Best SmartThings Smoke Detectors You can Buy in 2023

Smart home control and automation is easier than ever. And one of the most user-friendly smart home platforms is Samsung’s SmartThings. There are loads of devices that work with SmartThings, from connected lights to smart thermostats. For safety, a smart smoke detector is a fantastic addition to any home. Check out the best SmartThings smoke detectors you can buy in 2023!

What is Samsung SmartThings?

Samsung SmartThings is a smart home ecosystem that offers nearly unrivaled ease of use. A SmartThings set up consists of two main components: on the hardware side, a SmartThings hub, and for software, the SmartThings app. The hub communicates with various SmartThings-compatible devices like wall plugs, security cameras, video doorbells, and light bulbs using the Z-Wave and ZigBee Internet of Things (IoT) communication protocols. Then, gadgets comprising a Samsung SmartThings network send data back and forth to perform actions that may be manually triggered with an app or automated with scenes.

What is a Smart Smoke Detector and Why Should You Use One?

Like a “dumb” smoke detector, a smart smoke detector alerts you to smoke. When smoke is detected, you’ll receive mobile alerts. In addition to smoke detection, you can find Internet-enabled carbon monoxide detectors. Aside from devices that actually detect smoke, smoke detector listeners provide a solution that merely monitors audio alarms. Then notifications are sent using SmartThings. This is a good solution for avoiding a retrofit of your existing space. But even if you opt for actual smoke alarms, every smoke detector for SmartThings operates wirelessly. You won’t find any wired smoke alarms for Samsung SmartThings use.

The Best Smart Smoke Detector for SmartThings – First Alert Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

First Alert remains one of the most trusted names in home security, and its SmartThings-compatible smoke detector is no exception. This connected smoke alarm monitors for both smoke and carbon monoxide. It utilizes Z-Wave to send push alerts to mobile devices when the alarm goes off, so you’ll be updated from anywhere. As a SmartThings-certified smoke detector, the First Alert Zcombo 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide smoke alarm simply works like a charm. Aside from SmartThings, First Alert’s connected smoke detector functions with Nexia Home Intelligence so long as you pair it with a Z-Wave gateway. Its onboard photoelectric smoke sensor provides extreme accuracy by correctly detecting smoke and eliminating false alarms from steam.

An onboard 85-decibel horn provides an in-home alarm. There’s a test/silence button, and a tamper-resistant battery door for extra security. The two included AA batteries are a standard size, and easy to swap out when necessary. Unlike many smoke detector listeners, the First Alert Zcombo 2-in-1 actually detects smoke. And SmartThings compatibility is guaranteed. Installation is a breeze, particularly since First Alert’s CO monitor and smoke alarm operates wirelessly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with Wink or Onelink. Still, if you’re a SmartThings user, the Zcombo is hands-down the best SmartThings smoke detector on the market.

Pros:

• Trusted brand in First Alert
• Works with SmartThings and Nexia Home Intelligence
• Z-Wave wireless technology
• Photoelectric smoke sensor
• Detects smoke and carbon monoxide
• 85-decibel horn onboard
• Tamper-resistant battery door
• Electromechanical CO sensor
• Wireless, easy to install
• Takes two AA batteries
• Test/silence button built-in

Cons:

• Not compatible with Wink or Onelink

Best Samsung SmartThings Smoke Detector for Connectivity – Google Nest Protect

The Google Nest Protect is a great smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector that’s compatible with Samsung SmartThings. It’s battery-operated for easy wireless installation. A friendly voice issues a warning when smoke or CO is detected in your home. A split spectrum sensor actively monitors for smoldering and fast burning for extreme accuracy.

In addition to local audio warnings, the Google Nest Protect sends mobile alerts to your phone or tablet. The Nest Protect companion app lets you silence its smoke alarm when there’s a small amount of smoke like when you burn popcorn in the microwave. Unlike traditional smoke detectors that chirp with a low battery, the Nest Protect tests its battery daily. While the onboard light ring is normally off, it powers on when you walk underneath for a sort of nightlight.

