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Without good smoke detectors, your life and the lives of your family are in constant jeopardy. And your possessions are living on borrowed time. You must know what kind you need, and you have to install them as directed. We assembled a team of experts, from professional firefighters to people familiar with UL lab guidelines, to compile our list of the best battery-operated smoke detectors.
We want you and your loved ones to be safe. So let’s get to it and find you the smoke detectors you need for your home.
7 Best Battery-Operated Smoke Detectors:
Here are the top home smoke detectors of all types and styles. One of these is likely to be your best bet. But be sure to read about the factors you should consider if you want one that hasn’t been recommended by our experts.
Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered, Combination Smoke & CO Alarm, Voice Alert
- Fire and CO detector in 1 unit with alert modes, LED lights, and voice alarm, that states, Fire. Fire., Warning. Carbon Monoxide., or Low Battery.
- Ionization sensor technology - smoke detector detects invisible fire particles, 85 decibel alarm alerts of fire
- Protects during a power failure - combo smoke and CO alarm operates on 2-AA batteries
- Test-Hush Feature - silences the unit for approximately 8 minutes; tamper-resistant technology deters removal of the unit from the wall or ceiling
- UL Certified, 10-year limited warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These may be the best smoke detectors for your home if you want very small units or if you need to go really cheap. They’re only four inches in diameter and less than two inches thick.
And they cost around twelve bucks each. That makes them among the smallest and cheapest smoke detectors on the market. And they’re made by Kiddie, so you know they are reliable.
Homeowners and renters alike rave about the price. Many people bought units for every room in their homes. The small size is also a big hit too. People like how small they are. As far as operation goes, there haven’t really been any major complaints. These detectors work as well as any other ionization alarm.
Pros
- Compact
- Super affordable
Cons
- Uses 9-volt batteries, which are pretty expensive
Google Nest Protect – Smoke Alarm – Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector – Wired
- Phone Alerts: Nest Protect sends you a message when theres a problem or the batteries run low.
- Smoke and CO Locator: Nest Protect speaks up if theres smoke or CO and tells you where it is so you know what to do
- Detects CO: Carbon monoxide is an invisible poisonous gas. Nest Protect tells you where its hiding.
- A Light in the Dark: Usually Nest Protect has its light turned off but when you walk underneath it Pathlight can light your way.
- Fast Detection: Every second counts. The Split-Spectrum Sensor looks for both fast and slow burning fires.
- Know from anywhere: Connect Nest Protect to Wi-Fi and it will send an alert to your phone if the alarm goes off or the batteries run low
- Wireless: Working Wi-Fi connection: 802.11b/g/n @ 2.4GHz Wireless reconnect: 802.15.4 @ 2.4GHz Wireless Interconnect: 802.15.4 @ 2.4GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Tells you what and where: It speaks up to tell you if theres smoke or CO and where.
- App Silence: Nest Protect is the first alarm you can hush from your phone. Simply walk to the Nest Protect that noticed the problem and open the Nest app.
- Split-Spectrum Sensor: In an emergency seconds count. Nest Protect uses two wavelengths of light to look for both fast and slow burning fires.
- This Google Product features the Google Seal for Online Marketplace when purchased from a seller other than Amazon.
- Know from anywhere: Connect Nest Protect to Wi-Fi and it will send an alert to your phone if the alarm goes off or the batteries run low. Field of View 120°
- Wireless: Working Wi-Fi connection: 802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz Wireless Interconnect: 802.15.4 at 2.4GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Tells you what and where: It speaks up to tell you if there’s smoke or CO and where the problem is, so you know what to do.
- App Silence: Nest Protect is the first alarm you can hush from your phone. Simply walk to the Nest Protect that noticed the problem and open the Nest app.
- Split-Spectrum Sensor: In an emergency, seconds count. Nest Protect uses two wavelengths of light to look for both fast and slow burning fires.
- Heads-Up: Get a friendly voice alert so you can handle burning toast before it becomes a burning toaster.
- 10-year carbon monoxide sensor: Carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible and deadly. When there’s CO, Nest Protect tells you where it’s hiding.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is our pick for the best home smoke detector because it offers the best value. It’s also among the most high-tech smoke and CO detectors. It sends alerts to your phone, so you’ll know if there’s a problem within seconds whether you’re there or not.
And you can silence the alarm from your phone or Google smart home hub or Alexa. That’s a lot better than having to climb on a chair to remove a battery or cover an old smoke detector with a towel.
People talk about how easy it is to install to the wall or ceiling and how simple it is to integrate with their smart home hubs. Many who’ve bought one have bought more later for other parts of their homes. That’s how impressive this detector is.
