Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors look the same, so you might think that they basically are the same. As long as they’ve been certified by a testing organization, such as UL or Intertek Electrical Testing Labs (ETL), they should work just fine, right? Not exactly.
“We need to test detectors because some fail at CO detection, and there are differences in how quickly different models respond to CO,” says Bernie Deitrick, Consumer Reports’ test engineer for smoke and CO detectors. “I have never tested a model that failed our fire and smoke tests, and it is reassuring to know that such critical devices actually work.”
A detector’s ability to sense carbon monoxide can mean the difference between life and death. According to the CDC, every year more than 400 Americans die from accidental CO poisoning, and about 50,000 Americans end up in the emergency department.
In the lab, we expose detectors to both flaming fires and smoldering, smoky fires to see how well they detect smoke and fire. For CO alarms, we expose them to precise high CO levels (400 parts per million) and low CO levels (100 ppm) to see how accurately and how quickly they detect the deadly carbon monoxide. And for stand-alone CO detectors, we also check the accuracy of the CO levels that they either display on their screens or read aloud via voice messages.
As you shop, note each detector’s power source: Generally, detectors are battery-powered, hardwired, or plugged into an outlet. Battery-powered detectors can be placed anywhere and typically run on replaceable batteries (usually 9-volt or AA) or sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years. Hardwired detectors require special wiring for power that’s typically found only in newer or renovated homes. Plug-in detectors receive a constant flow of power from an outlet. Both hardwired and plug-in detectors use a backup battery that will take over in the event of a power outage. Backup batteries need to be replaced annually.
To determine the type you need, remove the detectors in your home from their mounts. If there are wires connected to them that run into the wall or ceiling, you need hardwired detectors. If there are no wires, you need battery-powered detectors.
Below are the best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors from our tests, arranged in alphabetical order. You’ll find stand-alone smoke detectors, stand-alone CO detectors, combination smoke-CO detectors, and smart smoke-CO detectors that can send alerts to your smartphone. There are hardwired and battery-powered picks for each type of detector.
For a look at all the models we’ve tested, see our smoke and carbon monoxide detector ratings. And for help picking the right types of detectors for your home, check out our smoke and carbon monoxide detector buying guide.
10 Year Battery Smoke Detector
Price: $28.95 Save: $11.00
Availability: In Stock
Combo 10 year Battery Smoke & CO Voice Detector
Price: $59.95 Save: $20.00
Availability: In Stock
Photoelectric 10 Year Battery Smoke Detector
Price: $30.95 Save: $9.00
Availability: In Stock
Combo 10 Year Battery Smoke & CO Detector
Price: $54.95 Save: $15.00
Availability: In Stock
10 Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Detector
Price: $49.95 Save: $20.00
Availability: In Stock
Dual Sensing 10 Year Battery Operated Smoke Detector
Price: $56.95 Save: $23.00
Availability: In Stock
Combo Wired In Smoke & CO Battery Detector
Price: $70.95 Save: $19.00
Availability: In Stock
Photoelectric Smoke Alarm & Strobe Light
Price: $112.95 Save: $37.00
Availability: In Stock
LED Combination Alarm
Price: $166.95 Save: $53.00
Availability: In Stock
10 Year Battery Smoke Detector
Price: $31.95 Save: $18.00
Availability: In Stock
Onelink Smart Hardwired Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm w/ Ten Year Sealed Battery
Price: $130.95 Save: $39.00
Availability: In Stock
The First Alert Store is your premier online destination for acquiring a selection of 10 year smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combination alarms. First Alert Ten Year Alarms are available with ionization, photoelectric and dual sensing technologies. The First Alert Store's selection of 10 year alarms showcases the very best elements of protection, reliability and longevity.
10 Year Combination Smoke and CO Alarms
When it comes to protecting your home from the many life threatening properties associated with smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation, homeowners must have access to an alarm that's capable of detecting both threats. The First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Combo Photoelectric Smoke & CO Alarm with Slim Design utilizes a photoelectric sensor that excels in detecting slow smoldering fires. This 10 year combination alarm also includes a sensor that will alert homeowners to the presence of CO. Featuring a prolonged lifespan of ten years, this ten year combination alarm ensures a decade's worth of uninterrupted awareness. The realization of a tamperproof design and the inclusion of a battery that doesn't require a replacement provide the ultimate in security and lasting power. The First Alert Compact 10 Year Combo Photoelectric Smoke & CO Alarm with Voice & Location Feature utilizes the same model and features with the inclusion of a voice and location feature that will pinpoint the area in which a threat is detected.
10 Year Smoke Alarms
The First Alert 10 Year Sealed Battery Photoelectric Smoke Alarm with Slim Design excels in detecting slow smoldering fires while simultaneously reducing the chances of triggering nuisance alarms. Featuring a swift and near effortless installation process, this 10 Year Photoelectric Smoke Alarm includes an easy twist mount and matching hardware. For additional protection, the First Alert Store has also released the First Alert Dual Sensor Photoelectric/Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm with 10-Year Sealed Battery. Utilizing ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors, this 10 year smoke and fire alarm excels in offering dual protection. The inclusion of intelligent sensing technology reduces non-emergency or nuisance alarms.
10 Year Designer Smoke and CO Alarms
Add intelligent protection to your home with the First Alert Smart Onelink Smoke + CO Alarm. This 10 year combination alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. Regardless of whether you're home or away, you'll be notified when smoke or co is detected. The First Alert Onelink Combo Alarm is compatible with Amazon Alexa, so you can ask Alexa to check the status of your Onelink Alarm. Emergency notifications alert you to danger via your phone, while voice and location technology tell you the type and area of danger. The First Alert Store also features the First Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Temperature, Digital Display and 10-Year Sealed Battery. This 10 year carbon monoxide detector provides the ideal balance of strength and style. By implementing an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor (the most accurate technology available), this detector succeeds as a premier safety enhancer.