8 Best Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors (November 2026)
The best smart carbon monoxide detectors include the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector for simple plug-in backup, the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector for portable battery use, and the X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo for basic smoke and CO coverage.
On this page (5 sections)
The best smart carbon monoxide detector for most homes is the Kidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector, because it sends real-time app alerts and includes AA battery backup. That pairing gives you an audible alarm in the room and a phone notification when nobody is home to hear it.
Choose the Heiman 3-pack for linked rooms, or X-Sense when you want smoke and CO detection in one alarm. Each route solves a different problem, so your layout and how far you sleep from the alarm should drive the pick.
Smart CO alarms can notify you when you are away, but the right choice depends on how much connection you need. A plug-in alarm with backup batteries may be enough for one room, while a gateway system can connect several rooms.
It helps to separate two jobs that often get mixed together. One job is warning people inside the home right away, and the other is sending information to a phone or a smart home system.
If you need the basic difference first, read what is a smoke alarm before comparing combination alarms. For more connected options, our guide to the best wifi carbon monoxide detector covers Wi-Fi-focused choices.
A smart label alone does not promise the same features in every model. Some units use direct Wi-Fi, some need a gateway, and some stay standalone even though they use modern sensors.
Set-up time is another trade-off to weigh before you buy. A single plug-in alarm can run in minutes, while a multi-room system asks you to place a gateway and pair each alarm.
The safest choice is the one you will place correctly, test regularly and keep powered. Extra features only help when they fit the home and the people living there.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for basic smoke and CO coverageX-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itTOPTES CT-580 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
Best for travel and inspection - 5
Check itX-Sense Interconnected Smoke Carbon Monoxide Detector Kit
Best for whole-home interconnection - 6
Check itHeiman Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Best for low-level display alerts - 7
Check itKidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector
Best for app alerts at home or away - 8
Check itHeiman Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Best for smart multi-room alerts
Which smart carbon monoxide detector is best for each home?
The best smart carbon monoxide detector depends on whether you want app alerts, whole-home coverage, smoke detection or portable readings. The Kidde COPDW is the most direct app-first choice, while the other models solve different placement and coverage needs.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector: Best for simple plug-in backup
- 120V plug-in power
- 2-AA battery backup
- 85 dB alarm
- Peak Level Memory
- Test-Hush Button
This Kidde alarm suits homes that want straightforward plug-in CO protection with battery backup during outages. Peak Level Memory and a Test-Hush Button add useful status checks.
Pros
- Plug-in installation
- AA battery backup
- Peak Level Memory
Cons
- No app alerts stated
- Requires a 120V outlet
The plug-in Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is a strong choice when you want simple power with protection during an outage. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet and uses 2 AA batteries as backup.
Its 85 dB alarm gives you an audible warning, while the LED status indicators show basic operating information. Peak Level Memory records the last time CO was detected or the last time the unit was tested.
The Test-Hush Button helps you test the alarm and silence false alarms. Its 2.32 x 2.83 x 4.72 in size works well near an outlet, but placement still needs to follow the alarm's instructions and local guidance.
This model suits a hallway or landing where an outlet is already in a practical spot. It can also suit a bedroom area where you want the alarm close enough to be heard during sleep.
The AA backup is the key detail for outage planning, because the batteries carry on when plug-in power stops. That makes the trade-off clear for buyers who want local warning without a connected system.
Set-up is straightforward in daily use, since you mainly choose the outlet and check that the status light behaves as expected. Care is simple too, with battery replacement and regular testing rather than app or gateway management.
This model does not state app alerts or Wi-Fi connection. Choose it when dependable local warning and outage backup matter more than checking CO status from your phone.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector: Best for portable battery use
- 2-AA battery power
- 85 dB alarm
- Green and red LED indicators
- Peak Level Memory
- Wall or tabletop placement
This battery-powered Kidde model works for rooms without a convenient outlet and can sit on a tabletop or mount on a wall. Its portable design also suits travel planning.
