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The best smoke detectors of 2024, tested and reviewed
The X-Sense SC01 features a 10-year lithium battery, carbon monoxide detector, and a color-changing LED to let you know its current status.
What we like
- Digital battery level display
- Doubles as carbon monoxide detector
What we don’t like
- Lacks ionization sensor
The X-Sense SC01 responded well in my testing and activated its alarm within two sprays of the aerosol. Its loud alarm could be clearly heard from across the 2,700-square-foot house I tested it in, and its red LED flashed continuously while the alarm was sounding. The alarm and light shut off simultaneously when the sensor no longer detected any aerosol.
The X-Sense SC01 lacks an ionization sensor and uses only a photoelectric sensor to detect smoke. This makes it marginally less sensitive to flash fires but also cuts down on the chances of it being set off by nuisance alarms, or false alarms caused by cooking smoke or steamy showers. Its screen displays the real-time amount of carbon monoxide in the air, the status of the unit during a test, and a battery level icon.
Installing the X-Sense SC01 was simple. With a power drill and pencil, I attached it to the ceiling in about two minutes. The anchors are white, so they blend in with the ceiling. They also came in a resealable plastic baggie, which was convenient.
Overall, the value of the 10-year battery, integrated carbon monoxide detector, and digital readout make it the best smoke detector I tested. It also comes highly recommended by our fire investigator expert.
The multifunctional First Alert PRC710 alerts you to the presence of both smoke and carbon monoxide and boasts an ultra-thin profile that will blend into your ceiling.
What we like
- Dual function does not compromise effectiveness
- Low-profile shape
- Long-lasting battery
What we don’t like
- Lacks ionization sensor
- Does not provide voice alerts
The First Alert PRC710 uses a photoelectric sensor to quickly and effectively detect smoldering fires, which should cut down on frustrating false alarms. It also uses different beeps for each type of alert — three beeps for smoke and four for carbon monoxide — allowing you to know exactly what the problem is upon activation. Although these are useful, I wish it used a voice-alarm to explain the alerts.
The First Alert PRC710 performed well during my testing on all three days and consistently activated its smoke alarm after two sprays from my aerosol canister. Installation was a breeze as well; it took just a couple of minutes to insert the anchors and screws and twist into place.
The First Alert PRC710's .96-inch height makes it the slimmest unit I tested. Combined with its relatively compact diameter (4.92 inches), it doesn't have the bulky, industrial look of some other detectors. Its smooth face and lack of additional screens or controls really allow it to blend into its surroundings, making it convenient for those who want a minimal look.
With this sleek appearance, some of the helpful features of similar models are sacrificed, like the informative LED screen of the X-Sense SC01, so keep that in mind if you prefer something a bit more interactive.
The First Alert SA320 is an affordable and effective smoke alarm with both photosensitive and ionization sensors, which can cause it to be too sensitive at times.
What we like
- Has both photosensitive and ionization sensors
- Has safety features suitable for landlords
What we don’t like
- Very sensitive
- Batteries must be replaced regularly
The First Alert SA320 features both photosensitive and ionization sensors, which is likely the reason it was the only unit that activated its alarm after a single aerosol spray test.
Although this high sensitivity sounds good on paper, it can also cause frequent nuisance alarms. These alarms, combined with the removable AA batteries, greatly increase the odds that someone will remove the batteries or the alarm itself. The NFPA reported that between 2009 and 2013, 21% of deaths in home fires occurred when smoke detectors were "present but did not operate." It's important to keep this in mind if you're planning to get this unit.
I didn't experience any issues installing the First Alert SA320. It uses red wall anchors, which aren't ideal if you want to move the unit to a different location in the room. It also has optional locking features to discourage unauthorized battery or alarm removal. This is a good feature for landlords or anyone else placing the unit who won't be there to monitor it.
The First Alert SA320's design makes it feel more functional and less clunky. It does lack the polished appeal of the X-Sense models, though it shouldn't be a big factor compared with safety and effectiveness. Andler describes this as "a standard smoke detector at a good cost."
The X-Sense Wireless Interconnected comes as a set of three, six, or 12 separate smoke detectors with a range of more than 820 feet each, so they can cover small and large spaces safely.
What we like
- Small size is easy to install
- Easy to find silence button in the dark
- Covers large areas
What we don’t like
- Does not have a built-in battery
Even though the X-Sense Wireless Interconnected smoke detectors are smaller and lighter than typical ones, they still meet UL 217 standards. They also beeped at the same 85-db level as every other model tested. Their red alert lights were easy to see, and because of their side-mounted position, they reflected off the ceiling to increase visibility.
