Best Smoke Detectors
Top smoke detectors ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Google Nest Protect 2nd Gen
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Phone alerts with room-specific info
- Phone alerts with room-specific info
- Split-spectrum dual-type detection
Cons
- Premium price per unit
- Premium price per unit
- Requires Wi-Fi for smart features
Don't buy this if…
- The 10-year sealed battery model cannot have batteries replaced — plan for full replacement after 10 years.
- The 10-year sealed battery model cannot have batteries replaced — plan for full replacement after 10 years.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Dual ionization and photoelectric sensors
- Dual ionization and photoelectric sensors
- Interconnects up to 18 units
Cons
- Requires hardwired installation
- Requires hardwired installation
- No smart/Wi-Fi features
Don't buy this if…
- Hardwired installation should be done by a qualified electrician to ensure proper interconnect wiring.
- Hardwired installation should be done by a qualified electrician to ensure proper interconnect wiring.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Trusted Kidde brand
- Smart Wi-Fi alerts to phone
- Smart Wi-Fi alerts to phone
Cons
- Basic app functionality
- More expensive than basic models
- More expensive than basic models
Don't buy this if…
- The Kidde app does not integrate with Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit; alerts are only through the Kidde app itself.
- Test the smart alert connection monthly — Wi-Fi disruptions can prevent remote notifications silently.
- Test the smart alert connection monthly — Wi-Fi disruptions can prevent remote notifications silently.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 10-year sealed battery
- 10-year sealed battery
- Real-time CO level display
Cons
- Not Wi-Fi connected
- Not Wi-Fi connected
- Battery is not replaceable
Don't buy this if…
- The sealed 10-year battery means the entire unit must be replaced at end of life — mark the install date.
- The sealed 10-year battery means the entire unit must be replaced at end of life — mark the install date.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Photoelectric sensor reduces false alarms
- Photoelectric sensor reduces false alarms
- Easy battery-powered install
Cons
- Smoke-only — no CO detection
- Smoke-only — no CO detection
- Requires periodic battery replacement
Don't buy this if…
- Replace the 9V battery at least once per year — a dead battery renders the detector useless.
- Replace the 9V battery at least once per year — a dead battery renders the detector useless.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Works with existing detectors
- Adds smart alerts to existing detectors
- Adds smart alerts to existing detectors
Cons
- Requires Ring Alarm base station
- Does not detect smoke directly
- Does not detect smoke directly
Don't buy this if…
- This device listens for alarm sounds and can be triggered by other high-pitched noises in rare cases.
- This is a listener only — it cannot detect fires independently and must always be paired with working smoke detectors.
- This is a listener only — it cannot detect fires independently and must always be paired with working smoke detectors.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Voice alarm announces hazard type
- Voice alarm announces hazard type
- Dual smoke and CO protection
Cons
- Ionization sensor prone to cooking false alarms
- Ionization sensor prone to cooking false alarms
- Requires hardwired installation
Don't buy this if…
- Do not install ionization detectors near kitchens or bathrooms — steam and cooking smoke trigger false alarms.
- Do not install ionization detectors near kitchens or bathrooms — steam and cooking smoke trigger false alarms.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Complete air quality monitoring suite
- Complete air quality monitoring suite
- Smart dashboard with all sensors
Cons
- Very expensive for a smoke detector
- Very expensive for a smoke detector
- Overkill if only smoke detection needed
Don't buy this if…
- The environmental sensors require calibration over 48 hours before readings are accurate.
- The environmental sensors require calibration over 48 hours before readings are accurate.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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