Smoke & CO Detectors · Head to head

First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm vs Google Nest Protect (Battery)

Full Smart Smoke & CO Detectors comparison in 2026

Data from Amazon and official First Alert and Google sites.
2026 verdict
Across the 2026 comparison, Google Nest Protect (Battery) earns the nod over First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm on the strength of rating, connectivity, and integrations. Its biggest wins come from rating, connectivity, and integrations, and sensors and built-in light adds more confidence to the verdict. First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm remains a niche alternative if price and warranty matters more than the rest of the comparison. As a general recommendation, Google Nest Protect (Battery) comes out on top.
vs
FeatureFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO AlarmGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)Winner
Price$129.00$158.29First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Rating2.84.6Google Nest Protect (Battery)
Warranty10 years2 yearsFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFi, BluetoothGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
IntegrationsGoogle HomeGoogle Home, Home AssistantGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
SensorsSmoke, COSmoke, CO, Occupancy, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient Light, MotionGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
Built-in LightNOYESGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
Tests ItselfNOYESGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
PathlightNOYESGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
ScreenNONOTie
AlertsFire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery AlertsFire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery AlertsTie
Built-in SirenYESYESTie

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better overall: First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm or Google Nest Protect (Battery)?
Google Nest Protect (Battery) has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for rating, connectivity, and integrations.
What is the biggest difference between First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm and Google Nest Protect (Battery)?
Price is one of the clearest differences: First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm lists $129.00, while Google Nest Protect (Battery) lists $158.29.
Which one looks better on price?
First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is listed at $129.00, while Google Nest Protect (Battery) is listed at $158.29. First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm (better spec).
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 warranty and that matters more than rating.
Who should buy Google Nest Protect (Battery)?
Choose Google Nest Protect (Battery) if your priority is rating and connectivity and that matters more than price.
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