Protecting your home is important, and a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector can help give homeowners peace of mind even when they're away. Here are the best options that incorporate Apple's HomeKit.
When it comes to HomeKit-enabled smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, there aren't many to choose from. However, the existing ones are packed with features that make them a worthwhile addition to the home.
Here's a quick list of some of the best HomeKit-enabled smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the market right now.
Owl Wired with HomeKit support
Owl Home, Inc. originally showed off the Owl Wired, which comes in white or black, at CES 2021. This home safety system monitors smoke and carbon monoxide levels, temperature, humidity, sound levels, and motion.
It supports 802.11n, 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. The 1,000mAh internal battery is 3.7V, and the Owl Wired meets UL-268 and ULC-531 standards.
The Owl Wired supports Apple's HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and the IFTTT software platform. There are six multi-color LEDs on the front, which can visually notify a homeowner of a hazard.
The smoke and carbon monoxide detector's buzzer can reach 89 decibels from up to 3 meters away. The user can also choose to adjust volume levels within the app.
The Owl Wired retails for $179.00, but it's currently on sale for $169.00 at Owl Home.
First Alert OneLink Safe & Sound with HomeKit support
First Alert's more expensive option is the Safe & Sound. It is a hardwired photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide detector with an omnidirectional speaker.
The combo detector comes in only one color: white, and First Alert makes it easy to track battery levels thanks to the company's app. However, First Alert does say AC power is required to use Safe & Sound.
Safe & Sound can easily connect with other hardwired safety devices in the home. Moreover, the safety device's built-in speaker can also play music and podcasts.
First Alert's Safe & Sound supports HomeKit and AirPlay 2, along with Amazon Alexa. It's on sale at press time for $199.99 on Amazon.
First Alert OneLink Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with HomeKit support
First Alert also offers a less expensive option, but this removes some of the added features in the Safe & Sound model. This standard option comes in a battery-powered or hardwired variant, both available only in white.
The cheaper detector still includes photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide detectors but lacks the omnidirectional speaker.
The OneLink smoke and carbon monoxide detector will connect with other hardwired safety devices, including options from different brands. The detector will notify those in the home with a buzzer but also send notifications to the supported app.
First Alert's OneLink smoke and carbon monoxide detector support HomeKit and iOS devices, but customers can also benefit from the device if they are using Android.
The hardwired First Alert OneLink smoke and carbon monoxide detector is available from Amazon for $129.98. The battery-powered option sells for $115.87.
Bosch Smart Home Smoke Detector II with HomeKit support
The Smart Home Detector II from Bosch is strictly a smoke detector, and it's available only in Europe. It is also only available in white.
Bosch has a whole family of smart, internet-connected devices designed to make the home safer. This is one of them, and, as such, it's better served being connected to the network.
The Smart Home Smoke Detector II can detect smoke and sound an alarm inside the home while also sending a push notification to smartphones.
When the home is equipped with smart devices such as blinds and lights, the smoke detector can illuminate key sections of the house to show visible escape routes. It can also automatically activate connected cameras and raise blinds.
A replaceable 3V battery is inside, which should be good for five years.
Bosch's Smart Home Smoke Detector II is available from Amazon UK for 58.99 pounds.
Bosch Smart Home Twinguard with HomeKit support
The Bosch Smart Home Twinguard shares the same feature set as the Smoke Detector II, especially as part of the whole-home Bosch smart system. This means it can show an escape route if a fire is detected, blare the alarm through the whole house, and activate other smart devices set up by the user.
But the Smart Home Twinguard also measures ambient air quality in the home. The user can set optimal ranges within the app, and the detector will keep tabs on those measurements.
This device can also measure temperature, air humidity, and air quality trends for up to three months.
Like the Smoke Detector II, the Bosch Twinguard is only available in Europe.
The Smart Home Twinguard from Bosch is available from Amazon UK at the discounted price of 109.49 pounds.
HomePod as a warning system
Apple's HomePod (2nd generation), along with the current HomePod mini, is equipped with sensors that can track temperature and humidity in a room. It is not, by definition, a smoke or carbon monoxide detector.
However, the smart speaker can listen for audio cues issued by smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and relay that information to the iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad.
The HomePod and HomePod mini cannot replace a smoke or carbon monoxide detector but can serve as another notification layer.
The HomePod retails for $299.00 in Midnight or White, but discounts are available in the AppleInsider HomePod Price Guide to bring the price down.
The HomePod mini is available in Space Gray, Blue, Yellow, White, or Orange and retails for $99.00. At press time, OWC is selling units in new, bulk packaging for $78.99.