A fire or a carbon monoxide leak can happen in any home, and a timely warning is the difference between a minor scare and a tragedy. That is exactly why smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are the most important safety gear you can own. Smoke detectors detect smoke particles from a fire, while carbon monoxide detectors warn of a colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion. According to the NFPA, working smoke detectors cut the risk of death in a home fire by about 60 percent. In this guide we picked seven proven models for 2026, from the reliable Ei Electronics to the smart X-Sense and the premium Hekatron.
Note: Smoke detectors must meet the EN 14604 standard, and CO detectors the EN 50291 standard. For full protection you need both a smoke detector and a CO detector (or a combined unit). Place them correctly, test them monthly and replace them at the end of their life (usually 10 years). This is not a substitute for properly working gas and heating installations or a professional assessment.
The prices in this article were pulled live from Amazon.de on the publication date (30 September 2026) and they change, so check before buying. All the smoke and CO detectors listed are available on Amazon.de with delivery to Croatia, and this guide is for anyone who wants to protect their home and family.
Quick Overview: best smoke and CO detectors 2026
| # | Model | Type | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ei Electronics Ei650 | smoke, 10-yr battery | 19,99 EUR | best overall |
| 2 | X-Sense SC07-WX | combi smoke + CO, WiFi | 45,81 EUR | smart combined |
| 3 | ABUS COWM510 | CO, LCD, 10-yr | 39,33 EUR | dedicated CO |
| 4 | Hekatron Genius Plus | smoke, Made in Germany | 25,99 EUR | premium brand |
| 5 | X-Sense XS0B-MR set | smoke, interconnected set | 67,99 EUR | whole house |
| 6 | X-Sense CO03D | CO, digital display | 30,25 EUR | CO with display |
| 7 | X-Sense XS01 | smoke, compact | 14,44 EUR | budget |
Prices are live from Amazon.de (30 September 2026). Below we go through each device in detail, with pros, cons and our verdict.
1. Ei Electronics Ei650
Foto: Ei Electronics, Amazon
The Ei Electronics Ei650 is our pick for the best smoke detector overall because it combines reliability and peace of mind. It uses a photoelectric sensor and meets the EN 14604 standard, and a sealed lithium battery lasts a full 10 years, so there is no annual battery swap or annoying chirp in the middle of the night. Ei Electronics is a long-time favourite of German tests, which speaks to its quality.
There is a test button and a hush button, and the AudioLINK function allows diagnostics via a phone app. The alarm is loud, about 85 dB at 3 metres, as the standard requires. The basic model is not wirelessly interconnected, for that there is the Ei650RF, and it has no CO sensor. At 19,99 EUR it is a sensible and reliable choice for every room.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | smoke detector |
| Sensor | photoelectric (optical) |
| Standard | EN 14604 |
| Best for | best overall |
Pros: very reliable and a long-time favourite of German tests, a sealed 10-year battery with no maintenance, test and hush buttons with AudioLINK diagnostics.
Cons: the basic model is not wirelessly interconnected since that needs the Ei650RF, no app or CO sensor.
Our Opinion: We pick the Ei650 when we want a detector we fit and forget for 10 years. The sealed battery solves the biggest nuisance, and reliability is proven. For full protection add a separate CO detector.
2. X-Sense SC07-WX
Foto: X-Sense, Amazon
The X-Sense SC07-WX solves two things at once: it detects both smoke and carbon monoxide in one device, and it does it smartly. It has a photoelectric sensor for smoke and an electrochemical one for CO, so it meets both standards, EN 14604 and EN 50291. Its biggest asset is WiFi: the device connects directly to your home network and sends a notification to your phone even when you are away.
That means you learn about smoke or a CO leak even while at work or travelling, which is precious for homes with pets or elderly residents. Setup requires stable 2.4 GHz WiFi and installing the app, and the battery is replaceable so it needs an occasional check. At 45,81 EUR it is the best smart combined choice.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | combined smoke + CO, WiFi |
| Sensor | photoelectric + electrochemical |
| Standard | EN 14604 + EN 50291 |
| Best for | smart combined |
Pros: push notifications about smoke or CO even when you are away, two sensors in one device, connects directly to WiFi without a base station.
Cons: needs stable 2.4 GHz WiFi and app setup, the replaceable battery requires an occasional check.
