Installing and maintaining smoke alarms in your home is essential whether you live in a studio or a mansion. Nowadays with the rise of the connected, smart home, you can invest in smoke alarms that are capable of alerting you wherever you are. We're highlighting some strong options for people who've bought into the Google Nest and Ring Alarm smart home systems, as well as those that want alerts direct to their cellphone if their detectors go off.
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarm
This cleverly combines a smart speaker with a detector
First Alert's Onelink Safe & Sound is an Alexa-enabled, Apple HomeKit-compatible hardwired photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarm. It can do anything a "normal" Alexa smart speaker can do, including voice calls, and supports AirPlay 2. First Alert's Onelink Home app will alert you on your smartphone if the alarm goes off. You can also control the device's nightlight functionality from the app. You can hook this up to any other hardwired alarms in your home and all the alarm units sound if a threat is detected.
Google Nest Protect S3000BWES smoke and carbon monoxide alarm
Two-in-one alarm and motion-activated nightlight
Obviously part of Google's Nest smart-home range of products, the Nest Protect is a Wif-Fi connected device that combines smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the ability to alert you remotely via your smartphone. Its "Split-Spectrum Sensor" monitors for both fast and slow-burning fires. If it detects smoke it gives you a voice alert in case you've only burnt food. Nest Protect is available as a hard-wired and battery-powered device. Nest Protect also has a built-in nightlight that is motion activated.
First Alert ZCOMBO 2-in-1 smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm
A simple and affordable solution from a respected brand
This is an easy-to-install, uncomplicated choice from First Alert. It is nearly as affordable as some non-connected options. This alarm is certified to work with smart home systems such as the Ring Alarm security system, Samsung SmartThings, and Nexia Home Intelligence when connected to a Z-Wave gateway hub. It boasts a photoelectric smoke sensor that helps reduce false alarms and an advanced electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor. There's a single test/silence button, side access to a tamper-resistant battery door for two AA batteries, and the horn is 85 decibels.
Ring Alarm smoke and CO listenerRing alarm smoke and CO listener
Companion device works with your existing smoke and CO detectors
This device is a little different from the others we're featuring. It's designed especially to work with the Ring Alarm Security System. It's a "listener," a companion gadget that works alongside your existing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to send a smartphone alert if your alarms go off. It works when placed a few inches away from all detectors that are less than 10 years old. It can be managed from within the Ring app. This is powered by one 3V lithium battery which should last for three years.
First Alert Onelink smoke and carbon monoxide detector
Connected and capable, this is a strong mid-range choice
This is basically the next model down from our Staff Pick. It has the same connectivity and detector features, but it is not also a smart speaker. It is a capable alarm with a photoelectric smoke sensor and an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor. This is available battery-powered or hard-wired. It uses First Alert's Onelink Home app to send you emergency alerts. This can wirelessly interconnect with other existing hardwired alarms and other Onelink devices. This alarm also works with Amazon Alexa and is also compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Don't be alarmed
Our overall Staff Pick, the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarm, gets the top slot because it's a multifunctional device that is also an Amazon Alexa smart speaker.
If you've already invested in the Ring Alarm Security System, then consider the Ring Alarm smoke and CO listener. Likewise, anyone who has chosen to go down the Google Nest route would be advised to invest in the Google Nest Protect S3000BWES smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
For people on a budget, the First Alert ZCOMBO 2-in-1 smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm comes recommended. It's a really affordable option that offers remote alarm alerts via your smartphone.
