2024’s Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Home Safety, Tested 

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Home Safety, Tested  and hope the blog can help you.

Protect yourself and your family from this silent danger with a not-so-silent alarm.

A home fire safety plan is incomplete without a carbon monoxide detector, which senses odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas and alerts residents to its presence. Without a comprehensive system of CO detectors, a family can be at serious risk. This gas can overwhelm occupants as they sleep, and typical symptoms—dull headache, dizziness, and confusion—may not be noticed. 

There are a variety of different types of these crucial devices, so we tested eight of the most popular models to see how they’d fare in real-life situations. We also interviewed Steve Lockwood, owner of Mountain State Fire Protection LLC, to get his expert opinion. Based on our tests and Steve’s insights, we chose the Kidde Nighthawk carbon monoxide and explosive gas alarm as our top pick for its versatility, value, and digital display. Read on to learn how to choose a model for your own home, and see why the units we tested are considered among the best carbon monoxide detectors available for home safety.

1. BEST OVERALL: Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide/Explosive Gas Alarm 
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector
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3. BEST PLUG-IN: First Alert CO600 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
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4. BEST HARDWIRED: Kidde Firex AC Hardwired Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm
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5. BEST COMBINATION: First Alert SCO5CN Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector
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6. BEST SMART UNIT: Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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7. BEST DIGITAL DISPLAY: X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Detector
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8. BEST MULTIPACK: First Alert SC7010BV Smoke/CO Alarm w/Voice & Location
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Testing Stats
Products tested	8
Hours/Weeks/Time spent testing	8 hours
Tests performed	4
Price range	$20 to $200

 

Carbon Monoxide and How It’s Detected

Carbon monoxide is generally a byproduct of combustion, meaning any appliance that uses a fuel source (such as a water heater, furnace, or boiler) produces carbon monoxide when running. These appliances are extremely safe when working properly, but carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels if something goes wrong. 

According to Steve Lockwood, owner of an Arizona-based company offering fire equipment installation and comprehensive fire protection services, “CO detectors are important because carbon monoxide is a tasteless and odorless gas that can only really be detected by a properly rated detector.” Steve goes on to say that leaks that occur while you’re asleep are especially dangerous, as high levels of carbon monoxide will keep you asleep and cause eventual poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million (PPM). Exposure to 50 PPM is safe for up to 8 hours, while 150 PPM is dangerous after 50 minutes, and 1,600 PPM can kill a healthy adult in under an hour. Carbon monoxide detectors are important because the gas is colorless and odorless, so it’s impossible to sense its presence until it’s too late.

Low-level carbon monoxide alarms track levels of CO gas over time and sound a loud alarm when those levels exceed certain parameters. For instance, a 50 PPM measurement will activate most alarms within 8 hours, 150 PPM within 50 minutes, and 400 PPM within 15 minutes. 

Our Top Picks

Carbon monoxide detectors are crucial to home safety. Consider the following models for various situations, and read on to learn which features to look for and how to choose the best model for a particular set of needs.

Best Overall

Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide/Explosive Gas Alarm

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Product Specs 

• Type: Carbon monoxide and explosive gas
• Power source: Plug-in or battery
• Interconnectivity: None

What We Like

• Flexible plug-in allows use within 6 feet of an outlet
• Battery backup ensures continued function, even in power outages
• Digital reading displays the amount of gas in the air

What We Don’t Like

• Large, bulky design

This Kidde carbon monoxide detector does more than simply sense dangerous levels of carbon monoxide; it can also detect the presence of explosive gases like propane and methane. Its digital display alerts you to real-time carbon monoxide levels in the home, while the peak-level function shows the highest point reached since it was last reset. Since explosive gas detection is not immediate, occupants may smell gas before the detector goes off if they’re awake. Still, it’s a great safety feature for peace of mind when the household is asleep.

This model plugs directly into an outlet or can be installed up to 6 feet away with the included cord adapter. It also has battery backup to ensure it’s functional even if the power goes out. In our tests, installation couldn’t have been easier, as all we had to do was insert batteries and plug it in. Once installed, however, we realized we weren’t big fans of the size (it’s much bigger than the other plug-in models). Since the digital display requires some extra space, we think the extra inches are worth it. 

What our tester says: “I liked quite a few things about the Kidde Nighthawk. It was one of the only detectors responsive to our carbon monoxide test, alerting us that there were 157 PPM in the air at the peak. Also, I liked the flexible mounting options, as it can be installed anywhere within 6 feet of an outlet thanks to the included cord.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester & writer  

Get the Kidde Nighthawk carbon monoxide detector at Amazon, Walmart, or Kidde.

Best Bang for the Buck

Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector

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Product Specs 

• Type: Carbon monoxide
• Power source: Battery
• Interconnectivity: None

What We Like

• Compact size 
• Low price makes having multiple units affordable 
• Very simple to set up and install

What We Don’t Like

• No additional features

Reliable protection against poisonous levels of carbon monoxide needn’t be expensive, and the affordable price of Kidde’s battery-operated carbon monoxide detector makes it economical to install multiple units throughout the home. In testing, we found the beauty of the Kidde battery-operated carbon monoxide detector to be its simplicity. After inserting batteries and mounting the unit to the wall with two anchors and screws, this model was ready to go.

