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Rating: 4.5/5
When I first pulled First Alert’s SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm out of the box, my immediate reaction was how different it looks compared to traditional smoke detectors. It’s noticeably larger and flatter, with a clean, modern square shape and a large central button/light. Mounted on the ceiling or wall, it blends in well with other typical home fixtures rather than looking like a dated safety device.
Smart Home Compatible
First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at First AlertInstallation was super simple. Conveniently, the batteries were preinstalled, so all I had to do was pull the battery tab and pair the device with the First Alert app. From opening the box to seeing it live in the app took about 3 minutes. The built-in speaker walks you through setup with clear voice prompts, which eliminates any guesswork. When it’s time to test the alarm, it even gives you a five-second verbal countdown before unleashing a very loud siren—thoughtful, especially if you’re standing directly underneath it.
One feature I appreciated right away is how easily the alarm integrates into Google Home. I already use it to manage my ADT cameras and sensors, video doorbell, thermostat, and smart lights, so being able to see this alarm alongside everything else keeps my smart home ecosystem consolidated instead of fragmented across apps. That kind of integration matters more than you might expect when you’re juggling multiple connected devices.
In everyday use, the alarm’s standout feature has nothing to do with alerts on my phone—it’s the silence button. I managed to set it off a few times while cooking (burning pizzas in my Frigidaire pizza oven will do that), and instead of waving a towel in frustration, I just pressed the large center button to silence it. That alone feels like a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. If you cook often, this feature might be the single most compelling reason to go smart.
Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with a carbon monoxide emergency, but knowing I’d get instant notifications on my phone—even when I’m not home—adds a real layer of reassurance. The only downside is the price. At roughly $130 per unit, it’s significantly more expensive than standard alarms, especially if you’re outfitting an entire house. Still, for the added control, integration, and peace of mind, I think it earns its place—particularly in key areas of the home.
Where to Buy
First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at First Alert