10 Best Smoke Alarms 2025 in the UK

The FireAngel Optical Smoke Alarm 2-Pack (FA6620) is a reliable choice for home safety, utilizing a photoelectric sensor that rapidly detects slow-burning fires with thick white smoke. This type of sensor is beneficial in reducing false alarms, particularly from cooking fumes, though placement away from kitchens and bathrooms is advised. One of its major strengths is the 10-year sealed battery, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and ensuring protection over the device's lifetime.

Installation is straightforward with a removable base plate that fits with ease onto the ceiling using screws. Additionally, the alarms come with a test/silence button for easy maintenance and reassurance. Certified with CE and UKCA marks and compliant with BS EN standards, it gives a high level of safety assurance. The 5-year warranty adds further confidence in its durability.

However, a drawback could be the lack of interconnectivity between alarms, which means they cannot communicate with each other across different rooms. This feature can be essential for larger homes where an interconnected system can alert the entire household regardless of the fire's location. Given these aspects, the FireAngel FA6620 is best suited for smaller homes or apartments where a simple, reliable smoke alarm system is needed.

The X-Sense Smoke Alarm SD11 is well-suited for home safety, offering a photoelectric sensor that effectively detects smoke quickly and with reduced false alarms. This makes it a reliable option for early fire detection. One standout feature is its 10-year battery life, which ensures long-term protection without the hassle of frequent battery changes. The inclusion of a built-in lithium battery also means it’s ready to use right out of the box.

Installation is straightforward with a screw-in method, and the package comes with a mounting bracket and necessary hardware. Maintenance is made easy with the alarm’s auto-check function that alerts you to any faults or low battery status. Constructed from fire-retardant ABS material, it adds durability and safety to its design. The 85-decibel alarm ensures that alerts are loud enough to be heard throughout a home, offering peace of mind.

It is a standalone model, meaning it doesn't interconnect with other alarms, which might be a drawback for larger homes where multiple interconnected alarms could enhance safety. The product is certified to the EN 14604 standard, ensuring it meets European safety requirements. Despite its pros, the alarm's functionality is somewhat limited without additional smart features or interconnectivity options, which some users might prefer.