How long do Google Nest Protect smoke detectors typically last?

There are many common problems with Google Home devices. Yet this largely doesn’t apply to the Google Nest Protect smoke and CO detectors, which many say work well. Although it was discontinued in 2025, many Nest Protects are still in use, which may leave owners wondering how long they should last.

The answer varies depending on the lifespan of the smart alarm and the reliability of the device itself. The second-generation Nest Protect lasts 10 years from the date of manufacture: this isn’t the date you activated it, but rather the day it left the factory. This is a typical time frame for smoke and CO sensors to reach the end of their useful life. Three months before it breaks, your Nest Protect will send you a push notification and if you don’t replace it after the expiration date, the alarm will start ringing continuously.

It’s unfortunate that the Nest Protect has joined the ranks of discontinued Google Chromecasts, because judging by the talk online, they were pretty reliable. Except for complaints about a shorter lifespan of 8 years, in some cases most users are disappointed with the discontinuation of the product. One disgruntled Reddit user owned multiple Google Nest Protect units for 10 years and noted that they all worked perfectly.

Just because Google removed a product doesn’t mean you can’t find one that’s still sealed and circulating online. On eBay there are new Nest Protect devices that will work as expected well into the 2030s. Be sure to confirm the manufacturing date though to see how much time you have to be safe.

There’s one problem, though: sealed Nest Protects can be expensive, with some going as high as $200. If you want to switch sides, there are plenty of highly rated smart home smoke detectors that are solid alternatives to the Google Nest Protect. For example, the It costs $46, works with a smart app, and is compatible with Home Assistant.