Smart home for beginners: How to lay a foundation you can build on
One way to build out a smart home is to buy lots of components—sensors, smart bulbs, security cameras, speakers, and whatnot—and connect ...
Nest Protect
Some smart smoke alarms, such as the <anchor>Nest Protect</anchor>, incorporate emergency lights that can help you find your way out of a smoke-filled home; others, such as the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound, include advanced features such as an integrated smart speaker. If money is an issue, consider a semi-smart smoke and CO detector such as the X-Sense XP01-W. This device doesn’t connect to your Wi-Fi network, so it can’t send alerts to your smartphone, but each one you deploy interconnects to the rest, so that if an alarm sounds in one room, all the other sensors will also fire off to enhance your family’s safety.
Nest Protect review | TechHive
Nest Protect review \| TechHive

- [Best Smart Home Gear](https://www.techhive.com/best-picks)
  - [Best air purifiers](https://www.techhive.com/article/579430/best-air-purifiers.html)
  - [Best DVRs for cord-cutters](https://www.techhive.com/article/582706/best-dvr-for-cord-cutters.html)
  - [Best indoor air quality monitors](https://www.techhive.com/article/583710/best-indoor-air-quality-monitor.html)
  - [Best robot pool cleaners](https://www.techhive.com/article/2266557/best-robot-pool-cleaners.html)
  - [Best home security cameras](https://www.techhive.com/article/600008/best-home-security-camera.html)
  - [Best smart dimmers & switches](https://www.techhive.com/article/578754/best-smart-switches-and-dimmers.html)
  - [Best smart home systems](https://www.techhive.com/article/582873/best-smart-home-system.html)
  - [Best smart lighting](https://www.techhive.com/article/582523/best-smart-bulbs.html)
  - [Best smart locks](https://www.techhive.com/article/582900/best-smart-lock.html)
  - [Best smart plugs](https://www.techhive.com/article/583524/best-smart-plugs.html)
  - [Best smart shades & blinds](https://www.techhive.com/article/578738/best-smart-shades.html)
  - [Best smart speakers & displays](https://www.techhive.com/article/583168/best-smart-speakers.html)
  - [Best smart sprinkler controllers](https://www.techhive.com/article/582940/best-smart-sprinkler-controller.html)
  - [Best TV antennas](https://www.techhive.com/article/583544/the-best-tv-antennas.html)
  - [Best TV streaming services](https://www.techhive.com/article/582896/best-streaming-tv-service.html)
  - [Best video doorbells](https://www.techhive.com/article/583310/best-video-doorbells.html)
  - [Best video streamers](https://www.techhive.com/article/582754/best-media-streaming-device.html)
  - [Best water leak detectors](https://www.techhive.com/article/582570/best-water-leak-detectors-for-smart-homes.html)
  - [Best home weather stations](https://www.techhive.com/article/582346/best-home-weather-station.html)
- [How-To](https://www.techhive.com/howto)
- [News](https://www.techhive.com/news)
  - [Home Security News](https://www.techhive.com/home-security/news)
  - [Smart Assistants News](https://www.techhive.com/smart-assistants/news)
  - [Smart Home News](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home/news)
  - [Streaming News](https://www.techhive.com/streaming/news)
- [Deals](https://www.techhive.com/deals)
- [Reviews](https://www.techhive.com/reviews)
- By Category
  - [Home Security](https://www.techhive.com/home-security)
  - [Smart Assistants](https://www.techhive.com/smart-assistants)
  - [Smart Home](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home)
  - [Streaming](https://www.techhive.com/streaming)
- [Newsletter sign-up](https://www.techhive.com/newsletters/signup)
- [Smart Answers](https://www.techhive.com/smart-answers)

[Skip to content](#primary)

- Menu
- [TechHive logo flat Copy](https://www.techhive.com)