This detector uses 2 AA batteries and has a handy lockout feature on the battery door to prevent it from shutting without batteries in place. Its 85-decibel alarm is loud enough to alert residents if it detects carbon monoxide, and it also has an audible low-battery signal. This alarm from Kidde also has a built-in test button and two LEDs—green to indicate proper operation and red for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

In addition to this unit’s budget-friendly price tag, we also really like its compact size. It is a fairly basic model, so shoppers looking for interconnectivity or smart features will want to keep shopping.

Get the Kidde battery-operated carbon monoxide detector at Amazon, Walmart (with an additional smoke detector), or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Plug-In

First Alert CO600 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector

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Product Specs 

• Type: Carbon monoxide
• Power source: Plug-in
• Interconnectivity: None

What We Like

• Very simple design—just plug and play
• Loud siren 
• Responded to CO test, thanks to test port 

What We Don’t Like

• Shuts off when power goes out

Folks who’d prefer the simplest form of carbon monoxide detection should consider the First Alert CO600. This device plugs into a standard wall outlet—there is no need for batteries or hardwired connections—and its compact design and prong placement won’t block both outlets in a double outlet.

This model features a loud 85-decibel alarm to alert residents to the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It has one button for testing and resetting and no digital display or extra settings, making it as straightforward as these detectors get. The C0600 offers bare-bones but affordable carbon monoxide detection, and the unit installs quickly and does its job reliably. 

Since this First Alert alarm has a test port in front of the sensor, we were able to use our can of faux CO to trigger it. The resulting beeps were loud enough to alert folks in any part of the house. Just be aware that this model will shut off if the power goes out, as there’s no backup battery.

Get the First Alert CO600 carbon monoxide detector at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or First Alert.

Best Hardwired

Kidde Firex AC Hardwired Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm

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Product Specs 

• Type: Carbon monoxide and smoke
• Power source: Hardwired or battery
• Interconnectivity: Yes, with up to 24 other devices when hardwired

What We Like

• Hardwired plug makes installing it into an existing system easy
• Battery backup ensures it can operate even if the power is out
• Very loud, clear, and intense voice alerts

What We Don’t Like

• The base was slightly finicky to operate

Wired smoke detectors are typically basic, but this combination smoke and carbon monoxide model from Kidde has some great features. For one thing, the hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detector shouts voice alerts, warning users of smoke or carbon monoxide to ensure they understand the hazard involved.

This model from Kidde is also flexible. You can link it to an existing fire alarm system with the included wiring plug or operate it by installing a 9-volt battery in the front of the unit. Since it is hardwired, it can interconnect with up to 24 other devices, including other smoke, carbon monoxide, or heat detectors. 

While the Kidde Firex combination smoke detector is a hardwired model, we appreciated the flexibility of power sources between wired power or batteries. The voice alerts proved to be very loud, intense, and clear. We did find the base slightly finicky to deal with, as there’s a small release mechanism that we needed to locate, but beyond that, using this smoke detector was extremely simple, down to the front-mounted battery. 

Get the Kidde Firex carbon monoxide detector at Amazon.

Best Combination

First Alert SCO5CN Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector

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Product Specs 

• Type: Carbon monoxide and smoke 
• Power source: Battery
• Interconnectivity: None

What We Like

• Features 2 reliable detection sensors 
• Base has locking pin to prevent battery disconnection
• Easy to install; requires no wiring 

What We Don’t Like

• Confusing battery drawer

This unit is for you if you want a dependable, battery-powered combination smoke and CO detector. Since it’s battery-only, the First Alert SCO5CN can be installed anywhere. Its base features locking pins to ensure the battery drawer stays shut and the batteries stay in place. 

This combo unit has a photoelectric sensor for smoke detection and an electrochemical sensor for carbon monoxide detection—both tried-and-true, reliable sensors. It has a test port, and our can of imitation CO gas triggered its alarm during tests. Its loud 85-decibel beeping is sufficient to wake dozing residents. 

After testing multiple battery-operated units, however, this one initially threw us for a loop. Installing the batteries took a little trial and error, but we really liked this model once we figured that out. 

What our tester says: “The First Alert battery drawer confused and frustrated us. Rather than swinging outward from the unit, it pulls straight out like a dresser drawer. Once we got used to that, we found the First Alert to be very effective and easy to install.” 

Get the First Alert SCO5CN carbon monoxide detector at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Smart Unit

Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

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Product Specs 

• Type: Carbon monoxide and smoke
• Power source: Battery
• Interconnectivity: Yes, with other Nest devices

What We Like

• Clear, specific alerts regarding hazard and location
• Physical installation and setup with the app are both very simple
• Wi-Fi smoke detector and CO alarm combo is convenient

What We Don’t Like

• Wouldn’t link with our Google Home app

The Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm from Google is a great option for smart homes. It detects both smoke and carbon monoxide and can alert you to a problem even if you aren’t home. 

When the Nest activates, it alerts the app, the smart home system, and a central monitoring company. Being interconnect capable, it will also activate other smart-alarm devices. The unit also provides voice alerts about the hazard and the room where it’s detected.