Pros
- No wiring needed
- Wall or tabletop placement
- Low-battery indicator
Cons
- No app alerts stated
- Batteries need replacement
The battery-powered Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector suits rooms without a convenient outlet and buyers who want flexible placement. It runs on 2 AA batteries and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop.
An 85 dB alarm and red LED indicate detected carbon monoxide, while a green LED indicates power. Peak Level Memory records the last detected CO event or the last test.
The Test-Hush Button lets you test battery operation and temporarily silence a low-battery chirp. At 1.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 in and 9.28 oz, it is also the more portable Kidde option here.
This design can fit a rental, a cabin or a room where running to an outlet is not practical. It also helps when you want to move the alarm during placement checks rather than fixing it in one spot.
The trade-off is ongoing battery care, because AA power means you need to notice low battery warnings and replace them on time. That is a small task, but it is one you still have to plan for.
Installation stays simple since there is no wiring and no outlet requirement for operation. Care is mainly about keeping batteries fresh and using the test control as directed.
This is not a connected detector with stated app alerts. Pick it for battery operation, simple setup and portable use, then plan regular battery checks.
X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo: Best for basic smoke and CO coverage
- Photoelectric smoke sensor
- Electrochemical CO sensor
- 10-year sealed lithium battery
- LCD display
- UL 217 and UL 2034 certified
The X-Sense SC07 combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection in one standalone alarm. Its sealed battery avoids routine battery changes, but it does not support Wi-Fi or wireless interconnection.
Pros
- Smoke and CO detection
- 10-year sealed battery
- No rewiring required
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or wireless interconnection
- Single-alarm package
The X-Sense SC07 is the best fit when one alarm needs to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. It uses a photoelectric smoke sensor and an electrochemical CO sensor in a standalone unit.
Its 10-year sealed lithium battery removes routine battery replacement during that stated battery life. The LCD display shows alarm information, and the package includes the alarm, user manual, mounting bracket hardware, screws and anchor plugs.
The SC07 does not support wireless interconnection, Wi-Fi or base station connection. That limitation matters if you want several alarms to sound together or need phone notifications.
This model can suit a smaller home or a single placement where smoke and CO coverage in one unit is the main goal. It avoids extra parts, which can make the choice easier for buyers who want a simpler system.
In daily use, the sealed battery is the main convenience, because you do not plan around regular AA changes. At the same time, the display and sensors only help locally, since there is no app view when you are elsewhere.
Set-up uses the included mounting hardware and follows the manual for wall or ceiling placement. Care is lighter than a replaceable battery alarm, though testing and end of life timing still need attention.
Choose this model for basic smoke and CO coverage without rewiring. For a broader look at combination alarms, compare it with our guide to the best battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
TOPTES CT-580 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector: Best for travel and inspection
- 0 to 1000 PPM range
- Vibration, visual and audible alarms
- TFT color display
- USB-C charging
- Protective case
The TOPTES CT-580 is a handheld inspection tool for home, camping, travel, industrial and professional use. Vibration, visual and audible alerts help when you cannot rely on sound alone.
Pros
- Portable design
- Three alarm modes
- Protective case included
Cons
- Not a connected home alarm
- Manual inspection tool
The TOPTES CT-580 is the best smart carbon monoxide detector alternative for travel, camping and manual inspection. It is a rechargeable handheld CO detector with a 0 to 1000 PPM range and a TFT color display.
Three alert modes work together: indicator light, audible alarm and vibration. That combination can help in a noisy setting or when you are carrying the detector instead of mounting it in one room.
The CT-580 includes USB-C charging, adjustable screen brightness, auto screen-off and a built-in flashlight. Its package includes the CT-580 detector, protective case, Type-C charging cable and user manual.
This tool suits people who move between spaces and need a reading where they stand, rather than a fixed alarm on a wall. It can also help when you want visible numbers before deciding whether a space feels safe to use.
The trade-off is that it is built for manual inspection, so it does not replace a mounted alarm that watches a room continuously. You need to carry it, charge it and use it at the right moments.
Care is mostly about charging and storage, with the case helping protect the unit between uses. The flashlight and brightness controls make night checks easier, but they do not change the basic handheld role.