- [Best Smart Home Gear](https://www.techhive.com/best-picks)
  - [Best air purifiers](https://www.techhive.com/article/579430/best-air-purifiers.html)
  - [Best DVRs for cord-cutters](https://www.techhive.com/article/582706/best-dvr-for-cord-cutters.html)
  - [Best indoor air quality monitors](https://www.techhive.com/article/583710/best-indoor-air-quality-monitor.html)
  - [Best robot pool cleaners](https://www.techhive.com/article/2266557/best-robot-pool-cleaners.html)
  - [Best home security cameras](https://www.techhive.com/article/600008/best-home-security-camera.html)
  - [Best smart dimmers & switches](https://www.techhive.com/article/578754/best-smart-switches-and-dimmers.html)
  - [Best smart home systems](https://www.techhive.com/article/582873/best-smart-home-system.html)
  - [Best smart lighting](https://www.techhive.com/article/582523/best-smart-bulbs.html)
  - [Best smart locks](https://www.techhive.com/article/582900/best-smart-lock.html)
  - [Best smart plugs](https://www.techhive.com/article/583524/best-smart-plugs.html)
  - [Best smart shades & blinds](https://www.techhive.com/article/578738/best-smart-shades.html)
  - [Best smart speakers & displays](https://www.techhive.com/article/583168/best-smart-speakers.html)
  - [Best smart sprinkler controllers](https://www.techhive.com/article/582940/best-smart-sprinkler-controller.html)
  - [Best TV antennas](https://www.techhive.com/article/583544/the-best-tv-antennas.html)
  - [Best TV streaming services](https://www.techhive.com/article/582896/best-streaming-tv-service.html)
  - [Best video doorbells](https://www.techhive.com/article/583310/best-video-doorbells.html)
  - [Best video streamers](https://www.techhive.com/article/582754/best-media-streaming-device.html)
  - [Best water leak detectors](https://www.techhive.com/article/582570/best-water-leak-detectors-for-smart-homes.html)
  - [Best home weather stations](https://www.techhive.com/article/582346/best-home-weather-station.html)
- [How-To](https://www.techhive.com/howto)
- [News](https://www.techhive.com/news)
  - [Home Security News](https://www.techhive.com/home-security/news)
  - [Smart Assistants News](https://www.techhive.com/smart-assistants/news)
  - [Smart Home News](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home/news)
  - [Streaming News](https://www.techhive.com/streaming/news)
- [Deals](https://www.techhive.com/deals)
- [Reviews](https://www.techhive.com/reviews)
- By Category
  - [Home Security](https://www.techhive.com/home-security)
  - [Smart Assistants](https://www.techhive.com/smart-assistants)
  - [Smart Home](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home)
  - [Streaming](https://www.techhive.com/streaming)
- [Newsletter sign-up](https://www.techhive.com/newsletters/signup)
- [Smart Answers](https://www.techhive.com/smart-answers)

Type your search and hit enter

- [Best Smart Speakers & Displays](https://www.techhive.com/article/583168/best-smart-speakers.html)
- [Best Smart Home Systems](https://www.techhive.com/article/582873/best-smart-home-system.html)
- [Best Home Security Cameras](https://www.techhive.com/article/600008/best-home-security-camera.html)
- [Best Smart Lighting](https://www.techhive.com/article/582523/best-smart-bulbs.html)
- [Best Robot Vacuums](https://www.techhive.com/article/583275/best-robot-vacuum-cleaners.html)
- [Best Air Purifiers](https://www.techhive.com/article/579430/best-air-purifiers.html)
- [Cord-Cutting Tips](https://www.techhive.com/blogs/cord-cutter-confidential)

- [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/techhivemedia "Follow us on Facebook")
- [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/TechHive "Follow us on X")

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our [editorial independence](https://www.techhive.com/about/affiliate-link-policy).

[Home /](https://www.techhive.com) [Smart Home /](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home) [Reviews](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home/reviews)

Reviews


# Nest Protect review: No-nonsense “smart” smoke and carbon-monoxide detection

The best smart smoke detector on the market is also the most expensive.

By Christopher Null

Nov 13, 2017 3:00 am PST

![nest protect](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nest-protect-100741724-orig.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1024)

Image: Nest Labs

![Editors' Choice](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TechHive-Editors-Choice.svg)At a Glance

### Expert's Rating

### Pros

- Clear and versatile alerts
- Dead-simple, foolproof app
- Works with a variety of other products if you have other Nest gear

### Cons

- Quite expensive, but not at the top of the market

### Our Verdict

Whether you’re integrating it into a Nest ecosystem or not, the Nest Protect should be at the top of your smart smoke-detector list.

