Data from Amazon and official First Alert site.
2026 verdict
Across the 2026 comparison, First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm earns the nod over First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm on the strength of price. It wins the broader comparison through price, while its broader overall balance helps confirm the result. Pick First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm only when rating is the deciding factor for your setup. In practical terms, First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is the easier product to recommend.
vs
Winner
| Feature | First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.98 | $129.00 | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Rating | 3.5 | 2.8 | First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | Tie |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Integrations | Google Home | Google Home | Tie |
| Screen | NO | NO | Tie |
| Sensors | Smoke, CO | Smoke, CO | Tie |
| Alerts | Fire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery Alerts | Fire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery Alerts | Tie |
| Built-in Siren | YES | YES | Tie |
| Built-in Light | NO | NO | Tie |
| Tests Itself | NO | NO | Tie |
| Pathlight | NO | NO | Tie |
- + Rating: 3.5
- - Price: $129.98 vs $129.00
Winner
- + Price: $129.00
- - Rating: 2.8 vs 3.5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is better overall: First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm or First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm?
First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for price.
What is the biggest difference between First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm and First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm?
Price is one of the clearest differences: First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm lists $129.98, while First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm lists $129.00.
Which one looks better on price?
First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is listed at $129.98, while First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is listed at $129.00. First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm (better spec).
Who should buy First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm?
Choose First Alert SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm if your priority is rating and that matters more than price.
Who should buy First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm?
Choose First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm if your priority is price and that matters more than rating.
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SC5 Battery Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
$129.98 - First Alert
SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
$129.00