This is a portable inspection tool, not a connected home alarm with app notifications. Choose it when mobility and visible readings matter more than whole-home interconnection.
X-Sense Interconnected Smoke Carbon Monoxide Detector Kit: Best for whole-home interconnection
- 4 XP0H-WN alarms
- RC01 Pro remote
- 10-year sealed batteries
- LCD CO readings
- RF interconnection
This X-Sense kit is built for homes where one alarm should reach other rooms. Four alarms and a remote control provide broader coverage than a single standalone unit.
Pros
- Four-alarm kit
- Remote test or silence
- Real-time CO readings
Cons
- Larger package commitment
- No app alerts stated
The X-Sense Interconnected Smoke Carbon Monoxide Detector Kit is the strongest fit for whole-home linked coverage. It includes 4 XP0H-WN combination alarms and 1 RC01 Pro remote control.
Each alarm combines a photoelectric smoke sensor with an electrochemical CO sensor. The large LCD display shows real-time CO levels, battery level and working status.
The alarms use 10-year sealed lithium batteries and RF interconnection. The included remote can test or silence the alarms, which is useful when a detector is mounted high on a wall or ceiling.
This kit can suit larger homes where a single alarm may not be heard from every sleeping area. Linked alarms help spread the warning across rooms without asking each unit to connect to your Wi-Fi.
The remote is a practical detail for set-up and care, because testing from the floor can be easier than reaching a ceiling unit. It also helps when you need to silence a unit without climbing to it.
The trade-off is scale, since four alarms are a bigger commitment than one standalone unit. You also need to place each alarm well so the linked system covers the rooms you care about most.
This kit does not state app notifications, so it is better for local whole-home alerts than remote phone monitoring. Choose it when several rooms need linked smoke and CO alarms from one package.
Heiman Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Best for low-level display alerts
- 20 to 999 PPM display range
- 30 PPM early warning
- 85 dB alarm
- 12-hour alarm memory
- Tabletop or wall mounting
The Heiman alarm suits buyers who want live CO readings and graded low-level warnings in a compact battery unit. It can sit on a flat surface or mount to a wall.
Pros
- Low-level display readings
- Compact design
- Weekly self-test button
Cons
- Not a plug-in alarm
- No app alerts stated
The Heiman Carbon Monoxide Detectors suit buyers who want a compact display and early low-level warnings. The alarm shows live CO readings from 20 to 999 PPM and gives a 30 PPM early warning.
It uses 2 AA batteries and can sit on a tabletop or mount on a wall. The 85 dB danger alarm, 12-hour alarm memory and one-touch Test-Hush button add useful local controls.
The compact unit measures 4.09 x 2.89 x 1.43 in and weighs 4.37 oz. It is designed for residential spaces and is not for garages, workshops or locations directly under vehicle exhaust pipes.
This size makes it easier to place in a bedroom, hallway or living area without taking much wall space. It can also move between rooms if you are checking placement before fixing it in place.
The graded warnings are the main reason to choose it, since the screen gives more context than a simple alarm alone. A 12-hour memory can also help you notice an event that happened while you were out.
The trade-off is that it runs on AA batteries and does not add app alerts. That keeps set-up simple, but it also means battery checks stay part of your routine care.
This model does not state app alerts or smart-home integration. Pick it when a readable CO level and compact battery operation are more useful than a connected system.
Kidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector: Best for app alerts at home or away
- Real-time Kidde app notifications
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Alexa and Google Home integration
- 120V plug-in power
- 2-AA battery backup
The Kidde COPDW is the clearest fit for buyers who want phone alerts when they are away. It adds app notifications and smart home integration to a plug-in alarm with battery backup.
Pros
- Real-time app notifications
- No subscription required
- Alexa and Google Home integration
Cons
- Needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Requires a standard outlet
The Kidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector is the best smart carbon monoxide detector for phone alerts when you are home or away. It sends real-time notifications through the Kidde app and works with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Setup involves downloading the app, scanning the QR code on the alarm and plugging it into a standard outlet. It also works with Alexa-enabled devices and Google Home, with no subscription required for CO notifications.
