Tested for Safety: The Top Carbon Monoxide Alarms You Can Count On

Some threats to home safety are hard to ignore—like a fire or a break-in. But carbon monoxide? That's the quiet danger. It's colourless, odourless, and completely undetectable without the right equipment. That's why having a reliable carbon monoxide detector isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must. Whether living in a small apartment or a big family home, protecting your space from CO poisoning should be at the top of your safety checklist.

We've tested a range of carbon monoxide alarms—from smart devices with app connectivity to budget-friendly basics—to find the ones you can rely on. In this guide, we'll walk you through our top picks, explain what sets them apart, and help you choose the right one for your needs. Because peace of mind shouldn't be complicated—and when it comes to carbon monoxide, it definitely shouldn't be optional.

Quick-Glance Top 3 Picks:

1.

X-Sense XC0C-iR

If you're the type of person who likes having control right from your phone, the X-Sense XC0C-iR might be your new favourite safety gadget. This smart carbon monoxide detector connects directly to your home's 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi—no hub or base station is required. That means fewer hoops to jump through and quicker setup, especially if you want something that works without extra gear.

One of the standout features from this product is its real-time alerts directly to your phone. If there's a CO spike, low battery, or even a fault, you'll immediately get a notification on your phone. It's great peace of mind when you're not home—or even just asleep upstairs. And if an alarm goes off and turns out to be nothing serious (maybe a false alarm from a poorly ventilated fireplace), you can mute it with one tap in the app—unless the levels are dangerously high, in which case it stays loud for your safety. The app also shows live PPM levels, a terrific way to stay in the know without guessing what's happening.

The XC0C-iR is designed for convenience too. It's compact and can sit on a shelf or be wall-mounted with the included screws—place it at breathing level for accurate readings. A replaceable CR123A battery powers it, and with its small size, it's also perfect for travel. Whether renting a cabin or staying at an Airbnb, it's easy to toss in your bag and set up in minutes. The display is backlit and super precise, and the colour-coded LED lets you know its status at a glance. With a 10-year electrochemical sensor inside, this X-Sense carbon monoxide alarm works in the background, giving you one less thing to worry about.

CHECK PRICE- X-Sense XC0C-iR

2.

ELRO FC5003

If you're looking for a straightforward, no-fuss carbon monoxide detector that still packs a punch in safety, the ELRO FC5003 is a solid pick. It's built with an advanced electrochemical sensor that keeps a close eye on CO levels around the clock—perfect for giving you peace of mind whether you're home or away. And if something's off, you'll know immediately, thanks to its loud 85dB alarm. Trust us, you won't sleep through it.

What's great about the FC5003 is how easy it is to use. The clear digital display shows current CO levels at a glance, and a simple test button lets you check that everything's working correctly without any guesswork. It warns you when the battery is low, so you're never unprotected. Installation is a breeze, too—it comes with all the screws, dowels, and step-by-step instructions you'll need. Just pop it on the wall at the recommended height, and you're good to go.

Best of all, this detector is built to last. The sensor inside is designed for 10 years of reliable use, making the ELRO FC5003 a brilliant, long-term addition to your home safety setup.

3.

ABUS COWM510

The ABUS COWM510 is a carbon monoxide detector that's just as dependable as it is easy to live with. Designed for homes with gas boilers, fireplaces, water heaters, or oil heaters, it's built to handle real-world conditions—working reliably in temperatures from -10 to +40°C. So, whether in a chilly basement or a warm living room, this detector has your back.

What sets the COWM510 apart is its early warning system. It starts sounding the 85dB alarm—and flashing a red LED light—at CO levels as low as 30 ppm. That means you're getting a heads-up before things get serious, precisely what you want from a device meant to keep you safe. The coloured LED system is super easy to read: green for normal, yellow for issues, and red for alarms. There is no confusion; it is just quick info at a glance.

