Google Nest Protect Review

We recommend Google Nest Protect in both our smoke alarm and CO detector roundups. What makes this device worth recommending? And what are the cons of using it?

Let’s discuss in this Nest Protect review.

Nest is known for making some of the priciest equipment on the market. But surprisingly, even though the Nest Protect is pricey for a regular smoke detector, it’s a good price for a smart smoke detector. It’s on par with most other smart models and far less expensive than the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound (another smoke-CO detector combo we recommend).

Our only real issue with the equipment is its lack of digital display and obvious silence button.

Most traditional carbon monoxide detectors have a digital display to show carbon monoxide levels and, sometimes, even the temperature. With Nest, you have to go to the app to get that information. We’d prefer to have the choice between the app and the device itself. It’s not always convenient to pull out your phone.

We also aren’t sure if the average user will recognize that the round Nest seal in the center is also the silence button. Traditional smoke or carbon monoxide detectors usually have a button labeled Silence so you don’t overlook it.

We’re already dazzled by Nest’s voice warning system, which goes above and beyond what you’d find in a traditional sensor. But that’s not all that Nest Protect offers. It also has Nightly Promise and Pathlight.

When you turn out the lights at night, the Nest Protect glows green for just a moment to show your detector is working.

If the glow is yellow instead of green, you’ll know something is wrong. When you push the button, you’ll audibly receive more details about how to fix the problem.

Nightly Promise isn’t the only night Nest feature. There’s also Pathlight.

When you walk past your Nest Protect in a dark room or hallway, your detector will emit a soft glow to brighten your way. After ten seconds, the light turns off.

Pathlight is an especially good feature if you get up a lot in the middle of the night. No more fumbling with those light switches or even blearily asking Alexa to turn on the smartbulbs for you.

With Nest, you get limited home automation but significant mobile access.

You can control your Nest Protect through the Nest app. If you have a Nest Secure system or a Nest Learning thermostat, the app will also become your hub to control your entire home. Through the app, you can try some extremely cool integrations, such as the following:

• Integrate your Nest Protect smoke alarm with your smart lights so that they flash different colors during an emergency
• Integrate your Nest Protect smoke alarm with your cameras so that they take footage of a smoke or carbon monoxide incident

If you aren’t a Google Nest brand evangelist, you can still link your Nest Protect detector to the rest of your home through Google Assistant voice commands. But if you’re hoping to link up to Alexa, Homekit, or a Samsung SmartThings hub, it’s not going to happen.

Again, you have mobile control of your sensor using the Nest app. If you need to silence an alarm from far away, it’s a breeze.

But as we mentioned earlier, we feel like the Nest Protect relies a little too heavily on app access. So if the thought of always reaching for your phone to check the CO PPM makes you shudder, this isn’t the right detector for you.

Installing a Nest Protect is supposed to be quick and easy for both the wired and battery-powered versions. Nest even provides a step-by-step guide.

If home improvement projects leave you floundering, you can always hire a professional. Enter your ZIP code in Nest’s Pro Finder to find local installers.

Nest provides 24/7 customer support by online chat, phone, email, and Twitter (by tweeting @googlenesthelp).

We have to say, though, Nest’s customer service is a bit meh. According to customer feedback, the reps usually get the job done, but no one seems to find them overly awe-inducing.

Overall, Nest Protect is a standout choice for a smoke detector.

It has a nice design and plenty of useful features, and it’s compatible with both Google Assistant and other Nest-branded devices. But if you like the traditional digital display or silence button, it’ll take some getting used to.

If you're primarily interested in the smart home aspect of Nest Protect and want to see some other options, here’s our guide to smart home connection.

You can also take a look at our smoke alarm recommendations or our top carbon monoxide detectors.