Skip to main content

Nest Protect, a smart smoke detector that isn’t annoying

Read our full Nest Protect review.

My last apartment had one of those scumbag smoke alarms in it. I’m sure you know the type I’m referring to – the kind that doesn’t even let you open a bag of popcorn in the adjacent room without going “Oh, you’re cooking? Allow me to play you the song of my people!” This thing would go off even when there wasn’t a visible plume of smoke in the air. And once it started its skull-piercing klaxon, no amount of newspaper waving or carefully-coordinated box fan ventilation would get it to shut up. Nine times out of ten, my roommates and I would just rip its beating heart (battery) out and let it stay dead.

Recommended Videos

Obviously that’s not the safest move, but plenty of us are guilty of it. Gutting your annoying smoke alarm (no matter how satisfying it may be at the time) leaves you vulnerable and unprepared in the event of a house fire. So to help relieve this problem, Nest, the company behind the revolutionary smart thermostat of the same name, has developed Nest Protect – a smart, Wi-Fi-connected smoke alarm that isn’t irritating as hell.

Rather than crying wolf and ruining your eardrums every time you burn a bagel, Nest Protect will give you a simple, plain-English heads up when it detects small amounts of smoke or carbon monoxide. Seriously, it’ll actually say “head’s up, there’s smoke in the kitchen,” in your native tongue, rather than beeping like an asshole robot. Of course, if it senses an actual emergency, it’ll bypass such warnings in favor of a full-on alarm. But in the event that your house isn’t actually on fire and you want the device to shut up, all you’ve got to do is wave your hand in front of it – no frenetic blanket waving or broomstick pokes necessary.

As you’d expect from any smart device from Nest, Protect also has the ability to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. This allows you to control the device, monitor battery life, and get alerts on your smartphone or tablet while you’re away from home. All these bells and whistles do come at a price though. At $129 per unit, Protect is definitely a bit more pricey than your average smoke alarm, but we’d gladly fork over the cash if it means no more 3AM low-battery warnings.

Find out more about Nest Protect or lock down a pre-order here.

Drew Prindle
Former Senior Editor, Features
Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…
Echo Show 8 vs. Nest Hub: Does Amazon or Google offer the best smart display?
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen on table.

Anyone in the market for a reasonably priced smart display has probably stumbled across the Echo Show 8 and Nest Hub. Both clock in at under $150 (often less when on sale) yet provide homes with many of the same features found on premium alternatives like the Nest Hub Max and Echo Show 10.

But is the Echo Show 8 better than the Nest Hub? And what exactly is the difference between these two smart displays? Here's a comprehensive look at both to help you decide which one to bring into your smart home.
Pricing and design

Read more
Nest Hub Max vs. Echo Show 10: which is the better smart display?
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

The world of smart displays is dominated by two companies -- Amazon and Google. Amazon is responsible for the
Buy at Amazon
, while Google is behind the
Buy at Best Buy
. Both offer large screens, access to a massive roster of apps, and the ability to connect (and control) the rest of your smart home. There are a lot of similarities between the two popular displays, but there are a few key differences you should be aware of before adding one to your home.

Here's a closer look at the Echo Show 10 and Nest Hub Max to help you decide which is best.
Pricing and design

Read more
The 5 best smart smoke detectors for your home in 2024
Nest Protect on wall in bedroom.

You should never ignore the importance of smoke detectors, but old models are being replaced by smart smoke detectors for more safety features and extra convenience. If you haven't upgraded yet, it's highly recommended that you do so with the best smart smoke detectors that we've rounded up here. There are many kinds to choose from, so we selected smart smoke detectors that cater to different needs. Once you've installed your purchase, you'll regret not making the switch much sooner.
The best smart smoke detectors

Buy the
Google Nest Protect
if you want the best smart smoke detector in the market.
Buy the
First Alert Z-Wave Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
if you have a Ring smart home setup.
Buy the
Aegislink Wi-Fi Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
if you want visual status updates.
Buy the
X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector
if you want an affordable smart smoke detector.
Buy the
Kidde Smart Smoke Detector
if you want a hardwired smart smoke detector.

Read more