Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that poses a serious risk to every household. Often called the “silent killer,” it can be produced by common household appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and cars. Having a reliable carbon monoxide detector is not just a safety precaution; it is an essential layer of protection for you and your family.
With various models available, from basic alarms to smart detectors with digital displays, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best carbon monoxide detectors for 2025, detailing their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your home’s safety needs.
Our Recommended Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Smoke Alarm and CO Detector with LCD
- VETOUCH Carbon Monoxide Detector Plug in
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Battery Powered, 2 Pack
- 4-in-1 Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug In Wall
- First Alert CO615 Dual-Power Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm
- Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with 10-Year Battery
- First Alert 10-Year Combination CO and Smoke Detector
- Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke Alarm and CO Detector with LCD
This device offers a two-in-one safety solution by combining a photoelectric smoke sensor with an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor. This dual-sensor technology provides high sensitivity and strong stability for reliable detection of two major household hazards. You can feel confident that it will respond accurately to both smoke and dangerous CO gas.
The unit features a clear LCD that visually displays real-time smoke and carbon monoxide concentrations, allowing for easy monitoring of your home’s air quality. Should a threat be detected, a loud 85dB alarm paired with a flashing red LED ensures you are alerted promptly. As a battery-operated model, it is easy to set up and will continue to function during a power outage.
VETOUCH Carbon Monoxide Detector Plug in
For a comprehensive view of your indoor environment, the VETOUCH detector monitors carbon monoxide, temperature, and humidity all from one compact device. Its plug-and-play design means installation is as simple as connecting it to any standard 110V-220V AC wall outlet. This makes it exceptionally convenient for use in homes, kitchens, or even while traveling in an RV.
The device requires no complex setup or operation; it begins monitoring immediately after being plugged in. The clear LCD screen cycles through readings, and you can use the button to adjust screen brightness or switch functions. It features an upgraded alarm system that triggers a loud 85dB sound when CO concentration exceeds 50PPM, providing a crucial early warning.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Battery Powered, 2 Pack
This two-pack from YTBASE offers an affordable and effective way to protect multiple areas of your home. These battery-powered units are equipped with an advanced electrochemical sensor that quickly responds to the presence of odorless and invisible carbon monoxide. Their portability allows for flexible placement in bedrooms, kitchens, and offices without the limitation of power outlets.
Installation is straightforward with no wiring required; simply insert two AA batteries and the detector is active. A key benefit is its continuous operation during a power failure. The alarm follows multiple standards, sounding at different time intervals based on concentration levels—from 300ppm within 3 minutes to 50ppm within 90 minutes—ensuring you have time to react appropriately.
4-in-1 Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This upgraded 4-in-1 detector is a versatile guardian for your home, combining sensors for natural gas, carbon monoxide, temperature, and humidity. It provides a broad spectrum of environmental monitoring in a single, compact device. The plug-in design works with any 110-220V outlet, making it suitable for both home use and travel in RVs.
High-precision sensors deliver accurate readings for natural gas (0–10% LEL), carbon monoxide (0–2000 ppm), temperature, and humidity. All this data is presented on a clear color LCD display, giving you real-time insight into your surroundings. It begins monitoring instantly upon being plugged in, requiring no setup, for immediate peace of mind.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug In Wall
As a trusted name in home safety, Kidde offers this straightforward and reliable plug-in carbon monoxide detector. Installation is incredibly simple—just plug it into any standard 120V outlet. The integrated digital LED display provides a clear, ongoing readout of the carbon monoxide levels the unit is sensing, allowing for easy visual checks.
A significant feature of this model is the 9-volt battery backup. This ensures that the detector continues to monitor for carbon monoxide even during a power outage, a time when the risk from gas appliances can be higher. This dual-power approach provides continuous protection for your household.
First Alert CO615 Dual-Power Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
First Alert is another industry leader, and the CO615 model exemplifies their commitment to safety. This plug-in alarm uses an advanced electrochemical sensor specifically designed to detect carbon monoxide. It includes a helpful peak level memory feature that displays the highest concentration of CO measured, which can be useful for troubleshooting.
The unit operates by plugging into any standard outlet and includes a battery backup for uninterrupted monitoring during power failures. When dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present, a loud 85-decibel alarm will sound to alert everyone in the home, providing critical time to evacuate.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm
This Kidde detector offers expanded protection by monitoring for both carbon monoxide and explosive gases, including propane, natural gas, and methane. Its simple plug-in design allows for quick installation in any 120V outlet, making it an ideal choice for homes that use gas appliances, water heaters, or fireplaces.
The digital LED display clearly shows the level of carbon monoxide or will display “GAS” when explosive gas is detected. Like other Kidde plug-in models, it features a 9-volt battery backup to ensure your home remains protected during electrical outages, offering comprehensive safety coverage.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with 10-Year Battery
For maximum convenience and long-term peace of mind, this Kidde detector is powered by a sealed 10-year lithium battery. This eliminates the need for battery replacements for the entire life of the alarm, saving you time and ensuring the unit is always active. It also means it will function during power failures without requiring a separate backup battery.
The unit uses electrochemical sensor technology to accurately detect CO gas and will sound an 85-decibel alarm if a threat is found. A digital display updates the CO reading every 15 seconds, and the peak level memory feature records the highest reading, helping you track any past exposure.
