Whether you live alone or with a family, keeping your home safe and secure is one of the most important things you have to do. Disasters happen, and while we’d all prefer to think they’ll never happen to us, there’s always a chance.
For fire safety, a working and up-to-date smoke detector is your best friend. There are varieties out there that can detect smoke only, or smoke and carbon monoxide. Some even offer smartphone connectivity to notify you when you’re away from home, and many can direct you to the source of the smoke. They’re all super easy to install.
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade one or many of your smoke detectors, we’re here to help you find the best fit. Smoke detectors will vary in things like size, power type, detection capabilities, alert types, and more. We always recommend thinking about every feature to make sure you find the best match for your space and your lifestyle.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best smoke detectors in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Smoke Detectors Right Now
- Top Pick: First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm
- Top Pick with CO Alarm: First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm
- Smart Pick: First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- Portable Pick: Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector
- Also Great: First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
Our Top Pick for The Best Smoke Detector
First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm
The First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm is a well-rounded smoke detector. Since it’s equipped with two power sources — a hardwired connection and a battery — you’ll always be covered, even in a power outage. And since the battery is guaranteed for ten years (and won’t be used much), you’ll get a decade of use out of it without a single battery change! Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
You won’t have to worry about nuisance alarms with this one, either. It will only sound an alarm when it detects real smoke. And if that smoke is ever coming from a minor cooking mishap, the large silence button will quickly restore peace to your household. What a relief! A super affordable price tag is just the icing on the cake with this one.
The main downside of choosing this option is that it’s only capable of detecting smoke, not carbon monoxide. If you’re at all concerned about that, you’ll have to get a separate CO detector unless you choose a different smoke detector entirely. It’s also pretty simple and lacks any connectivity or other smart features, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if that’s a priority for you.
Overall, the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm is a great choice if you’re looking to get a reliable and easy-to-install detector that requires no maintenance afterward. It’s simple, affordable, and unobtrusive. Perfect.
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm
Reviewers have a great opinion of the First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm. They had no problems with installation and are very happy to have a dual-power system that eliminates yearly battery changes. The silence function is super handy for accidental alarms from cooking, and they were all very happy with the cost. They’d choose this one again.
First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Easy installation is a priority
- You don’t want to worry about battery replacements
- You’d like to avoid nuisance alarms
- An easy-to-use silence button is ideal
Don’t Buy If…
- You want to be safe from carbon monoxide as well as fire
- You’d prefer some smart features
First Alert 9120LBLA Hardwire Smoke Alarm Specifications
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Detection Capabilities: Smoke only
- Power Type: Hardwired with battery backup
- Alert Type: Alarm
- Silence Feature: Yes
Our Top Pick with CO Alarm
First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm
The First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm is a great selection for folks who love to be independent. Since there’s no wired connection to worry about, you’ll be able to install this smoke detector by yourself instead of hiring an electrician. Bonus! Battery replacements are also super easy since there’s a slide-out tray — the rest of the detector can stay where it is.
Of course, one of the main benefits of choosing this smoke detector is its ability to also detect a carbon monoxide leak. Since CO is just as deadly as a fire, this isn’t something you want to go without. The more sophisticated photoelectric sensing technology also helps cut down on false alarms from cooking, so you won’t need to rush around madly trying to shut it off all the time.
There are only two reasons you might choose to go with a different option. First, this option offers no smart features, so you won’t be able to connect it to your smartphone for away-from-home alerts or enjoy a voice alert in the event of a fire/CO leak. Second, as a battery-powered unit, you’ll have to put up with the hassle of yearly battery swaps. Not a dealbreaker, though, right?
All in all, the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm is a fantastic option for any space in any home. Its advanced sensing technology limits false alarms, it’s super easy to install, and it’s offered at an affordable price. What more could you ask for?
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm
Reviewers are very happy with their choice of the First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm. Installation was a breeze since there’s no wired connection, and the slide-out battery tray makes battery swaps super quick. The alarm is very loud, and they haven’t experienced any false alarms, even with minor kitchen mishaps. They’re very happy with their choice.
First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You want to be alerted to smoke and carbon monoxide buildup
- False alarms need to be avoided at all costs
- You don’t want to take down the entire detector to swap the batteries
- You’d like to install the smoke detector by yourself
Don’t Buy If…
- You’d prefer to avoid annual battery changes
- You’d appreciate some smart features
First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.8” x 6.8” x 2.5”
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Detection Capabilities: Smoke and CO
- Power Type: Battery
- Alert Type: Alarm
- Silence Feature: Yes
- Warranty: 5 years
Our Smart Pick
First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
There are lots of features to enjoy with the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. One of them is its smartphone connectivity. That’s right, you can get alerts from your smoke detector right to your phone! Another smart feature we like is the voice alerts. Instead of a regular alarm, this detector will tell you what the problem is (and where it is) in a calm voice. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Your phone also gives you an easy way to silence the smoke detector if you know it’s a false alarm, so you won’t have to run around the house looking for the culprit. This option will also be perfect for people who want a convenient power solution. It’s hardwired, so you don’t have to think about changing the battery every year, but it still has a battery backup just in case. It’s failure-proof! You’ll always be protected.
We only have two potential issues to mention with this one. The first will only be a problem if you like the urgency behind traditional smoke alarms. This one uses voice alerts instead of a loud beeping alarm, so that might be something you need to think about. Otherwise, the higher price of this smoke detector might be the only deterrent. The cost will add up fast if you need more than one.
