But in our long-term testing, we’ve seen a significant improvement in reliability in the app. When we first started testing Onelink alarms, the app was frustrating to use and constantly logged us out (therefore not sending alerts when the alarms went off). This videowalks you through the initial configuration of the Night Owl X App on an iOS device, including adding a compatible DVR/NVR to the App and adjusting. There’s no self-testing feature, but you can test it through the app, rather than having to climb on a ladder. You can silence certain alarms from the app or a button on top of the device. Neither Onelink alarm has an early warning-just a siren followed by a voice and location warning after about 30 seconds. Both work with HomeKit and can trigger automations (Onelink advertises Alexa compatibility but the alarms can’t trigger Routines in Alexa). First Alert’s Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector (second-gen) and First Alert’s Onelink Safe & Sound. I have double checked the apps have access to cell data. I've tried Night Owl HD and Night Owl X (both iOS) and have deleted and re-added the device without any success from outside my network. To confirm you are buying the newest version, look for a UL217v8 label on the box, or consult the product description for the phrase “Helps reduce cooking nuisance alarms.”Īlthough we strongly recommend our picks for most people, if you’re looking for a HomeKit-compatible alarm, or you really don’t want to buy into the Google Nest ecosystem, First Alert’s Onelink brand is currently your best option. Figuring this was a router issue I started with double checking the app still works and updating it and trying a different version. Note that Nest is releasing an updated version of this model that will be compliant with newer UL standards (specifically UL217v8).
The Protect is also the simplest smart alarm to install and control. You can silence nuisance alarms through the Protect’s app, so you’ll be less likely to disable it in a fit of annoyance (as many people do when an alarm starts chirping). If you have more than one Protect, they interconnect wirelessly, and the Protect also self-tests and informs you of device malfunctions or low batteries via smartphone alerts-without those annoying chirps. Easy wireless setup for Night Owl Wireless cameras.
The second-generation Google Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is the best smart smoke alarm for everyone because it reliably and calmly alerts you to potential danger-whether you’re home or away-using a combination of voice, siren, and smartphone alerts. Night Owl Pro Features: Quick and easy mobile setup with Owl Scan.