rotect your home and family with our guide to the best smoke detectors in Canada. We've reviewed top models for reliability, smart features, and ease of installation.
Whether you live alone or with a family, keeping your home safe and secure is one of the most important things you have to do. Disasters happen, and while we’d all prefer to think they’ll never happen to us, there’s always a chance.
For fire safety, a working and up-to-date smoke detector is your best friend. There are varieties out there that can detect smoke only, or smoke and carbon monoxide. Some even offer smartphone connectivity to notify you when you’re away from home, and many can direct you to the source of the smoke. They’re all super easy to install.
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade one or many of your smoke detectors, we’re here to help you find the best fit. Smoke detectors will vary in things like size, power type, detection capabilities, alert types, and more. We always recommend thinking about every feature to make sure you find the best match for your space and your lifestyle.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best smoke detectors in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Smoke Detectors Right Now
Top Pick with CO Alarm: First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm
Upgrade Pick: Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smart Pick: Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Also Great: First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
Our Top Pick for The Best Smoke Detector
First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm
The First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm is a well-rounded smoke detector. Since it’s equipped with two power sources — a hardwired connection and a battery — you’ll always be covered, even in a power outage. And since the battery is guaranteed for ten years (and won’t be used much), you’ll get a decade of use out of it without a single battery change! Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
You won’t have to worry about nuisance alarms with this one, either. It will only sound an alarm when it detects real smoke. And if that smoke is ever coming from a minor cooking mishap, the large silence button will quickly restore peace to your household. What a relief! A super affordable price tag is just the icing on the cake with this one.
The main downside of choosing this option is that it’s only capable of detecting smoke, not carbon monoxide. If you’re at all concerned about that, you’ll have to get a separate CO detector unless you choose a different smoke detector entirely. It’s also pretty simple and lacks any connectivity or other smart features, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if that’s a priority for you.
Overall, the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm is a great choice if you’re looking to get a reliable and easy-to-install detector that requires no maintenance afterward. It’s simple, affordable, and unobtrusive. Perfect.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm
Reviewers have a great opinion of the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm. They had no problems with installation and are very happy to have a dual-power system that eliminates yearly battery changes. The silence function is super handy for accidental alarms from cooking, and they were all very happy with the cost. They’d choose this one again.
First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Easy installation is a priority
You don’t want to worry about battery replacements
You’d like to avoid nuisance alarms
An easy-to-use silence button is ideal
Don’t Buy If…
You want to be safe from carbon monoxide as well as fire
You’d prefer some smart features
First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm Specifications
Weight: 0.6 lbs
Detection Capabilities: Smoke only
Power Type: Hardwired with battery backup
Alert Type: Alarm
Silence Feature: Yes
Our Top Pick with CO Alarm
First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm
The First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm is a great selection for folks who love to be independent. Since there’s no wired connection to worry about, you’ll be able to install this smoke detector by yourself instead of hiring an electrician. Bonus! Battery replacements are also super easy since there’s a slide-out tray — the rest of the detector can stay where it is.
Of course, one of the main benefits of choosing this smoke detector is its ability to also detect a carbon monoxide leak. Since CO is just as deadly as a fire, this isn’t something you want to go without. The more sophisticated photoelectric sensing technology also helps cut down on false alarms from cooking, so you won’t need to rush around madly trying to shut it off all the time.
There are only two reasons you might choose to go with a different option. First, this option offers no smart features, so you won’t be able to connect it to your smartphone for away-from-home alerts or enjoy a voice alert in the event of a fire/CO leak. Second, as a battery-powered unit, you’ll have to put up with the hassle of yearly battery swaps. Not a dealbreaker, though, right?
All in all, the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm is a fantastic option for any space in any home. Its advanced sensing technology limits false alarms, it’s super easy to install, and it’s offered at an affordable price. What more could you ask for?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm
Reviewers are very happy with their choice of the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm. Installation was a breeze since there’s no wired connection, and the slide-out battery tray makes battery swaps super quick. The alarm is very loud and they haven’t experienced any false alarms, even with minor kitchen mishaps. They’re very happy with their choice.
First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want to be alerted to smoke and carbon monoxide buildup
False alarms need to be avoided at all costs
You don’t want to take down the entire detector to swap the batteries
You’d like to install the smoke detector by yourself
Don’t Buy If…
You’d prefer to avoid annual battery changes
You’d appreciate some smart features
First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm Specifications
Dimensions: 6.8” x 6.8” x 2.5”
Weight: 0.7 lbs
Detection Capabilities: Smoke and CO
Power Type: Battery
Alert Type: Alarm
Silence Feature: Yes
Warranty: 5 years
Our Upgrade Pick
Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Review
What We Think of the Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
We are big fans of the Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. We greatly appreciate that it protects you against fires and CO leaks — the two biggest threats coming from your home. And with voice alerts instead of an alarm, you’ll know exactly why your smoke detector has been triggered and what to do to stay safe.
You’ll also really love the power setup in this one. It lacks a hardwired connection, which means you can install it yourself, but with a 10-year sealed battery, you don’t have to worry about changing the battery every year! It’s the best of both worlds. Since it has photoelectric sensors, you’ll get information quickly and avoid nuisance alerts. Perfect.
This smoke detector is as close to flawless as these things can get, but nothing can ever be truly perfect. With this option, there are only two potential downsides. First, it has a more expensive price than the average smoke detector, so it might not fit your budget. Also, it offers no smartphone connectivity, so that’s something to think about if you love a connected home.
