Value 4/5

The SimpliSafe wireless smoke detector can be used in two ways. First, it can be used as a standalone smoke detector without owning other SimpliSafe products. It’s easy to set up, and during testing, the alarm sounded when synthetic smoke was sprayed nearby without having it connected to any other SimpliSafe products. Second, SimpliSafe users can connect it to their app and base station.

When connected to a SimpliSafe system, this smoke detector sends real-time alerts through the app and triggers the base station alarm. With optional SimpliSafe monitoring, fire rescue can be dispatched even if the user is away from the home.

Unfortunately, this model doesn’t monitor CO levels like many similarly priced smoke detectors. We also thought its alarm was a little on the quiet side. Still, it’s a good smoke detector for those who already utilize SimpliSafe security products.

Get the SimpliSafe smoke detector at Amazon or Best Buy.

Our Ratings: Installation and Setup 4/5; Functionality 4.3/5; Value 4.3/5

X-Sense’s combination smoke detector is impressive in what it offers, especially given its relatively low price tag. It’s a smart smoke detector, so you can monitor it and receive alerts remotely should something go awry when you’re not at home. Not only does it function as both a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, but it also reports CO levels in PPM both on the digital display and the app, giving a clearer picture as to the level of danger of a gas leak.The X-Sense is also one of the few smart models that don’t require hard wiring, making it a great option for older homes that may not be wired for smoke detectors. 

During testing, the X-Sense proved to be the loudest of the bunch, producing an ear-splitting 100.6 dB (decibels), making up for the fact that it does not support interconnection. It also sounded an alarm in a timely 15 seconds after we released smoke. The X-Sense also gives loud clear voice warnings for both fire and carbon monoxide while also advising occupants to “evacuate” or “move to fresh air.” With its slim design, it’s also one of the more streamlined smoke detectors we’ve seen. 

What our tester says: “You don’t have to have hard wiring to get a smoke detector with all the bells and whistles. The X-Sense smoke detector gives you robust smart controls along with a digital display. And while it doesn’t support interconnectivity, it’s loud enough to wake the dead.”—Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the XSense smoke detector at Amazon and Walmart.

ALSO TESTED

A smoke detector should be easy to use, loud enough to alert household residents, and quick to alert in the case of smoke or detected carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, not all of the smoke detectors we tested met these standards. 

• The Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener is a nice idea in theory, but we didn’t find it practical for the average homeowner. 
• The Kidde P4010LDCS-W Smoke Alarm was impossible to set up. It’s designed to link to the Kidde app via Bluetooth, but it would not register on any of the devices we tried.
• First Alert’s Hardwired LED Strobe Light Smoke Alarm was a big disappointment, especially for the cost. Despite numerous attempts, we couldn’t get the strobe to light.
  

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Smoke Detectors

While pressing the “test” button is a perfectly fine way for folks to perform once-a-month testing on a smoke detector, a simple button test cannot tell the whole story of how well a unit will perform. A lot more went into our testing, including nearly a decade of experience working with commercial fire alarms.

After researching more than 20 top-rated smoke detector models, we chose 15 to test, not all of which made our final list. We installed each of these units individually, according to the directions, to determine how easy they were to set up. We also tested each device by spraying two puffs of canned synthetic smoke, the same type used when testing fire alarms professionally. We timed each to get a solid sense of how long activation took, and then we compared the results. 

We used a standardized rubric to keep track of our testing results, rating each smoke detector on a scale of 1 to 5 based on installation and setup, functionality, and value metrics. At the end of testing, we tallied these results to find the winners.

What to Consider When Choosing a Smoke Detector

Even if tested annually, a smoke detector has an operational lifespan of only 10 years. Any model older than that should be replaced regardless of its working condition. To help make an informed decision, learn about the following key features that pop up when considering the wide range of models currently on the market. 

Types of Smoke Detectors

There are three main smoke sensor types: photoelectric, ionization, and dual sensor. While they all do the same job, they go about it differently. 

Photoelectric

The chamber of a photoelectric smoke detector contains an LED light that shoots a beam across the chamber, as well as a sensor that sits approximately 90 degrees from the LED. Under normal conditions, the sensor can’t “see” the LED beam, but when smoke enters the chamber, the light reflects off smoke particulates, and the sensor detects the beam. 

The instant the sensor detects the beam, the alarm activates. Photoelectric smoke detectors are most effective at detecting smoldering burns—barely burning fires that can, frighteningly, smolder for days before becoming a bigger issue. 

Ionization 

Though these detectors employ radioactive materials, alpha rays, and other sci-fi–style technology, they operate in a fairly simple way: a chamber fills with tiny particles called ions, which are held in place by electrical charges. A sensor in the chamber knows how many ions are contained within. When smoke enters the chamber, it removes some of the ions, affecting the sensor’s count and sounding the alarm. 

Ionization smoke detectors are most effective against fires that are actively flaming. 

Dual Sensor 

Just as the category name suggests, these detectors use both types of sensors. There’s no winner in a race against photoelectric and ionization detectors, and they each have their own strengths. The use of both sensor types means faster detection of threats across the range of different materials that could be burning. 

