Best Smoke Detectors Guide & Reviews of 2021

According to the stats, more than 300,000 fires take place every year in the USA. One of the ways to keep a house away from flames is by doing a smoke detector installation. And experts recommend a whole system. Meaning there should be one smoke detector in each room. This means owners have to choose carefully. To avoid a risky purchase, here are the best smoke detectors of 2021 for people to protect their homes accordingly.

Jerry Carter - Editorial Staff

Updated: June 4, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

There were several steps to take to identify a high-quality smart smoke detector. The first one was to look for an alarm that was mentioned by users online, and that had great reviews. Then, we categorized their specs according to different metrics. Finally, we scored each alert smoke detector from 0 to 10. And then ranked them from the best one to the last. So, here are some of the metrics we used:

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

We are experts in the field and know how to identify a good smoke alarm from mid-quality ones. As resources, we read people’s reviews (no affiliate ones were considered) and took into account the opinion of others who know a lot about home safety. Below is the ranking with all the equipment ranked according to their average value.

1. Google Nest protect S3003LWES: Value for Money

Total Score 9.5/10

Nest Main
Google Nest S3003LWES
Google Nest product
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$115

Visit Website
BBB Rating B
Best for Slow-Burning Fires

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Google Nest is a reputable brand in the field of cameras and safety. This smoke detector is a new design with much more sensitivity. Such a thing means that this home safety device can tell the owner if there is monoxide in the room, even if the fire has not started yet.

Pros:

  • Efficient phone alerts
  • CO locator for more safety
  • Has a light that shines bright
  • Fast detection to escape right away
  • 120° field of view
  • Sharp mobile alerts
  • Bluetooth available

Cons:

  • A bit expensive
  • Just one device
  • Set up is hard

The smoke detector is a split model that can be controlled from the phone. So, the owner can decide how loud or low the alerts will be.

Plus, it can be either wired or wireless, depending on the taste of the buyer. And the materials of the device for home security are long-lasting for up to 10 years.


2. First Alert Photoelectric and Ionized Alarm: Dual Sensor for More Safety

Total Score 9.3/10

First Alert Main
First Alert Photoelectric and Ionized Alarm Product 1
First Alert Photoelectric and Ionized Alarm Product 2
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$26.93

Visit Website
BBB Rating A-
Best for Early Fire Detection

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

First Alert thinks about their security products so they can self-test. This prevents the device from stopping working without the person knowing so. Owners should not worry about the wired nature of the smoke alarm.

The alert smoke detector includes a battery that protects the equipment and the house from a power outage and also protects one’s privacy.

Pros:

  • Hardwired with battery back up.
  • Optipath 360 patented technology combination
  • T3 Pattern for the smoke alarm
  • Photoelectric and ionized for early detection
  • 7-year durability
  • Low price
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Batteries are not included
  • Does not allow for add-ons
  • Limited warranty

Other crucial features of the carbon monoxide detector are a low battery indicator. Such a thing prevents the sensor from failing. And the Optipath 360 patented technology of the products have a 360 degree to control everything that happens within the room. So, this smoke alarm will realize if there is CO even if the level is quite low.


3. Kidde i12040 120V AC Wire-In: Nice Wired Alternative

Total Score 9.2/10

Kidde Fire Safety Products
Kidde i12040 Product 1
Kidde i12040 Product 2
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$9.23

Visit Website
BBB Rating B
Best for Low-Budget Users

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Kidde has designed a smoke detectors’ system for a very low price. It has a battery hub to remove the smoke alarms and change them with ease.

Plus, the surface has protection against dirt and dust. So, those building something inside the house do not need to worry about the smart smoke detector.

Pros:

  • Very cheap
  • Easy to mount
  • Dust protection
  • Bright LED lights
  • Interconnected system
  • Heat alarms available
  • Compatible with fire alarms

Cons:

  • The smoke detector maintenance is hard
  • Need to buy a mounting plate
  • The battery backup is not included

Plus, Kidde has made an alert smoke detector that cannot be tampered with. If a thief tries to, it will trigger an alarm that brings the police.

And they include LED lights that will flash when this happens. And the connector is quite quick and easy to use.


4. Ardwolf Photoelectric: Detecting Even Light Fumes

Total Score 9.2/10

Ardwolf Photoelectric MAIN
Ardwolf Photoelectric Product 2
Ardwolf Photoelectric Product 1
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$25

Visit Website
BBB Rating C+
Best for Material Durability

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Ardwolf is designed to detect even light fumes. So, this smart smoke detector prevents small fires from smoldering for hours before turning to flames.

Plus, it has a battery that lasts for years. So, a power outage should not scare off any buyers. And the LED lights flash to show the battery is low.

