Choosing an Alexa-compatible smoke detector can significantly enhance the fire safety of your home or office. This advanced equipment promptly delivers alerts to your mobile device and comes with a voice control feature for added convenience. Additionally, it allows you to quickly mute false or bothersome alarms, check the status of any alarm instantly, or change detector settings speedily through voice commands.
You have the choice between installing a new smoke detector with Alexa capabilities, or to use a listening device which triggers Alexa when it hears an alarm.
Option 1: Install an Alexa Detector
Featuring a Split Spectrum sensor, the Google Nest smoke alarm detects smoke from both smoldering and fast-burning fires.
- Night pathlight
- Nightly promise – The alarm tests itself beforehand to ensure you do not get maintenance notifications during the night
- 2-in-1 smoke- and carbon monoxide alarm
We placed Google’s Nest protect at the top of our list because of the range of functionality it offers through Alexa, in addition to the highly efficient Split Spectrum sensor. Nest Protect comes in both hardwired and battery-operated versions.
Split Spectrum Sensor
The Google Nest CO and smoke alarm features a Split Spectrum sensor which allows it to detect both rapid-burning and smoldering fires quickly. This sensor features a blend of photoelectric sensor and blue LED light in tandem – helping to lower false alarms that are common in ionization sensor alarms.
Voice Alerts
The Alexa fire alarm is designed with innovative voice control features that calmly notify you when either smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. The voice alerts share the location and the danger level of each fire.
Nightly Promise
The alarm tests itself before you go to bed to ensure you do not get annoying maintenance alarms during the night. LED lights turn green in the dark to let you know everything is fine. Its pathlight feature on the other hand leaves the room you walk in glowing; functioning as a night light.
Alexa Compatibility
You can use Nest’s compatibility with Alexa to enjoy a range of features – such as remotely switching off the alarm or pre-programing the monitoring locations.
- Two power source options: hardwired or battery-powered.
- Features a clean white finish with a flower-like mesh pattern on the front.
- Built to detect both photoelectric and smoldering fires.
- Easy to install and set up.
- The silence button is too small.
- Lacks a digital display.
Tech Specs
| Power source: | Hardwired or battery-operated (6 AA) |
| Sensors: | Split Spectrum smoke sensor |
| Dimensions: | 5.3” x 1.5” |
| Connectivity: | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
Smoke and CO alarm featuring built-in Alexa voice services to play music, news, and audio-books.
- AirPlay 2 support
- Omni-directional audio
- 10-year sealed lithium battery
Boasting built-in Alexa voice services, the Safe & Sound smoke and alarm detector allows you to play music, and audiobooks, and even listen to the news as you enjoy up-to-date fire safety protection in your home or office.
Connectivity
In addition to built-in Alexa compatibility, the alarm is compatible with Apple HomeKit as well. You can also download the Onelink home app (Android or iOS) and use it to control and monitor the alarm through your phone.
Voice commands
The Alexa-compatible fire detector also uses hands-free commands to allow you to control other smart home devices such as lights, too.
Installation
Featuring a simple hardwiring design, all you have to do is plug the unit in using the adapter provided to get it up and running – no need for complex wiring!
Speakers
The high-end, omnidirectional speakers equipped with crisp vocals and powerful bass can alert you even through noise-cancelling headphones.
You can also use the unit’s Onelink Home companion app to remotely test or silence your alarm, control your entertainment, and even adjust the nightlight color and brightness remotely.
- Tells you the type and location of emergency in your home or office.
- Features high-quality speakers that can be heard through noise-canceling microphones.
- Comes with an adapter plug so you can easily and quickly set it up without rewiring.
- Built-in Alexa voice services allow you to communicate with Alexa using the alarm.
- Some users have complained that the OneLink app has a steep learning curve.
- A little expensive.
Tech Specs
| Power source: | Hardwired with 10-year sealed lithium battery backup |
| Sensors: | Electrochemical and photoelectric sensors |
| Dimensions: | 6.8” x 2.26” |
| Connectivity: | 2.4 GHz Wifi |
The Onelink Smoke & CO Detector allows you to interconnect it with multiple other alarms to create a home safety network.
- Replaceable 5-year battery
- Apple HomeKit compatibility
- 2-in-1 smoke- and carbon monoxide detector
While the Onelink smoke detector doesn’t offer the range of Alexa compatibility as the previous devices, it still functions seamlessly as a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The unit connects with Amazon Alexa devices to further extend its remote and voice control features. However, when the alarm goes off during an emergency, the unit doesn’t inform Alexa. Instead, it features its own built-in voice alarm and notification feature.
