Smoke & CO Detectors · Head to head

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

Full Smart Smoke & CO Detectors comparison in 2026

Updated June 2026
Data from Amazon and official First Alert and Google sites.
2026 verdict
Between Google Nest Protect (Wired) and First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm, Google Nest Protect (Wired) is the better overall pick in 2026, leading on rating, connectivity, and integrations. The comparison tilts its way because of rating, connectivity, and integrations, with sensors and built-in light keeping it in front. First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm can still be the right pick, but only if price and warranty outweighs the wider strengths of Google Nest Protect (Wired). That makes Google Nest Protect (Wired) the clearer recommendation in 2026.
FeatureFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO AlarmGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)Winner
Price$129.00$149.00First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Rating2.84.6Google Nest Protect (Wired)
Warranty10 years2 yearsFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFi, BluetoothGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)
IntegrationsGoogle HomeGoogle Home, Home AssistantGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)
SensorsSmoke, COSmoke, CO, Occupancy, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient Light, MotionGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)
Built-in LightNOYESGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)
Tests ItselfNOYESGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)
PathlightNOYESGoogle Nest Protect (Wired)
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 (Wired)?
Google Nest Protect (Wired) 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 (Wired)?
Price is one of the clearest differences: First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm lists $129.00, while Google Nest Protect (Wired) lists $149.00.
Which one looks better on 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 warranty and that matters more than rating.
Who should buy Google Nest Protect (Wired)?
Choose Google Nest Protect (Wired) if your priority is rating and connectivity and that matters more than price.
More Smoke & CO Detectors

Top Smoke & CO Detectors to compare next

Compare Smart Smoke & CO alarms by power source, connectivity, sensors, alerts, display, integrations, automations, and safety features.

Compare Smoke & CO Detectors
First Alert

More First Alert products

A sharper look at other First Alert products worth comparing.

Explore First Alert
Google

More Google products

A sharper look at other Google products worth comparing.

Explore Google