Certified to the EN 50291-1:2018 safety standard, it's been tested to perform—and built to last. The 10-year electrochemical sensor ensures long-term protection, and the battery, which lasts about 5 years, is replaceable, so you're not tossing the whole unit when power runs low. It's a reliable, no-nonsense option for families who want solid protection without the tech overwhelm.

4.

FireAngel FA3322

The FireAngel FA3322 isn't just your average carbon monoxide detector—it's more like an intelligent little guardian for your home. With its digital display and advanced sensor, this device gives you top-tier CO detection and peace of mind around the clock. If dangerous CO levels are detected, it doesn't hold back—four loud chirps, a red LCD screen, and flashing 'EVACUATE!' guidance make sure you know exactly what to do.

But that's not all—it's also got your back regarding comfort. The FA3322 tracks temperature and humidity and will alert you if either hits extreme levels. That makes it perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or anywhere you want a little extra insight into your home environment. It also gives you a heads-up if low levels of CO are detected over time, with an early warning system that's both visual and audible—super helpful if there's a small issue brewing.

There are no batteries to mess with, either—the 10-year sealed battery lasts the device's lifetime. It's compact, easy to mount (hardware included), and portable enough to take on holiday. If you're after serious protection with thoughtful extras, the FA3322 is worth considering.

5.

STATUS Monoxide Alarm

The STATUS Monoxide Alarm is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly way to protect your home from carbon monoxide—the silent danger you don't want to ignore. It's designed to do one job and does it well: detect CO gas and give you an early warning before things get dangerous. If high levels are detected, the alarm sounds loud and clear, ensuring you and your family have time to react quickly and safely.

One of the best things about this alarm is how easy it is to set up. It's battery-powered (and the batteries are included), so there's no need to worry about complicated wiring or finding the correct plug. Just pop it on the wall or shelf, and you're good to go. That makes it perfect for renters, busy homeowners, or anyone wanting a quick safety upgrade.

It may be compact and fuss-free, but it's still a must-have in any home. Carbon monoxide is odourless and invisible, so having a detector like the STATUS Monoxide Alarm means you're not leaving your safety to chance. Whether setting up your first apartment or adding extra protection to your family home, this little device brings real peace of mind.

6.

Kidde 7DCOC

Lastly, the Kidde 7DCOC is a reliable and easy-to-use carbon monoxide alarm that's perfect for anyone looking to boost home safety without the hassle of a complicated setup. It runs on three AA batteries (which are included, so you're ready to go right out of the box), and there's no wiring needed—install it wherever you need peace of mind.

The digital display continuously shows CO levels, so you're always in the know. It also comes with two helpful LED indicators—green for regular operation and red when in alarm mode—so it's super easy to understand. Plus, if the alarm sounds and turns out to be a false alarm or a manageable situation, you can easily silence it with the test/reset button.

You're covered for the long haul with a 10-year sensor life and an included warranty. It'll even give you a heads-up when it's time to replace the unit with an end-of-life alert, so there's no guesswork involved. Remember that this device is for carbon monoxide detection only—you'll still need a separate smoke or fire alarm for complete protection. However, for what it does, the Kidde 7DCOC is a solid and dependable choice.

Conclusion

Compared to other popular models like the ELRO FC5003, ABUS COWM510, and FireAngel FA3322, the X-Sense XC0C-iR really stands out for its smart features and remote access. While the ELRO and ABUS models offer reliable CO detection with clear displays and loud alarms, they stick to the basics and don't have app connectivity.

The FireAngel FA3322 adds extra functionality like temperature and humidity alerts, plus a built-in 10-year battery, making it a solid all-in-one unit—but it's not app-enabled either. The XC0C-iR, on the other hand, lets you monitor CO levels and silence false alarms directly from your phone, which is super handy if you're out or just don't want to jump out of bed.

It's also more travel-friendly thanks to its compact, battery-powered design, making it a great choice for renters or frequent movers. If you're looking for a detector with modern features and flexibility, the X-Sense edges ahead as the most connected and portable of the bunch.

Act now to protect your family from the hidden threat of carbon monoxide—install a CO alarm before it's too late.