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.
| Feature | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm | Google Nest Protect (Wired) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $149.00 | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Rating | 2.8 | 4.6 | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Warranty | 10 years | 2 years | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Integrations | Google Home | Google Home, Home Assistant | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Sensors | Smoke, CO | Smoke, CO, Occupancy, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient Light, Motion | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Built-in Light | NO | YES | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Tests Itself | NO | YES | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Pathlight | NO | YES | Google Nest Protect (Wired) |
| Screen | NO | NO | Tie |
| Alerts | Fire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery Alerts | Fire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery Alerts | Tie |
| Built-in Siren | YES | YES | Tie |
- + Price: $129.00
- + Warranty: 10 years
- - Rating: 2.8 vs 4.6
- - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
Winner
50% OFF
$149.00
$299.99
- + Rating: 4.6
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
- + Integrations: Google Home, Home Assistant
- - Price: $149.00 vs $129.00
- - Warranty: 2 years vs 10 years
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?
First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is listed at $129.00, while Google Nest Protect (Wired) is listed at $149.00. 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 (Wired)?
Choose Google Nest Protect (Wired) if your priority is rating and connectivity and that matters more than price.