Whereas many smoke detectors sport buttons and displays, the Nest Protect instead relies heavily on its companion app. Although that’s convenient for smartphone control, onboard buttons or a digital readout would be nice. Still, the Google Nest is a great smoke detector and CO monitoring device that’s SmartThings compatible.

Pros:

• Works with Samsung SmartThings
• Smoke detection and carbon monoxide monitoring
• Google Nest integrations
• Great mobile app support
• Split spectrum sensor monitors smoldering and fast burning
• Battery-operation or hardwired

Cons:

• Heavily relies on app

Best Smoke Alarm Listener for SmartThings – Ecolink Z-Wave Plus Audio Detector

While First Alert and ADT offer true smoke detectors, you could opt for an alternative that requires minimal installation. The Ecolink Z-Wave Plus audio detector doesn’t monitor for the presence of smoke or CO. Instead, it listens for smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors around your home.

When an alarm goes off, the Ecolink hears the sound and triggers mobile alerts. Therefore, if you don’t want to install smoke detectors, this smoke alarm listener is a good pick. Its single sensor boasts whole-home coverage, so it’s a cost-effective smoke and CO detector that works with SmartThings.

Furthermore, the Ecolink audio detector functions with Vera Plus, Vera Edge, Vera Lite, HomeSeer, D-Link Staples Connect, and more. The main downside is that, unlike ADT and First Alert smoke detectors, the Ecolink doesn’t actually detect smoke, high temperatures, or carbon dioxide itself. Rather, it relies on external alarms which it listens for. Ultimately, it’s a great choice that works well and won’t break the bank.

Pros:

• Audio detector – listens for existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around your home
• Z-Wave wireless technology
• Whole-home coverage
• Doesn’t require any retrofits
• Works with SmartThings, Vera Plus, Vera Edge, Vera Lite, HomeSeer, D-Link Staples Connect, Piper NV
• Affordable

Cons:

• Doesn’t directly detect smoke, high temperatures, or carbon monodixe

Best SmartThings Smoke Detector – Samsung ADT Smoke Alarm

The Samsung ADT smoke detector is a great smoke alarm for SmartThings. You’ll receive alerts when smoke and extreme temperatures are detected in your home. Because of its ADT integration, you can initiate ADT professional monitoring services. Whereas the First Alert SmartThings smoke detector operates independently of any hardware with the exception of a SmartThings hub, the Samsung ADT smoke alarm requires the SmartThings ADT security starter kit to correctly work.

Moreover, ADT’s connected smoke alarm lacks carbon monoxide monitoring. As such, you’ll need to snag a separate CO sensor if you want that functionality. Luckily, ADT offers a SmartThings carbon monoxide alarm that performs well and also requires the ADT security starter kit. Nevertheless, ADT is a high-quality home security brand, and its SmartThings smoke detector doesn’t disappoint.

Pros:

• Trusted brand in ADT
• Works with SmartThings
• Excellent compatibility with the SmartThings ADT security starter kit
• Easy to use and install
• Receive alerts, set lights, and control other SmartThings devices when high temperatures or smoke is detected
• Optional integration with ADT professional monitoring services
• Easy installation

Cons:

• Requires SmartThins ADT security starter kit, doesn’t pair directly with SmartThings hub
• ADT professional monitoring services (optional) requires a monthly fee
• No CO monitoring

Best Samsung SmartThings Smoke Detector FAQs

Best SmartThings Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Final Thoughts

Although there aren’t a ton of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that work with SmartThings, you’ll find some awesome options. First Alert makes the best overall SmartThings smoke detector. Since it packs Z-Wave onboard and detects both smoke as well as CO, it’s multi-functional. And you don’t need a separate hub or gateway. While ADT provides a solid connected smoke alarm, it requires the SmartThings ADT security starter kit. Although that’s not ideal for existing SmartThings users with a different hub, the ADT SmartThings bundle offers a tremendous value. Alternately, for an affordable solution, you could simply install a smoke and carbon monoxide listener such as the Ecolink. Despite not directly detecting smoke or CO, it’s a fantastic, easy to set up device.

Your turn: Which SmartThings smoke detectors do you recommend?