Pros
- Includes long-life lithium batteries
- Easy to mount
- Easy to integrate into smart home systems
- Sends mobile alerts
- Includes two WiFi smart plugs
Cons
- Rather expensive
X-Sense SD03 10-Year Battery Smoke Detector Alarm, ETL Listed Fire Alarm with Photoelectric Sensor, Auto-Check & Silence Button
- 10-Year Battery Life: Keep your family safe with this 10-year battery-operated fire alarm that will provide constant monitoring, even if there’s a power failure. The X-Sense smoke alarm provides reliable and uninterrupted 24/7 protection so you can sleep safely
- Accurate, Reliable, & Highly Sensitive: This X-Sense alarm adopts the most advanced photoelectric sensor, enabling the alarm to quickly detect dangerous smoke levels from slow-burning, smoldering fires. It provides the earliest possible warning of fire while minimizing false alarms.
- ETL Listed: This alarm is approved by the ETL and in conformity with the UL 217 Standard. We provide a 60-day money-back guarantee and 5-year warranty for all X-SENSE smoke alarms. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will get back to you within 24 hours
- Sleep Sound Without Annoying Chirps: The X-Sense fire alarm has been redesigned from the inside out, and it will confirm that smoke triggers the alarm instead of interference by taking 3 separate smoke samples, minimizing false alarms to avoid waking you from sleep at 2 a.m
- LED Light for Additional Notification: In addition to its alarm sound, the X-Sense fire alarm uses a 3-color LED light (red, green, yellow) so that even those with impaired hearing can check the alarm status easily. Brightness is also improved, so it’s easier to see the light during an emergency but the light won’t be a nuisance when you’re trying to sleep
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Here we have one of the most affordable smoke detectors. It’s not a combo smoke detector, though. It doesn’t detect CO. It has a photoelectric sensor, so it is best at detecting smoldering fires.
But it may not pick up on quickly moving flash fires. But since this type of detector is less prone to false alarms, this may be better for kitchens. That way you don’t get a lot of annoying alarms caused by burnt food.
Many people bought this one because they like the idea of the 10-year battery. They feel safe knowing that the battery is fresh, and they don’t have to constantly think about when to change it. Battery smoke detector reviews also show how much people love the price.
Pros
- Great price
- Long battery life
- Less false alarms
Cons
- This sealed detector’s battery is not replaceable. The unit must be replaced every ten years, or when the battery gets low.
First Alert SA303CN3 Battery Powered Ionization Smoke Alarm with Test/Silence Button
- Help keep your family safe with this battery powered smoke alarm featuring an ionization sensor for smoke detection; a loud 85 decibel alarm sounds when smoke levels are elevated
- Ionization sensor is effective in recognizing smoke from flaming fires such as paper and grease fires
- Battery operated alarm unit provides continuous monitoring even if theres a power failure; Plus, its easy to install
- Tamper resistant alarm also features a single test/silence button, side battery door, and missing battery guard
- To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
- It can ship within the US except New York
- First Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety since launching the first residential smoke alarm in 1958 (Based on a First Alert Brand Trust Survey in February 2018)
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
First Alert is the best smoke alarm brand. They spend more on product improvement than any other manufacturer of these safety products. They’ve been at it for a long time, over 60 years.
This particular model is one of the most affordable battery-powered smoke alarms. It works well, has no unnecessary features, and is cheap. If you need a dependable, low-cost smoke alarm, this may be the one.
People who use this smoke detector talk about how easy it is to install it and change the batteries. They’re happy that they can get a trusted smoke detector at a reasonable price, and most of them are repeat customers.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Battery changes are simple
Cons
- Not as sensitive as most other detectors
Kidde Smoke Detector, Battery Powered, Interconnect Smoke Alarm with LED Lights
- Smoke detector with alert modes & LED lights that alert of smoke or fire
- Ionization sensor technology - smoke detector detects invisible fire particles, 85 decibel alarm alerts of fire
- Protects during a power failure - smoke detector operates on 3-AA alkaline batteries
- Test-Hush Feature - silences the unit for approximately 9 minutes
- UL Certified, 10-year limited warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Kiddie makes many of the top-rated battery-operated smoke detectors. These ones connect to each other wirelessly, so they all sound the alarm when one detects a problem.
This is very useful for large homes or houses with detached garages and other outbuildings. Just keep in mind that these smoke detectors are very sensitive, and may give false alarms more often than others.
People are impressed with the wireless interconnect features of these detectors. One man said that he has one in his detached workshop, which is 75 feet away from his house, and the system works perfectly.
But some people find the hush operation confusing. Apparently, you have to reset the unit after holding the silence button to quiet a false alarm. Otherwise, the unit stays in hush mode.
