These Wi-Fi-connected Smoke Detectors Will Send Alerts to Your Phone (2024)

Nest has been a leading name in smart home technology, going back to its launch of the Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011. The Nest Protect came out a couple years later and got a boost when Google acquired the Nest brand in 2014.

It's been the top pick with our experts through multiple product generations. The latest Nest Protect, available in both hardwired and battery-powered options, not only detects smoke and fire but also carbon monoxide. When our Lab experts tested the device, one of the main things that sets it apart from other smoke detectors is the early warning voice alert. Instead of beeping when burning toast, a human voice will tell you where the incident is taking place in the house.

We also like that the detectors are wirelessly interconnected and send alerts to other Nest Protect units in the house, so you'll get a warning no matter what room you're in. Alerts come from the ceiling and Nest smart phone app, which means that you and multiple users can be alerted whether you're home or not. (One drawback: Nest Protect can't be set up on the Google Home app, so you'll need to have both apps on your phone if you have other Google devices in the home, like cameras and thermostats.)

The app will also tell you when the battery needs to be changed ahead of time, instead of chirping like other devices. One final safety feature that our experts noted is the integrated pathway light, which illuminates at night to help you find your way in the dark.

Through years of testing the fire safety equipment category, our experts have come to recognize Kidde as a solid manufacturer with very competitive prices. It's also one of the most widely available brands within the category.

This unit costs half as much as the top-rated Nest Protect, but still does the job detecting smoke, fire and carbon monoxide. Rather than beeping loudly, it will give clear voice alerts, such as "Fire, fire," or "Warning, carbon monoxide." It runs on two AA batteries, so you never need to worry about the smoke detector failing in the event of a power outage, though of course you do need to remember to change the batteries (at least once a year, according to NFPA).

In addition to our expert recommendation, the Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector has over 34,000 reviews and a 4.6 star rating on Amazon, with reviewers saying it's easy to install and works particularly well to detect carbon monoxide.

This smart smoke detector is our top pick for homeowners who already own a Ring security system, since integration in our Lab tests was so seamless. Once the detector is synced up, you'll receive real-time notifications in the Ring app when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. It also has an 85-decibel alarm so you'll be sure to hear it. The smart smoke detector runs on two AA batteries.

The unit has nearly 10,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5 star rating, with many users saying how easy it was to set up with Ring, often taking less than a minute. It's also compatible with SmartThings and Nexxia Home Intelligence when connected to a Z-Wave Plus gateway hub (sold separately).

First Alert has been in fire protection for more than six decades. "The brand has built a very strong record for performance and reliability in that time, including zero product recalls in the last decade," says DiClerico.

First Alert has also done a good job integrating with big names in the smart home space. The OneLink Safe and Sound 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 detectors were 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.

The X-Sense Fire Safety System offers excellent value for shoppers who are in need of full-home protection, for example new homeowners who want to install new devices throughout the house.

The system comes with three interconnected smoke detectors, plus a base station that allows them to communicate with each other and also connects them to Wi-Fi so you can monitor the devices and receive alerts through the X-Sense Home Security App.

There's also an optional subscription plan ($50 per year) that provides 24/7 professional monitoring and even dispatch the local fire department in the event of an emergency. However, the X-sense system is not compatible with other smart home integrations, such as Google Home or Apple HomeKit.

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 Media & Tech 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 set up, 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 give 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 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 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 option also have 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 worry if the power goes out.

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 guide was written by Jamie Kim, a contributing writer with a consumer products background, who specializes in product testing and reviews.

This article was reviewed by Dan DiClerico, the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Institute. Dan 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.