Pros:

  • 85dB(A) at 3 meters
  • Low battery warning
  • Great sensitivity
  • Test button for monthly use
  • Safety clip operated by wires
  • 12.8 ounces
  • Low power consumption

Cons:

  • It’s not possible to remove the battery
  • Does not include a manual
  • The chime is a bit loud

If the worst happens and fires appear, the smoke alarm has double protection. On the one hand, it will send a message to the owner’s phone and start ringing.

And then, the red light will flash until the air is clear. As the design is simple, people can install the smoke detector in any room.


5. ADT Smoke Detector: Detailed Protection

Total Score 9.2/10

ADT Main
ADT Smoke Detector Product 1
ADT Smoke Detector Product 2
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price8.5/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$120

Visit Website
BBB Rating B
Best for Innovative Design

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

The ADT smoke detector makes it hard for fires to lit. It ionizes the air to detect carbon monoxide. So, it protects the health of the people inside the house.

Any change in the air triggers the alert home detector. And the chimes arrive at the person’s phone.

Pros:

  • Automatic drift compensation
  • Fixed heat and rate of rising detection
  • Built-in 85dB smoke alarm
  • Low battery indication pack
  • Removable chamber in the smoke detector
  • Local test button
  • Lithium batteries included

Cons:

  • Expensive smoke alarm
  • Does not include a hub
  • No voice command

ADT’s hardwired sensor checks the quality of the air every 15 minutes. This prevents any leaks in stoves from happening. On the grey side, the clients cannot install them on their own because they need to hire a package. So, the smoke detector installation is always professional.


6. Kidde RF-SM-DC Wireless: Hassle-Free Setup

Total Score 9.2/10

Kidde Fire Safety Products
Kidde RF-SM-DC product 1
Kidde RF-SM-DC product 2
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$27.71

Visit Website
BBB Rating B
Tool-Free Installation

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Kidde’s wireless version aims at those who don’t want to deal with wires. The installation is quick and easy for everyone without any tools. And the temp the smoke detector can measure is wide. It goes from 40° to 100° Fahrenheit. And the device uses radiofrequency to transmit messages in case of danger.

Pros:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Smart buttons
  • Great battery power
  • Interconnected smoke alarms
  • Relative humidity 85%
  • Low-level powered indicator

Cons:

  • Difficult to connect with another smoke detector
  • It can be faulty after some years
  • No 24/7 attention

Also, as the fire alarms are not connected by wires, it’s easy for owners to connect new products without making an effort. And they can even work in detached rooms. The 85% humidity also prevents false positives.

The combination of the cost of the equipment is also very reasonable, with a lot of convenient features for owners of smoke alarms.


7. SimpliSafe Smoke Detector: Fast Response in Case of Need

Total Score 8.8/10

SimpliSafe Main
SimpliSafe product 1
SimpliSafe product 2
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$52.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating A+
Best for Fast-Paced Homes

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

SimpliSafe is a brand of fire alarms known for their fast response. And that is the case of this smoke detector. Apart from the siren, it also has internal chiming. This equipment is also compatible with the smoke alarms of the first generation.

If there is a risk of burning, every second count and this company knows it, with action that ranges between 10 and 30 minutes.

Pros:

  • Quick action
  • SMS and email alerts
  • Almost no false positives
  • Interconnected systems
  • Great support 24/7
  • Smoke alarm very easy to set up

Cons:

  • A bit expensive
  • No monitors in the smoke detector
  • Strange design

On the grey side, most of the owners will have to hire a package. In addition to paying for the smoke detector itself. Some of the perks included in those plans are SMS and alerts.

Or the chance of calling the fire department in the city where the owner is living using the alert smoke detector.


8. First Alert SA511CN2-3ST: Wireless Security Activated

Total Score 8.7/10

First Alert Main
First Alert SA511CN2-3ST Product 2
First Alert SA511CN2-3ST Product 1
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price8.5/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10

Starting Price

$60

BBB Rating A-
Best for Big Properties

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

This carbon model’s main perk is that it can connect without wires, even with other cameras of the same brand. Such a thing means all the smoke detectors will chime at once.

So, it doesn’t matter where the owner is located within the house, because he or she will hear the smoke alarm.

Pros:

  • Polaroid AA batteries
  • 85-decibel siren
  • Photoelectric tech
  • No false alarms
  • Very affordable
  • No rewiring needed
  • Up to 18 smoke detectors

Cons:

  • The smart smoke detector can be too loud at times
  • No voice control
  • Not powered by a mobile app

The photoelectric perk of this smoke alarm helps prevent flames from bursting. And those who have big properties, should not worry about safety.

They can install up to 18 different smoke detectors within the same house. Finally, it has a voice detection feature, ,so it knows if it has to turn on or off.


