7 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors in 2023 — Reviews & Top Picks

Carbon monoxide detectors are extremely important items in any home because they work to keep you and your family safe. However, knowing which type is the best can be challenging with so many different models available. If you need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home but aren’t sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place. Here are seven of the best models so you can compare their pros and cons to make an informed purchase.

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector	Detects smoke and carbon monoxide Ionization sensing Easy to install	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Ecoey Carbon Monoxide Detector	High-temperature operation 7-year sensor life LED status indicator	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		First Alert SCO5CN Smoke and Carbon Monoxide	Smoke and carbon monoxide detection Easy to install Indicator lights	CHECK PRICE
		Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector	Battery backup Easy to install Visual alarm confirmation	CHECK PRICE
		X-Sense Smoke Carbon & Monoxide Alarm	Carbon monoxide and smoke detection LED status indicator Information LCD screen	CHECK PRICE

The 7 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector — Best Overall

The Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector is the best overall carbon monoxide detector. Its dual features detect smoke and carbon monoxide, and it uses ionization sensing to detect invisible fire particles. When it senses danger, it produces an 85-dB alarm that should be loud enough to hear from anywhere in the home. Most users report that it is extremely easy to install and lets you know when the battery is low.

The only downside is that it sometimes goes off for no reason, which can be a hassle if it happens at night. It can also cause needless concern about dangerous gases.

2. Ecoey Carbon Monoxide Detector — Best Value

The Ecoey Carbon Monoxide Detector is the best carbon monoxide detector for the money. It has a durable design that will help keep it in good shape throughout its 7-year lifespan. It will even continue to operate at temperatures that exceed 120 degrees. A bright and colorful LED status indicator makes it easy to know if the machine is operating correctly, and it sounds a clear 85-dB alarm when it senses carbon monoxide.

The low cost of the Ecoey makes a great choice, and the only downside is that it can be a little difficult to install.

3. First Alert Powered Alarm SCO5CN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector — Premium Choice

The First Alert Powered Alarm SCO5CN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector is our premium choice of carbon monoxide detector. It can detect both carbon monoxide and smoke, so it’s a better value than ones that only detect carbon monoxide. It’s easy to install, and the sensors last about 7 years. Bright indicator lights provide constant status information. It has an 85-dB alarm and a low battery indicator. It also lets you know when you need to replace it.

The only downside is that it is easy to set off with steam, so you can’t install it anywhere near the kitchen.

4. Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector

The Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector is a carbon monoxide detector that you can plug into the wall or use the included adapter to move it to a better location. The battery backup ensures that your home is protected even when the power goes out, and the LED panel gives visual feedback when it detects carbon monoxide. The unit sounds an 85-dB alarm when you are in danger, and it can operate for up to 10 years before you need to replace it.

The downside to the Kidde Nighthawk is that it’s hard to change the backup battery, and many people report that they can’t even find it. It’s also quite large, which makes it difficult to use in a standard outlet.

5. X-Sense 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector

The X-Sense 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector provides users with a large, easy-to-read LCD screen that gives you a continuous report of the carbon monoxide concentration in your air. It also has an easy-to-see LED status indicator that lights up so you can detect any problems from a distance. Most users also report that it is easy to install.

The downside of the X-Sense is that it claims to have a 10-year battery, but many users report needing a replacement much sooner. It also tends to sound off with frequent false alarms, likely contributing to its short battery life.

6. Koabbit Carbon Monoxide Detector

The Koabbit Carbon Monoxide Detector is a small unit that’s perfect for apartments, offices, children’s rooms, and other small areas. It plugs directly into the wall, so you never need to worry about replacing dead batteries, and it has a large LED display that keeps you notified about the current carbon monoxide level in the room with real-time monitoring. In addition, an upgraded sensor helps the unit respond faster and with fewer false alarms.

The downside to the Koabbit is that there is no battery backup, so your home is vulnerable if the power goes out. Also, the alarm might not be as loud as some other units, despite having the same 85-dB rating. It’s even quieter if you plug it into an outlet near the floor.

7. SITERLINK Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The SITERLINK Carbon Monoxide Detector is among the most basic that you can find and looks similar to a traditional smoke detector, with no fancy buttons or displays. It has a sensor that will work for 7 years and two LED lights that inform you whether the machine is running normally or detects carbon monoxide. It’s easy to install, and there are no complex controls, only a test button to check the battery.

The downside to the SITERLINK is that the battery dies quickly, and you will likely need to change it more than once a year. Also, at 80 db, the alarm is slightly quieter than the others on this list.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Lifespan

One of the first things that you want to look at when choosing a carbon monoxide detector is how frequently you will need to replace it. Most detection units will last between 5 and 10 years, and all the models on this list last at least 7.

Alarm Volume

Another important thing to consider when choosing a carbon monoxide detector is how loud the alarm will be. In most cases, you can check the packaging for a dB rating that tells you how loud the alarm is, with a higher number producing a louder sound. We recommend choosing a unit with an alarm rating of at least 85 dB, which is than an alarm clock but not quite as loud as a power drill. If the packaging does not give a noise rating, you’ll need to check online reviews to get an idea of how loud it is.

Features

While carbon monoxide detectors don’t typically have many features, there are a few important ones that might matter to you. For example, some units are barebones, without lights or digital readouts. These units simply sound an alarm when they detect too much carbon monoxide in the air and are the easiest to use.

LED Status Indicator

Some models have two or more lights that enable you to see the detector’s status from a distance. In most cases, a green light alerts the user that the unit is operating normally, and the air is safe. In contrast, a red light will indicate the presence of carbon monoxide and usually accompanies the alarm sound. Yellow usually indicates a problem with the machine, like a low battery.

LCD Screen

An LCD screen provides a digital readout of the area’s current level of carbon monoxide. While this feature is usually only on more expensive machines, it is worth the cost to many people because it provides a view into their current environment.

Installation

Installing a carbon monoxide detector should be fairly easy, and you might even find a brand that fits into an existing base or setup. However, some brands are more difficult to install. If you continue to shop around, you’ll need to look at the installation instructions before making a purchase to ensure that it’s not too difficult.

Power

While most carbon monoxide detectors run on batteries, some plug into the wall, or you can even hardwire them into the house. Choosing a unit that uses your home’s electricity will eliminate the need to replace batteries frequently. However, it won’t work if the power goes out unless you purchase a model that has a backup battery.

Conclusion

When choosing your next carbon monoxide detector, we highly recommend our best overall pick. The Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector will detect both carbon monoxide and smoke for up to 10 years, and it has a loud 85-dB alarm. Another great choice is the Ecoey Carbon Monoxide Detector, which is our pick as the best value. It has a loud alarm, a 7-year lifespan, and even an LED status indicator for a budget price. However, any units on this list will do a good job of keeping your home safe.

Featured Image Credit: 1599686sv, Shuttterstock