A fire alarm seems straightforward at first glance, but pitting Roost's innovative 9V smart battery against the Nest Protect smoke and CO detector reveals game-changing features we didn't know we needed.
Smoke detectors have one core job: screech at the first sign of smoke. Yet, advancements like the Roost smart battery and Nest Protect (see our Nest Protect Review and Giveaway, and explore 6 smart detectors to protect your home) prove there's plenty of room for smart upgrades. In this hands-on comparison, we've tested both to highlight pros, cons, and which fits your home best.
Drawing from our real-world testing, we'll break down installation, app integration, alerts, and value to help you decide.
The Roost is a 9V battery at heart, but far from ordinary. As we covered in our guide to using the right battery for the job, not all are equal.
It powers your smoke and CO detectors with 9 volts—for $34.99, versus $7.99 for a standard 9V. Why the 400% premium? It fixes common pain points:
For testing, I used a Kidde smoke alarm bought at Staples.
I handed a cheap 'Kidde' 9V to my kid for toys, swapping in the Roost. First, pair it via the app (details below).
Download the free Roost app from Google Play or iTunes.
Setup is simple: Tap the '+' to add a battery, select its home location—like my son's upstairs hallway.
Pair by holding your phone's speaker to the battery's mic; it emits a loud buzz until connected. Odd but effective—no Bluetooth needed, keeping costs low and setup quick.
Install the battery and detector. You'll get push notifications for alarms worldwide via the cloud—no home Wi-Fi required.
The app shows battery life (rated ~5 years per detector) and alarm history.
Best feature: Invite family or friends to receive alerts via the app. Works with wired or battery detectors needing a 9V backup.
Roost CEO and co-founder Roel Peeters shared their mission: Deliver smart smoke/CO detection for everyday users, sans Nest's complexity. He notes Roost lacks fancy chimes but deems them unnecessary.
How does the Roost stack up?
Pros:
Cons:
Nest Protect arrives ready-to-install with clear guides.
Setup's straightforward but turn off power to existing wired detectors first.
Remove old unit/base to expose wires. Connect Nest's white/black wires to house wiring; cap reds with a wire nut.
Screw base to box, mount Nest by aligning tabs, press flush, and twist until logo's level.
Quick if you're comfortable with wiring.
Use the free Nest app (Google Play/iTunes), same as for thermostats. Add device, select Protect, enter Wi-Fi password for cloud connect.
Status shows 'All good.' Set path light brightness; it appears on home screen.
Expect alarms for high smoke/CO, early warnings for traces.
Family needs your Nest login for alerts—no simple invites. IFTTT enables email/Twitter integrations (6 smart indoor air quality monitors).
Sleek design beats bulky standards. Features: alarms, notifications, path light.
Pros:
Cons:
I started Nest-biased (love my Nest Thermostat), but testing surprised me—Roost matches core remote alerts and low-battery warnings at a fraction of the cost.
No IFTTT, but easy family invites. At $34.99, smarten all detectors for one Nest's price. Best for homes with many detectors: Roost.
For 2-3 detectors: Nest Protect. Extra cash buys interconnection, self-tests, status light.
What do you think of Roost vs. Nest? Which would upgrade your detectors? Share in comments!
