Top 9 Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms to Give You Extra Peace of Mind

If you're outfitting your home with new smoke detectors, we think this option from First Alert is the best and safest option to buy.

It's a combination model that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. It features a photoelectric smoke sensor, and you can link it with other First Alert smoke detectors. All alarms will sound when one of them detects smoke or carbon monoxide.

The detector is backed by a 7-year warranty, and it's equipped with a voice alarm and an 85-decibel siren that's loud enough to wake you.

If you live alone or have a small studio apartment, you may not need a whole pack of smoke detectors. All you'll need is something like this — a single, straightforward, budget-friendly unit. Don't worry, it gets the job done. In fact, a unique dual-sensing design makes it perfect for picking up fires that either flame or smolder. This unit also comes with a test/reset button that makes sure the circuitry and voice announcements are working properly.

If you'd prefer a budget-friendly hardwired smoke alarm, consider this other offering from First Alert instead.

Don't have time to frequently check up on your smoke detector's status? No problem. This innovative Nest detector automatically runs diagnostics on itself, and an alert will go directly to your phone via Wi-Fi letting you know its current status.

If you're a fan of steaming-hot showers, feel free to crank up the heat without worrying about accidental triggers. That's because the Nest does an efficient job of differentiating between steam and smoke. It's also the preferred smart smoke alarm by Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, and Best Reviews.

Communication is key to any healthy relationship, and that includes the one you have with your smoke detector ... and this unit does quite a bit of talking. Upon sensing a particular hazard, this unit literally tells you what's triggering it, so you can react accordingly.

The alarm announces “Fire!” or "Warning: carbon monoxide" when smoke or CO hazards are detected. It'll even holler at you when its battery is low. If a false alarm is detected, you can push the hush button to make things quiet again.

This unique smoke detector uses distinct visual and audible alarms to alert you when either smoke or carbon monoxide is present. This alarm is a hardwired pick with a built-in backup battery in case of a power outage. As the battery wanes down, the unit starts to intermittently chirp to let you know it needs replacing.

Know your home is out of harm's way, even when you're not there. Just sync up this smoke detector to your phone. Technology at its finest! This combo Wi-Fi-enabled smoke and carbon monoxide detector sends alerts to your trusty smartphone if there are any smoke or carbon monoxide issues at home.

Plus, you can turn off the alarm right from your smartphone if it's a false alarm. Easy! This model will be hardwired into place, but there's also a backup battery that will last you up to 10 years, so no need to worry about having to replace it regularly. This smoke alarm is also the only Apple HomeKit-certified smart smoke alarm available.

If you have deep pockets and want to add Alexa functionality, First Alert sells a smoke alarm with a built-in speaker, but because your home probably has an Alexa device already, we don't think it's worth the splurge.

If you're a deep sleeper known for snoozing through even the loudest storms, you're going to need a smoke detector that won't shy away from snapping you out of dreamland. If this unit's shrill, penetrating ring doesn't wake you up, nothing will.

Plus, no matter what happens to this appliance, you're covered by its 10-year warranty. We also appreciate its compact design. The detector measures in at just under 2 inches in diameter, and it's 62% smaller than standard smoke alarms.

What's better than having a smoke detector in your home? How about three? This trio uses unique ionization-sensing technology to detect invisible fire particles, which are given off by the fire right after it starts. The smoke detectors' long-lasting lithium batteries survive up to a decade of use, so you won't have to worry about them suddenly not working when you need them most.

Keep every inch of your home or office covered by installing up to six of these smoke alarms. Their clean, one-button design makes them a no-brainer to use. Just press the test/reset button to make sure the detectors are working properly after installing. All six connected detectors will beep when one goes off, and they have a backup 9-volt battery to keep you safe during a power outage.