Top Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors in the US: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Protect Your Home

Why smoke and carbon monoxide detectors matter more than we think

Think of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as the seatbelts of your home: invisible until you need them, but priceless in a crisis. Smoke alarms warn you about fires, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors sense an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly in minutes. Together they form a frontline defense that can buy you the time needed to wake up, escape, and call for help. If you haven’t tested your alarms recently or you’re not sure which type to buy, you’re not alone — and this guide will walk you through the best options and where to find them across major US retailers.

Key types of detectors and what they do

There’s more variety in alarms than many people expect. Broadly speaking, smoke detectors come in ionization and photoelectric types, while CO detectors use electrochemical sensors. Combination units pair smoke and CO sensing in one device — a great choice if you want fewer devices on your ceiling. Smart detectors add Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth so they can notify your phone and connect to other smart home gear. Understanding these types helps you pick the right model for each room.

Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke sensors

Ionization sensors are generally better at detecting fast-flaming fires that produce small combustion particles, while photoelectric sensors excel at sensing smoldering fires that create larger particles. Many safety experts recommend having both types in a home or choosing a dual-sensor alarm that includes both technologies. Think of it like having two different kinds of lenses to catch danger: one is zoomed in on quick flames, the other on slow smolders.

Carbon monoxide sensors and safety levels

CO sensors measure carbon monoxide in parts per million (ppm). Symptoms from exposure range from headaches and dizziness at low levels to confusion and unconsciousness at high levels. A good CO detector will meet UL standards, display current CO levels, and sound distinct alerts for different concentrations. Since CO leaks can come from fuel-burning appliances and furnaces, placing CO detectors near bedrooms and on each floor is smart practice.

Top brands to consider

Brands matter when it comes to reliability and long-term support. Some of the most trusted names in the US market are First Alert, Kidde, and Nest (Google Nest Protect). First Alert and Kidde offer a wide range of affordable hardwired, battery, and combination units, while Nest brings advanced smart features and a sleek interface. Other reputable brands include Honeywell, X-Sense, and Onelink, each with strengths such as long-life batteries, app notifications, or multi-sensor designs.

First Alert and Kidde: dependable classics

First Alert and Kidde are often the first stops for homeowners because they balance price and performance and offer models for nearly every installation scenario. From basic 9V battery alarms to 120V hardwired systems with battery backups, both brands cover the essentials. They’re widely sold across national chains, so replacement batteries or extras are easy to find when you need them.

Nest Protect and smart detectors

Nest Protect leans into smart home integration, offering phone alerts, self-tests, and voice warnings that can tell you the location of the hazard. If you already use Google Home, a Nest Protect pairs smoothly with your ecosystem. Other smart options from brands like First Alert and Onelink integrate with Alexa or proprietary apps to send alerts, silence false alarms remotely, and track battery life — handy if you travel frequently.

Where to buy detectors in the US: major retailers and what they offer

When it comes to buying detectors, US shoppers have many choices. Some stores excel at price and availability, while others offer installation services or expert advice. Below are the main retailers to consider and what they bring to the table so you can match your needs to the right shopping spot.

Home Depot — wide selection and installation help

Home Depot is a go-to for homeowners who want options plus the chance to get professional installation. You’ll find hardwired systems, battery-powered units, and smart detectors from leading brands. If you prefer hands-off installation, Home Depot’s contractor network can handle mounting and wiring for 120V systems, which is useful for multi-story homes that require interconnected alarms.

Lowe’s — DIY-friendly and contractor services

Lowe’s mirrors Home Depot in selection and service, offering a comprehensive range of detectors and combination alarms. Their in-store associates are typically well-versed in home safety setups, and Lowe’s often stocks bulk packs for new constructions or large homes. If you want the option of a local pro to install a hardwired system, Lowe’s can connect you with technicians.

Amazon — widest variety and fast delivery

Amazon is the place to go if you want the biggest selection, user reviews, and fast shipping. You’ll find everything from budget battery alarms to high-end smart detectors and niche brands not carried by big-box retailers. Keep an eye on seller ratings and look for “ships from Amazon” listings to reduce risk. The abundance of user reviews is helpful when you want to see real-world performance and reliability over time.

Walmart and Target — budget options and convenience

Walmart and Target are great for in-person quick purchases and competitive pricing on basic battery-powered alarms and combo units. They often carry national brands in affordable single- and multi-pack formats, making them convenient for renters or anyone wanting to quickly replace a dead alarm without fussing with installation services.