The alarm includes 2-AA battery backup for power outages and sounds an 85 dB alarm when CO is detected. A backlit digital display and visual indicators provide local status information.
This model suits households that want one alarm to cover a key room while also sending a phone alert during the day. The rotating plug can help with vertical or horizontal outlets in crowded spots.
The trade-off is the need for a standard outlet and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If you are comparing app-first models, see our guide to the best carbon monoxide detector with app.
Heiman Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Best for smart multi-room alerts
- 3 interconnected CO alarms
- Gateway included
- HEIMAN Smart App alerts
- 200 m or 656 ft stated interconnect range
- Home Assistant, IFTTT, Google Home and SmartThings support
The Heiman 3-pack suits buyers who want linked alarms, app monitoring and smart-home routines across several rooms. A compatible hub or ecosystem setup is required for platform integrations.
Pros
- Three-alarm package
- Gateway included
- App status and alarm logs
Cons
- Lower score for setup complexity
- Smart integrations require compatible setup
The Heiman Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors are designed for buyers who want linked alarms and app monitoring across several rooms. The package includes 3 CO alarms and 1 gateway.
When one linked detector senses CO, all connected alarms sound within the stated 200 m or 656 ft range. The gateway sends real-time push alerts to the HEIMAN Smart App, where you can check status, battery level and alarm logs.
The system supports Home Assistant, IFTTT, Google Home and SmartThings, but compatible hub or ecosystem setup is required for those integrations. The alarms are battery powered and use electrochemical sensors.
This system can suit a multi-room home where you want the warning to reach people away from the first alarm. The app view also helps you check status without walking to each unit.
The trade-off is setup complexity, because the gateway becomes part of the system you need to place and maintain. Smart home routines add value only if you already use a compatible platform or plan to set one up.
Battery power removes the need for outlet placement at each alarm, which can help in hallways and bedrooms. At the same time, you still need to track battery level across the linked units.
This system offers more connected coverage than a single alarm, but it also asks you to manage a gateway and smart-home setup. Choose it for multi-room automation, or choose the Kidde COPDW for a simpler single-alarm app experience.
How do smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors connect?
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors usually connect through Wi-Fi, a dedicated gateway or local wireless interconnection. The connection method determines whether you receive phone alerts, whether alarms sound together and how much setup the system needs.
The Kidde COPDW connects directly to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and the Kidde app. The Heiman 3-pack uses a gateway for app alerts and supports several smart-home platforms.
The X-Sense SC07 is intentionally different because it is a standalone model. It detects smoke and CO, but it does not support Wi-Fi, wireless interconnection or a base station.
Direct Wi-Fi can be simpler when you only need one alarm, because there is no extra box to place or power. A gateway can make more sense when several alarms need to act as one system across different rooms.
Local wireless interconnection is another route, and it can link alarms without giving you phone alerts. That can still be useful when the main goal is hearing the alarm in more rooms.
For connected smoke-only choices, compare the best smart smoke detectors and best Wi-Fi smoke detectors. A smart label alone does not tell you whether an alarm uses direct Wi-Fi or needs a separate gateway.
Care matters after installation too, because a connected alarm depends on power, batteries and network settings. The best connection is the one that matches your home size and your routine.
What should you check before choosing a smart CO alarm?
Check the power source, connection method, sensor coverage, alert type and installation plan before choosing a smart CO alarm. These details decide how the detector behaves during outages and how you'll hear an alert.
For app alerts, confirm the required Wi-Fi band and whether a gateway is included. The Kidde smart model requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, while the Heiman system includes a gateway.
For local coverage, compare battery backup with sealed battery operation. Plug-in Kidde models use AA batteries for backup, X-Sense models use 10-year sealed batteries, and Heiman's smart 3-pack is battery powered.
For smoke protection, choose a combination alarm with both smoke and CO sensors. The X-Sense SC07 and interconnected kit use photoelectric smoke sensors and electrochemical CO sensors.
For vehicle or travel use, a portable model may make more sense than a wall-mounted alarm. Our guide to the best carbon monoxide detector for car covers that separate use case.
