A smoke detector is one of those things you never think about until you really need it. Smart smoke detectors add a layer of protection that standard alarms can't match: phone notifications when you're away from home, the ability to silence false alarms without waving a towel at the ceiling, and in some cases, voice alerts that tell you exactly where in the house the problem is. Here's what to know before you buy, and the best options in 2026.
What to Look for in a Smart Smoke Detector
Smoke plus CO detection. A smart smoke-only detector is a missed opportunity. Most of the best models also detect carbon monoxide, which is equally dangerous and completely odorless. Spending a little more for combined protection is worth it.
WiFi vs. hub-required. Most smart smoke detectors connect directly over WiFi — no hub needed, just your home network and an app. Some older or budget models require a proprietary hub. WiFi is simpler for most people; just make sure your router signal reaches wherever you're installing it.
Subscription fees. Watch for this. Some brands charge a monthly fee for phone notifications or professional monitoring. Nest Protect and X-Sense currently send app alerts for free. Ring's professional monitoring is optional, not required for basic alerts.
Interconnection. Fire codes in many areas require that if one detector sounds, they all sound. Smart detectors handle this either wirelessly through the app ecosystem or via a physical interconnect wire. Know what your home needs before you buy.
Battery vs. hardwired. Most smart detectors come in both flavors. Hardwired units with battery backup are more reliable for permanent installation. Battery-only is easier to install anywhere without an electrician.
Google Nest Protect — Best Overall (Discontinued — Buy While Available)
Update: Google officially discontinued the Nest Protect in March 2025. Units are available while supplies last, and existing devices continue to receive software and security updates through their expiration dates. If you can find one, it's still the best smart smoke detector you can buy. Google has partnered with First Alert on a direct successor (see below).
The Nest Protect set the benchmark for smart smoke detection and nothing has fully matched it. It detects both smoke and carbon monoxide, distinguishes between fast-burning and slow-smoldering fires, and alerts you with a calm voice announcement ("There is smoke in the hallway") rather than just a generic alarm. You can silence false alarms directly from your phone or the Google Home app — no ladder required. It interconnects wirelessly with other Nest Protect units and works with Alexa as well. These run about $120 each where still available.
First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm — The Nest Protect Replacement
Google's official replacement for the Nest Protect is this First Alert unit, built in partnership with Google. It integrates directly into the Google Home app, interconnects wirelessly with existing Nest Protect units, and delivers the same spoken room-specific alerts ("Emergency, there's smoke in the hallway") that made Nest Protect the gold standard. If your Nest Protect sounds, your First Alert units will too, and vice versa. Priced at approximately $129, it's a like-for-like replacement for anyone building a new setup or expanding an existing Nest system.
First Alert OneLink Safe & Sound — Best for Alexa Homes (Discontinued)
Update: The First Alert OneLink Safe & Sound has been discontinued and is no longer available from official retailers. If you're looking for an Alexa-compatible smoke detector, the X-Sense XS01-WT (covered below) sends alerts to your phone for free with no subscription, and pairs with Alexa for voice notifications. For a full-featured option that also acts as a smart speaker, check Amazon for remaining OneLink inventory — but stock is limited and dwindling.
The OneLink Safe & Sound combined a smoke and CO detector with a built-in Alexa smart speaker. No longer in production.
X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector — Best Budget WiFi Option
X-Sense has quietly built a reputation for solid, affordable safety products, and the XS01-WT is a good example. It connects over WiFi with no hub and sends push notifications for free — no subscription. Multiple X-Sense detectors link together through the app for whole-home alerts. The build quality isn't as premium as Nest Protect, but for renters or anyone who needs to protect multiple rooms without spending $100+ per unit, it's a sensible choice.
Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener — Best for Existing Alarms
If you already have reliable hardwired smoke detectors that are up to code, the Ring Listener is a smart add-on rather than a full replacement. It sits nearby and listens for the specific alarm frequencies your existing detectors use. When it hears one, it alerts you through the Ring app and can trigger other Ring automations — like turning on lights or unlocking a door. At around $35, it's a low-friction way to add smart connectivity to a home where replacing every detector isn't practical.
Kidde Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarm — Best for Larger Homes
Many jurisdictions require interconnected smoke alarms — when one goes off, all of them sound. Running wire between floors or through finished walls to achieve this is expensive and disruptive. Kidde's wireless interconnect system solves that problem cleanly. You can link up to 24 units wirelessly, and they're available in both battery and hardwired models. These aren't as feature-rich as Nest Protect, but for code compliance and reliable interconnection without a renovation project, they're a practical choice.
Bottom Line
The Google Nest Protect remains the best smart smoke detector ever made — but it was discontinued in March 2025. Buy one while stock lasts, or go with the First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm, Google's official replacement that integrates with Google Home and interconnects with existing Nest Protects. If you want to keep costs down while still getting WiFi alerts, X-Sense is a solid no-subscription pick. And if you already have good detectors installed and just want to add smart notifications, the Ring Listener is the easiest upgrade you'll find. Whatever you choose, replace the batteries annually and test detectors monthly — the smartest detector in the world only works if it's maintained.