Best Buy and Costco — smart home and bulk deals

Best Buy prioritizes smart detectors and integration with home theater and smart home setups, so it’s a strong choice if you’re building a connected home. Costco offers value through bundle packs and member-only pricing; their multi-packs can be the most economical way to outfit a larger home with detectors quickly.

Ace Hardware and local hardware stores — neighborhood support

Ace Hardware and smaller local hardware stores shine in customer service and local familiarity. If you want hands-on advice or a neighborhood pro who knows local building codes and common problems in your area, these shops can be invaluable. They often stock trusted brands and can point you to installers or electricians if needed.

Choosing the right detector for each room

The right detector depends on the room’s use and common hazards. Bedrooms and hallways leading to bedrooms should almost always have smoke and CO protection. Kitchens benefit from photoelectric detectors or heat alarms placed away from cooking surfaces to reduce nuisance alarms, while garages and utility rooms often need CO detectors because of vehicles, heaters, or gas appliances.

Where to place alarms for best coverage

Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. For ceiling mounting, place the alarm at least 4 inches from the wall; for wall mounting, place it 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Keep detectors at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to avoid false triggers. CO alarms should be near sleeping areas and at least one on every level, typically mounted at knee height or on the wall since CO mixes with air and doesn’t rise like smoke.

How many alarms do you need?

A good rule of thumb is one smoke alarm per bedroom, one in each hallway or common area, and one on every floor. For CO, have one near sleeping areas and one on every level with fuel-burning appliances. If you live in a larger home, interconnect alarms so that when one detects danger, they all sound — that interconnected alert can make an enormous difference if a fire begins in a distant part of the house.

Installation options: DIY vs. professional

Installing battery-operated alarms is usually a straightforward DIY job: mark the spot, screw the base, snap in the detector, and test. Hardwired 120V interconnected systems can be more complicated and often require an electrician, especially in older homes without suitable wiring or when you want the alarms wired into a central circuit. Professional installation costs more, but it ensures correct placement, secure wiring, and code compliance.

How to test and maintain your detectors

Test alarms once a month by pressing the test button and replace batteries yearly if the unit uses replaceable batteries. Many modern alarms have sealed 10-year lithium batteries — replace the entire unit when it reaches its end-of-life, usually marked on the back. Clean dust from detectors every 6 months with a vacuum hose or canned air, and check manufacturer instructions for specific maintenance tips. Treat testing and maintenance like your home’s regular health check-up.

Budgeting and saving tips

Shop sales and bulk packs to outfit a home affordably. Big-box stores and online retailers often discount multipacks, and seasonal sales around holidays and springtime can offer substantial savings. If you’re purchasing smart detectors, weigh long-term convenience against upfront costs; a smart alarm might cost more but can reduce nuisance alarms and save time with remote silencing and battery alerts.

When to spend more — and when to save

Spend more on detectors that match critical needs: choose combination smoke/CO alarms for space-limited areas, pick interconnected hardwired systems for multi-level homes, and invest in smart detectors if you want phone alerts or integration with a home security system. Save on basic battery alarms for secondary rooms or garages where high-tech features are less essential.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping maintenance, placing alarms too close to kitchens, and relying on a single detector for a whole house are common errors. Don’t forget to replace older alarms — manufacturers recommend replacing units every 10 years. Also, don’t install detectors near windows or vents where drafts can prevent proper sensing, and avoid putting them too low on walls since smoke rises and mounting height matters.

Avoiding nuisance alarms

Nuisance alarms often happen because the wrong alarm type is near a cooking appliance or steam source. Use photoelectric detectors near kitchens and bathrooms, or install a heat alarm in areas with frequent false triggers. Smart detectors with hush features can temporarily silence alarms from your phone, but the best defense is correct placement and the right sensor type.

Final checklist before you buy

Before clicking buy, run through this checklist: decide if you need smoke, CO, or combination units; choose battery, sealed-lifetime battery, or hardwired with battery backup; verify UL certification; map locations for proper placement; and determine if you want smart features. Also, compare prices across Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, Ace Hardware, and other regional retailers to find the best deal and support options that match your project.

Taking that extra minute to plan will make installation smoother and give you peace of mind that your home is protected the right way.

Conclusion

Protecting your family with the right smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is one of the smartest investments you can make for home safety. Whether you prioritize budget-friendly battery units from Walmart, smart detectors from Best Buy or Amazon, or professional installation through Home Depot or Lowe’s, there are reliable options to suit every home and budget. Choose the correct sensor types for each room, install detectors at recommended heights, maintain them regularly, and replace units at the end of their useful life. With thoughtful planning and the right purchases, you’ll sleep easier knowing your home is prepared.