Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2026

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices that can save lives by detecting the presence of this dangerous gas. They are designed to alert homeowners when carbon monoxide levels in the air reach dangerous levels. These detectors are typically battery-powered and can be easily installed in any room of the house. They are highly sensitive and can detect even low levels of carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by gas appliances, fireplaces, and other sources. It is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in every home to ensure the safety of everyone inside.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kidde Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector Cover #TOP 2
Kidde Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Kidde Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup Cover #TOP 3
Kidde Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

Amazon
P3A7EN
White
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor Cover
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is a certified device that enables you to track and measure the air quality inside your house through 5 key factors: particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. You can easily understand the air quality score in the Alexa app or from the color-coded LED. The device also sends notifications if poor air quality is detected, and enables you to automate your Alexa-enabled devices such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and fans. Certified for Humans, this smart home device is easy to set up with Alexa.

What We Like
Affordable price point
Easy Alexa integration
Quick air quality updates
Sensitive to air changes
User-friendly app reports
What We Don't Like
Limited measurement details
Requires Alexa for full features

Kidde Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector

KN-COB-LP2
White
1 Pack
Kidde Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector Cover
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Powered CO Alarm with LEDs, Test-Reset Button, Low Battery Indicator, Portable

The Kidde CO Alarm uses advanced electrochemical sensor technology to accurately detect carbon monoxide gas, helping keep your home safe. It’s battery powered with 2 AA batteries included, so you can install it easily anywhere without worrying about wiring or power outages. This means you get continuous protection even during a blackout. The detector features a green LED that shows it’s working properly, and an 85-decibel alarm with a red LED that alerts you loudly if carbon monoxide is present. These features provide clear, reliable warnings so you can act quickly to protect your family.

What We Like
Easy installation
Lightweight and portable
Loud alarm
Reliable and well-built
Good value
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
Battery replacement needed
#TOP 3

Kidde Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup

KN-COB-DP2
White
Kidde Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup Cover
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug in Wall with AA Battery Backup, Test-Hush Button, 1 Count

The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is designed for easy setup, simply plugging into any standard 120V outlet, so you can quickly protect your home. It includes a 2-AA battery backup, ensuring continuous monitoring even during power outages, giving you peace of mind at all times. The detector sounds a loud 85-decibel alarm to alert you immediately if carbon monoxide is present, keeping you and your family safe. Additionally, it features a memory that records the last carbon monoxide detection or test, helping you stay informed about your home's safety status. This device combines reliability and convenience in one simple package.

What We Like
Easy installation and setup
Compact size and design
Loud alarm and clear instructions
Battery backup safety feature
Long lifespan and durability
What We Don't Like
Lacks advanced features
#TOP 4

Kidde Battery Operated CO Alarm with Digital Display

KN-COPP-B-LPM
Detector
KN-COPP-B-LPM
Kidde Battery Operated CO Alarm with Digital Display Cover
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AA Battery Powered CO Alarm with LEDs, Test-Reset Button, Low Battery Indicator, Portable

The Kidde Battery Operated CO Alarm is equipped with Electrochemical sensing technology which ensures that you are alerted of the presence of carbon monoxide gas. The device features CO detector with alert modes, 2 LED lights, and 85 decibel alarm. In case of a power failure, the detector operates on 3-AA batteries. Additionally, the easy to read digital display allows you to easily monitor carbon monoxide levels. With UL certification and a 10-year limited warranty, this CO detector ensures your safety.

What We Like
Easy installation
Battery powered portability
Clear digital display
Loud, reliable alarm
UL-certified safety
What We Don't Like
Reading variability among units
#TOP 5

First Alert CO400 Carbon Monoxide Detector

CO400
White
Pack of 1
First Alert CO400 Carbon Monoxide Detector Cover
First Alert CO400 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector, Battery Operated Alarm, 1-Pack

Protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide with this battery-operated alarm. The electrochemical sensor accurately detects CO levels, and the alarm sounds loudly at 85 decibels to alert you to danger. The 5-year limited warranty and end-of-life signal chirp ensure that you have complete protection. Place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom for complete peace of mind.