Connectivity
The Alexa fire alarm still offers generous connectivity features. With the ability to interconnect, the smoke alarm pairs with other smoke alarms for a home safety network solution. Therefore, when one of the alarms rings, all of the ones connected to the home safety network will go off, too.
Sensors
Furthermore, the CO and smoke alarm is built with photoelectric and electrochemical sensors – allowing it to detect both rapid-burning and slow-burning fires.
Design
The alarm has a smooth white surface with round corners and a simple design that’ll blend easily with its environment. Its easy-access battery door means the unit lasts long – all that is needed is a battery change. The replaceable battery fitted into the unit typically lasts about 5 years.
- Built with both photoelectric and electrochemical smoke sensors.
- Automatically sends emergency notifications via your phone, alerting you of the danger and its location.
- The battery is easily replaceable through the front door, so you won't have to take the alarm off the ceiling.
- Can be connected with other smoke alarms to create a home safety system.
- Some users have complained the device is prone to false alarms.
- Doesn’t send notifications to Amazon Alexa during emergencies.
| Power source: | Battery-operated (3 lithium metal batteries) |
| Sensors: | Photoelectrical and electrochemical sensors |
| Dimensions: | 5.8” x 1.57” |
| Connectivity: | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
Option 2: Use your existing Smoke Detector with a Listening Device
Just because your smoke detector doesn’t feature smart technology, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Amazon Alexa features. Using Amazon Echo Dot’s Alexa Guard feature, you can extend your voice commands to your non-smart smoke detector. Built to deliver crisp vocals and balanced bass, the speaker delivers full sound alerts.
- Low power mode
- Dual band Wi-Fi support
- Bluetooth connectivity
The Echo Dot also allows you to integrate it with other smart home devices such as lights and thermostats. However, when it comes to home protection, the Alexa Guard feature on the speaker is easy to use.
The feature simply functions by sending notifications to the speaker when it detects certain sounds such as smoke alarms or breaking glass. The notifications tell you the exact warning for the sounds heard.
The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener is a nice option for users who do not want to spend money on a new smoke alarm. All you have to do is place it within 6 inches of an existing smoke or CO alarm, connect it to your Ring Alarm Base Station and enjoy real-time emergency notifications.
- Z-Wave connectivity up to the 250-foot range to base station
- 3-year 3V lithium battery-operated
- Easy, no-wiring setup
The alarm listener functions by sending real-time mobile notifications when it hears sirens from smoke or CO alarms in your home.
There is a catch, though: for the alarm listener to function efficiently it requires the Ring Alarm Security Kit. If you want to take it a step further with 24/7 professional monitoring, you can opt to pay for the Ring Protect Plus plan.
Alexa Smoke Detectors Decision-Making Factors
Battery v Hardwired
Smoke and CO detectors feature a choice of battery-powered, hardwired or a combo of both power sources. Battery-operated units are fitted with replaceable or permanent, tamper-resistant batteries that last anywhere between 3 and 10 years.
Hardwired units, on the other hand, require installation into your home’s existing wiring – although you may find some that feature plug adapters; requiring no complex work.
Interconnectivity
Some of the best smart smoke detectors are built with the capacity to interconnect with each other. This feature allows you to pair more than one smoke alarm with other compatible alarms (typically in a complete home or building) to create a home safety network. Therefore, when one alarm goes off, all go off.
Battery Life
Battery-operated smoke alarms are fitted with replaceable or fully sealed batteries (that warrant the end life of your unit when they are depleted). Generally, smoke detector batteries are long lasting – taking between 3 and 10 years to run out. You will receive an alert when your fully sealed battery dies off; allowing you to replace the detector with a new one.
The Verdict
Using smart smoke detector Alexa-compatible units, you can control your home’s safety through simple vocal instructions. Even when you are not around, you can still have an update on your home’s safety status.
There are loads of options available if you’re looking for a new Alexa compatible alarm. Moreover, if you already have a smoke detector and want to save up on cash, you can buy a listening device as well.
Featuring a Split Spectrum sensor, the Google Nest smoke alarm detects smoke from both smoldering and fast-burning fires.
- Night pathlight
- Nightly promise – The alarm tests itself beforehand to ensure you do not get maintenance notifications during the night
- 2-in-1 smoke- and carbon monoxide alarm
1 Comment
Paul Walsh
I haven’t found an Alexa skill that allows me to control the Nest product. I’ve searched for it, but the consensus is that you can’t control the Nest Protect smoke alarm with Alexa. How did you do it?