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    Best Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2025

    CR's testers say these models from First Alert and Kidde are great at protecting you and your loved ones from harm

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    Photo illustration of a smoke/CO detector among symbols for CO and smoke.
    CR's engineers use high flames to see whether smoke detectors respond appropriately.
    Photo Illustration: Lacey Browne/Consumer Reports, Getty Images

    Reliable smoke and CO detectors in your home can mean the difference between life and death.

    About 60 percent of the deaths from fire take place in homes without working fire alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And more than 400 Americans die from accidental CO poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, while most detectors look similar and come certified by a testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Intertek Electrical Testing Labs (ETL), they don’t all respond with the same speed and efficiency.

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    More on Smoke and CO Detectors

    That’s why we put dozens of models to the test. In our lab, we expose CO detectors to low CO levels (100 parts per million) and high CO levels (400 ppm) to see how quickly and accurately they detect the colorless, odorless gas. For models that display or announce specific CO levels, we check the accuracy of those readings.

    It’s comparable to the way we test smoke detectors, exposing them to flaming fires and smoldering, smoky fires to see how well they handle both.

    Most detectors need to be hardwired, battery-powered, or plugged into an outlet. If you are replacing a previously installed detector, you should remove it from its mount to determine the type you need.

    Hardwired detectors require special wiring that’s typically found only in newer or renovated homes. It runs from the detector into a wall or ceiling. 

    Battery-powered detectors are wireless, which means they can be installed anywhere. They typically use replaceable batteries (usually 9-volt or AA) or lithium batteries that are sealed inside and last 10 years.

    Plug-in detectors receive power from an outlet. Like hardwired detectors, though, they have a backup battery that takes over in the event of a power outage, and those batteries need to be replaced annually.

    Newer models offer other helpful features—like smart-home alerts via a mobile app, or the ability to work in unison with other detectors so that when one goes off, they all do.

    To see every model we’ve tested, visit our smoke and carbon monoxide detector ratings (available to everyone, free of charge). For more help in selecting the model that’s best for you, check our buying guide, too. Below are the best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, depending on your home’s needs.

    Why Are the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Ratings Free?

    CR is committed to safety. Ratings of lifesaving products like smoke and CO detectors, car seats, and bike helmets are available to everyone.

    Best Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    Best Hardwired Smoke Detectors

    Best Battery-Powered Smoke Detectors

    Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors


    Courtney Lindwall

    Courtney Lindwall is a writer at Consumer Reports. Since joining CR in 2023, she’s covered the latest on cell phones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers as part of the tech team. Previously, Courtney reported on environmental and climate issues for the Natural Resources Defense Council. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

    Daniel Wroclawski

    Dan Wroclawski is a home and appliances writer at Consumer Reports, covering products ranging from refrigerators and coffee makers to cutting-edge smart home devices. Before joining CR in 2017, he was an editor at USA Today’s Reviewed, and launched the site’s smart home section. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with one of the over 70 connected devices in his house. Follow Dan on Facebook and Twitter @danwroc.