Our Opinion: We pick the SC07-WX when we want everything in one and remote notifications. Combining smoke and CO with WiFi alerts genuinely changes the sense of security. If you do not want an app, classic separate detectors are enough.
3. ABUS COWM510
Foto: ABUS, Amazon
The ABUS COWM510 is a dedicated carbon monoxide detector from a well-known German safety brand. It uses an electrochemical sensor and meets the EN 50291 standard, and an LCD shows the current CO concentration in ppm, as well as the temperature. That is useful because you see the status even before the alarm goes off.
The sensor and sealed battery last 10 years, so there is no maintenance during the lifespan, and after it expires you replace the whole unit. ABUS is a brand people trust for home safety. The device detects only CO, not smoke, so pair it with a smoke detector. At 39,33 EUR it is the best dedicated CO detector in the selection.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | CO detector |
| Sensor | electrochemical |
| Standard | EN 50291 |
| Best for | dedicated CO |
Pros: a 10-year sensor and sealed battery with no maintenance, an LCD showing the CO concentration, a reliable German safety brand.
Cons: detects only CO and not smoke, the battery is not replaceable so after 10 years you replace the whole unit.
Our Opinion: We pick the ABUS COWM510 when we want a reliable CO detector with a German brand. The LCD gives peace of mind because you always see the CO level. Be sure to pair it with a smoke detector for full protection.
4. Hekatron Genius Plus
Foto: Hekatron, Amazon
The Hekatron Genius Plus is a premium smoke detector made in Germany for those who want the highest build quality. It carries the Q-Label certificate and the VdS mark, which in Germany are signs of top detector quality, and it uses a photoelectric sensor to the EN 14604 standard. The sealed lithium battery lasts about 10 years.
The Genius app over Bluetooth allows status checks and device diagnostics, and a silent-night function reduces false alarms during the night. It is more expensive than the Asian competition, and for wireless interconnection you need the Genius Plus X model. At 25,99 EUR it is the best choice for those who trust German quality.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | smoke detector |
| Sensor | photoelectric (optical) |
| Standard | EN 14604, Q-Label, VdS |
| Best for | premium brand |
Pros: top German quality with the Q-Label certificate, the Genius app for status checks and diagnostics, a silent-night function that reduces false alarms.
Cons: more expensive than the Asian competition, wireless interconnection needs the Genius Plus X model.
Our Opinion: We pick the Hekatron Genius Plus when we want German quality and certificates. The Q-Label and app diagnostics add extra assurance. For linking several detectors, look at the Genius Plus X or the X-Sense set.
5. X-Sense XS0B-MR set
Foto: X-Sense, Amazon
The X-Sense XS0B-MR set is the best choice for larger homes and multi-storey houses. These are interconnected wireless smoke detectors: when one detects smoke, all of them sound at once, so you hear the warning even if the fire is in a distant room. That is a big advantage over individual detectors that only sound locally.
Each detector meets the EN 14604 standard, and the set also offers a voice announcement of the location and control via an app. Interconnection needs the SBS50 base station, which comes in the set. The system is more complex and more expensive than a single detector, but for whole-house safety it pays off. At 67,99 EUR it is the best interconnected set.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | smoke detectors, interconnected set |
| Sensor | photoelectric (optical) |
| Standard | EN 14604 |
| Best for | whole house |
Pros: all detectors sound at once so the whole house hears, a voice announcement of the location and app control, a scalable set for multiple floors and rooms.
Cons: requires the SBS50 base station for interconnection, more complex and more expensive than a single detector.
Our Opinion: We pick the X-Sense XS0B-MR set for houses and larger flats where one alarm is not audible everywhere. The interconnected system and voice location are a real safety upgrade. For a small flat, individual detectors are enough.
6. X-Sense CO03D
Foto: X-Sense, Amazon
The X-Sense CO03D is a more affordable carbon monoxide detector with a useful digital display. It uses an electrochemical sensor, meets the EN 50291 standard and carries a TÜV Rheinland certificate. The LCD shows the current CO concentration in ppm, and it has a peak-value memory, so you can see whether CO appeared while you were out.