### Price When Reviewed

$119

### Best Prices Today: Nest Protect

Retailer

Price

![Walmart](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg)

$114

[View Deal](https://goto.walmart.com/c/321564/565706/9383?veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&subid1=3-1-583054-2-576269-14547&u=https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-Nest-Protect-Wired-2nd-Generation-White/45806611)

![Amazon](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg)

$119

[View Deal](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XV1RD0K?tag=techhivecom-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&asc_refurl=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html)

Lowes

$119

[View Deal](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569484&url=https://www.lowes.com/pd/Google-Nest-Protect-AC-Hardwired-Smart-Combination-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-with-Battery-Back-Up/1001086386?&sref=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html&xcust=3-1-583054-2-576269-14547)

![B&H](https://idg-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/bandh1.png)

$128

[View Deal](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569484&url=https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1163858-REG/nest_s3000lwes_2nd_generation_wired_smart.html/BI/21318/KBID/22251/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x1289717/SID/pocketlint-squirrel&sref=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html&xcust=3-1-583054-2-576269-14547)

Dell Home

$149

[View Deal](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8200811-12839518?url=https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8200811-13502820?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fgoogle-nest-protect-smoke-alarm-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detector-battery-operated-white%2Fapd%2Fa8560809%2Fhome-automation%3Ftfcid%3D33163968&sid=3-1-583054-2-576269-14547)

![Dell Home Home Office](https://idg-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/11350.png)

$149

[View Deal](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8200811-12839518?url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/google-nest-protect-alarm-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detector-white/apd/a8560842/home-automation?tfcid=33163968&sid=3-1-583054-2-576269-14547)

![Best Buy](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/best-buy-logo.png)

$149.99

[View Deal](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/321564/633495/10014?prodsku=6539358&u=https://api.bestbuy.com/click/-/8079012/pdp&intsrc=CATF_4831&3-1-583054-2-576269-14547)

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide
View more prices

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

There’s no point in beating around the bush: If you’re looking for a smart smoke and carbon monoxide system, the Nest Protect should be at the top of your list.

Now in its second generation, the Nest Protect doesn’t just work well, it’s extremely easy to set up and use. At its heart, it’s a traditional smoke alarm like the hockey pucks you’re probably used to: If smoke or CO is detected by the device, a loud alarm sounds and, in the case of the Nest Protect, a voice alert tells you what hazard has been detected. To turn off a false alarm, press the button on the top of the Protect, or use the app to disable the siren. (This capability can be turned off if you’re worried about remote or false dismissals of alarms.) The ring around the control button lights up to serve as a nightlight—and to assure you that the batteries are up to snuff.

Setup is wholly painless. You install the Nest app (if you don’t already have it for other Nest items), then add the product by scanning a QR code on the back of the Protect. Once connected to the internet, the app presents a limited slate of configuration options (such as setting which room the device is in), a checkup button that lets you confirm everything is A-OK, and a history of alerts that might have been tripped. If you’re installing the device at a remote location like a vacation home, these services can go a long way toward offering peace of mind.

[![Nest Protect user interface](https://images.idgesg.net/images/article/2017/11/nest3-100741723-medium.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85,70)](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569484&url=https://images.idgesg.net/images/article/2017/11/nest3-100741723-orig.jpg&sref=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html&xcust=3-1-583054-1-0-0) Nest Labs

The Nest Protect keeps a running history of emergency situations.

When an alarm is tripped, Nest Protect gets to work alerting you not just via its alarm, but also via a color-coded LED on the top of the device (yellow for low levels of smoke or CO, red for a “get-out-now” level of danger). In testing, the Nest was among the quickest to detect smoke, and its two levels of detection were effective at avoiding false alarms. The alarm and voice commands (which tell you where the smoke is) are loud and clear; and when the smoke clears, the alarm shuts off quickly. I also successfully received push notifications on my phone when the alarm sounded, with alerts arriving within a few seconds.

While the Protect is a solid product in its own right, it shines brightest if you have multiple Nest products in your home. If smoke is detected, the Protect can tell a Nest thermostat to shut off the air conditioner (which could ventilate smoke throughout the house). If you have smart light bulbs connected to the Nest ecosystem, these can be set to flash in time with alerts. The device also supports a robust IFTTT ecosystem. These are features that few homeowners think about when choosing a utilitarian device like a smoke alarm, but they could make a huge difference in a disaster situation.

