The Best Smart Smoke Detectors

We also tested the FIRST ALERT OneLink Safe and Sound Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, which has been discontinued, though you might still come across it online.

The device is Alexa-enabled, which means on top of being a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, you can ask it to play music or podcasts. You can also use the Alexa feature as an intercom to have two-way conversations with other Alexa devices in another room. It also works with Apple HomeKit, so it can be controlled with Siri as well.

In our extensive home tests, the smoke detector was easy to install (though it's hardwired, the unit comes with adapters so there's no need for re-wiring). Setting up the app was also fairly intuitive, though we did find that alerts weren't always received, something to consider if remote monitoring is a top priority with your smart smoke detector.

Products experts and market analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute continuously survey the marketplace to identify the models that consumers nationwide are most likely to find in stores and online. For this report, we focused on brands that have performed the best and proved most reliable through the last decade of fire safety equipment tests. We also made sure that all smoke detectors included in the review meet industry standards, including rigorous safety tests set by UL Solutions.

Hands-on testing starts in the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where our engineers do a thorough spec review to make sure the smoke detectors will perform as promised. They also evaluate ease of assembly and setup, including the design and usability of companion apps, when applicable. We also send smoke detectors to the homes of expert testers, who conduct installation and usability tests over several months in real-world conditions.

✔️ Smoke and carbon monoxide detection: If you don't already own a carbon monoxide detector, it will be useful to get a smart smoke detector that also identifies carbon monoxide since the invisible gas (known as the "silent killer") can't be seen or smelled.

✔️ Notification type: Along with the usual alarms, some smart detectors also provide voice alerts and push notifications to your phone (or multiple users’ phones) that tell you what problem has been detected, along with the location.

✔️ Smart hub compatibility: Like most smart home devices, for the best and most functionality, it’s best to buy a device that uses the same smart system as your hub or is compatible. Some smoke detectors work across multiple ecosystems, including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings.

✔️ Hardwired vs. battery-powered: Some smart smoke detectors are designed to be hardwired into your home or are meant to replace existing smoke detectors that are hardwired. This means they will receive power from your home, and you won’t have to worry about the battery running out (the best options also have a battery backup in the event of a power outage). Other smoke detectors run on batteries alone which will eventually need to be replaced, but these are also easier to place where you need them and there's no need to worry if the power goes out.

Smart smoke alarms aren’t a necessity, but they provide a number of attractive features. Most notably, they send alerts to your phone if they detect smoke — even when you’re not home. They’re also easier to silence during a false alarm since you can control them from an app, rather than needing to hoist a broom or climb a ladder to turn off the device. Some devices also respond to voice commands, integrate with other smart devices in your home and provide room-specific alerts if you install multiple devices.

Guidelines can vary by manufacturer. However, the NFPA recommends changing the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year unless the smoke alarm runs on non-replaceable 10-year batteries. Tip: Test your smoke detectors every six months to make sure the battery is working.

You should have a working smoke detector on every floor and in every bedroom of your home. In terms of placement, if you mount an alarm on the ceiling, put it 4 inches from the wall, the Texas Department of Insurance suggests. If you want to install one on a wall, position it 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.

In addition to installing working smoke detectors throughout your home:

• Make sure you also have a top-rated fire extinguisher on every floor.
• Never use a stove or an oven to heat your home.
• Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves and debris that could catch on fire from embers.
• Keep all flammables — such as paper, clothing, bedding and drapes — at least 3 feet from a space heater, stove or fireplace.
• Never leave your kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• Always turn off portable heaters before leaving the room.

For over 120 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has provided expert tips and product reviews on all things safety-related for your home, including fire protection equipment. This article was written by Daniel Bortz, a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from outdoor power tools to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine and other outlets.

This article was reviewed by Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Institute. DiClerico brings 25 years of industry experience to his role, in which he oversees product testing of anything related to home maintenance and improvement. He has extensive experience with fire safety equipment, including an award-winning investigative report on the dangers of appliance fires.