How should you install and maintain a smart carbon monoxide detector?
Install CO alarms on every level and near sleeping areas according to the manufacturer's instructions and local fire-safety guidance. Keep the alarm away from unsuitable locations such as directly under vehicle exhaust pipes when the model warns against them.
Test alarms on a regular schedule using the test control. The Kidde models include Test-Hush buttons, the Heiman low-level model supports weekly self-tests, and the X-Sense kit includes a remote for testing or silencing.
Keep app permissions and Wi-Fi settings current for connected alarms. A phone notification cannot replace the local audible alarm, so make sure the alarm can be heard from sleeping areas.
Replace batteries or alarms according to the applicable instructions. A sealed 10-year battery reduces battery changes, while AA-powered models require ongoing battery checks.
Placement should come before any smart features, because a well connected alarm in the wrong spot still leaves a gap. Think about hallways, landings and the paths people use when they leave a bedroom at night.
For plug-in models, check that the outlet is standard and that the plug rotation does not block other uses. For battery models, choose a spot that is easy to reach for testing and battery changes.
Dust, moisture and unsuitable rooms can affect how an alarm works, so follow the limits stated for each model. The Heiman low-level model, for example, is not for garages, workshops or spots directly under vehicle exhaust pipes.
Connected alarms need one extra layer of care, since the app and gateway should stay paired after router or password changes. Good placement, regular tests and basic care do more for safety than extra features alone.
Is a smart carbon monoxide detector worth it?
A smart carbon monoxide detector is worth it when you need alerts while away or want several alarms tied into a home system. It is less useful if your main goal is a simple local alarm and you do not want Wi-Fi or gateway setup.
Pick the Kidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector for direct app alerts with plug-in power and AA backup. Pick the Heiman Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors for a multi-room gateway system, or the X-Sense Interconnected Kit for linked smoke and CO alarms without stated app alerts.
If you need a portable detector for a car, hotel or camping trip, choose the TOPTES CT-580 instead of a fixed smart alarm. For Vivint users, see which carbon monoxide detectors work with Vivint before choosing an integration path.
The value also depends on how often you are away from home and how large the home feels at night. A phone alert can help when no one is there to hear a local alarm, while linked alarms can help when people are in different rooms.
For a single room with a good outlet, a plug-in alarm with battery backup may be the simpler and more practical answer. For several rooms, the extra work of a gateway or linked system can be worth it if the coverage feels more complete.
Smoke coverage should not be an afterthought, because a combination alarm can cover two risks in one device. Care is part of the value question too, since sealed batteries reduce routine work while AA models need regular checks.
Choose based on the main job you need done first, then add smart features that match that job. The right pick should feel simple to install, easy to test and realistic to maintain.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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3
Best for basic smoke and CO coverage
X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best smart carbon monoxide detector for most homes?
The Kidde Smart Carbon Monoxide Detector is the strongest match for most homes because it combines real-time Kidde app notifications, a loud 85 dB alarm, plug-in power and 2-AA battery backup.
Choose Heiman if you need multiple linked alarms, or X-Sense if smoke and CO detection matter more than app alerts.
Do smart carbon monoxide detectors need Wi-Fi?
Some smart carbon monoxide detectors need Wi-Fi for phone alerts, while others use a gateway or local wireless connection. The Kidde COPDW requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and the Heiman 3-pack uses a gateway for app monitoring.
A standalone X-Sense SC07 does not support Wi-Fi or wireless interconnection.
Are smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors better than separate alarms?
A smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector can save wall space by combining both sensors in one alarm. The X-Sense SC07 and X-Sense interconnected kit use photoelectric smoke sensors and electrochemical CO sensors.
Separate alarms may give you more placement flexibility, so follow local installation guidance.
Can a smart carbon monoxide detector work during a power outage?
Yes, if the alarm includes battery backup or runs on batteries. The Kidde smart plug-in model includes 2-AA backup batteries, while the Heiman smart 3-pack is battery powered.
Check the power design before choosing a connected alarm for a location where outages are common.
