Winner
Updated November 2026
Data from the official First Alert and X-Sense sites.
2026 verdict
Hardwired or battery, it comes down to ecosystem and warranty: the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm takes this smoke and CO alarm comparison with a 10-year warranty against 5 years, Google Home integration and steam check.
The X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector counters with an LCD screen, a built-in light, stronger owner feedback and documented Home Assistant support. They share the essentials: smoke and carbon monoxide sensing, a built-in siren, low-battery alerts and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Installation is the practical split, since the SC5 Hardwire runs on mains power with a 3V lithium backup while the X-Sense is battery powered on CR123A. Buy the SC5 Hardwire to replace a wired alarm in a Google Home; buy the X-Sense for a battery unit with a display.
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
vs
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm | X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.4 | 4.7 | X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Integrations | Google Home | Home Assistant | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Screen | NO | YES | X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector |
| Built-in Light | NO | YES | X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector |
| Steam Check | YES | NO | First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 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 |
| Tests Itself | NO | NO | Tie |
| Pathlight | NO | NO | Tie |
Winner
- + Warranty: 10 years
- + Integrations: Google Home
- + Steam Check: YES
- - Rating: 3.4 vs 4.7
- - Screen: NO vs YES
£44.47
- + Rating: 4.7
- + Screen: YES
- + Built-in Light: YES
- - Warranty: 5 years vs 10 years
- - Integrations: Home Assistant vs Google Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm or X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector?
The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm wins on warranty, Google Home integration and steam check. The X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector wins on its screen, light and owner feedback.
What is the biggest difference between the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm and the X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector?
Power. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is wired with a 3V lithium backup battery, while the X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector runs on a CR123A battery.
Which one has a screen?
Only the X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector has one, an LCD. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm has no screen.
Which smart home platforms do they work with?
The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm works with Google Home. The X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector works with Home Assistant. Neither supports Alexa, Apple Home, SmartThings or Matter.
Who should buy the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm?
The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm fits homes with existing wired alarm locations, Google Home and a preference for a 10-year warranty.
Who should buy the X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector?
The X-Sense WiFi Smoke & CO Detector fits buyers who want a battery alarm with an LCD readout, a built-in light and Home Assistant.
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