'The very best, most impactful, smart device to have' – experts say this 1 upgrade in your home will be potentially life-saving

If there’s one home safety device that’s genuinely worth upgrading to a smart gadget, it’s your smoke detector. It offers a serious boost in safety – and a welcome break from the chaos of burnt-toast-induced alarms.

Smart smoke detectors send alerts directly to your phone, so you’re notified of danger even when you’re not at home. Some can even integrate with your wider smart home setup to trigger helpful actions such as adjusting your HVAC or alerting emergency services.

For anyone who’s battled a false alarm with a broom or ignored that annoying low-battery chirp for days, this smart home must-have could make life easier – and prove to be potentially lifesaving.

What is a smart smoke detector?

A smart smoke detector is a Wi-Fi-connected version of a standard alarm, with the same primary function – to detect smoke or fire – but with added features such as remote alerts, voice warnings and app-based control.

It's a great way to reduce how often you should check your smoke detector, as it lets you know when it needs new batteries via notifications on your smartphone or device.

‘A smart smoke detector provides you with the same connectivity that your other smart devices do,’ says Adam Hamilton, real estate expert and CEO of REI Hub.

‘It can send you alerts straight to your devices and integrate with smart home assistants. That also can allow for faster fire dispatch. I think these are some of the very best, most impactful, smart devices to have,’ he continues, highlighting one of the most potentially life-saving pieces of smart tech that can transform your home.

Luckily, smart smoke detectors aren't too pricey. The X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector at Amazon is available for just $31.33 and has all the features outlined above, and the Kidde Smart Smoke Detector at Amazon is only $48.49 and is compatible with all smart home setups.

Instead of just sounding an alarm, a smart detector can send real-time notifications to your phone. This means you can act fast, even if you’re away. Some also monitor carbon monoxide and integrate with smart systems like Alexa and Google Home.

You could even connect it to your smart lighting so that certain bright colors (like an alarming red) could activate when the alarm sounds, for extra awareness in case of an emergency.

Why you need a smart smoke detector

The benefits of a smart smoke detector go beyond convenience. They can make a real difference in how quickly you’re able to respond to an emergency, especially if you’re not at home when it starts.

‘Smart smoke detectors offer greater peace of mind through early detection, mobile alerts, and continuous 24/7 monitoring,’ says Rick Sheets, vice president of monitoring and compliance at Brinks Home.

‘For those who have already embraced home security with camera doorbells and CCTV alerts to their phones, a smart smoke detector is a natural extension of a well-equipped, connected property,’ says Kelvin Elliot, property expert and founder of Property Sales Watchdog.

Setting up a smart home might seem daunting at first, but once you follow a few quick steps you can enjoy the benefits of a smart smoke detector, along with voice-activated lighting, air quality checking, and a eufy or ring video doorbell.

‘It’s not uncommon for people to ignore the sound of a house alarm or smoke alarm on their street, assuming it’s a mistake and not an emergency,' says Kelvin.

'If you have a traditional smoke detector and you aren’t home, the fire services may not be called until someone actually sees flames or smoke. Having an alert to your phone allows you to take action before the fire is visible from the road – and potentially have a better chance of preventing further damage to your property,’ he adds.

Some models offer even more advanced features, such as automatic emergency dispatch, integration with security cameras, or actions like shutting off HVAC systems to slow the spread of smoke. This would be even more effective if you have a zoned HVAC system installed, or if you own one of the best air purifiers that can automatically turn on once smoke is detected.

Smart alarms can also improve accessibility. ‘A smart smoke detector adds an additional level of safety for those who may have hearing loss, especially if using a smart watch. The flashing lights, vibrations and haptic alerts provide a more accessible warning system,' says Kelvin.

A smart smoke detector relies on a strong internet connection to be able to work effectively. If yours can be inconsistent, make sure you've found the best places to put your Wi-Fi router.

‘Smart detectors can detect danger sooner and trigger faster emergency responses – while smart automations like turning on lights or unlocking doors can support a faster, safer evacuation,’ emphasizes Rick Sheets.

And, finally, this is a clever kitchen gadget. Gone are the days of wafting a towel or hitting the alarm with a broom when you're cooking. When false alarms sound, you can turn them off from your phone.

What to shop

Homes & Gardens content editor Chiana Dickson wrote about her military father's top security picks, and if your home has any indoor cameras, you can remotely see whether the fire is real and alert fire services immediately.

The Ring Indoor Cam at Amazon is ideal for this added level of safety.

Meet the experts

Adam Hamilton

Adam Hamilton is the co-founder of REI Hub. His intersecting interests in real estate investing and data-driven small business operations drove him to build rental property accounting software for the average person.

Rick Sheets

Ricks Sheets is the Vice President of Monitoring and Compliance at Brinks Home Security.

Kelvin Elliot

Kelvin is an established expert in the property business who has had success and two decades' worth of experience in the industry from all sides.

Next, learn about the affordable gadget that can test for air quality throughout your home.