We compared two 10-year battery smoke alarms: the X-Sense SD11 Smoke Alarm and the FireAngel FA6620 Optical Smoke Alarm.
What we looked at
Sensor type, battery life, test features, certification, and price.
The verdict
If you want the lower price with a photoelectric sensor and a silence button, the X-Sense SD11 is the pick at £8.93. If you would rather have an optical alarm with a quiet self-test and a base plate that matches the ST622, the FireAngel FA6620 is the alternative, at £11.38.
A £8.93 photoelectric alarm with a 10-year sealed battery and silence button.
An £11.38 optical alarm with a 10-year battery and quiet self-test.
X-Sense SD11 Smoke Alarm with 10-Year Sealed Battery (1 Pack) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a photoelectric smoke alarm with a built-in non-replaceable lithium battery for up to 10 years, continuous self-checking for faults and low battery, an 85-decibel alarm, an LED indicator and silence button, and conformity to EN 14604. Carries 4.5 stars from 7.2K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the FireAngel on these listings, at £8.93
- Photoelectric sensor with a 10-year sealed battery
- Silence button and LED indicator
- Slightly higher star rating than the FireAngel (4.5 vs 4.3)
Worth knowing
- No quiet self-test stated, unlike the FireAngel
- Listing is for a 1 pack only
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone who wants a silence button
- Those who want a continuous self-check
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a reduced-volume self-test
- Anyone who needs a base plate matching an ST622
FireAngel FA6620 Optical Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery (1 Pack) — Quiet Self-Test
Intended for: Marketed as an optical smoke alarm with a 10-year sealed battery, an advanced optical sensor described as less prone to false alerts from cooking fumes, a quiet reduced-sound self-test, a removable base plate identical to the ST622 base, and UKCA marking with certification to BS EN 14604:2005+AC:2008. Carries 4.3 stars from 8K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Quiet self-test without the full-volume siren
- Optical sensor described as less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking fumes
- Base plate matches the ST622, easing replacement
- UKCA marked and certified to BS EN 14604
Worth knowing
- Costs £2.45 more than the X-Sense on these listings
- Slightly lower star rating than the X-Sense (4.3 vs 4.5)
Best for
- Buyers replacing a FireAngel ST-622 or ST-620
- Anyone who wants a quieter self-test
- Those who want UKCA marking stated
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants the highest star rating
