I wanted smart smoke detectors without paying Nest Protect prices. The X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector provides phone notifications and interconnection at a much lower price point. It's not fancy, but it does the essential job.
Design & Build
Standard round smoke detector appearance. White plastic that matches most ceilings. Nothing visually remarkable, which is fine for a smoke detector.
Compact enough to not be obtrusive. The test button and status LED are accessible.
Build quality is acceptable. It feels like a standard smoke detector, not premium but not cheap.
Features
Photoelectric smoke sensing with smart home connectivity. Sends push notifications to your phone when alarm triggers - invaluable for knowing about issues when away from home.
Multiple X-Sense detectors interconnect wirelessly - when one alarms, they all alarm. Important for larger homes.
10-year sealed battery means no battery changes. The detector is replaced wholesale after a decade, which is standard practice anyway.
Works with the X-Sense app. No direct Alexa/Google/HomeKit integration, though IFTTT support provides workarounds.
No CO detection - this is smoke only. For combo detection, look at other models.
Performance
Smoke detection works - I've tested with test spray and it alarms appropriately. The interconnection feature triggers all detectors as advertised.
Push notifications arrive within seconds of alarm trigger. This has genuine safety value for being alerted while away.
False alarms have been minimal. Cooking smoke near the detector triggered it once, which is actually correct behavior.
The app shows detector status and battery levels clearly.
Ease of Use
Installation is standard smoke detector mounting. The interconnection pairing is straightforward - hold buttons, they find each other.
App setup requires creating an account and adding each detector. Simple but a few steps.
Maintenance is minimal due to sealed battery. Monthly test button press is recommended.
Value
Around $35-40 per detector. That's significantly cheaper than Nest Protect ($120) while providing the key smart feature: phone notifications.
Multi-packs bring per-unit costs down further.
The 10-year sealed battery eliminates battery replacement hassles and costs.
For budget smart smoke detection, the value is excellent.
Pros
- Affordable smart smoke detection
- Phone notifications when triggered
- Wireless interconnection works
- 10-year sealed battery
- No subscription required
- Reliable smoke sensing
Cons
- No direct voice assistant integration
- App-only (no HomeKit/Alexa/Google)
- Smoke only (no CO detection)
- X-Sense app is basic
- Requires replacing entire unit at end of life
Final Grade
The X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector delivers the most important smart smoke detector feature - phone notifications - at a fraction of Nest Protect's price. The wireless interconnection and 10-year sealed battery add practical value. The lack of direct voice assistant integration is a limitation, but for core safety functionality, it works well. If you want smart smoke detection without premium pricing, X-Sense is a sensible choice.