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Head-to-head · Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors

First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm vs Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs unrated). The gap is mostly about Smart home users wanting integration — read the strengths below before deciding.

First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors
First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
2 sources1 derived$129.96as of Aug 1

The First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm wraps app-based control in a modern design that adds up to better home safety. Bob Vila reviewers liked the simple installation, the one-button silence feature, and Google Home integration. Isaac from Smart Home Explained rated the build quality above the competition and found app setup smooth. Against that: the $130 price point and interconnect features that only work with a limited set of brands. It suits people who want smart home integration and a better user experience than traditional detectors give, though anyone with existing non-First Alert systems won't get full network coverage.

Strengths
  • — Easy installation with pre-installed batteries and voice-guided setup
  • — One-button silence feature improves user experience during false alarms
  • — Integrates seamlessly with Google Home smart home ecosystem
Watch-outs
  • — Price is significantly higher than standard alarms at around $130 per unit
  • — Limited interconnect compatibility with other brands like Kidde and Nest Protect
$129.96 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Ranked #5 in Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
UnratedNo cited reviews$106as of Aug 1

Kidde's dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is a hardwired detector with a 10-year battery sealed inside, so the only maintenance is the annual test. Detection is reliable and the notifications useful, but the smart-home side is thin next to alarms built around a full platform.

Strengths
  • — Smart alerts with smartphone notifications
  • — Easy installation and setup
  • — Long battery life with low-battery warnings
Watch-outs
  • — Limited smart home integration with only basic automation support
  • — No built-in siren override for testing
$106 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The SC5 Smart Alarm outperforms the CO710 in smart home integration with Google Home compatibility and app-based testing, while the CO710 lacks smart connectivity. Compared to the basic First Alert detector, the SC5 offers superior user experience with one-button silence and voice alerts, though it comes at a significantly higher price point.

Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

The Kidde Ring Smart Alarm provides smartphone notifications and easy setup, but lacks the advanced interconnect features of the hardwired model. Unlike the First Alert SC5, it offers only basic automation support and no Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a middle-ground option between basic and smart models. While the Klein ET110 provides professional-grade accuracy, the Kidde model focuses on simplicity and reliability.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFirst Alert SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide AlarmKidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Detection TypeSmart Smoke and CO AlarmSmoke and Carbon Monoxide
Power SourceBuilt-in lithium backup batteryHardwired with 10-year integrated battery
Battery Life10-year sealed lithium battery10 years
ConnectivityGoogle Home compatibleWi-Fi
DisplayLED light ringLED status lights
FeaturesApp-based testing, voice alerts, one-button silenceVoice alerts, interconnectable, LED indicator
Dimensions5.75"D x 1.6"W x 5.75"H1.88"D x 5"W x 5"H
Alarm Thresholds—85 dB
← See the full ranking of best carbon monoxide detectors