Best Smoke Alarms

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

---

Everyone should have a smoke alarm at home; in case of a fire, it could save your life. To help you to make the right choice without spending hours doing tedious research, we’ve reviewed the top-rated models for you.

How We Compared Smoke Alarms

To find the best smoke alarms, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Power Source
• Battery Lifespan
• Sensor Durability
• Wireless Functionality
• Extra Features

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Smoke Alarm Reviews

X-Sense SC01 Smoke Alarm (Editor’s Choice)

Our Editor’s choice benefits from dual sensors to alert you to the presence of both smoke and carbon monoxide. It can be easily mounted on your wall or ceiling, and thanks to its 10-year battery, you won’t need to do any rewiring.

The X-Sense SC01 smoke alarm has numerous features that will give you peace of mind. Use the informative LCD to find out real-time carbon monoxide concentrations and how much battery life you have remaining. The alarm activates automatically on installation, and thanks to its self-check function, you can be sure it is working. It automatically monitors its battery and sensors every 60 seconds.

A multi-coloured LED indicator gives you at-a-glance information about your alarm’s proper functioning. You can check it via the prominent test/silence button and stop any false alarms. Its photoelectric and electrochemical sensors make it also a highly reliable model – these ensure it keeps false alerts to an absolute minimum.

FireAngel Pro Smart Alarm (Luxury Choice)

This could be your best bet if you need a mains-powered smoke alarm with smart functionality. It can be used as a standalone model, or you can purchase additional products and link them wirelessly. A gateway also enables you to connect it via a smartphone app.

The FireAngel Pro Smart Alarm benefits from multisensor technology. This feature ensures that any sudden changes in your room’s air composition and temperature are quickly detected for a more rapid alert: this gives you extra time to get up and out. Moreover, this mains-powered option also comes with an integrated 10-year battery, so you won’t have to worry about any power cuts.

A large central button allows you to quickly and easily test your smoke alarm. One of the main issues many people have with their model is unwanted beeping during nighttime hours; however, this product has a clever solution. When it beeps in end-of-life or low battery mode, you can simply use the Sleep Easy function to silence the beeping for eight hours and get a good night’s sleep.

X-Sense XS01 Smoke Alarm (Best Value)

This model is not only good value; it is also unobtrusive, thanks to its compact design measuring just 78mm in diameter.

One of the main advantages of the X-Sense XS01 mini smoke alarm is its upgraded photoelectric technology. This trait enables it to quickly detect smouldering smoke for a rapid warning, giving you more time to react. In case of non-emergency smoke from cooking, you can simply press the large silence button to stop the alert.

It is immediately clear when a fire has started, thanks to its loud 85dB alarm and rapid flashing LED indicator. This standalone product also comes with an integrated 10-year battery for your peace of mind, which ensures long-lasting protection. What’s more, as a battery-powered model, it is very easy to install, requiring no rewiring.

Google Nest Protect (Best Smart)

Are you looking for a smart smoke alarm which doesn’t need to be linked to a kitchen heat sensor? Then you will love the simplicity and ease of use of this model. This 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide detector sends alerts directly to your phone, so you will be aware of any potential issues even when you are not at home.

The Google Nest Protect can detect slow and fast-burning fires thanks to its split-spectrum sensor. Its carbon monoxide sensor has a 10-year-long lifespan for extra peace of mind and product longevity. Unlike your average smoke alarm, this also benefits from Pathlight, a special light to help guide you at night.

To reduce the chance of false alerts from a hot shower, this model has a special Steam Check function. What’s more, this alarm checks itself over 400 times per day. In case of any issues, such as a low battery or a sensor fault, you receive an automatic notification.

Safelincs Kidde 10SCO (Best for Ease of Use)

This model is a nice compact smoke alarm that can also detect high carbon monoxide levels. Straightforward to install and very easy to use, it is also visually discreet thanks to its small diameter and slimline profile.

Battery-powered, the Safelincs Kidde 10SCO Smoke Alarm does not require any rewiring. It comes complete with a 9V battery that should last around 1-2 years. Replacing it is very simple as you do not need to remove the alarm to change it over. This CO sensor has a good 10-year lifespan on par with most other combination smoke alarms.