Because they are interconnected, all the units will sound even if only one detects smoke, so you'll be notified regardless of where you are in your home when a fire breaks out. They performed effectively in every test I did and were all relatively sensitive, responding within two aerosol sprays. Since the silence button is also the alert light, it was easy to quickly find the button to silence the unit, even in low light.
Each unit was interconnected right out of the box, so no additional setup was necessary. You can add up to 24 units to the network, but every new set will need to be manually connected to the rest. This process seems pretty straightforward, though, and X-Sense's instructions are clear.
Installation of the six-pack took longer than other smoke detectors I tested because there were more units to install. Their small size only required two anchor holes per unit, as opposed to the three that the other units I tested needed. This not only made them easier to install but also reduced the amount of damage to the ceiling and walls. Each of the units easily clicked onto its mounting bracket, and they were the simplest to install out of all smoke detectors I tested. Like all X-Sense models, their smooth finish gave them a nice, high-quality look.
The Nest Protect features both a carbon monoxide and split-spectrum smoke detector that detects both fast and slow-burning fires and delivers clear verbal instructions to explain why its sensor was triggered and what you should do next.
What we like
- Spoken instructions
- Phone notifications
What we don’t like
- Lacks ionization sensor
- May not be ideal for those not technically savvy
- Requires three AA backup batteries
The color-changing LED, along with the verbal commands and smartphone notifications, made the Nest Protect fun to test out and operate. My first aerosol test activated its "heads-up" function, which issued a verbal warning that it detected a small amount of smoke. This would be a convenient feature if the smoke was due to burning toast or another non-emergency — especially for anyone who might get overwhelmed by loud noises. By giving you the chance to resolve the problem before the smoke levels rise, you can prevent the unit from going into full-blown alarm mode. My second aerosol spray was enough for the Nest Protect to assume there was an actual fire, and it sounded its alarm immediately.
The Nest Protect allows you to easily silence the unit in the event of a nuisance alarm with the large and easy-to-press test/silence button. You can even silence the alarm from your smartphone, although it doesn't allow for this if the smoke is too heavy.
The Nest Protect is a hardwired unit, so installation was a bit more elaborate than the other smoke detectors I tested. This will involve working with and reconnecting electrical wiring, so if you're uncomfortable around that type of thing, you may want to hire a professional. It took me about 15 minutes to remove the previous unit and connect this one. The instructions walked me through every step of the process, and the included hardware was effective and easy to use. It also took me about 15 minutes to connect the Nest Protect to my home's WiFi network due to connection issues.
If your home WiFi goes down like in the event of a power outage, the Nest Protect will continue to work just fine — you just won't get any notifications on your phone. The three AA batteries will ensure the Nest Protect continues to work during a power outage.
The First Alert BRK 7030BSL combines an ultra-powerful flashing LED strobe with a 85 decibel alarm, making it a safe option if you're a heavy sleeper or have hearing loss.
What we like
- Detects both smoke and carbon monoxide
- Extremely bright LED
- 60 flashes per minute
What we don’t like
- Expensive
- Hardwiring required
This First Alert combination detector features a powerful 177 candela (cd) LED strobe. Researchers consider 100 cd a bright enough light to wake 90% of sleeping people, so if you can't hear an auditory alarm, the extreme brightness of the strobe makes this smoke detector a great choice. Along with the LED, the detector also emits an 85 dB alarm, which is louder than a typical alarm clock and likely to wake even heavy sleepers. This combination alarm features a photoelectric sensor for smoke detection as well as an electrochemical sensor for carbon monoxide. It even uses a different strobe pattern for each alarm, allowing you to instantly recognize each type.
This hardwired model can connect up to 18 detectors, and if you do use this interconnectivity, all detectors will blink in unison. The quick-connect wiring makes the First Alert BRK 7030BSL easy to install, as long as you have an existing mount to connect it to. The sealed 10-year backup battery will have you covered in the event of a power outage, and the long battery life eliminates the hassle of replacing it every year.
According to the brand, this smoke detector meets UL 1971 standards for visual signal devices and fulfills requirements set by the American Disabilities Act. It doesn't come cheap, but if you or a family member have partial or total hearing loss, this model could certainly be worth the investment. We didn't personally test this model, but we've had great experiences with other First Alert models and feel confident in recommending this one.
Battery-powered units: These are entirely powered by their batteries, which can be either replaceable or permanent lithium batteries sealed inside.
Hardwired units: These connect directly to your home's electrical wiring and typically have a backup battery in case of a power outage.
Photoelectric: These use an LED to detect smoke, which disrupts the light beam and reflects it into a sensor, activating the alarm.