9. Kidde I4618 Smoke Alarm: Interconnecting Systems

Total Score 8.7/10

Kidde Fire Safety Products
Kidde I4618 Product 1
Kidde I4618 Product 2
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.5/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$13.60

BBB Rating B
Self- Serving Buyers

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Last but not least, it’s important for families to know the origin of the threats at home. And this Kidde smoke detector does a nice job at that. The latching LED has memory and will show which smoke alarm was triggered in case the family has a big system installed.

Pros:

  • Very cheap smoke alarm
  • 9V battery backup for a year
  • 120V power source
  • Easy-access slide load front battery door
  • Desensitizing feature
  • Red LED flashing light

Cons:

  • The materials of the smoke detector are not very durable
  • Slowly operated customer support
  • Very few ways of payment available

Another thing that makes these fire alarms unique is the front door for loading a battery. This way, it will be simple to just replace them in case they run out of use after many years.

And it has a false smoke alarm control to quiet chirping in case of cooking or using the stove for 15 minutes.


10. First Alert BRK 3120B: Last Trends in Safety

Total Score 8.7/10

First Alert Main
First Alert BRK 3120B Product 1
First Alert BRK 3120B Product 2
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use8.5/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$26.93

BBB Rating A-
Quiet Homes

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

First Alert also designed another model which uses photoelectric tech to look for dangerous particles in the air. And the latching feature will allow the owner to know what triggered the alarm.

Also, the smoke detector has Optipath 360 technology for better perception.

Pros:

  • Silence features in the smoke detector
  • Double latching for more privacy
  • Optipath 360 Technology
  • Batteries included in the pack
  • Very affordable smoke alarm
  • 120V AC 60Hz
  • Photoelectric and ionization technology

Cons:

  • The smoke alarm’s test button is hard to use
  • Too sensitive at times
  • A bit heavy

In terms of value for money, the equipment comes with a lot of features. For instance, it includes batteries that will last for years. Plus, smoldering flames will not be an issue anymore.

As it has ionization perks, this smoke detector will trigger the alarm as soon as some steam appears in the room.


Best Smoke Detectors of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

Now, all these companies have been offering reputable services for years. And all the smoke alarms are durable, with long-term batteries included most of the time. But there are also other things which are different, like pricing or LED lights. Let’s examine them below.

Providers Price Flashing LED DIY Setup Ionized Protection Wired Radio Frequency Battery Included Warranty Low Battery Indicator False Positive Detector Phone Alerts Best For
1. Google Nest $115 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 10 years Yes Yes Yes Slow-Burning Fires
2. First Alert Photoelectric $26.93 Yes Yes No No No No 2 years Yes No No Early fire detection
3. Kidde i12040 $9.23 Yes Yes No No No Yes 10 years Yes No No Low-Budget Users
4. Ardwolf Photoelectric $25 Yes Yes No No No No 5 years Yes No Yes Material Durability
5. ADT $60 No No Yes No No No 2 years Yes Yes No Innovative Design
6. Kidde RF-MD $27.71 No Yes No Yes Yes Yes 5 years Yes Yes No Tool-Free Installation
7. SimpliSafe $52.99 Yes Yes Yes Yes No No 5 years Yes No Yes Fast-Paced Homes
8. First Alert SA511CN2-3ST $60 No Yes No No No No 5 years Yes No No Big Properties
9. Kidde I4618 $13.60 Yes Yes No No No Yes 10 years Yes No No Self- Serving Buyers
10. First Alert BRK 3120B $26.93 No Yes Yes No No Yes 10 years Yes No Yes Quiet Homes

Understanding The Differences

As seen above, there are different types of smoke detectors. Not only because they offer varied services. But also because of their technical specs. It’s not the same to have a hardwired smoke detector than a dual one. Or to buy an ionizing device. Below, readers can find detailed info about each model.

Hard-Wired vs. Battery Operated

A hard-wired smoke detector has to be installed by a pro since they are connected straight to the house’s electric system. This is good since there is no need to remember to change the batteries every now and then, but they may not work during power outages.

The best option is to invest in a hardwired smoke detector that has backup batteries in case there are electrical problems.

Ionization vs. Photoelectric vs Dual-Sensor

Each smoke detector that uses the ionization system works by detecting the small particles that are released by fast fires. Such as the one produced by burned food.

Gadgets with a dual-sensor get the best of both worlds. Still, there are some aspects to be improved. Some models require both sensors to go off, which may delay the alert. Others are triggered when any of the two sensors detect something, which may mean more false alarms.

Table of Model’s Comparison

Now, which are the ones with the most convenient specs? Below, users can find a detailed table. It can be of great help when making a buying choice about smoke alarms.

