Choosing the right smoke detector for you is relatively simple. If you have a larger home and need multiple detectors, you’ll want to opt for a model that can be synced with others. If you want to be able to control your detector from your phone, choose a smart smoke detector. Maybe you just want the basics at a budget price? Whatever your need, there’s a smoke detector out there that will fit your home. We’ve rounded up our list of the best smoke detectors, so that you can be safe and have peace of mind when it comes to fire safety.
X-Sense 10 Year Battery Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Best smoke detector overall
This smoke detector by X-Sense has the advantage of being a dual-sensor alarm, meaning it uses both photoelectric and ionisation sensors to detect smouldering and fast-burning fires. It also comes hardwired with battery backup in case of power outages, and has an 85-decibel alarm that’s guaranteed to wake you up. Not only this, but if you have a big house, you can even sync this detector with other units in your home, so that if one alarm sounds, the rest will too. The device also comes with latching features, which will help you easily identify which unit is low on battery, or which one went off first.
Why we love it:
- Dual-sensor, photoelectric and ionisation
- Built-in 10 year battery
- 85-decibel alarm
Kidde 10SCO Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Best multipurpose smoke detector
Want your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm to be combined? Like the X-Sense, this Kidde unit makes things easy by melding two devices into one. The unit also features verbal warnings rather than siren sounds when the unit detects something, and the voice will let you know whether it detects smoke or carbon monoxide. Many users may find that the verbal warning wakes them up more easily at night, which is crucial in case of a real emergency. The device also conveniently comes with a “hush” mode, allowing the alarm to be easily silenced in the scenario of a false alarm.
Why we love it:
- Dual smoke and carbon monoxide detector
- Verbal warnings instead of siren
- Hush mode
Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Best smart smoke detector
For a high-end smoke detector that will not only protect your home, but also give you lots of extra convenient features, the Nest Protect may be your perfect choice. The alarm is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, so users will receive notifications on their smartphones about a triggered alarm, or a low battery alert, even if they’re out of the house. This unit utilises both photoelectric and ionisation technology, and you can choose to buy either a hard-wired or battery-operated version. Other interesting features include a motion-activated LED nightlight and voice alerts that can be silenced before an 85-decibel alarm sounds. To top it off, the Nest Protect doubles as a carbon monoxide detector, so you only need to get the one device to cover both needs.
Why we love it:
- Gives you notifications on your smartphone
- Dual-sensor, photoelectric and ionisation
- Voice alerts sound before 85-decibel alarm
Kidde Firex F20 Smoke Alarm
Best value smoke detector
If value is what you’re after, this smoke detector gives you the best bang for your buck. This no-frills, user-friendly model by Kidde is a hardwired alarm, that uses ionisation sensors to detect smoke and fire. The battery backup ensures the unit will keep functioning properly in case of a power outage, and each unit can be synced up with other units around the house. In the event of a false alarm, you can manually mute the alarm for up to eight minutes. A visible low battery indicator also helps you to detect which alarm is the one that’s beeping.
Why we love it:
- Battery backup
- Units can be synced together
- Value price
When it comes to fire safety in your home or business, cutting corners is not an option. With so many choices out there on the market, be sure you’re selecting a model that fits your needs when it comes to your fire safety plan.
