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Rating: 4.5/5
When I first took FirstAlert’s SC5 Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm out of the box, my immediate reaction was how different it looked compared to traditional smoke detectors. It’s remarkably large and flatter, with a clean, modern square shape and a large central button/light. Mounted on the ceiling or wall, it blends in well with other common household fixtures rather than looking like a dated security device.
Smart home compatible
Image: Amazon
Installation was super easy. Conveniently, the batteries were already installed, so all I had to do was pull the battery tab and pair the device with the First Alert app. It took about 33 minutes from opening the box to seeing it live in the app. The built-in speaker walks you through setup with clear voice prompts, eliminating any guesswork. When it’s time to test the alarm, it gives you a five-second verbal countdown before setting off a very loud siren.
A feature I immediately noticed. What’s appreciated is how easily the alarm integrates with Google Home. I already use it to manage my ADT cameras and sensors, video doorbells, thermostats, and smart lights, so being able to see this alarm along with everything else keeps my smart home ecosystem stable rather than fragmented by apps. Such integration makes more of a difference than you might expect when juggling multiple connected devices.
In everyday use, the standout feature of the alarm has nothing to do with alerts on my phone — it’s the silence button. I managed to turn it off a few times while cooking (burning a pizza in my Frigidaire pizza oven will do that), and instead of waving a towel in frustration, I just hit the big center button to silence it. That alone feels like a real quality-of-life upgrade. If you cook often, this feature may be the single most compelling reason to go smart.
Thankfully, I don’t have to deal with a carbon monoxide emergency, but knowing I’ll get instant notifications on my phone — even when I’m not home — provides a real layer of reassurance. The only downside is the price. At about $130 per unit, it’s significantly more expensive than standard alarms, especially if you’re setting up a whole house. Still, for added control, integration and peace of mind, I think it finds its place, especially in key areas of the home.
Where to buy
Image: Amazon
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