On March 28, Google Nest announced two major changes to its Google Home lineup of smart devices. First, it’s going to end sales of its Nest Protect smoke detector, which featured on our list of recommended smoke detectors as one of the smartest fire alarms available. Second, Nest is entering a new “life-safety partnership” with fire safety brand First Alert.
With this partnership comes new support for First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the Google Home app, as well as a new First Alert Smoke & CO Alarm available in the coming months for those interested in a smart alarm upgrade. Interestingly, this isn’t the first brand re-alignment we’ve seen with smoke detectors this year. At CES 2025, we saw home security company Ring partner with fire alarm company Kidde (another brand featured on our recommendations) with new Ring app-compatible smoke detectors.
“The Nest Protect has been one of our most beloved devices,” said Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home & Nest, “And we are excited to be partnering with established industry leaders like First Alert so users can manage more of their safety devices together, for a safer and more protected home.”
Is First Alert a good choice for smoke detectors?
First Alert is a 65-year-old fire safety company known for its durable products. The brand has appeared on CNET before, particularly for its fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and highly-recommended carbon monoxide detector, and we’ve done in-depth reviews of First Alert models in the past.
First Alert’s latest smoke detector, arriving this year, is a smoke and CO detector in one, with smart features like voice alerts, app notifications when traces of smoke are detected, early low battery alerts and the ability to silence alarms remotely. The alarm is compatible with both the First Alert app and the Google Home app. It will be available on the Google Store (among other channels) when it arrives, for a projected $130 cost. Preorders are available now.
What does this mean for my Nest Protect detector?
Your current Nest Protect should still be safe. Nest isn’t dropping any support for the device at this time. The new compatible First Alert fire alarms will be able to digitally connect with Nest Protect devices so they can sound off in unison, so you could use them interchangeably in your house if you want.
However, the Nest Protect line is ending, and sometimes that can mean a loss of support as the years pass. If Protect features stop working, we’ll be sure to let you know.
As traditional fire alarm companies get smarter with these new 2025 integrations, it’s a great time to check out our list of the best smart home devices as well as our fire safety guide and research on where to put smoke alarms.
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