In 2026 smoke and CO detectors have changed, and so has our opinion of them.
Brand wise – Always choose Kidde or First Alert detectors for the safety of your home. Kidde is available on Amazon or Home Depot. First Alert is available on Amazon or Lowes. Do not buy detectors with no brand name, you’ll regret it if you have a home fire. The brand Siterwell is also a poor choice. ‘No brand’ detectors and detectors from Siterwell fail at a greater rate than Kidde or First Alert brands. We do not trust these type of detectors, and neither should you.
Choosing between Kidde and First Alert, we generally choose Kidde. Kidde detectors tend to fail less than First Alert, and tend to have less problems. Kidde detectors that contain a 10 year battery seem to last longer than similar First Alert detectors. Kidde is simply more reliable. First Alert detector are not bad at all, but Kidde – for us – wins the race in most cases.
Kidde is your best bang for the buck for detectors that are not inter-connected via a home network. First Alerts new network inter-connected detector, though, is a strong buy. See below.
Kidde Smoke Detector – Detect Series
Overall winner
The Kidde Detect Series comes either battery type or hard wired style. The battery type comes in either AA battery or 10 year type battery type. Hard wired comes with either AA battery backup or 10 years battery back up. When in doubt, get either of the battery type detectors, not the hard wired, unless you know for sure your set up has an electrical box.
Kidde Combo Detector – Detect Series
When looking for a combination detector – one that is both a smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, your bst bet is the Kidde Combo detector. Box will be trimmed in purple. This detector comes in either battery type or hard wired type. The hard wired type has a battery back up. When in doubt, purchase the battery type.
First Alert SC5
Use this one when inter-connecting detectors
New as of 2025, the First Alert SC5 works with Nest Protect. Nest Protect is still currently supported by Google in the Google Home app. Google has stopped making Nest Products but supporst seamless integration. The SC5 comes in either battery type or hard wired type with a battery backup.
Again – Do not buy detectors with no brand name, you’ll regret it if you have a home fire. Best to spend an extra few dollars to protect your family and your home.
Questions or comments? Ask us below in the comment section.