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Enter: the dawn of the smart smoke detector.

The Google Nest Protect Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm fixed to a wall

The Spruce

It has a loud traditional alarm, too, but the voice alerts are great.

Imagine a calm, human voice alerting you to the location of a fire instead of a blaring alarm.

Thats what you get with this smoke detector.

Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Wired Alarm

PHOTO: Amazon

It is also easy to shut down when you better.

However, you cant hook up multiple smoke detection devices for wireless interconnectivity.

The biggest seller is probably Kidde, notes Bullock.

The information on the underside of the Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

The sensors inside have a 10-year life span, which is ideal for installing smoke detectors.PHOTO: The Spruce

And why buy a regular smoke detector when you’re free to get a three-in-one deal?

It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Theres also an LED ring-light that alerts to both smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide.

The mounting plate for the Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

We love that it has a voice alert to say things like Fire!

However, the alerts arent customizable for an individual voice, like a mothers voice, which experts recommend.

We did find that some buyers reported false alarms, too.

The Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm after installation

When this detector senses a fire, it provides a clear voice alert.

Low battery alerts and smoke detection alerts come through the phone app whether youre home or away.

These products are all from reliable brands and all have a carbon monoxide detector, as well.

The Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm glows green

[The certifications will] be written on the detector, say Bullock.

What to Look for in a Smart Smoke Detector

What Power Source Do You Need?

Traditionally smoke detectors are hard-wired, however many today have a removable or non-removable battery instead.

The information on the underside of the Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

Thats the law in New York and recommended around the country, says Bullock.

And its usually better to have a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide [detection].

What Do you’re gonna wanna Know About Sensors?

The mounting plate for the Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

Theyre also, according to the NFPA, generally more responsive to smoldering fires.

What Features Set Certain Models Apart?

Where to Install Your Smoke Detector?

The Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm after installation

Test your batteries every few months (at the very least every year!)

and change your battery right away when it gets low.

Compared to other alerts, “children wake up better when the mother calls them,” he notes.

The Google Nest Protect Smoke Alarm glows green

Why Trust The Spruce?

Her debut nonfiction book,Wonderment, is now available at bookstores everywhere (Llewellyn, February 2025).

you might read more of her work atwww.ambercsnider.com.

X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo

PHOTO: Amazon

Our Experts:

Installing and maintaining smoke alarms - NFPA

https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476%2818%2931298-8/abstract

Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Indoor Air Quality Monitor

PHOTO: Home Depot

First Alert Battery Powered Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Works with Ring Alarm Base Station, 2nd Generation

PHOTO: Amazon

Kidde Hard-wired Ring Smoke Detector

PHOTO: Kidde