Best Fire and Smoke Alarms for the Home

Smoke alarms save lives. Protect what matters most with the top fire and smoke alarms on the market. It’s easy to take your smoke detector for granted, especially if they’re prone to false alarms, but they can save your life—and your home. Below, you’ll find the best smoke detectors on the market, plus other fire safety information that can keep your family protected.

Compare Smoke Detectors and Alarms

*Amazon.com price as of 04/16/2020 at 12:13 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Our Approach

To determine the best smoke alarms, we scoured industry research and evaluated product features, performance, and specs. We consulted the National Fire Protection Association and US Consumer Product Safety Commission for guidance, and pored over expert ratings and real customer reviews. Our top five smoke alarms were selected from twelve different devices that were compared for reliability, effectiveness, price, and customer satisfaction.

Smoke Alarm and Detectors Reviews

#1. Google Nest Protect: Best Overall

While Google’s Nest Protect smoke detector is pricey, it does it all. It detects smoke particles, carbon monoxide, and heat. It’s also not hard-wired, making it easier to install. Like other members of the Nest family, the Nest Protect is Wi-Fi connected and sends alerts to your phone when it detects a problem. And instead of sounding an annoying alarm, it uses a clear human voice to alert you of danger.

On top of that, its self-monitoring system performs 400 safety checks per day to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. Learn more about this smart smoke alarm in our full review of Nest Protect.

#2. First Alert Onelink Smoke Detector: Runner Up

First Alert Onelink is a smart alarm that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. At first, adding features like Alexa and Apple HomeKit compatibility may seem silly, but they’re quite useful. Smoke detectors connected to your smart home hub are able to alert your phone, so you know when there’s an emergency even when you aren’t home.
To top it off the First Alert Onelink smart smoke detector also has a ten-year battery life expectancy.

#3. Kidde Smoke Alarm: Budget Pick

Kidde is the largest manufacturer of fire safety products in America, and customers trust them to provide top-notch protection.

The Kidde KN-COSM-BA smoke detector receives high praise from customers. We read review after review from people who credit this smoke alarm with saving their lives and homes.

In a world of smart devices, this smoke detector is fairly basic. Although it does offer voice alarm, there are no home automation or remote monitoring capabilities.

#4. First Alert BRK 312OB: Best Basic Pick

This First Alert smoke alarm uses a dual sensor to detect multiple kinds of fires and decrease false alarms. It’s also hardwired with a battery backup, so you don’t have to worry about power failure.

Say goodbye to shrieking beeps while you’re cooking or after a hot shower. The First Alert BRK 3120B comes with a photoelectric sensor that’s sensitive enough to tell the difference between everyday activities and real threats like a smoldering fire.

Although this smoke detector has two smoke sensors, it doesn’t come with carbon monoxide detection.

#5. Kidde i4618: Best False Alarm Prevention

This is the second Kidde smoke alarm to make our list, and it’s the most affordable. The Firex is easy to install and can be interconnected with other alarms to create a full-house smoke detection system.

Changing batteries has never been easier. It’s simple to keep this smoke detector ready for action with the slide-load battery door on the front.

The Firex has only an ionization sensor. While this provides early detection for fire particles, which is useful in a flaming blaze, it doesn’t provide accurate detection for smoldering fires.

What to Consider when Buying a Smoke Detector

Fires happen every day. In 2016, a house fire was reported every ninety seconds.¹ If you have smoke detectors in your home, you’ll have a better chance of getting everyone out safely. While any smoke detector is better than none, there are a few things to look for when buying a new smoke alarm.

Multifunctional

The best smoke alarms can detect smoke particles, flames, and carbon monoxide. A multifunctional alarm can save you battery life or energy from your house for hard-wired smoke detectors. Combination smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors are easier than ever to find.

Smart

While classic ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors are helpful, smart smoke detectors are the cutting edge in fire safety. They communicate through apps and deliver alerts to your phone or other mobile device if an alarm sounds. Smart alarms can talk to each other too, so you’ll know exactly where the fire is when an alarm is triggered. The only downside is that smart devices are more expensive.

Backup Power

If your home’s power goes out, you still need to know if there’s a fire or smoke emergency. Hard-wired smoke detectors need to have a battery backup or some other backup power source to keep them running. If the power goes out, it takes your smoke detector with it. Battery powered smoke detectors should have a test button or chirp when the battery starts to drain.

Types of Smoke Detectors

Smoke alarms typically have three types of sensors: ionization, photoelectric, and dual. Here are the main differences between the three.

Photoelectric

Photoelectric smoke alarm sensor that uses light to detect smoke. When smoke particles are suspended in the air (as with a smoldering fire) the particles scatter the beam of light in the sensory chamber, which sets off the alarm.

Ionization

Ionization smoke detectors use radiation and an ionization chamber to detect smoke. The ionizing radiation helps detect small amounts of smoke in the air, as with a flaming fire. When smoke enters the sensor chamber, the current of the ionizing radiation is disrupted, which triggers the alarm.

Dual Sensors

Dual sensors include both photoelectric and ionization sensors. These are considered the safest smoke and fire detection devices. Because they detect both flaming fires and smaller, smoldering fires, it’s unlikely that any fire-related danger will get past these double-duty sensors.

Tips for Smoke Detector Use

Smoke alarms can save a life, but they have to be properly installed and maintained. Don’t risk your family’s safety—use these tips to keep your smoke detectors in tip-top shape.

Smoke Detector FAQ

How do I stop my smoke detector from beeping? 

If your smoke detector is beeping regularly, it could be because the batteries are running low. Try changing the batteries first and if the beeping continues, the device may be sending false alarms. Make sure it is far enough from the bathroom or stove to avoid sensing heat or steam any time you use the room. 

Are smart smoke detectors better?

There are advantages and disadvantages to smart smoke detectors, but it boils down to your preference and budget. Smart smoke detectors connect to your phone, allowing you to know when the alarm sounds when you aren’t home. But these aren’t totally foolproof either. They’re connected to your Wi-Fi, so if your internet connection drops, you may be without protection. 

How often should I test my smoke detectors?

For the best results, we recommend testing your smoke detectors once a month. You’ll always be ready for an emergency and this will prevent false alarms and beeping from drained batteries. 

How many smoke detectors should I have?

You should have at least one smoke detector per floor and outside of each of your sleeping areas.

How can I prevent house fires?

Smoke and fire detectors are good for warning you when an emergency happens, but how do you prevent a fire in the first place? Start with a few common safety practices like careful cooking, cleaning out lint traps frequently, and storing flammable products safely. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher on hand in the house and show everyone how to use it.

Related Pages on SafeWise

• What Should I Do in the Event of a House Fire?
• How Can I Prevent a House Fire?
• Where Should I Install Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms?

Sources

1. National Fire Protection Association, “Fires in the US”
2. National Fire Protection Association, “Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires, September 2015”
3. National Fire Protection Association, “Installing and maintaining smoke alarms”

*Amazon.com list price as of 04/16/20 12:27 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

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