Overall, the Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is one of the best ones you can get without delving into the smart side of things. If reliable and sensitive sensors, voice alarms, and an easy install appeal to you, this smoke detector is perfect for you.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Reviewers have great things to say about the Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. They appreciate that it has specific voice alerts instead of a traditional alarm, and they’re really happy with how simple the installation was. They’re very confident in its ability to protect them against two very serious threats, and would all choose this option again.
Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
A maintenance-free detector is what you’re after
You want to be protected against fires and CO leaks
You dislike the traditional alarm on most smoke detectors
You want the best sensing technology you can get
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
You want a smartphone-connected smoke detector
Kidde P3010CU Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Specifications
Dimensions: 5.2” x 5.2” x 1.6”
Weight: 0.3 lbs
Detection Capabilities: Smoke and CO
Power Type: Sealed battery
Alert Type: Voice
Silence Feature: Yes
Our Smart Pick
Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Review
What We Think of the Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm
The Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm has so much to offer. It’s another option that offers detection for smoke and carbon monoxide, so you can be confident that your safety is well-protected. And with unique voice alerts, you’ll always know which threat is present, and where it’s coming from, in order to make the best life-saving decisions possible.
You’ll also get smartphone alerts when a threat is detected just in case you’re not at home — peace of mind won’t ever be a concern again. The smartphone app will also allow you to silence any alarms that aren’t actually needed, like when you burn something in the kitchen. Super handy, huh?
The main problem you’ll run into with this option is how frequently you’ll have to swap out the batteries. Instead of the typical long-lasting battery that needs replacing every year, this detector runs on standard AA batteries that will need to be replaced every month or two. Not ideal, we know. Otherwise, your only concern might be the high price tag. It’s an investment. But a worthwhile one.
All in all, the Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a great smoke detector for connected homes and people who want some extra peace of mind while they’re away. It’s the best smart detector out there.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm. The phone alerts and features make the smoke detector super easy to silence when needed, and the specific information provided by the voice alerts gives them a lot of peace of mind. The frequent battery changes are the main problem — the standard batteries it requires usually only last a month or two.
Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want to know about home disasters even when you’re away
You’d like to silence the alarm from your phone instead of at the detector
You’d love to know where the threat is as soon as an alarm sounds
Protection against smoke and carbon monoxide is a priority
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
You’d like to avoid the hassle of frequent battery changes
Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Specifications
Dimensions: 6.2” x 6.2” x 2.7”
Weight: 1.7 lb
Detection Capabilities: Smoke and CO
Power Type: Batteries
Alert Type: Voice
Silence Feature: Yes
Warranty: 2 years
Also Great
First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
We are quite happy with what the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm has to offer. We love the budget-friendly price, and we think you will too. It’s an affordable option for every budget. Since this is a battery-powered option, you’ll also be able to install it yourself in only a couple of minutes. No electrician required!
The photoelectric sensors are another winning feature for this smoke detector. They’re able to distinguish between real smoke from a fire and false alarm smoke from cigarettes and cooking mishaps much more easily — no more false alarms! And the slim 1” profile makes this a great option for homes with low ceilings — you’ll still have lots of clearance space.
There are only two things that might dissuade you from taking a closer look at this option. First, it doesn’t offer carbon monoxide detection, so you’ll need to get a separate unit for that in order to fully protect your home and the people in it from hazards. Otherwise, the lack of smart features might be the only other reason you choose to look elsewhere.
All in all, the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm is a great choice for folks looking for something simple and pretty standard. With reliable smoke detection, a great price tag, and a low profile, this smoke detector will fit well into any budget and any space.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
Reviewers are pleased with the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm. They aren’t bothered by false alarms as often as they were with previous smoke detectors, and the installation process only took them 2-3 minutes at most. The price was right for all of them, and they really appreciate the slim design.
First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You have low ceilings
You’d love to be able to install the detector by yourself
A budget-friendly price tag would be nice
You’d like to lower your risk of false alarms
Don’t Buy If…
You want to be alerted to CO leaks as well as smoke
Smart features are a priority
First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Specifications
Dimensions: 5.7” x 5.7” x 1”
Weight: 0.5 lbs
Detection Capabilities: Smoke only
Power Type: Battery
Alert Type: Alarm
Silence Feature: Yes
Warranty: 10 years
How to Properly Choose Your Smoke Detector
Price
Most smoke detectors can be purchased for $50 or less, and most people won’t need to spend more than that. There are more expensive options floating around, though, and they can cost as much as $200. Generally, more expensive smoke detectors will offer smoke and CO detection instead of just smoke, will have no maintenance requirements (no battery changes), and might even offer smart features like smartphone connectivity and/or voice alerts.
Power Type
Smoke detectors will come with one of three power types. The most common is replaceable batteries, and you’ll typically need to change them out every year or so. Some models are less efficient and need more frequent battery changes. The second most common option is life-long batteries, and these are still super easy to install on your own but don’t require any battery changes over the life of the detector. Hardwired smoke detectors are the least common and will require an electrician to install. They usually also have a battery backup in case of a power outage.
Detection Capabilities
Many smoke detectors are capable of detecting smoke and carbon monoxide, and this is the ideal style to get. Some can only detect smoke, and for full protection, you’ll want to get a separate CO monitor.
Alert Type
Traditional and inexpensive smoke detectors will have traditional siren alarms when they detect smoke or carbon monoxide, but some more expensive and sophisticated models make use of voice alerts that tell you what type of threat has been detected, and sometimes even where! It’s up to you which style makes more sense for your home.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.