The Best Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors of 2019

Bottom Line: Google Nest Protect Offers More Than Basic CO Protection

Nest was one of the first companies to combine a smoke alarm, CO detection, and smart tech. Because both hazards can be devastating, we like that you can get double the protection in one device. The addition of mobile alerts via the Nest app ensures you’ll get early warning of danger no matter where you are.

But you’ll pay for the Nest Protect’s extra protections—it starts around $120, which is a lot compared to simpler CO detectors that are under $20.

Compare CO Detectors and Alarms

After hours of research and testing, we’ve found the best carbon monoxide detectors available. From basic battery operated to smart devices, you can find the top options here.

Amazon.com prices as of 10/31/19 12:13 pm MST.

CO Detector and Alarm Reviews

Google Nest Protect: Best Overall Carbon Monoxide Detector

Nest Protect combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection and works with an app. When you download it, you can get alerts to your phone and even silence alarms if necessary. With state-of-the-art sensors for both fire and carbon monoxide, this alarm is one of the best for homeowners or renters.

You can’t change the batteries in this unit, so you’ll need to replace the whole thing once it expires. But at $120, Nest Protect is still a good value if it lasts for its full life expectancy of 10 years

Kidde Nighthawk: Best Value

As the world’s largest fire safety product manufacturer, Kidde also produces high quality carbon monoxide detectors. While it’s not the cheapest option on our list, the Nighthawk packs in the most features for the best price.

With a digital display, you can read your home’s carbon monoxide levels easily. Plus, the device refreshes its data every 15 seconds so you’ll know if something isn’t right. If your device sounds, you’ll definitely hear it. This carbon monoxide alarm lets out an 85 db beep that’s as loud as a blender.

First Alert Onelink: Best Voice Control

This smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector can do a lot. Using your home’s wifi, the alarms can talk to one another and synchronize to alert you if there is a gas leak or fire. You can also control it from your Apple device through an app, so you can silence the alarm or get notifications on your phone.

Onelink doesn’t have a battery compartment that you can access, so when it dies you’ll need to get a new CO detector. With a price tag over $200, that steep replacement cost might be more than some want to pay.

First Alert CO400 Alarm: Best for Your Budget

This sweet little unit ensures that money stays in your pocket and your family stays safe—all while keeping safety on the down-low with its slim design. The First Alert CO400 Carbon Monoxide Detector doesn’t require an outlet, so it can be placed anywhere, which gives you a lot of options.

It’s nice that you can change the batteries in this CO alarm, but the battery compartment is difficult to get into. Our advice: take a few deep breaths before swapping out the batteries.

Kidde Battery-Operated: Easy Installation

Kidde’s battery-operated CO detector is equipped with an electrochemical sensor, which is the best way to detect CO in your home. The digital display makes it easy to monitor levels of carbon monoxide. Plus, an 85 dB alarm ensures you won’t miss an alert.

You’ll appreciate the simple setup and operation of this device. All you have to do is pop in some batteries and mount it on the wall. But simplicity comes with drawbacks—there’s no smart home compatibility in this detector.

First Alert CO605 Detector: Best Basic Detection

This stripped-down alarm doesn’t come with any extras, but the First Alert CO65 gets the job done. Several user reviews praise this simple device for saving their lives. If you’re looking for a straightforward CO detector that has a good track record for detecting dangerous gas levels and sounding the alarm, this device is a solid choice.

The cheap price makes it easy to buy multiple units for full coverage throughout your home. But if you want smart home features or a digital display, keep looking.

Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There are several types of carbon monoxide detectors available for purchase, some include multiple functions.

• Dual-function – sense different threats like CO, smoke, and fire.
• Digital – show you levels of carbon monoxide on a digital screen.
• Smart – run diagnostics and sync with home automation apps.
• Hardwired – wired into your home’s electrical grid, works unless the power goes out.
• Battery-operated – basic sensing and display, needs batteries to operate.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors FAQs

Check out our full frequently asked questions page to learn more about carbon monoxide detectors.

How to Maintain a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Most carbon monoxide detectors last an average of five years. Although the product’s lifetime will vary depending on your make and model, you can still get the most out of your detector by wiping it down weekly to keep it clean from dust and debris.

It’s also a good idea to test your CO detector monthly. Start by pressing the “test” button to ensure the siren works. If your detector is older, you can purchase a carbon monoxide meter to find out if your detector is still fully functional. If the detector doesn’t go off when you test it, it’s probably time to buy a new one.

Know What Can Make Carbon Monoxide Gas

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been called the “silent and invisible killer” because it doesn’t have a smell, color, or taste. It’s one of the most prevalent causes of death due to poisoning in America. Any time you burn something—like gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil, propane, or charcoal—carbon monoxide is released into the air.

In outdoor spaces, this usually isn’t a health hazard because there is enough area for the CO to dissipate, so particles never amount to a toxic level. The danger comes when carbon monoxide is released in a contained area like your home, RV, or garage.

Anything that burns will create carbon monoxide. It’s not just your stove, fireplace, or grill either. Here are some of the things that can create carbon monoxide when turned on:

Know What To Do and What Not To Do

Lighting a fire in your fireplace is okay if it’s properly ventilated. However, if you do the following, you could cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build in your home.

*Amazon.com list price as of 10/31/19 12:13 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

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