Pros
- Units are connected wirelessly
- Great wireless range
- Great value for what you get
- Made by a well-trusted brand
Cons
- Somewhat confusing silence feature
- Seems to be overly sensitive
First Alert SA320CN Dual-Sensor Smoke and Fire Alarm, Battery Powered, Frustration-Free Packaging
- Help keep your family safe with this battery operated smoke alarm; It requires no rewiring for installation and provides continuous monitoring even if theres a power failure
- Equipped with both a photoelectric and ionization sensor to quickly detect both fast burning, and smoldering fires
- Single test/silence button lets you easily check alarm function and mute false alarms; Use Polaroid AA batteries for best results
- Loud 85 decibel siren sounds to alert you to danger
- To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
- First Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety since launching the first residential smoke alarm in 1958 (Based on a First Alert brand trust survey in February 2018)
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re looking for the best battery photoelectric smoke detector, you know that that kind of detector is sensitive to smoke from smoldering fires. But what about big flames?
Ionization detectors are the ones for those fires. That’s why our pros recommended that all homes have both kinds. Or you can get a dual-sensor detector, like this one. And for the price, you can afford to have this protection on all levels of your home.
People like that they get comprehensive protection from all kinds of fires in one affordable unit. And they like that they can get this kind of protection from a highly reputable brand that they know. Customers rate this one the best dual sensor battery-operated smoke alarm.
Pros
- Dual sensors
- Simple operation
- Quick installation
Cons
- Very sensitive and can be triggered by high levels of dust
Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Display, Battery Operated Smoke CO Alarm Detector
- Combination Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Can Detect the threat of these Two Gases.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector alarm Using High accurate Electrochemical Sensor, alerts you to Carbon Monoxide Danger.
- Photoelectric Sensor Detects Smoke, Smoke Detector While Minimizing false alarms.
- Smoke CO Detector Operated unit installs quickly and easily without an electrician at home or bedroom.
- LCD display concentration PPM, real-time monitoring to protect your safety
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Many home smoke detector reviews, even positive ones, have the phrase “I wish I would have gotten a CO detector too.” Well, this ionization detector also alerts you to the presence of high CO levels.
In fact, it constantly displays the room’s CO level on its LCD screen. And it’s compact to boot. At only 4”x1-½”, it is barely noticeable on a wall or ceiling.
People like that this unit also alerts them to the danger of toxic carbon monoxide gas. And they love that they can get that peace of mind at a price that’s half of many other leading combo detectors.
Pros
- Also detects CO
- Compact
- Real-time CO level display
- Nice value
Cons
- There have been reports of units not working out of the box, necessitating a return
Factors To Consider When Buying Smoke Detectors
If you make an informed decision, you’ll rarely have to think about your smoke detector after you install it. But if you make a hasty choice, you’ll regret it in many different ways. Learn what to think about when you’re shopping for a new detector.
Type of Smoke Detector
Ionization smoke detectors are best at detecting small particulates common in fast-moving fires with big flames. Photoelectric detectors, which are also called optical smoke alarms, are better for alerting to large particles from smoldering fires. Experts recommend having both kinds on each level of your home for complete protection.
Photoelectric models are less prone to false alarms, so they are best for kitchens. They are also good for rooms where extension cords are used, due to their ability to detect hot smoldering problems.
Pro Tip:
At the end of the day, you should have both kinds. That’s what is recommended, and that’s what’s going to keep your family the safest. Some of the highest-rated smoke detectors have both types of sensors. They are a bit more expensive, but you may end up saving money in the long run by having to buy only one type of detector.
Style
Good-looking smoke detectors don’t exist. You want some that you can’t notice. They are all designed to blend into their surroundings. White ones are best for ceiling installations because ceilings are almost always white. Darker colors don’t draw the eye.
Generally, smaller detectors are better. They are less noticeable. But this shouldn’t be the number one factor that you consider. Safety is first and looks come in second.
How Many Detectors Do You Need?
Experts say that you should have at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, including your basement. Additionally, every bedroom should have a detector inside or just outside the door.
Here is a Video Explanation on How Smoke Detectors Work
In A Nutshell…
Now you know how to pick the best battery-operated smoke alarm. It’s likely one of the models on our list will fit all of your home’s needs. If not, you know the things you should think about when looking for one.
The Nest Protects 2nd Generation Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector tops our list. It detects all kinds of fires and carbon monoxide. Plus, it sends alerts to your mobile device, so you can have peace of mind that your loved ones are safe at home. It’s also great for houses that are frequently empty.
If you want a dual-sensor detector, but don’t necessarily need CO detection or mobile alerts, you can save a bunch of money with the First Alert Dual Sensor Smoke And Fire Alarm. It offers great value.
The Kiddie RF-SM-DC Interconnect Wireless Smoke Alarm is best for homes with detached buildings. Multiple units can be wirelessly synced, so all alarms sound when one detects smoke.
Every day you put off getting new smoke detectors is a day that you may be unsafe. New detectors are generally better. They are fresh and accurate. Pick one today and be safe tomorrow.
