Our Editors Share Their Favorite Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Keep Your Home Safe

The Kidde Nighthawk is our favorite carbon monoxide detector because it excels in performance and reliability. It doesn’t have any advanced features, but we think the clear digital display and loud alarm make it a good choice for any home.

We love that this detector has a digital display, but the interface is simple and easy to use. It has just two buttons: one that activates a test mode and another that displays the previously detected level of carbon monoxide (CO), measured in parts per million (PPM). The display shows the current carbon monoxide reading when nothing is pressed.

Once you power up this carbon monoxide detector for the first time, it lasts 10 years before needing a replacement—that’s twice as long as the First Alert C0400 (our best value pick), and tied for the longest average lifespan of any of our recommendations.

At 85 dB (comparable to the noise of a blender), we think it’s loud enough to get your attention during the day or even wake you up from a deep sleep at night. Though this doesn’t include a smoke detector, you can check out our best with smoke detector recommendation if you’re looking for an all-in-one option.

_{Power Source: Plug-in, battery | Sensor Type: Electrochemical | Alarm Type: Audible | Display Type: Digital | Interconnectivity Options: None}

Though the First Alert is a very basic unit, it offers continuous protection, monitoring your space for harmful levels of carbon monoxide. Upon detecting danger, the alarm emits a loud 85-decibel alarm–as loud as our best overall recommendation–making it a great option for those seeking both reliability and value.

We tested this unit at home, which proved just how valuable it was in detecting carbon monoxide from a possible leak in our gas heater. This carbon monoxide detector uses a proven form of detection with an electrochemical sensor that’s accurate and reliable. 

Since the plug is corded, you can choose to mount this device on the wall, keep it on a shelf, or plug it directly into the wall, so we’re big fans of the flexibility here. We think this carbon monoxide detector can work for any space regardless of access to outlets or wall space.

Although this detector doesn’t have additional features like voice alarms, it is a great option for the price that does the job. We also wanted to note that unlike our best overall, which has a lifespan of 10 years, this option only has a seven-year lifespan. But, we find that it’s still a substantial amount of time to be protected against harmful carbon monoxide. The alarm will chirp three times continuously when it’s time to replace it, so there’s no guesswork there.

_{Power Source: Plug-in and battery backup | Sensor Type: Electrochemical | Alarm Type: Audible | Display Type: Digital | Interconnectivity Options: None}

To tackle two issues at once, we love the Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector. It’s about the same size as an average smoke detector but includes an accurate electrochemical sensor to detect carbon monoxide and a smoke sensor. We tested the older model (a new one has been added since then), but we loved having the option to hardwire the alarm into our home and a battery backup in case of a power outage.

One of our favorite things about this detector is that it provides voice alarms that tell you exactly why it is going off. When it senses carbon monoxide or detects smoke, it clearly announces, “Warning carbon monoxide” or “Fire.” Additionally, voice alerts are provided to let you know when the batteries need to be replaced, which takes all the guesswork out of maintaining this multi-purpose detector. 

This combination detector uses 2 AA batteries, and it doesn’t need to be plugged in, so you can use it just about anywhere. It’s rated to last 10 years, which is standard for smoke detectors (some states require smoke detectors to last 10 years), and good for carbon monoxide detectors.

We like this detector uses the same accurate electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor as our best overall recommendation and other Kidde detectors, along with a sensor likely to register a fast-burning fire.

_{Power Source: Battery | Sensor Type: Electrochemical | Alarm Type: Audible, vice | Display Type: None | Interconnectivity Options: None}

Our favorite smart option is the Google Nest Protect, which detects smoke and carbon monoxide and seamlessly integrates with Google’s smart home ecosystem and Amazon Alexa. We installed it in the hallway outside our bedrooms, and we loved the cool additional features, like a motion sensor and night light.

Most carbon monoxide detectors include a testing function, but the Nest Protect takes the hassle out of the process by silently testing its batteries and sensors more than 400 times daily. For some extra peace of mind, the light ring around the unit’s center will turn green each night to indicate that the battery level is sufficient, ensuring you won’t be woken up to an unpleasant low-battery alarm.

Unlike alarms that provide a loud audible or voice alarm, the Nest Protect alternates between the two. If you have more than one detector, it even specifies where the problem originates from. The center ring also provides an extra signal by glowing red to indicate that smoke or carbon monoxide was detected.

The sensors inside this combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector have a 10-year life span, which is ideal for installing smoke detectors. The warranty is much shorter, at just two years, but the actual hardware is rated to last a lot longer than that. 

_{Power Source: Hard-wired | Sensor Type: Electrochemical | Alarm Type: Audible, voice, phone | Display Type: None | Interconnectivity Options: Wireless (Wi-Fi)}

With two-in-one protection and connectivity to all of the other alarms in your home, the Aegislink Wireless Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector is our favorite interconnected option. While testing this option out, we loved that if one device detects anything, all the alarms sound, emphasizing safety and guaranteeing every room is alerted. 

We loved this specifically for a children’s room in the basement since it reassured us that if an alarm goes off in one part of the house, everyone will be alerted regardless of where they are.

The screen is a simple-to-read LCD, and the light indicates when you need to change the battery by turning yellow. We found the installation super simple as long as you’re placing it on regular drywall.

After a year of use, we still like it as much as the day we installed it and haven’t experienced any false alarms. One note is that after running a test of the alarm, it’s a bit tricky to turn it off and reset it, but since you don’t have to run a test often, we don’t find this too bothersome. 

_{Power Source: Battery | Sensor Type: Photoelectric, electrochemical | Alarm Type: Audible | Display Type: Digital | Interconnectivity Options: Interlinked}

Sometimes, you don’t want to use up precious outlet space on a carbon monoxide detector or need to place one somewhere where outlets aren’t available—that’s why we love the portable Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector. There are no hard-wiring or complicated batteries required to achieve great protection. 

We purchased this CO alarm shortly after buying a house over three years ago, and it couldn’t have been simpler to get going. You mount it, test it, and you’re good to go. Though simple, it’s effective and has never sent out a false alarm.

Three indicator lights let you know when the device is good to go (green), needs a new battery (yellow), or detects CO (red). We tested it after installing it, and it is very loud, which makes us feel assured that we would definitely hear the alarm in case of an emergency. 

Though it lacks special features like connectivity and smoke detection, this is completely fine with us since it does a great job of detecting carbon monoxide (its intended purpose, after all).

_{Power Source: Battery | Sensor Type: Electrochemical | Alarm Type: Audible | Display Type: None | Interconnectivity Options: None}