First Alert SC5 (SMCO600NV) (Battery, Google Home compatible) review 2027

What problem does the First Alert SC5 (SMCO600NV) solve?

The First Alert SC5 (SMCO600NV) is a battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that reports to the Google Home app, so phone alerts arrive alongside the 85 dB local siren. That combination — app notification plus a loud in-room alarm — is the benefit the verdict leans on: "The clearest reason to pick this one over a cheaper combo alarm is the Google Home integration — useful if you're already in that ecosystem."

It also pairs an electrochemical CO sensor with a photoelectric smoke sensor, which the test notes describe as "the combination CPSC recommends over ionization alone." A 10-year limited warranty backs the unit.

How did it score 7.4 out of 10?

The score is built from five weighted criteria.

• Certification & rating — 24 of 30. This criterion measures UL 217/2034 certification for smoke and CO alarms. The SC5 keeps most of the available points here.
• Independent review consensus — 17 of 25. This measures how hands-on testing outlets rate the model. The SC5 loses ground because no independent third-party test score was found for this exact model.
• Ease of use — 16 of 20. Mounting, hush controls and app or voice alerts all count. Google Home app alerts are the standout here.
• Battery & backup — 11 of 15. Battery type and sealed life are judged.
• Value — 6 of 10. Price is weighed against coverage and warranty. At $129.99 for a battery-only unit, it gives up points to cheaper sealed-battery rivals.

What are the standout strengths?

Three concrete strengths come out of testing. First, Google Home app support delivers phone alerts alongside the 85 dB local alarm — useful if your household already runs on Google Nest or Google Home. Second, the sensing pair is the one safety bodies favor: an electrochemical CO sensor plus a photoelectric smoke sensor, described as the combination CPSC recommends over ionization alone. Third, the unit carries a 10-year limited warranty, matching the coverage window of several sealed-battery competitors.

How do the two sensor types work?

Photoelectric smoke sensing uses a light source and a sensor inside a chamber. When smoke particles scatter the light onto the sensor, the alarm triggers. It responds well to smoldering, smoky fires. Electrochemical CO sensing uses electrodes in a chemical cell that reacts with carbon monoxide, producing a small electrical current proportional to the CO present; the alarm sounds when that current crosses its threshold. Together they cover two different hazards — smoke particles and invisible CO gas — in one housing.

What is the build and what powers it?

The device is a smoke & CO alarm. The alarm volume is 85 dB, the standard figure shared with the combo alarms below. Warranty coverage is 10 years.

How does it compare with tested competitors?

Against the X-Sense SC07 (8.9, $42.99), the SC5 is behind on score and far behind on price. The SC07 is a UL 217 & UL 2034 certified smoke + CO combo with a 10-year sealed lithium battery, an LCD display and 85 dB alarm — and it was reported as a top pick among combo alarms. The SC5 answers with Google Home app alerts, which the SC07 does not list.

Against the Kidde P4010ACSCO-WF (7.8), the SC5 scores slightly higher. The Kidde is hardwired with a 10-year sealed battery backup, WiFi and Alexa voice alerts, and 85 dB output. The SC5 is battery-only but speaks Google Home instead of Alexa.

The other tested rivals are fire extinguishers, not alarms. The Kidde FA110 (8.1, $19.97) is a UL rated 1-A:10-B:C extinguisher, 2.5 lb, with a 12-year service-free design and Coast Guard approval. The First Alert HOME1 (7.9, $19.99) is a 1-A:10-B:C steel extinguisher with a 10-year warranty. The Kidde Pro 210 (7.8, ~$54.97 at Home Depot) is a 2-A:10-B:C unit, 4 lb, with a mounting bracket and 6-year warranty. None of them detect smoke or CO.

Feature comparison: SC5 vs. other combo alarms

Type, battery and alarm volume are the shared labels across the three combo alarms in this test group.

• X-Sense SC07: Smoke & CO alarm; 10-year sealed lithium; 85 dB; UL 217 & UL 2034; $42.99.
• Kidde P4010ACSCO-WF: Smoke & CO alarm; 10-year sealed backup with hardwired primary; 85 dB; WiFi and Alexa voice alerts.

All three list 85 dB. The battery row is where the SC5 diverges: replaceable CR123A cells rather than a sealed pack or hardwired primary.

Where does it fall short?

The recorded weaknesses are specific. Value is the main one: it loses to sealed-battery alternatives on price, and no independent test score was found for this exact model. And at $129.99 it is a premium price for a battery-only unit, with no hardwired primary option listed.

Is $129.99 good value?

The price summary is $129.99. On the value criterion it earned 6 of 10 points, and the stated reason is price against coverage and warranty.

Who should buy the First Alert SC5?

It remains right for Google Home and Nest households. If your home already runs on that ecosystem, the app alerts are the reason to choose this model over a cheaper combo alarm. Buyers who want the lowest upfront price, a sealed battery, or a hardwired primary should look at the alternatives above instead.