What We Like
Easy installation
Battery operated flexibility
Loud alarm sound
Compact design
Peace of mind
What We Don't Like
Short battery lifespan
Uncertain long-term reliability
#TOP 6

Kidde Nighthawk CO Detector with Battery Backup

KN-COPP-3
White
1 Pack
Kidde Nighthawk CO Detector with Battery Backup Cover
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug In Wall with 9-Volt Battery Backup, Digital LED Display

The Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector is an AC-plug-in device with battery backup and digital display. It offers protection during power failure, easy installation, peace of mind with its testing feature and electrochemical sensing technology. The CO alarm detects the presence of carbon monoxide gas, emits an 85 decibel alarm sound and has a memory storage option. It is UL certified and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

What We Like
Easy plug-in installation
Long 10-year lifespan
Loud audible alarm
Battery backup included
Clear digital CO display
What We Don't Like
Alarm may be loud for apartments
Occasional missing parts in package
#TOP 7

First Alert CO600 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector

FATCO600
White
1-Pack
First Alert CO600 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector Cover
First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug-In Alarm with Test & Silence Button, CO600, White, 1-Pack

Protect your family from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide with the First Alert CO600 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector. It is easy to use with any standard outlet and comes equipped with an advanced electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor that accurately detects carbon monoxide levels, no matter where it is placed in the room. The alarm emits a loud 85 decibel sound to alert you of danger. For complete protection, place one on each level of your home and in each bedroom. The unit comes with a 7 year limited warranty and an end-of-life signal chirp to notify you when it's time to replace the unit for safety.

What We Like
Easy to install
No battery replacement needed
Compact design
Loud alarm
UL2034 certified
What We Don't Like
Limited lifespan
#TOP 8

First Alert CO615 Dual-Power CO Detector with Digital Display

CO615
White
1 pack
First Alert CO615 Dual-Power CO Detector with Digital Display Cover
First Alert CO615 Dual-Power Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup and Digital Display, White

Be safe with the First Alert CO615 Carbon Monoxide Detector, which plugs into any standard outlet and has a battery backup. It has a digital display and advanced electrochemical sensor, which can indicate the highest carbon monoxide level detected. The device emits an 85-decibel alarm when the carbon monoxide level reaches dangerous levels. It is suggested to place one unit on each level of your home and in each bedroom. The device has a 7-year limited warranty and an end-of-life signal chirp to remind you when it's time to replace the unit.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Easy installation
Battery backup included
Digital display
Compact design
What We Don't Like
Manufacture date visibility
Dim display lighting
#TOP 9

First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector

CO710
Pack of 1
First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector Cover
First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector with 10-Year Battery and Digital Temperature Display , White

The First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector is a reliable and user-friendly device that guarantees continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels in your home. Its backlit digital display shows both temperature and CO concentration, while the peak level feature displays the highest concentration of carbon monoxide measured. Equipped with a built-in 10-year lithium battery, this detector ensures continuous protection for the life of the unit. Once CO levels reach dangerous levels, the loud 85-decibel alarm will sound to alert you, ensuring your family's safety.

What We Like
Long-life built-in battery
Portable and travel-friendly
Loud alarm for safety
Integrated temperature display
Easy installation and setup
What We Don't Like
Mounting holes mismatch older models
Temperature display not instant
#TOP 10

Koabbit 4-in-1 Natural Gas & CO Detector

KH158
Black
4-IN-1
Koabbit 4-in-1 Natural Gas & CO Detector Cover
2 Packs Combination Natural Gas & Carbon Monoxide Detector,Koabbit 4-in-1 Explosive Gas & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Temperature(°F) & Humidity for Home,RV,Hotel,Apartment

The Koabbit 4-in-1 Gas Alarm helps you keep your home safe by detecting natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide levels in real time. Its advanced sensor lets you monitor both explosive gases and carbon monoxide, giving you peace of mind. The large digital screen shows the exact concentration of gases, temperature, and humidity, so you always know your environment's status. When dangerous gas levels rise, the alarm sounds loudly at 85 decibels, alerting you immediately to take action. This device is perfect for homes, apartments, hotels, and RVs, providing an easy way to protect your family and property.

What We Like
Easy to use
No batteries required
High sensitivity
Clear display
Peace of mind
What We Don't Like
Occasional false alarms
Dim LED display over time
Buying Guide Image

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

With this type of product, even if you are sleeping you can rest assured that your life is a little safer. It is the same in case of detecting high levels, will begin to sound with great power.

If you are sleeping, you will listen without problems. For this reason, you always have to buy a detector that has good sound power. A good idea is to buy a model that has a power of at least 85db.

Operation

The operation is very important to make sure that the detector will warn us when we really need it. Normally they are very easy to use, but before making the purchase make sure that its operation will not give you any problem. Most importantly, you always have to provide the assurance that it will work 24 hours a day without problems.