Hardwired vs. Battery Operated

Battery-operated models, which tend to be less expensive, are typically stand-alone detectors. This means an activated smoke detector cannot alarm a monitoring system or other sensors in the home; only the detector in the smoky area will sound an alarm. The exception would be battery-operated models that are part of a home security system. 

Hardwired smoke detectors connect directly to the home’s electrical system. When one detector sounds an alarm, typically, all of the detectors follow suit. While this may make it harder to pinpoint the unit that actually detected the potential fire, it alerts everyone in the house to danger.

Most residential hardwired home safety systems use battery backups, so even if the power goes out, the home will still have some fire safety protection—and that’s the best of both worlds. In commercial applications, things work a bit differently in that the fire alarm panel relies on the batteries to keep the alarm system live until the generators kick on or the power is restored.

Interconnectivity

Briefly touched upon above, interconnectivity refers to smoke detectors’ ability to “talk” to each other, alerting the entire system to potential danger. For example, if an electrical fire were to occur within a car in an attached garage and be detected by an interconnected detector, the entire system throughout the house would activate immediately. 

Fires can double in size every 60 seconds, so if residents were sleeping on the other side of the house, they might not hear a stand-alone detector activate in the garage. Interconnected smoke alarms would make them aware of the threat—hopefully before it’s too late to react.

Carbon Monoxide

In a similar circumstance, a car left running in the garage can produce fatal levels of carbon monoxide (CO), which could prove particularly dangerous to folks sleeping in a bedroom above. Smoke detectors with carbon monoxide sensors add another level of safety. While all homes should have carbon monoxide alarms, homes with gas or oil heat and hot water are particularly vulnerable to carbon monoxide buildup. If you don’t have a plug-in CO detector, a dual smoke detector with a built-in carbon monoxide detector is a wise purchase.

Monitoring

Interconnected detectors are often part of a monitored home security system. The great benefit of these systems is that they can alert the local fire department, even if no one is at home to make the emergency call. A carbon monoxide overload could render those inside unable to call the fire department, so the monitoring company can make that call, potentially saving lives.

UL Listing

Quality smoke detectors are UL listed. This certification ensures that the detectors meet Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL) stringent testing requirements. Given the importance of purchasing the best smoke detector system that a household can afford, it’s not worth the risk to install anything that isn’t UL listed.

Smart Features

For those interested in the latest fire safety technology, some good smoke alarms boast smart features. Many of these smart smoke detectors not only communicate with an overseeing alarm system but also with users’ phones through Wi-Fi. Some models even allow users to employ any TV remote to mute an activated detector. 

FAQs

Once you have a bit more about the best smoke detectors, more questions are likely to pop up. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, so check below for the information that will clarify your queries.

Q. How often should I test my smoke detectors?

The U.S. Fire Administration states that you should test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year, unless the unit has a sealed battery—but if that’s the case, it’s still important to test the unit. 

Q. How many smoke detectors should I have?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homes should have smoke detectors installed in every bedroom, a common area outside the sleeping area, and on every level (including the basement and attic). Placing a detector in the garage is also a good idea.

Q. Are smart smoke detectors better?

Smart smoke detectors provide a bit of extra awareness, and they can be particularly useful if no one is present when a fire threatens the home. However, they’re not necessarily better than standard units. Some believe that the best option is to have a wired smoke alarm connected to a central monitoring service.

Q. How do I stop my smoke detector from beeping?

Most smoke detectors feature dual-purpose test and “hush” buttons that will allow the user to test their detector’s functionality but also stop it from sounding an alarm. However, if your smoke detector is simply beeping, it probably just needs a battery change or may be indicating that the unit’s lifespan has ended. 

Q. How long should smoke detector batteries last?

It’s recommended that 9-volt smoke detector batteries be changed yearly. However, lithium and sealed lithium batteries may last 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. Smoke detector beeping indicates that it’s time to replace the batteries, or replace units with sealed batteries.

Q. How do I clean a smoke detector?

Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of a smoke detector’s vents and away from the sensor. If you don’t have compressed air, use a vacuum to suction the dust. Then wipe the outside of the detector with a dry dusting rag.

Q. Where should I install my smoke detector?

It’s crucial to place smoke detectors on the ceiling or high up on the wall, within 12 inches of the ceiling. Heat and smoke rise, so placing them lower could cause them to fail to detect a problem. Make sure there’s a detector in every bedroom, outside the sleeping area, and on every floor. Ideally there should also be a detector in the garage.

Q. Are hardwired smoke detectors better?

Hardwired smoke detectors run off electricity rather than batteries, relying on battery backups when the power goes out. They also often communicate with each other, meaning when one alarm sounds, they all do. Because of these features, many consider them better than standalone battery-operated smoke detectors.

Meet the Testers

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SFGate, Pro Tools Review, and more.

Katie Barton is a home improvement writer with over ten years of experience. She extensively tests products to help readers find the best value and features for their money. 

Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry. He spent years in the fire safety industry, both installing and testing commercial fire alarm and suppression systems. 

 

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