First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm vs Heiman Smart CO Alarm

The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm wins overall, since it covers both smoke and carbon monoxide, sends more alert types, and includes steam-check tuning. The Heiman Smart CO Alarm still wins on price and integrations breadth.

Hazard coverage and power source. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm detects smoke and carbon monoxide and is hardwired with a battery backup, while the Heiman Smart CO Alarm detects carbon monoxide only and runs entirely on a replaceable battery.

The Heiman Smart CO Alarm, through Matter over Thread, reaches Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm integrates only with Google Home.

Yes, it includes steam-check technology to help distinguish cooking smoke or shower steam from an actual fire. The Heiman Smart CO Alarm has no equivalent feature, though as a CO-only device it would not trigger on cooking smoke regardless.

Homeowners with existing hardwired alarm circuits who want one unit covering both smoke and carbon monoxide, with Google Home alerts and steam-check filtering.

Buyers who already have smoke detection covered and want an affordable, battery-powered carbon monoxide monitor that reaches Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Samsung SmartThings.