Size

It is very important to take into account its size, to avoid getting too much attention and can break the aesthetics of the area where it will be installed.

Not forgetting that batteries are very important. The detectors usually include long-lasting batteries that can have an autonomy of up to 10 years, that is, that you can forget about them while still working for your safety.

Right Type

You should not forget that a smoke detector is not the same as a carbon monoxide detector. According to experts, the smoke detector should always be installed on the ceiling to detect it better, while carbon monoxide detectors are recommended to be installed in the most dangerous areas, such as in the area where the cylinder or boiler is located. Of course, they always have to be away from children to prevent them from moving or manipulating.

Location

Normally these types of detectors are usually put in the kitchen, but if you want to have greater security, it can be interesting to buy more than one unit and put them throughout the house. This will ensure that your family is much more protected against carbon monoxide.

Maintenance

Don’t forget that the detectors give a lot of autonomy, as long as you take care of them. This means that from time to time you have to check that they work correctly and you should clean them. If you don’t clean them properly, they may not detect carbon monoxide well, so they wouldn’t give you good services. Cleaning is not complicated at all, as long as you buy a quality product.

Wrapping, carbon monoxide is harmful to your health and you must avoid it at all costs. So, using the above important factors or taking them into consideration, you can buy the best product that fulfills your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed?

The best location for a carbon monoxide detector is on a wall about five feet from the floor. This position allows it to measure the air at a height where people are breathing it. Alternatively, you can place it on the ceiling, about six inches away from the wall.

2. What causes a carbon monoxide alarm to go off?

Carbon monoxide alarms can be triggered by fuel-burning appliances like gas cookers, boilers, and ovens. These appliances release small amounts of CO, which can increase when there is limited ventilation or the vents are blocked or clogged by dust.

3. What leaks carbon monoxide in a house?

Carbon monoxide can build up in a home due to incorrectly installed or poorly maintained appliances, such as stoves, hot water heaters, and fireplaces. Poorly ventilated gas- or wood-burning appliances can also be sources of carbon monoxide.

4. What to do when carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, assume it is working correctly and that there are unsafe levels of CO in your home. Immediately evacuate the home along with all people and pets, and find fresh air. Call 911 to report the alarm and do not reenter the home until it is deemed safe.

5. What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Two common warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache and dizziness. Other symptoms may include weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and flu-like symptoms. Breathing in a significant amount of CO can lead to loss of consciousness or death.

6. Do you need carbon monoxide detector in every room?

Ideally, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed throughout your home, similar to smoke alarms. It is recommended to have a CO detector in each major area of your home, including the kitchen, living/dining room, bedrooms, and office.

7. Can anything else trigger a carbon monoxide detector?

A carbon monoxide detector may be triggered by a malfunctioning water heater or furnace, which can result from improper ventilation, excess gas flow, or other issues. An obstructed chimney can also cause the detector to sound the alarm as the fumes become trapped inside.

Editor's Notes

During our carbon monoxide detector research, we found 25 carbon monoxide detector products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 529,003 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon monoxide detectors list. We found that most customers choose carbon monoxide detectors with an average price of $29.78.

The carbon monoxide detectors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon monoxide detectors, including Kidde, First Alert, KOABBIT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Kidde Kidde Kidde First Alert Kidde First Alert First Alert First Alert KOABBIT
Power Source - Battery Powered Plug In Battery Powered Battery Powered Plug In Corded Electric Corded Electric Battery Powered Plug in
Alarm - Audible Audible Audible Audible Audible Audible Audible Audible 85DB Alarm
Style - Frustration Free Packaging Frustration Free Packaging - Battery Powered Detector Plug in Alarm Plug in Alarm with Digital Display 10 Year Battery With Digital Display 2 Packs-4 in 1
Color - White White Detector White White White White - Black
Operating Humidity - 10 to 95% relative humidity (RH), non-condensing 10 to 95% relative humidity (RH), non-condensing 5% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing 10-95% RH 5% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing 10-95% RH 10-95% RH 10-95% RH -
Item Weight - 0.23 Pounds 0.31 Kilograms 9.28 ounces 7.2 ounces - - 10.4 Ounces 0.4 Pounds 0.1 Pounds
Sensor Type - - - Electrochemical Electrochemical Ionization Electrochemical Electrochemical Electrochemical -
Global Trade Identification Number - - - 00047871088737 00029054000699 - 00029054000705 00029054000712 00029054014269 -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy