What is a smart smoke and CO detector?

A smart smoke and CO detector can send phone alerts, integrate with smart-home platforms, provide voice alerts, support remote monitoring, or include self-testing features.

What should I look for in a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector?

Look for appropriate sensor type, reliable power source, app alerts, smart-home compatibility, voice alerts, and safety certifications for smoke and CO detection.

Can a smart speaker replace a smoke or CO detector?

No. A smart speaker with sound detection can add remote alerts for existing alarms, but it is not a smoke or carbon monoxide detector and should not replace certified safety devices.

Just Tech Me At

Best Smart Smoke and CO Detectors

April 25, 2026

by Just Tech Me At

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Introduction

How to Choose a Smart Smoke & CO Detector

Product Reviews

1. First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
2. Kidde Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector with Wi‑Fi
3. Optional Add-On: Echo Device

Bottom Line

Introduction

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors go beyond basic alarms by sending phone alerts, integrating with smart-home platforms, enabling remote silencing, and offering self-testing features. The best options combine reliable safety hardware with clear notifications, easy installation, and smart-home convenience.

These devices are especially useful because emergencies do not always happen when you are standing near the alarm. A smart detector can alert your phone when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, help you identify the location of the danger, and, in some cases, allow you to silence false alarms after confirming there is no emergency.

Below are some of the best smart smoke and CO detector options available now, with a focus on reliability, connectivity, ease of use, and ecosystem fit.

How to Choose a Smart Smoke & CO Detector

Sensor type: Look for photoelectric sensors for smoldering fires; some add ionization or heat sensors. For CO, ensure the device is certified for carbon monoxide detection.

Power source: Hardwired units can interconnect with existing alarms and use battery backup; battery-only models are easier to install and place.

Connectivity: Wi‑Fi offers direct app access, while smart-home protocols like Thread, Matter, Zigbee, or Z‑Wave may require a compatible hub.

Smart features: Mobile alerts, remote silencing, voice alerts, night lights, and self-testing are especially valuable.

Ecosystem fit: Check compatibility with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, or other hubs you already own.

Because several older smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been discontinued or are difficult to find, this list focuses only on products that are currently better aligned with the “smart detector” category. To qualify, a product should be an actual smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector with smart features such as app alerts, Wi-Fi connectivity, ecosystem integration, voice alerts, interconnection, or remote status notifications.

1. First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Best for: Former Nest Protect users and Google Home households that want a true smart smoke and CO replacement.

First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Smart Feature: Google Home compatibility, phone alerts, voice alerts, and smart interconnection

More Info

The First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is one of the strongest current smart smoke and CO detector options because it directly addresses the gap left by Nest Protect. It works with Google Home, comes in battery and hardwired versions, and is designed to provide connected fire and carbon monoxide safety alerts whether you are home or away.

This is the best fit for households that previously wanted Nest Protect-style smart detection but need a current replacement path. It is also useful for people who want smoke and CO alerts in the Google Home ecosystem without relying on older discontinued products.

Key Features

Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detection.

Works with Google Home.

Available in battery and hardwired versions.

Sends alerts to your phone when smoke or CO is detected.

Voice alerts help identify the type and location of danger.

Can interconnect with compatible alarms so multiple devices sound together.

Designed as a replacement path for Nest Protect users.

✅ Pros

Best current replacement direction for Nest Protect-style users.
True smart smoke and CO detector, not just a listening accessory.
Google Home compatibility is useful for smart-home households.
Battery and hardwired options give more installation flexibility.
Voice and app alerts improve emergency awareness.

❌ Cons

Newer replacement ecosystem may still feel different from the original Nest Protect experience.
Availability may vary by retailer and power-source version.
Google Home compatibility requires app setup and a Google account.
May cost more than basic non-smart smoke/CO detectors.

2. Kidde / Ring Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Best for: Ring households and users who want smart smoke/CO alerts without needing a separate alarm hub.

Kidde Ring Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Smart Feature: Ring app alerts for smoke, CO, and low battery

More Info

The Kidde / Ring Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a strong choice for households already using Ring or Amazon smart-home products. It is a true detector, not just a device that listens for another alarm. Its smart value comes from real-time Ring app notifications, low-battery alerts, and voice alerts.

This option is especially useful for people who want remote awareness without building a complex smart-home system. Depending on the version selected, it may be available in hardwired or battery-powered form, making it more flexible than older smart detector options that required specific wiring.

Key Features

Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detection on compatible versions.

Real-time alerts through the Ring app.

Low-battery notifications sent to your phone.

Voice alerts for clearer emergency communication.

Does not require a separate Ring Alarm hub for basic smart alerts.

Optional professional smoke and CO monitoring may be available through Ring subscription plans.

✅ Pros

Strong fit for Ring and Alexa households.
True smart detector with app notifications.
More current than discontinued Onelink-style products.
Good balance of safety-brand experience and smart-home integration.
Battery-powered version may make installation easier for some homes.

❌ Cons

Best experience is inside the Ring ecosystem.
Some monitoring features may require a paid subscription.
Compatibility and availability may vary by version.
Not ideal for users who prefer Google Home or Apple HomeKit as their main platform.

Optional Add-On: Using an Echo Device with Traditional Alarms

An Echo device is not a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, so it should not be ranked with actual safety alarms. However, it can be mentioned separately as a smart-alert helper. With compatible Alexa sound detection features, an Echo device may listen for the sound of existing smoke or CO alarms and send a notification when it hears one.

This can be useful if you already have working traditional alarms and want an affordable way to add remote awareness. However, it should only be treated as an extra notification layer, not as a substitute for certified smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Best for: Adding smart-like notifications to existing traditional alarms.
Not a replacement for: Certified smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.
Main limitation: It depends on hearing another alarm, so placement, distance, background noise, and internet connectivity matter.

Bottom Line

The smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector market has changed. Some of the older names that used to dominate this space are now discontinued, difficult to find, or no longer the best fit for a current buying guide. That is why this article focuses on two stronger current options: the First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm and the Kidde / Ring Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

The First Alert SC5 is the better fit for households that want a Nest Protect-style replacement or already use Google Home. It offers a true smart smoke and CO detection experience with app alerts, voice alerts, and smart-home compatibility. It is a strong choice for users who want connected safety without relying on older discontinued detector lines.

The Kidde / Ring Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is the stronger fit for homes already using Ring or Alexa. It is also a true detector, not just a device that listens for another alarm. Its biggest advantage is the ability to send real-time smoke, CO, and low-battery alerts through the Ring app, making it useful for remote awareness when you are away from home.

If you are choosing between the two, the decision comes down to your smart-home ecosystem. Choose the First Alert SC5 if your home is centered around Google Home. Choose the Kidde / Ring Smart Smoke & CO Alarm if your home is centered around Ring or Alexa. In both cases, the key advantage is the same: these devices go beyond a traditional alarm by helping you receive alerts, understand the danger, and respond faster.

Smart smoke and CO detectors should never be viewed as a replacement for proper placement, regular testing, and basic fire safety habits. But when used correctly, they can add an important layer of awareness by connecting life-safety alerts to the phone and smart-home systems people already use every day.