First Alert 10-Year Combination CO and Smoke Detector
This First Alert model consolidates your home’s essential safety devices into a single, streamlined unit. It functions as both a carbon monoxide alarm and a photoelectric smoke detector, providing comprehensive protection against fire and gas hazards. This all-in-one design can simplify your home safety system.
The alarm is powered by a 10-year sealed lithium battery, so you won’t need to replace batteries for the life of the unit. It utilizes photoelectric smoke sensing technology, which is particularly effective at detecting smoldering fires and is also less prone to false alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam.
Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Google Nest Protect represents the forefront of smart home safety. It functions as both a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, but goes beyond traditional alarms with its intelligent features. It can send alerts directly to your smartphone, informing you of potential dangers even when you are away from home.
This detector offers verbal alerts that tell you what and where the danger is, such as “Heads up, there’s smoke in the kitchen.” It also features a night light that illuminates your path when it detects motion in the dark. With both battery-powered and wired versions available, it integrates seamlessly into a modern smart home ecosystem.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector
When I started looking for a carbon monoxide detector for my own home, I was surprised by how many options there were. It’s not just about grabbing the first one you see on the shelf. Since this is a device that protects your family from an invisible, odorless gas, making the right choice is a big deal. Let me walk you through what I learned so you can feel confident in your purchase.
First, you need to decide on the power source. You’ll find three main types: battery-operated, plug-in, and hardwired. Battery-only models are super easy to install anywhere, which is great for rentals or rooms without outlets. Just remember to test the batteries monthly. Plug-in units are convenient, but make sure the outlet isn’t controlled by a light switch that could get turned off. Hardwired detectors are typically installed by an electrician and are wired directly into your home’s electrical system. They often have a battery backup, which is a fantastic safety net during a power outage.
Next, think about the features that matter to you. A digital display is something I now consider essential. Instead of just a siren, it shows you the exact CO concentration in parts per million (PPM). This is incredibly useful for spotting low-level leaks before they become an emergency. Also, pay attention to the sensor type. Electrochemical sensors are generally considered the most accurate and reliable for detecting CO, while metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors are more common in cheaper models but can be less responsive.
Finally, consider integration and placement. If you have other smart home devices, a detector that can send alerts to your phone is a game-changer. It gives you peace of mind when you’re away from home. No matter which model you choose, proper placement is non-negotiable. You should have one on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area. Avoid placing them right next to windows, doors, or fuel-burning appliances, as drafts can affect their accuracy. By thinking through these points—power, features, and placement—you’ll be well on your way to finding one of the best carbon monoxide detectors for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to put a carbon monoxide detector?
You want to place them where you’ll hear the alarm, especially while sleeping. The general rule is to have at least one detector on every level of your home, including the basement. The most critical locations are outside each separate sleeping area. It’s best to mount them on the wall at around chest level or higher, but always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions. Avoid putting them right next to windows, doors, or fuel-burning appliances like furnaces or gas stoves, as drafts can mess with their readings.
What does it mean when the alarm goes off?
If your carbon monoxide detector is sounding a continuous alarm, it means it has detected a dangerous level of CO. Your first step is to stay calm. Immediately move everyone, including pets, outside to fresh air. Do not stop to open windows or investigate the source. Once you are in a safe location, call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not go back inside until emergency responders have given you the all-clear. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, tell the operator immediately.
How often should I replace my carbon monoxide detector?
Most carbon monoxide detectors have a finite lifespan, typically between 5 to 10 years. The sensor inside the unit gradually loses its sensitivity over time. You should check the manufacturer’s date on the back of your unit to know its exact expiration. Many modern models also have an end-of-life signal, which is usually a quick “chirp” that won’t stop even after a battery change. Replacing your units on schedule is just as important as testing them monthly to ensure you’re always protected.
What’s the difference between a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector?
This is a common point of confusion. A smoke alarm is designed to detect smoke particles from a fire. A carbon monoxide detector is specifically built to sense the presence of carbon monoxide gas, which is produced by incomplete burning of fuels like gas, oil, wood, and charcoal. They detect completely different threats. While you can buy combination units that do both jobs in one device, you absolutely need both types of protection in your home. One does not replace the other.
Can I just unplug a plug-in detector to silence a false alarm?
I know it can be tempting, but you should never just unplug a detector to silence it. First, press the test/silence button to hush the alarm. Then, immediately move everyone to fresh air and investigate the possible cause. It could be a low battery, an end-of-life signal, or it could be a genuine, low-level leak. Opening windows and doors to ventilate the area is a good first step. If the alarm continues to sound after ventilating, leave the home and call for help. It’s always better to err on the side of caution with these devices.
Are smart carbon monoxide detectors worth the extra cost?
In my opinion, for many households, they absolutely are. Smart detectors connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and can send alerts directly to your smartphone, no matter where you are. This is invaluable. If an alarm goes off while you’re at work or on vacation, you’ll know immediately and can call a neighbor or emergency services to check on your home. This extra layer of awareness can make all the difference and is a key feature to look for when selecting from the list of best carbon monoxide detectors for your home.