All in all, the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is our top pick this year for folks who want a smart smoke detector. With location-specific voice alerts, a companion app for your smartphone, and a failure-proof power system, this smoke detector is one you can trust.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 2/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Reviewers have very positive feedback about the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. They appreciate that it covers both smoke and carbon monoxide leaks, and the voice alerts help keep the house calmer than a regular alarm. The silence feature makes it easy to handle false alarms, and they appreciate its smartphone connectivity. They highly recommend it.
First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Phone notifications appeal to you
- You don’t want to worry about power failures
- You’d appreciate a specific location of a problem in the home
- You want to silence false alarms quickly
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re shopping on a budget
- You prefer a traditional alarm over voice alerts
First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.25” x 4.25” x 3.5”
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Detection Capabilities: Smoke and CO
- Power Type: Hardwired with battery backup
- Alert Type: Voice alerts
- Silence Feature: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
Our Portable Pick
Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector Review
What We Think of the Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector
We are very excited to introduce you to the Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector. It’s a pretty unique option, and its budget-friendly price is only the beginning. You might have noticed it’s a 3-in-1. Not only does it manage your smoke and carbon monoxide detection like most smoke detectors, but it can also track the humidity and temperature in your space. Isn’t that convenient?
Another really exciting feature is the 2.1-inch HD screen. You’ll have access to the smoke status, humidity reading, and temperature, all at a glance! That’s what we call doing things right. Of course, the portability of this smoke detector is one of its winning features. Since it can plug into any outlet, it’s perfect for trips to the cottage, RV road trips, hotel stays, and so much more.
Of course, if you’re looking for a permanent smoke detector to replace one in your home that’s aged out, this won’t be the best fit. It’s meant to be temporary. The lack of smart features is the only other reason you might choose to consider other options — there’s no connectivity to speak of with this one. Hopefully, that won’t be a dealbreaker.
All in all, the Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector is the best choice for staying protected on the go. It travels well, is highly affordable, and could not be easier to set up. If you want some peace of mind when you’re away from home, this is the best way to go.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector
Reviewers are very happy with their choice of the Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector. They love that it’s so easy to travel with, they love that it has additional detection capabilities, and they love that it uses sound and light to alert when there are problems. The budget-friendly price didn’t hurt, either. They would all choose this one again.
Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You’d love a smoke detector with extra functions
- You want to feel safe in any space
- An affordable price tag would be nice
- Visible indicators would be helpful
Don’t Buy If…
- You need a permanent smoke detector for your home
- You’d appreciate smart features
Hakinaku 3-in-1 Plug-In Smoke Detector Specifications
- Weight: 0.33 lbs
- Detection Capabilities: Smoke, CO, humidity, and temperature
- Power Type: Outlet with 10-day battery backup
- Alert Type: Alarm and lights
- Warranty: 1 year
Also Great
First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Review
What We Think of the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
We are quite happy with what the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm has to offer. We love the budget-friendly price, and we think you will too. It’s an affordable option for every budget. Since this is a battery-powered option, you’ll also be able to install it yourself in only a couple of minutes. No electrician required!
The photoelectric sensors are another winning feature for this smoke detector. They’re able to distinguish between real smoke from a fire and false alarm smoke from cigarettes and cooking mishaps much more easily — no more false alarms! And the slim 1” profile makes this a great option for homes with low ceilings — you’ll still have lots of clearance space.
There are only two things that might dissuade you from taking a closer look at this option. First, it doesn’t offer carbon monoxide detection, so you’ll need to get a separate unit for that in order to fully protect your home and the people in it from hazards. Otherwise, the lack of smart features might be the only other reason you choose to look elsewhere.
All in all, the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm is a great choice for folks looking for something simple and pretty standard. With reliable smoke detection, a great price tag, and a low profile, this smoke detector will fit well into any budget and any space.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
Reviewers are pleased with the First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm. They aren’t bothered by false alarms as often as they were with previous smoke detectors, and the installation process only took them 2-3 minutes at most. The price was right for all of them, and they really appreciate the slim design.
First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You have low ceilings
- You’d love to be able to install the detector by yourself
- A budget-friendly price tag would be nice
- You’d like to lower your risk of false alarms
Don’t Buy If…
- You want to be alerted to CO leaks as well as smoke
- Smart features are a priority
First Alert PR700A Slim Series Battery-Powered Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.7” x 5.7” x 1”
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
- Detection Capabilities: Smoke only
- Power Type: Battery
- Alert Type: Alarm
- Silence Feature: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
How to Properly Choose Your Smoke Detector
Price
Most smoke detectors can be purchased for $50 or less, and most people won’t need to spend more than that. There are more expensive options floating around, though, and they can cost as much as $200. Generally, more expensive smoke detectors will offer smoke and CO detection instead of just smoke, will have no maintenance requirements (no battery changes), and might even offer smart features like smartphone connectivity and/or voice alerts.
Power Type
Smoke detectors will come with one of three power types. The most common are replaceable batteries, and you’ll typically need to change them out every year or so. Some models are less efficient and need more frequent battery changes. The second most common option is life-long batteries, and these are still super easy to install on your own, but don’t require any battery changes over the life of the detector. Hardwired smoke detectors are the least common and will require an electrician to install. They usually also have a battery backup in case of a power outage.
Detection Capabilities
Many smoke detectors are capable of detecting smoke and carbon monoxide, and this is the ideal style to get. Some can only detect smoke, and for full protection, you’ll want to get a separate CO monitor.
Alert Type
Traditional and inexpensive smoke detectors will have traditional siren alarms when they detect smoke or carbon monoxide, but some more expensive and sophisticated models make use of voice alerts that tell you what type of threat has been detected, and sometimes even where! It’s up to you which style makes more sense for your home.
Why Trust Shopping Trends?
At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we’re recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison.
Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it’s a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you’d use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every “top pick” featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship.
