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Smoke detectors are essential devices that can alert you to potential fire hazards and save your life. However, not all smoke detectors are created equal. Some are smarter than others, meaning they can connect to your Wi-Fi network, send you notifications on your smartphone, integrate with other smart home devices, and even talk to you with voice alerts.
In this article, we will review some of the best smart smoke detectors available in 2023, based on their features, performance, design, and customer reviews. We will also list the pros and cons of each product, so you can make an informed decision.
Nest Protect
The Nest Protect is our top pick for the best smart smoke detector overall. It is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that can detect both slow- and fast-burning fires, as well as carbon monoxide leaks. It has a sleek design and a friendly app that lets you monitor the status of your device, silence false alarms, and get alerts on your phone. It also has a voice feature that tells you which room the danger is in and gives you a heads-up before sounding the siren. The Nest Protect can also self-test its sensors and battery every month, and notify you if anything is wrong. It can also work with other Nest products, such as Nest cameras and thermostats, to create a smart home ecosystem.
Pros:
- Detects smoke and carbon monoxide
- Voice alerts and heads-up feature
- Self-testing and smartphone notifications
- Works with other Nest products
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a Nest Aware subscription for some features
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is not a smoke detector itself, but it can act as one with the Alexa Guard feature. When you enable Alexa Guard, your Echo Dot will listen for the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and send you an alert on your phone if it hears one. You can also use Alexa to check the status of your alarms, or ask her to call emergency services if needed. The Echo Dot can also integrate with other smart home devices, such as lights, cameras, locks, and more. Plus, you can use it as a regular smart speaker to play music, control smart devices, ask questions, and more.
Pros:
- Alexa Guard feature listens for alarms
- Integrates with other smart home devices
- Works as a smart speaker
Cons:
- Not a standalone smoke detector
- Requires compatible alarms
- May have false positives or missed alarms
Apple HomePod Mini
The Apple HomePod Mini is another smart speaker that can double as a smart smoke detector with the HomeKit Secure Video feature. When you enable this feature, your HomePod Mini will listen for the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and send you an alert on your phone if it hears one. You can also use Siri to check the status of your alarms, or ask her to call emergency services if needed. The HomePod Mini can also integrate with other HomeKit-compatible devices, such as lights, cameras, locks, and more. Plus, you can use it as a regular smart speaker to play music, control smart devices, ask questions, and more.
Pros:
- HomeKit Secure Video feature listens for alarms
- Integrates with other HomeKit-compatible devices
- Works as a smart speaker
Cons:
- Not a standalone smoke detector
- Requires compatible alarms
- May have false positives or missed alarms
- Expensive
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound
The First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that also works as a smart speaker. It has a built-in Alexa voice assistant that lets you play music, control smart devices, ask questions, and more. It also has a voice feature that tells you which room the danger is in and gives you a heads-up before sounding the siren. The Onelink Safe & Sound can also send you notifications on your phone if it detects smoke or carbon monoxide, or if the battery is low. It can also work with other Onelink products to create an interconnected network of alarms.
Pros:
- Detects smoke and carbon monoxide
- Voice alerts and heads-up feature
- Works as a smart speaker with Alexa
- Works with other Onelink products
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky design
- Requires hardwiring
OneLink Smart Smoke + Carbon Monoxide (2nd Gen)
The OneLink Smart Smoke + Carbon Monoxide (2nd Gen) is another combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm from First Alert. It has a similar voice feature as the Onelink Safe & Sound, but without the smart speaker functionality. It can also send you notifications on your phone if it detects smoke or carbon monoxide, or if the battery is low. It can also work with other Onelink products to create an interconnected network of alarms. Additionally, it can work with Alexa and HomeKit, so you can use voice commands to check the status of your device, silence false alarms, and more.
Pros:
- Detects smoke and carbon monoxide
- Voice alerts and heads-up feature
- Works with other Onelink products
- Works with Alexa and HomeKit
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires hardwiring
X-Sense XS03-WX Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm
The X-Sense XS03-WX Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm is a budget-friendly option for a smart smoke detector. It can detect both slow- and fast-burning fires, and send you notifications on your phone if it detects smoke or if the battery is low. It can also interconnect with other X-Sense smoke alarms, so they will all sound the alarm if one of them is triggered. It has a 10-year battery life, and a mute button to silence false alarms.
Pros:
- Detects smoke
- Smartphone notifications
- Interconnects with other X-Sense smoke alarms
- 10-year battery life
Cons:
- Does not detect carbon monoxide
- No voice alerts or heads-up feature
- No smart home integration
Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener
The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener is a device that works with the Ring Alarm system to listen for the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and send you an alert on your phone if it hears one. You can also use the Ring app to check the status of your alarms, or ask Alexa to call emergency services if needed. The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener can also integrate with other Ring products, such as cameras, doorbells, lights, and more.
Pros:
- Listens for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Integrates with Ring Alarm system and other Ring products
- Works with Alexa
Cons:
- Not a standalone smoke detector
- Requires compatible alarms
- Requires Ring Alarm system
First Alert ZCombo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
The First Alert ZCombo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that works with Z-Wave smart home systems. It can detect both slow- and fast-burning fires, as well as carbon monoxide leaks. It can also send you notifications on your phone if it detects smoke or carbon monoxide, or if the battery is low. It can also interconnect with other Z-Wave devices, such as lights, cameras, locks, and more.
Pros:
- Detects smoke and carbon monoxide
- Smartphone notifications
- Interconnects with other Z-Wave devices
Cons:
- No voice alerts or heads-up feature
- Requires Z-Wave hub
- May have compatibility issues
Conclusion
Smart smoke detectors are a great way to enhance the safety and convenience of your home. They can alert you to potential fire hazards, send you notifications on your phone, integrate with other smart home devices, and even talk to you with voice alerts. However, they also vary in features, performance, design, and price.
Based on our review, we recommend the Nest Protect as the best smart smoke detector overall. It has the most features, the best performance, the best design, and the best customer reviews. It can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, give you voice alerts and heads-up warnings, self-test its sensors and battery, and work with other Nest products. It is also easy to install, use, and mute.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can try the X-Sense XS03-WX Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm. It can detect smoke, send you notifications on your phone, and interconnect with other X-Sense smoke alarms. It also has a 10-year battery life and a mute button.
If you already have a smart speaker or a smart home system, you can use it as a smart smoke detector with some additional devices. The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen), the Apple HomePod Mini, and the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener can all listen for the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and send you alerts on your phone. They can also integrate with other smart home devices, such as lights, cameras, locks, and more.
Whatever your preference or budget, there is a smart smoke detector that suits your needs. We hope this article has helped you find the best one for your home. Stay safe and smart!
