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
- 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
- Easy to take along for hotel and vacation rental monitoring
- 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
- 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
- Keep your family safe with this easy to use plug in carbon monoxide alarm; It works with any standard outlet and also has a battery backup for continuous monitoring of Carbon Monoxide 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
- Simple to use, with a single test/silence button; a loud 85 decibel alarm sounds when Carbon Monoxide levels reach dangerous levels. Low battery signal mute, quiets low battery signal for upto 8 hours
- To ensure complete protection make sure to place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom
- 7 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 digital-display, 10-year battery operated carbon monoxide alarm; Battery powered alarms provide continuous monitoring of CO levels, even if there's a power failure
- Easy-to-read backlit digital display shows temperature and CO concentration; Peak Level feature displays the highest concentration of carbon monoxide measured
- Built-in 10-year lithium battery offers continuous protection for the life of the carbon monoxide detector
- A loud 85-decibel alarm sounds when CO levels reach dangerous levels
- 10-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
- 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 or states "GAS" when explosive gas is present
- 85-decibel alarm announces when carbon monoxide or explosive gas is detected
- Peak Level 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
- 10-Year Lifespan: Protect your loved ones from the silent threat of carbon monoxide for an entire decade with this reliable 10-year CO sensor; powered by replaceable AA batteries that last 3 years
- Travel-Friendly Design: Slip this compact CO detector into your bag or suitcase for extra peace of mind when you travel; measuring only 3.0 × 5.6 × 1.3 in (75 × 142 × 32 mm) and using AA batteries, this convenient device can be taken in carry-on or on trips abroad
- Versatile Placement Options: This CO detector's flexible design allows you to place it on any flat surface, such as a desk, bookshelf, or bedside table; screws are also included to mount it on the wall
- Intuitive to Use: Easily use this alarm even in urgent situations thanks to its simple, size-differentiated buttons; enjoy reliable access to critical functions like checking the peak CO levels or testing/silencing the alarm
- Easy to Understand: See the current CO level on a clear display; a tri-color LED tells you the alarm’s status at a glance: red for alarm, yellow for fault or low battery, and green for working normally
- 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
- First Alert's Precision Detection advanced sensing technology complies with new industry standards to reduce cooking nuisance alarms and provides early warning in the event of a home fire emergency.
- Provides reliable 2-in-1 protection against both smoke and carbon monoxide in an easy to install alarm
- 10-Year sealed battery eliminates battery replacements and low battery chirps for the life of the alarm
- End-of-life warning lets you know when it’s time to replace the alarm
- Slim profile design is half the depth of a standard alarm
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.