This top-rated carbon monoxide detector from First Alert is battery-operated and has a digital display that shows the unit’s battery life, alarm status, and the amount of CO in the air.
We researched the best carbon monoxide detectors based on accuracy, ease of installation and maintenance, and value. Our top pick, the First Alert Powered Alarm Carbon Monoxide Detector, is battery-operated, has a digital display, and has a battery backup in case of power outages.
Here are the best carbon monoxide detectors.
Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors Reviews
- NICGOL 4-in-1 Advanced Detection: This upgraded 4-in-1 gas & carbon monoxide detector combines sensors for natural gas, carbon monoxide, temperature, and humidity in a single compact device. Features dual sensors and dual alarms for fast, accurate alerts. Detects CO, coal gas, and more.
- Quick Alert & Dual Alarm System: RV carbon monoxide detectors designed with both sound and flashing light alerts, this detector activates when gas levels reach dangerous thresholds (CO ≥ 150PPM or natural gas ≥ 5%LEL). It emits a loud ≥ 85 dB alarm and flashing red light, alerting you and your family instantly in the event of a leak.
- Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly: Carbon monoxide detectors plug in design supports 110V–220V AC with ultra-low power consumption (≤ 2W). Built-in electronic sensors offer long-term use without the need for frequent replacements—saving energy and reducing waste for a more sustainable home safety solution.
- Clear LCD Display & Versatile Use: Equipped with LCD screen, this detector clearly displays real-time values of CO (0–2000 PPM) and natural gas (0–10% LEL). Its compact form factor makes it ideal for use in homes, RVs, hotels, kitchens, and cruise cabins without taking up extra space.
- Important Setup Instructions: Before first use, remove the protective film from the screen. After plugging in, wait 180 seconds for calibration. Press the test button to check the alarm. For accurate temperature and humidity, allow 30 minutes.
- Electrochemical sensor technology detects CO gas
- Easy installation, no wiring needed, detects during a power failure by operating on 2-AA batteries (included); Install on a wall of your home or place on a tabletop
- Green LED indicates power to the carbon monoxide detector, while an 85-decibel alarm & a red LED indicates the presence of carbon monoxide
- Event Memory records the last time carbon monoxide was detected or when the unit was last tested
- Easy Installation - simply plug-in to a standard, 120V outlet in your home
- 9-volt battery backup provides protection during a power outage
- Digital LED display shows the level of carbon monoxide the CO alarm is sensing
- 85-decibel alarm announces when carbon monoxide is detected
- Peak Level Memory records the last time carbon monoxide was detected or when the unit was last tested
- 【2 Packs 4-IN-1 Detection System】This enhanced 4-in-1 Natural Gas Leak Detector & Carbon Monoxide Detector combines natural gas detection, carbon monoxide sensing, temperature monitoring, and humidity measurement. Featuring dual-sensor technology and a reinforced alert mechanism, it delivers rapid environmental analysis and comprehensive protection for household security through multi-dimensional hazard prevention.
- 【Instant Alert Technology】RV carbon monoxide detector system activates visual and auditory warnings (≥85dB) when detecting critical thresholds (CO levels ≥150PPM / gas density ≥5%LEL). Flashing crimson indicators paired with piercing alerts ensure immediate threat recognition, enabling swift emergency response to safeguard loved ones in residential and mobile environments.
- 【Energy-Efficient Operation】Designed with sustainability, this US-standard plug adapter supports 110V-220V AC power with ultra-low standby consumption (≤2W). Its advanced electronic sensor technology eliminates frequent maintenance through extended operational longevity, offering an eco-conscious solution that reduces both energy waste and replacement costs.
- 【Bright LCD & Space-Saving Build】Features a bright LCD color display for easy reading of gas levels in real time, Detects carbon monoxide (0-2000 PPM) and natural gas (0-10% LEL). Compact design fits seamlessly in homes, RVs, hotels, and cruise cabins without taking up space.
- 【Initialization Guidelines】Allow 180-second environmental calibration post-installation. Conduct system verification through the manual test button to confirm alarm functionality. For optimal measurement precision, let the device stabilize thermally for 30 minutes before relying on humidity/temperature readings, ensuring sensor accuracy through proper thermal equilibrium.
- Easy Installation - simply plug-in to a standard, 120V outlet in your home
- 2-AA battery backup provides protection during a power outage
- 85-decibel alarm announces when carbon monoxide is detected
- Peak Level Memory records the last time carbon monoxide was detected or when the unit was last tested
- Test-Hush Button makes testing the detector or silencing false alarms easy
- Electrochemical sensor technology detects CO gas
- Easy installation, no wiring needed, detects during a power failure by operating on 2-AA batteries (included)
- Conveniently designed & portable: simple to install on a wall of your home or place on a tabletop
- Green LED indicates power to the smoke detector, while an 85-decibel alarm & a red LED indicates the presence of carbon monoxide
- Peak Level Memory records the last time carbon monoxide was detected or when the unit was last tested
- Four-in-one Function Detection: Carbon monoxide detector and natural gas detector in one, with sensors for CO, gas, temperature, and humidity. Dual sensors and alarms ensure fast, accurate alerts to protect family safety.