That makes it a good choice for those who want to monitor the status, for example in homes with gas heating or a fireplace. The battery is replaceable, and the sensor lasts about 10 years. Like any CO detector, it detects only carbon monoxide, not smoke. At 30,25 EUR it is an affordable CO detector with a display.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | CO detector |
| Sensor | electrochemical |
| Standard | EN 50291, TÜV Rheinland |
| Best for | CO with display |
Pros: a precise LCD readout of the CO concentration with a peak-value memory, TÜV Rheinland and EN 50291 certification, cheaper than premium CO models.
Cons: detects only CO and not smoke, the battery must be replaced since it is not a sealed 10-year one.
Our Opinion: We pick the X-Sense CO03D when we want a CO detector with a display at a lower price. The peak-value memory is useful for monitoring. Pair it with a smoke detector, since alone it does not cover fire.
7. X-Sense XS01
Foto: X-Sense, Amazon
The X-Sense XS01 is the most affordable individual smoke detector on the list, ideal when you need to equip several rooms without a big outlay. Despite the low price, it has a sealed 10-year lithium battery and meets the EN 14604 standard, so you do not skimp on safety. It is compact and unobtrusive on the ceiling.
Mounting is quick thanks to a magnetic bracket with no drilling, and there is a test button. The device is not interconnected, has no app and no CO sensor, but for basic protection of each room that is not essential. The magnetic mount does not hold on every surface, so check your ceiling. At 14,44 EUR it is the cheapest way to equip every room with a smoke detector.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | smoke detector |
| Sensor | photoelectric (optical) |
| Standard | EN 14604 |
| Best for | budget |
Pros: very affordable with a sealed 10-year battery, quick magnetic mounting with no drilling, compact and simple to use.
Cons: no interconnection, app or CO sensor, the magnetic mount is not for every surface.
Our Opinion: We pick the X-Sense XS01 when we need to equip several rooms with smoke detectors cheaply. A sealed 10-year battery at this price is excellent. Ideal for bedrooms and hallways, and cover CO with a separate detector.
How to choose a smoke and CO detector: sensor, battery and standards
Not all smoke detectors are the same, so before buying think about a few things that most decide whether you will be happy and safe. The best smoke detectors match the sensor, battery and standard to your home.
Smoke or CO, or both. A smoke detector detects smoke particles from a fire with a photoelectric sensor and must meet the EN 14604 standard. A carbon monoxide detector detects a colourless, odourless gas with an electrochemical sensor and must meet the EN 50291 standard. They are not interchangeable, so for full protection you need both or a combined unit like the X-Sense SC07-WX that has both sensors.
Standalone, combined or interconnected. Individual detectors are the cheapest and enough for small flats. Combined units save space because they cover both smoke and CO. Interconnected sets (X-Sense XS0B-MR) are best for houses because they all sound at once, so you hear the alarm in distant rooms too. Smart WiFi models additionally send notifications to your phone.
Battery and lifespan. Models with a sealed 10-year lithium battery (Ei650, Hekatron, XS01, ABUS) need no battery change; you replace the whole unit after 10 years. Models with a replaceable battery are cheaper, but the battery must be changed yearly. The sensor itself should be replaced after about 10 years in any case, because it loses sensitivity.
Standards and extra functions. Always check the EN 14604 (smoke) and EN 50291 (CO) marks, because they guarantee the device works properly; both standards require an alarm of at least 85 dB at 3 metres. Functions like a silent-night mode that reduces false alarms, a test button and an app for diagnostics are useful. If you are building a smart home, also see our smart thermostats.
Placement, maintenance and safety
This is the most important part of the article, because even the best detector does not help if it is placed wrong or not maintained. Detectors are life-safety equipment, not a gadget.
How many and where. According to the NFPA, you need at least one smoke detector in each bedroom, one in the hallway outside the bedrooms and at least one on each floor, including a habitable basement. A smoke detector goes on the ceiling, in the centre of the room, at least 10 cm from the wall, and away from the kitchen and bathroom because steam causes false alarms. A CO detector is placed per the manufacturer's instructions, usually at breathing height and near combustion appliances, but not right above the source.
Testing and replacement. Test each detector with the test button at least once a month. For models with a replaceable battery, change the battery once a year or immediately when the device chirps due to low battery. Replace the whole unit after about 10 years, because the sensor loses sensitivity by then.
Why a CO detector is not optional. According to the CDC, carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, so you cannot notice it without a detector, and it can be deadly. If you have gas, wood or oil heating, a fireplace, a boiler or a garage next to living space, a CO detector is essential. Detectors are not a substitute for regular servicing of gas and heating installations.