Thanks to its loud 85dB alarm, you are quickly alerted to the presence of carbon monoxide or smoke. Unlike many other models, this option also has a voice warning that lets you know whether it has detected carbon monoxide or smoke. This feature allows you to better prepare your next steps in case of an alert and potentially save your life.

Jalo Kupu 10 (Best for Style)

If you are searching for a model with a difference, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at our designer pick.

Available in a range of colours, the Jalo Kupu 10 is a good-looking alternative to your average white smoke alarm. The entire coloured cover serves as a huge test button. Plus, the unit boasts self-diagnostic and checking functions for peace of mind, and it has a 10-year lifespan thanks to its long-life lithium battery.

Another advantage of this particular pick is that it is effortless to fit. Most installations require only the included 3M adhesive tape to mount it. However, screws are included just in case your desired location is incompatible. This designer smoke alarm also benefits from an 85dB alert and a silent function.

Smartwares Optical Smoke Detector (Best Small)

Our best small pick is this optical smoke detector. It comes as a two-piece set and uses a pulsated LED to detect smoke particles for a rapid and effective alert. These compact smoke alarms are nice and discreet, measuring just 10 centimetres in diameter with a 3.5cm profile.

Thanks to their 10-year lifespan, you won’t have to worry about replacing them regularly. Plus, the battery lasts up to five years, after which it can simply be replaced, cutting back on waste. These smoke detectors include a low battery warning for your safety, meaning you’ll be automatically alerted when it’s time to change them.

The Smartwares models also benefit from an 85dB alarm and a test button so you can check if they are in good working order. Lastly, being wireless, they are also straightforward to install and come complete with all mounting materials.

How to Choose a Smoke Alarm

With so many options available, choosing the best smoke alarm isn’t always that simple. Here’s our guide on what to look out for before buying a new model for your home. 

Power Source

One of your first decisions should be whether you want a mains-powered or a battery-powered smoke alarm. If you don’t currently own a mains-powered one, you may need an electrician to rewire a power supply. Battery-operated units are generally easier to install. Plus, you can choose where you wish to place them regardless of your electrical wiring circuits. 

Battery Lifespan

As even mains-powered smoke alarms come with a backup battery, whichever type of option you choose, it’s important to check its battery life span. Most models with non-replaceable batteries tend to last up to 10 years – although these can vary between 1-5 years. Just ensure the battery type is readily available.

Sensor Durability

Most smoke alarms have a sensor lifespan, which can last up to 10 years. Make sure that you check how long the lifespan of your sensor is. Once this is out of date, your alarm will no longer be effective at detecting smoke and will need to be replaced. 

Wireless Functionality

If you have a connected home or you’re looking to install several different smoke alarms around your property, you may wish to buy wifi-ready models. These smart options are easier to control via your smartphone or tablet. You will also be informed of potential issues even when you’re away from home. Having all your alarms linked together will also make for a more effective alert that will ring in every room. 

Extra Features

Here are some of the most useful extra features that you may like to look out for when choosing your smoke alarm:

• CO detector – If you have any fuel-burning heaters, you’ll need a carbon monoxide detector. Rather than installing two separate alarms, opting for a 2-in-1 that can detect smoke and high CO levels makes more sense.
• Auto-checking function – To save yourself worrying about your smoke alarm’s functionality, pick a model that self-checks. That way, you can rest assured you will receive an alert if it’s not working correctly.
• Low battery indicator – This feature is essential to ensure you know when your alarm’s battery needs replacing. 
• Test/silence button – Use this button to make sure that your product rings as it should. With a silent function, you can cancel any false alarms quickly and easily.

Summary

Our overall favourite and by far the best smoke alarm is the X-Sense SC01, our Editor’s choice. Thanks to its dual sensors, it will alert you to the presence of both carbon monoxide and smoke. It has a good 10-year battery lifespan and is easy to install, requiring no rewiring. Its informative LCD lets you know your CO concentration levels in real-time. What’s more, its self-check function verifies its battery and sensors every 60 seconds. Highly reliable, with both photoelectric and electrochemical sensors, if you need to replace your model, this one should be top of your list.