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The best carbon monoxide detector brands make alarms tested to UL 2034, with clear end-of-life signals and lineups that cover plug-in, battery and combo needs.
We compared leading brands by lineup and our favorite alarm from each.
Quick Answer: The Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Brands
- Kidde: Best Brand Overall: Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-in with AA Battery Backup, 85 dB Alarm, 3rd Edition
- First Alert: Best Digital Display: First Alert Plug in Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display CO615
- X-Sense: Best Interconnected: X-Sense Wireless Combination Smoke and CO Detector, XP0H-WN, 3-Pack
- Kidde: Best Smart CO: Kidde Smart CO Detector + Indoor Air Quality, Plug-in & AA Battery, COPDLQW
- First Alert: Best Smart Combo: First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- X-Sense: Best Value Combo: X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo, SC07, 1-Pack
Kidde is our top pick among the best carbon monoxide detector brands, led by the Kidde Plug-In CO Detector (AA Backup). First Alert is a close second with the CO615 digital alarm, and X-Sense leads for interconnected 10-year combos.
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Brands Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-in with AA Battery Backup, 85 dB Alarm, 3rd Edition | Kidde: Best Brand Overall | Plug-in CO alarm | 120V plug-in, 2-AA backup, peak level memory | Check Price |
| First Alert Plug in Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display CO615 | First Alert: Best Digital Display | Plug-in CO alarm, digital | Digital display, peak level, battery backup | Check Price |
| X-Sense Wireless Combination Smoke and CO Detector, XP0H-WN, 3-Pack | X-Sense: Best Interconnected | Interconnected smoke and CO | Wireless interconnect, 10-year batteries | Check Price |
| Kidde Smart CO Detector + Indoor Air Quality, Plug-in & AA Battery, COPDLQW | Kidde: Best Smart CO | Smart plug-in CO alarm | Wi-Fi alerts, low-level CO, IAQ | Check Price |
| First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm | First Alert: Best Smart Combo | Smart smoke and CO | App alerts, voice location alerts | Check Price |
| X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo, SC07, 1-Pack | X-Sense: Best Value Combo | Smoke and CO combo | 10-year sealed battery, UL 217 and UL 2034 | Check Price |
The Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Brands
Each pick below was compared on sensor type, power source, alerts, certification and value.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-in with AA Battery Backup, 85 dB Alarm, 3rd Edition
1The Kidde plug-in CO detector runs from a standard 120V outlet with two AA batteries as backup during outages.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plug-in with 2-AA battery backup
- Peak Level Memory
- Test-Hush button
Cons
- No digital readout
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Plug-in CO alarm
- Includes: Alarm + 2 AA batteries
- Key feature: 120V plug-in, 2-AA backup, peak level memory
It sounds an 85 dB alarm, and Peak Level Memory records the last time CO was detected or the unit was tested.
It is the simplest dependable CO alarm for most homes.
First Alert Plug in Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display CO615
2The First Alert CO615 adds a digital display and a peak level feature that shows the highest CO concentration measured.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Digital display
- Peak level shows highest CO measured
- 7-year limited warranty
Cons
- Takes an outlet
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Plug-in CO alarm, digital
- Includes: Alarm + backup battery
- Key feature: Digital display, peak level, battery backup
It plugs into an outlet with battery backup and sounds an 85 dB alarm.
It is our pick for a digital readout.
X-Sense Wireless Combination Smoke and CO Detector, XP0H-WN, 3-Pack
3The X-Sense XP0H-WN 3-pack interconnects wirelessly, so when one alarm detects smoke or CO, all of them sound.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- All alarms sound together
- 10-year sealed batteries
- No wiring needed
Cons
- No Wi-Fi app
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Interconnected smoke and CO
- Includes: 3 alarms
- Key feature: Wireless interconnect, 10-year batteries
Each alarm runs on a sealed 10-year battery.
It is our pick for whole-home coverage without wiring.
Kidde Smart CO Detector + Indoor Air Quality, Plug-in & AA Battery, COPDLQW
4Kidde’s smart CO detector sends phone alerts through the Kidde app and also tracks humidity and TVOC levels.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Phone alerts with no subscription (maker claim)
- Low-level CO alerts from 30–70 ppm
- Tracks humidity and TVOC
Cons
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Smart plug-in CO alarm
- Includes: Alarm + 2 AA batteries
- Key feature: Wi-Fi alerts, low-level CO, IAQ
It gives earlier low-level CO alerts at 30–70 ppm and a separate alarm pattern at 70 ppm.
It suits families who want alerts away from home.
First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
5The First Alert SC5 sends phone alerts through the First Alert app when smoke or CO is detected.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Phone alerts via the First Alert app
- Voice alerts name the danger and location
- Wireless interconnect
Cons
- Needs Wi-Fi setup
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Smart smoke and CO
- Includes: Alarm
- Key feature: App alerts, voice location alerts
Voice alerts tell you the type and location of the danger, and compatible alarms interconnect.
It is a smart combo alarm.
Check First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & CO Alarm Price on Amazon
X-Sense Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo, SC07, 1-Pack
6The X-Sense SC07 pairs a photoelectric smoke sensor with an electrochemical CO sensor in one alarm.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10-year sealed battery
- Photoelectric smoke + electrochemical CO
- Certified to UL 217 and UL 2034 (maker claim)
Cons
- Standalone, no interconnect
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Smoke and CO combo
- Includes: Alarm + bracket
- Key feature: 10-year sealed battery, UL 217 and UL 2034
It runs on a sealed 10-year battery and mounts on a wall or ceiling without wiring.
It is a value 10-year combo.
How We Chose the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Brands
To choose the best carbon monoxide detector brands, we compared popular CO alarms and smoke-and-CO combos on Amazon by power source, display, alerts, listed standards and owner feedback.
CDC advises installing battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area; see the CDC carbon monoxide poisoning basics.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Brand
Keep these points in mind before you buy.
What sets brands apart
Leading brands list UL testing, give clear warranties and offer plug-in, battery and combo models.
Look for UL 2034
Home CO alarms in the US are tested to UL 2034. Combo alarms also list UL 217 for smoke.
Replace on schedule
CDC says to replace a CO detector following the maker’s instructions or every 5 years. Most alarms chirp at end of life; 10-year models are replaced as a whole unit.
Brand Shopping Tips
Choose with confidence:
- Check UL 2034.
- Compare warranties.
- Match your home’s needs.
- Buy from the brand store.
Quick answers about the best carbon monoxide detector brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best carbon monoxide detector brands?
The best carbon monoxide detector brands are Kidde and First Alert for classic CO alarms, with X-Sense for interconnected 10-year combos.
Is Kidde or First Alert better?
Both make reliable listed alarms; pick by features and power type.
Is X-Sense a good brand?
Its listed combos are popular for 10-year batteries and interconnect.
Can I mix brands?
Yes for standalone alarms; interconnected alarms usually need the same system.
Do brands offer warranties?
Yes, often 5 to 10 years; check the listing.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best carbon monoxide detector brands is the Kidde Plug-In CO Detector (AA Backup). Choose the First Alert CO615 Digital CO Alarm if you want the CO615 digital alarm, or the X-Sense XP0H-WN Interconnected 3-Pack for interconnected 10-year combos.
Related Guides
More home safety guides:
- Best Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Best Quality Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Best Rated Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Best Carbon Monoxide Detector 2026
- Best Emergency Power Supply for Home
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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