Fast Response Electric issues Detect Humidity Require professional setup Detects fire with little smoke False-positive occurrence Dust affects it
1. Dual Sensor Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Low No
2. Ionization Yes No Yes No Yes Medium No
3. Photoelectric No Yes No No No High Yes

Facts and Stats About Detectors

It’s clear that using smoke detectors is crucial to protect one’s family. But let’s examine some stats and numbers to understand how important they are.

  • 25% of smoke alarms fail because they run out of battery.

    63% of these detections are false positives. They appear when people are cooking or using the stove at home.

  • In 40% of recent home fires, owners did not have a smoke detector in the room.
  • The Red Cross recently released a study. In it, they showed that almost 900 deaths could have been prevented using smoke alarms.
  • Sprinklers can also help when combined with a smoke alarm. Stats show that those who have these two devices reduce the risk of death by 82%.

Pros and Cons of Smoke Detectors

So, each smart smoke detector has its own advantages and cons. Some of them have to do with their specs and features. And some others with the services they offer or with the smoke detector installation.

Pros:

  • They detect fires even before they start, protecting the family’s health.
  • A smoke alarm also lets the owner know if there is monoxide in the room.
  • The pricing is very accessible, even to those with a low budget.
  • Dual smoke detectors combine the best from the two types of devices available.
  • Some companies offer premium services like email alerts to those who pay for their plans.

Cons:

  • They can produce some false positives if they are not high-quality smoke alarms.
  • A hardwired smoke detector can fail if there is a power cut and doesn’t have any batteries.

How to Maintain a Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is a very useful device for one’s health. Not only it will save a life, but it can also detect monoxide to prevent accidents. Yet, they will not survive alone. Owners, then, have to take care of the smoke alarm and keep it always clean from dust and dirt.

Let’s take a look at some of the measures needed:

  • Check batteries: in the years 2009 and 2013, almost 30% of the fires took place because of dead batteries. Even if many smoke detectors have a LED light that shows low levels, owners need to take care of this on their own. If not, it can be quite dangerous.
  • Don’t forget about rooms: for more safety, each room should have its own smoke detector. But if that’s not possible, then at least each floor in the house needs to have its device to protect it from fires.
  • Don’t keep smoke detectors for more than 10 years. They should be replaced.
  • Use the self-testing button to check they are still working. If the smoke alarm doesn’t have one, then the owner should do it by hand.
  • Vacuum the alert smoke detector and the area that surrounds it. At times, dust and dirt can prevent the device from functioning well.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which Type of Smoke Detector Is the Best?

    The most suitable smoke detectors are the dual ones. And those which include batteries together with wires.

    This means:

    • The connection will always be stable.
    • Power cuts will not affect the way they work.
    • Further, it’s crucial to have a nice and simple smoke detector maintenance. Because they cannot fail.
    • Self-testing buttons are truly helpful in this regard.

  • Are 10-Year Smoke Detectors Good?

    Yes, they are. Most of them have long-lasting batteries. And the best thing is that

    • These smoke detectors have LED lights and other items that show that the battery is low.
    • So, owners do not have to worry about this aspect.
    • If it’s about to expire, then the persons inside the house will know about it. And will be able to replace the battery.

  • Are Photoelectric or Ionization Smoke Detectors Better?

    The latter. Ionized smoke alarms respond faster than the other ones. And, at times, they are also more efficient. Also, they are able to detect light fires, in contrast with photoelectric devices.

    Anyway, each fire is different. And this means that which smoke detector works best in that circumstance will depend on the situation.

  • Are Ionization Sensors Banned?

    Not in the whole of the USA. But the ionization sensors are banned in three different states. These are Massachusetts, Iowa, and Vermont. But they are the most common because they are cheaper.

    Why are these smoke detectors banned? Because these fire alarms have a lot of false positives. For example, by the steam of the kitchen or stove.

  • Do I Need an Electrician to Replace Hardwired Smoke Detectors?

    Not really. Smoke detectors usually come with kits that make it easy to replace them if they fail. Most of the time, they only bring cables.

    So, people just need to unplug the smoke alarm and put the new one in place. So, an electrician is not needed here.

  • How Many Smoke Detectors Are You Supposed to Have in Your House?

    At least 5, but it depends on the size of the house. Experts claim that there should be at least one smoke alarm in each bedroom.

    And, of course, one smoke detector in the kitchen, in the living room. And in any other place with a stove or things that function with gas.

Protect Your Home From the Flames

So, these are the top 10 smoke alarms for 2021. They were ranked considering metrics about their safety, reliability, pricing, and more. All the features mentioned above should be considered when making a wise buying decision.

And don’t forget to include at least one smoke alarm in each room to make sure they are protected from flames.


Editorial Staff

Jerry Carter is an experienced writer and has a passion for content development for varied projects. Jerry had been studying law at university when he realized that only writing could satisfy his adventurist spirit and his desire for knowledge. As a person with many unusual hobbies, he is also interested in security and modern technology.


Comments