Smoke & CO Detectors · Head to head

Google Nest Protect (Battery) vs Heiman Smart CO Alarm

Full Smart Smoke & CO Detectors comparison in 2026

Updated November 2026
Data from the official Google and Heiman sites.
2026 verdict
Sensor depth wins this round: the Google Nest Protect (Battery) comes out ahead overall, detecting both smoke and carbon monoxide alongside occupancy, temperature, humidity, ambient-light and motion sensing, features the CO-only Heiman Smart CO Alarm simply does not have, plus self-testing, an automatic pathlight, and steam-check tuning. The Heiman Smart CO Alarm keeps pace on price, a battery rated to last far longer between changes, and broader integrations, reaching Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant through Matter over Thread, versus the Nest Protect's Google Home and Home Assistant support. The two also serve different purposes: the Nest Protect is a full smoke-and-CO alarm meant to replace your primary detector, while the Heiman is a standalone CO monitor best paired with existing smoke coverage. Households wanting one premium alarm that handles smoke, CO, and a deep sensor suite should get the Google Nest Protect (Battery), while budget-focused buyers who just need a long-lasting, widely-compatible CO monitor alongside smoke detectors they already own should pick the Heiman Smart CO Alarm.
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FeatureGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)Heiman Smart CO AlarmWinner
Rating4.43.6Google Nest Protect (Battery)
Battery Life2 years10 yearsHeiman Smart CO Alarm
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, OtherThread ProtocolGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, MatterHeiman Smart CO Alarm
SensorsSmoke, CO, Occupancy, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient Light, MotionCOGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
AlertsFire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery AlertsCO Alerts, Low Battery AlertsGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
Tests ItselfYESNOGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
PathlightYESNOGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
Steam CheckYESNOGoogle Nest Protect (Battery)
Local ControlPartiallyYESHeiman Smart CO Alarm
ScreenNONOTie
Built-in SirenYESYESTie
Winner
Price unavailable right now
  • + Rating: 4.4
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Other
  • + Sensors: Smoke, CO, Occupancy, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient Light, Motion
  • - Battery Life: 2 years vs 10 years
  • - Integrations: Google Home, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
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Prime exclusive deal
$45.59
$47.99
  • + Battery Life: 10 years
  • + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
  • + Local Control: YES
  • - Rating: 3.6 vs 4.4
  • - Connectivity: Thread Protocol vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Other

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: the Google Nest Protect (Battery) or the Heiman Smart CO Alarm?

The Google Nest Protect (Battery) wins overall thanks to its much deeper sensor suite, self-testing, pathlight and steam-check tuning. The Heiman Smart CO Alarm still wins on price, battery longevity and integrations breadth.

What is the biggest difference between these two alarms?

Sensor scope. The Google Nest Protect (Battery) detects smoke, CO, occupancy, temperature, humidity, ambient light and motion in one unit, while the Heiman Smart CO Alarm only detects carbon monoxide.

Which alarm's battery lasts longer between changes?

The Heiman Smart CO Alarm is rated for a considerably longer battery life than the Google Nest Protect (Battery), which runs on AA cells with a comparatively shorter rated life.

Which one reaches more smart home platforms?

The Heiman Smart CO Alarm, through Matter over Thread, reaches Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant. The Google Nest Protect (Battery) works with Google Home and Home Assistant only.

Who should buy the Google Nest Protect (Battery)?

Households wanting one comprehensive alarm that covers smoke, carbon monoxide, and extra sensing like occupancy and motion, with self-testing and an automatic pathlight built in.

Who should buy the Heiman Smart CO Alarm?

Buyers who already have smoke detection in place and want an affordable, long-lasting, widely-compatible carbon monoxide monitor to add alongside it.

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