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
- 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); 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
- 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
- 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, 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
- 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 with 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 a full-color 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 temp 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)
- 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
- Flexible Installation: Wall-mounted or freestanding; easy to take while traveling
- High Accuracy & Reliability: Advanced Figaro electrochemical CO sensor; 5-year replaceable battery
- Instant Alert: An early warning will be delivered through a loud 85-decibel alarm
- Intuitive LED: 3-colored LED indicator flashes red, green, or yellow to indicate an alarm, power, or a fault
- Informative LCD: Shows CO levels and records the highest detected since the last reset; if CO reaches a dangerous level, the alarm will sound to warn you; for precise real-time monitoring, consider using a CO meter (this model is a CO detector)
- 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
- Battery-operated alarm allows for easy installation and maintenance
- Test/silence button for efficient testing to ensure alarm is working properly
- End-of-life warning lets you know when it’s time to replace the 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.