Ionization: These have a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates. When smoke displaces the radioactive ions, this disrupts the current between the plates and the alarm goes off.
For this guide, I tested dozens of smoke detectors after consulting with fire and building experts and doing online research. I relied on my extensive experience as a residential carpenter, which frequently required the relocation of hardwired units. I've also installed plenty of hardwired and battery-powered smoke detectors in my own apartments and my parents' home.
First-hand testing
To check these detectors' effectiveness, I installed each and tested it three times a day for three days. I performed a basic maintenance test according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually just by pressing the "test" button) and then sprayed the units twice with an aerosol spray that mimics real smoke. Most smoke detectors won't activate after a single spray, so you will need two three-second sprays to set them off. I found this to be the case with every unit I tested except for the First Alert SA320, which activated its alarm after only a single spray.
I broke these tests up throughout the day to allow time for the spray to dissipate and the detectors to return to their working levels. Although I didn't personally test the First Alert BRK 7030BSL, I have experience with other First Alert models and consider them a reliable and effective option.
Expert interviews
I also interviewed three experts. Patrick Andler is a fire investigator with 38 years of experience and a board member of the Arizona Burn Foundation. This organization supplies free smoke detectors to low-income housing units across Arizona. Andler's expertise helped us understand the overall effectiveness and value of smoke detectors and their ideal placement in the home.
Nick Yahoodain is a home remodeler with more than 11 years of experience at Advanced Builders & Contractors. His hands-on experience during construction and home planning gave us insight into the logistical issues involved with detector installation.
Dave Nicholas is a professional electrician and founder of SparkyBase.com. His electrical expertise helped us better understand how hardwired models worked and their potential installation issues.
What smoke detectors do firemen recommend?
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) recommends photoelectric smoke detectors over ionization options. According to their website, the increase in the use of photoelectric technology — alarms that pass the new 8th Edition UL217 Standard, in other words — have the potential to save hundreds of lives each year. The IAFF promotes these as their technology of choice.
What type of smoke detector is most reliable?
A hardwired detector with a 10-year battery may be the most reliable and best smoke detector for your home. It can still function in a power outage and doesn't require regular battery changes.
How long should smoke detector batteries last?
Built-in 10-year batteries will last for a full decade. If you install a smoke detector that uses replaceable batteries, you'll need to change these every year.
Where should I install my smoke detector?
The NFPA recommends installing alarms inside and outside every bedroom and on every level of your home, including the basement. Andler also says you should place smoke alarms on your ceiling, not the wall, since smoke rises and begins gathering at the ceiling first. He also stressed the importance of having additional smoke detectors throughout your home. In the event of a house fire, hallway smoke detectors may sound their alarms much earlier than units in the bedroom. Installing your smoke alarm near the kitchen instead of in the kitchen also reduces the chances of false alarms, according to Andler. The Arizona Burn Foundation recommends keeping your detector at least 10 feet away from the stove.
How do I test my smoke detector so I know it's working?
Your smoke detector should have a "test" button. When you press and hold this button for a few seconds, a high-pitched siren should start to sound. If you don't hear anything or the sound seems quiet, it's time to replace the battery or smoke detector. Many insurance companies advise replacing smoke detector batteries every six months regardless of the siren's loudness.
What certifications should I look for in a smoke detector?
Whichever smoke detector you choose, make sure it meets the standards of UL Solutions, a third-party certification company that has been developing smoke detector standards for more than 40 years. The UL 217 code covers both "single station" smoke alarms that function as standalone units and "multiple station" smoke alarms with interconnectivity. All of the picks in this guide have this UL 217 certification. Our two combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, Nest Protect and First Alert SA320, also have a UL 2034 certification, which covers the CO detector.
How long are smoke detectors good for?
Smoke detectors can work effectively for up to 10 years, but you still need to test them every month to ensure they function properly. If you have a battery-powered unit, you'll want to replace the batteries every six months. That said, if your smoke detector has an integrated carbon monoxide detector, you'll need to replace the unit every five to seven years, according to the manufacturer's directions.
Are hardwired smoke detectors better?
Some people may consider hardwired units the best smoke detectors, since they have both a main power supply and battery backup. "This, coupled with an alert to warn when the supply is disconnected, makes it much less likely the alarm will run out of power," Nicholas said, adding that many new homes require hardwired smoke detectors.
Are 10-year smoke detectors good?
Smoke detectors that last 10 years may be a great option if you don't want to change the batteries every year. Just keep in mind that you'll still need to test the batteries every month to ensure your smoke detector still operates.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.