Conclusion: which smoke detectors are worth it most
The best smoke detectors are chosen by whether you need basic protection, smart notifications or a whole-house system. For the best overall choice there is the reliable Ei Electronics Ei650, and for a smart combination of smoke and CO the X-Sense SC07-WX with WiFi alerts. For a dedicated CO detector choose the ABUS COWM510 or the cheaper X-Sense CO03D with a display, for premium German quality the Hekatron Genius Plus, for the whole house the interconnected X-Sense XS0B-MR set, and for budget the compact X-Sense XS01.
| If you want... | Recommendation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall (smoke) | Ei Electronics Ei650 | 19,99 EUR |
| Smart combined (smoke + CO) | X-Sense SC07-WX | 45,81 EUR |
| Dedicated CO (German brand) | ABUS COWM510 | 39,33 EUR |
| Premium German quality | Hekatron Genius Plus | 25,99 EUR |
| Interconnected whole-house set | X-Sense XS0B-MR set | 67,99 EUR |
| CO with display (affordable) | X-Sense CO03D | 30,25 EUR |
| Smallest budget | X-Sense XS01 | 14,44 EUR |
Whatever you choose, remember that smoke and CO detectors are an investment in safety that pays off the very first night you sleep soundly. Check the EN 14604 and EN 50291 standards, place the detectors in the right spots, test them monthly and replace them at end of life. For full protection cover both smoke and carbon monoxide, because one detector cannot detect both.
Frequently asked questions
How many smoke detectors do I need in a flat or house?
At least one smoke detector in each bedroom, one in the hallway outside the bedrooms and at least one on each floor, including a habitable basement. The NFPA and European guidelines recommend covering every level of the home, with an extra detector for long hallways. Avoid the kitchen and bathroom because of false alarms from steam.
Where do I place a smoke detector and where a CO detector?
A smoke detector goes on the ceiling, in the centre of the room, at least 10 cm from the wall, or if on the wall, the top edge 10 to 30 cm from the ceiling. Keep it away from the kitchen and bathroom because of steam. A CO detector is placed per the manufacturer's instructions, usually at breathing height and near combustion appliances, but not right above the source.
How long does a smoke detector last?
About 10 years. After that the sensor weakens and the whole unit must be replaced, even if it still works, not just the battery. Models with a sealed 10-year lithium battery are replaced entirely when the battery or sensor expires.
What is the difference between a smoke detector and a CO detector?
A smoke detector detects smoke particles from a fire with a photoelectric sensor. A CO detector detects carbon monoxide, a colourless odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion, with an electrochemical sensor. They are not interchangeable: smoke does not trigger a CO sensor and vice versa. For full protection you need both or a combined 2-in-1 unit.
Do I even need a CO detector?
Yes, if you have gas, wood or oil heating, a fireplace, a gas boiler or cooker, a garage next to living space or any combustion appliance. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, so you cannot notice it without a detector, and it can be deadly. A CO detector is the only reliable warning.
How often should I test the detector and change the battery?
Test with the test button at least once a month. For models with a replaceable battery, change the battery once a year or immediately when the device chirps due to low battery. Models with a sealed 10-year battery need no battery change; the whole unit is replaced after 10 years.
How we chose
For this guide we relied on respected safety authorities and standards: the US NFPA for placement and statistics, the CDC and the UK NHS for the dangers of carbon monoxide, and the European standards EN 14604 (smoke) and EN 50291 (CO). We also used manufacturer specifications from Ei Electronics, X-Sense, ABUS and Hekatron. We chose seven smoke detectors and CO detectors with a clear purpose, from basic and budget to smart and interconnected, all available on Amazon.de. All the recommended smoke detectors meet the EN 14604 standard. We pulled live prices from Amazon on the publication date.
We took special care that each model meets the relevant standard and that we write about safety accurately. We did not invent data or overstate protection: a detector is a reliable warning, but it does not replace proper installations or caution. We stressed that for full protection you must cover both smoke and carbon monoxide.
Sources and references
- NFPA - Smoke Alarms (placement and statistics)
- CDC - Carbon Monoxide (safety and prevention)
- NHS - Carbon monoxide poisoning
- EN 14604 - smoke alarm devices (standard)
- EN 50291 - carbon monoxide detectors (standard)
- Ei Electronics - Ei650 smoke alarm
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