- Sensitive Dual Alarm System: This gas detector can simultaneously trigger both audible and visual alarms.. When CO ≥ 150 PPM or natural gas ≥ 5 % LEL, it emits a loud ≥ 85 dB alarm and flashing red light, immediately alert you to the danger.
- High Definition LCD Display Screen: Color LCD display screen displays real-time readings of natural gas (0–10% LEL) and CO (0–2000 PPM). Compact size makes it an ideal gas detector for kitchen, home, RV, hotel, and more.
- Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly: Plug in design supports AC 110–220 V. Standby power consumption is less than 2W. Durable sensor ensures long service life without frequent replacements, saving energy and reducing waste for sustainable use.
- Vilfet Usage Instructions: Ensure the protective film is removed prior to use. Power on the device and wait for the automatic calibration to finish. Use the test button to check the alarm. Let the unit stabilize in the new environment to obtain the most accurate humidity and temperature readings.
- 【3 Packs Upgrade Plug-in Combination Gas & Carbon Monoxide Detector】 Plug and play, easy to install, 4-in-1 sensor, real-time monitoring display and alarm.
- 【Combination Gas & Carbon Monoxide Sensor】 Adopting catalytic combustion sensor and electrochemical sensor, real-time monitoring and displaying the concentration of combustible gas and carbon monoxide, with sharper and more accurate sense of smell.
- 【Temperature（°F） and Humidity Sensor】Real-time detection and display of temperature and humidity, let you know the environment in real time.
- 【85dB Alarm Sound】Combination gas and carbon monoxide detector will alert you immediately when the combustible gas or carbon monoxide concentration reaches the default value.
- 【Upgraded Design Round Color Screen】Color display with bigger and clearer digital display.
- Keep your family safe with this 2-pack of easy to use, battery operated carbon monoxide alarms; Battery powered alarms provide continuous monitoring of CO levels, even if there's a power failure
- Features an advanced electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor that accurately detects carbon monoxide levels, no matter where the detector is placed in the room
- A loud 85-decibel alarm sounds when CO levels reach dangerous levels
- To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
- 5-year limited warranty; Equipped with end-of-life signal chirp, so you know when it’s time to replace the unit for safety
- Keep your family safe with this easy to use, battery operated carbon monoxide alarm; Battery powered alarms provide continuous monitoring of CO levels, even if there's a power failure
- Features an advanced electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor that accurately detects carbon monoxide levels, no matter where the detector is placed in the room.The alarm sequence should last 5-6 seconds. If it does not alarm, make sure fresh batteries are correctly installed, and test it again. If the unit still does not alarm, replace it immediately
- A loud 85 decibel alarm sounds when CO levels reach dangerous , Battery Replaceable - Yes
- To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
- 5-year limited warranty; Equipped with end of life signal chirp, so you know when it’s time to replace the unit for safety
Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors Buying Guide
Before choosing the best carbon monoxide detector you should consider the following options:
1. Battery-powered or plug-in: Most carbon monoxide detectors are battery-powered. If your home uses gas for cooking or heating, you should buy a carbon monoxide detector that has a long-lasting battery.
If your home has a fixed fuel-fired heater, then a plug-in detector will work. A plug-in detector will usually have a battery as a backup.
2. Interconnected or single: An interconnected detector will be part of a network with other detectors in your home. All of the interconnected detectors are triggered at the same time.
They are useful in large homes where there may be a gas leak in one part of the house and the occupants could move to a different area of the house and be exposed to the gas.
There are two types of interconnected detectors: D link and parallel link. A D link detector will sound even if one of the other detectors in the network is not working. A parallel link detector will only sound if all of the other detectors in the network are triggered.
3. Audible alarm or visual alarm: Not all carbon monoxide detectors have a sound alarm. If your home is completely silent, such as if you are deaf, then you should buy a detector with a visual alarm.
But if you have a working alarm in your house, such as a smoke alarm, then a detector without a sound alarm will be sufficient.
4. Number of beeps: Not all carbon monoxide detectors make a noise when they detect the gas in the home. Some have a visual alarm and some have both a sound alarm and a visual alarm.
If your detector has a sound alarm, then you should buy one with a number of beeps to indicate the level of danger. The more beeps, the higher the level of danger.
What else you should know about the best carbon monoxide detectors
1. What are the best carbon monoxide detectors on the market?
Some of the best carbon monoxide detectors on the market are the Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm, the First Alert CO606 Carbon Monoxide Alarm, and the Honeywell 5808W3 Wireless Photoelectric Smoke and Heat Alarm.
2. How do carbon monoxide detectors work?
Carbon monoxide detectors work by measuring the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. If the level of carbon monoxide gets too high, the detector will sound an alarm to warn people to get out of the area.
3. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and confusion.
4. How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
There are a few things you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
– Make sure all fuel-burning appliances in your home are properly vented.
– Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
– Do not use a charcoal grill indoors.
– Do not leave a car running in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open.
5. What should I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?
If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, you should leave the house immediately and call 911.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best carbon monoxide detectors. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best carbon monoxide detectors will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.