Nest Protect isn’t cheap, but even at $119 it’s not the most expensive smart smoke detector on the market. Still, given that a “dumb” smoke/CO detector can be had for as little as $25, that may be a tough upgrade to swallow. I’d argue that it’s worth it, particularly if you want a way to dip your feet into the smart home world and want to start off with a product you might actually use.

### Best Prices Today: Nest Protect

Retailer

Price

![Walmart](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/walmart-logo.svg)

$114

[View Deal](https://goto.walmart.com/c/321564/565706/9383?veh=aff&sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&subid1=3-1-583054-3-576269-14547&u=https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-Nest-Protect-Wired-2nd-Generation-White/45806611)

![Amazon](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/amazon-logo.svg)

$119

[View Deal](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XV1RD0K?tag=techhivecom-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&asc_refurl=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html)

Lowes

$119

[View Deal](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569484&url=https://www.lowes.com/pd/Google-Nest-Protect-AC-Hardwired-Smart-Combination-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-with-Battery-Back-Up/1001086386?&sref=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html&xcust=3-1-583054-3-576269-14547)

![B&H](https://idg-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/bandh1.png)

$128

[View Deal](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569484&url=https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1163858-REG/nest_s3000lwes_2nd_generation_wired_smart.html/BI/21318/KBID/22251/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x1289717/SID/pocketlint-squirrel&sref=https://www.techhive.com/article/583054/nest-protect-review.html&xcust=3-1-583054-3-576269-14547)

Dell Home

$149

[View Deal](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8200811-12839518?url=https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8200811-13502820?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fgoogle-nest-protect-smoke-alarm-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detector-battery-operated-white%2Fapd%2Fa8560809%2Fhome-automation%3Ftfcid%3D33163968&sid=3-1-583054-3-576269-14547)

![Dell Home Home Office](https://idg-live.getsquirrel.co/assets/images/retailers/11350.png)

$149

[View Deal](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8200811-12839518?url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/google-nest-protect-alarm-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detector-white/apd/a8560842/home-automation?tfcid=33163968&sid=3-1-583054-3-576269-14547)

![Best Buy](https://www.techhive.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/best-buy-logo.png)

$149.99

[View Deal](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/321564/633495/10014?prodsku=6539358&u=https://api.bestbuy.com/click/-/8079012/pdp&intsrc=CATF_4831&3-1-583054-3-576269-14547)

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide
View more prices

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

[TechHive](https://www.techhive.com "TechHive")

TechHive helps you find your tech sweet spot. We steer you to products you'll love and show you how to get the most out of them.


- [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/techhivemedia "Follow us on Facebook")
- [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/TechHive "Follow us on X")

- Policies
  - [Privacy Policy](https://www.techhive.com/about/privacy)
  - [Cookie Policy](https://www.techhive.com/about/cookie-policy)
  - [Copyright Notice](https://foundryco.com/copyright-notice/)
  - [European Privacy Settings](https://www.techhive.com/about/member-preferences#cookie)
  - [Member Preferences](https://www.techhive.com/about/member-preferences)
  - [Editorial independence](https://www.techhive.com/about/affiliate-link-policy)
  - [Licensing & Eprints](https://info.wrightsmedia.com/idg-media-licensing)
  - [California: Do not Sell my Personal Info](https://www.techhive.com/about/ccpa)

- About
  - [About Us](https://www.techhive.com/about)
  - [Advertising](https://foundryco.com/our-brands/techhive/)
  - [Ad Choice](https://foundryco.com/idg-ad-choices/)
  - [Contact](https://www.techhive.com/about/contact)
  - [Foundry Careers](https://foundryco.com/work-here/)
  - [Smart Answers](https://www.techhive.com/smart-answers)

- TechHive Categories
  - [Streaming Media](https://www.techhive.com/streaming)

    [Smart Home](https://www.techhive.com/smart-home)

    [Smart Assistants](https://www.techhive.com/smart-assistants)

    [Home Security](https://www.techhive.com/home-security)

    [Home Entertainment](https://www.techhive.com/home-entertainment)

    [Headphones](https://www.techhive.com/headphones)

- Subscribe
  - [Newsletter](https://www.techhive.com/newsletters/signup)

[Copyright © 2024 IDG Communications, Inc.](https://foundryco.com/terms-of-service-agreement/)

Explore the Foundry Network +PCWorldTech AdvisorTechHive

Top Of Page

Do Not Sell My Info

Privacy Settings