X-Sense XS01-WT Wi-Fi Smoke Detector Overview
The XS01-WT Wi-Fi smoke detector is one of five smoke-only detectors available from X-Sense and one of two that are Wi-Fi connectable.
The XS01-WR is the original model of the XS01 line. It has all the same features as the XS01-WT minus Wi-Fi connectivity. It is also interconnectable with other WR units, which the WT lacks.
The other new product from X-Sense is the XS03-WX. This unit is very similar to the XS01-WT and is also Wi-Fi connectable. The only physical difference is in the design of the air intakes. In terms of tech changes, the XS03-WX works with an app developed by X-Sense while the WT and previous models work only with the Tuya Home app.
The XS01-WT is a photoelectric smoke detector, meaning it senses smoke via the disruption of a light beam. Like all X-Sense products, the design is sleek and undersized to better fit with your home decor.
Of course, the most distinguishing feature of the XS01-WT is that it can connect to your home's Wi-Fi. This allows you to control and check on the functionality of your smoke detector from your smartphone. And most importantly, it allows you to receive notifications about alarms on your phone no matter where you are.
X-Sense has been producing home protection and safety equipment since 2015. In addition to safety detection systems, they also sell home security systems. The company has earned a reputation for creating smart, functional devices that blend more seamlessly with daily life.
Their newest smoke detector certainly has all the right features to live up to that standard, but how does it deliver?
I had the chance to test the XS01-WT in my own home. Keep reading to find out where it impressed and where it fell short and to see my full X-Sense XS01-WT Wifi Smoke Detector review.
How the X-Sense XS01-WT Wi-Fi Smoke Detector Performs
On the surface, the X-Sense XS01-WT seems like a great product. But a smart smoke detector is only worth the purchase if it can deliver on both the "smart" and the "smoke detection" aspects equally well.
Smoke Detection
Since there aren't any universal testing parameters for smoke detectors, testing the smoke detection capabilities of the XS01-WT took a little creativity.
In order to get an idea of how sensitive and reliable it was, I paired it with my Kidde NightHawk smoke detector and did a number of tests to gauge its sensitivity and reaction time. Both detectors use photoelectric sensing and, therefore, should have similar response times to the same input.
In the first test, I placed four lit candles below the smoke alarms (which were hung vertically at the same height above the source). Only the Kidde detector went off in this test, which was expected since it includes a heat sensor and the XS01-WT does not.
In the second test, I lit one candle and blew it out. This time, only the X-Sense alarmed. Even after multiple minutes, the Kidde failed to alarm.
In the final test, I lit and blew out four candles below the detectors. Both detectors alarmed after a few seconds, but the X-Sense alarmed first.
Overall, the XS01-WT never failed to alarm when smoke was present in the air at levels high enough to trigger the Kidde smoke detector. And, in all tests involving smoke, it appeared to be more sensitive to smoke than the Kidde detector.
Smart Device App
Connecting the X-Sense XS01-WT to the smartphone app is easy; you just need to scan the QR codes on the box or in the manual to download the app.
To connect the app to your device, follow the instructions in the manual rather than relying on prompts within the app itself. As long as you do this, the connection process is super simple and takes less than a minute.
Once connected, you'll be able to choose which settings to turn on and off. These settings include different alarm alerts, device self-check notifications, and a low battery warning.
If the detector senses smoke at any point, you will be notified that the alarm is sounding through push notifications on your smartphone. If it's a false alarm, you even have the option to silence it through the app. This a great feature, especially if the alarm is mounted on the ceiling where it would be hard to reach to manually silence it.
Ease Of Installation/Use
Installing the X-Sense XS01-WT is about as easy or even easier than your traditional smoke detector. There are two installation options - drilling or using an adhesive pad.
For the standard installation:- Use a drill to install the anchors
- Screws in your ceiling or wall
- Screw the base directly into the anchors (or a stud)
- Attach the detector.
- Slap the double sticky pad on the base
- Press it into place on a clean, smooth surface, and you're ready to go.
The detector itself has a test/silence button, as most traditional detectors do. It uses a CR123A battery (included), which should last about a year in this model.
This isn't a common battery type, do be prepared to work a little harder when it's time to replace it. Your local grocery store may not carry this type, but you should be able to find it at any home improvement store.
Connectivity
The XS01-WT detector can be connected to multiple phones via the downloadable app. This is a great feature that allows all members of the home to receive alarm notifications.
In terms of additional connectivity, the XS01-WT can be controlled via any smart home device compatible with the Tuya Smart app. At this time, that list includes Alexa and Google Home. You have to go through your smart home device to link to the Tuya app, allowing you to get notifications from the XS01-WT detector on that device.
Pricing
Considering that the XS01-WT Wi-Fi-enabled smoke detector only costs about $5 to $15 more than your typical traditional 10-year smoke detector, I feel that this product is incredibly well priced.
For the money, you'll get a smoke detector capable of warning you about a potential fire at home even when you're far from it. The app is free, and there are no subscription fees.
I think that peace of mind is well worth an additional $15.
X-Sense XS01-WT Alternatives
The X-Sense XS01-WT smoke detector is a great choice for those looking for a smart smoke detector to protect their home. But if you already have a smart system in place or need a different kind of notification setup, there are other choices worth considering.
If your home has Z-wave devices, then the First Alert Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm would make a more appropriate addition to your safety arsenal. Like the XS01-WT, this alarm can push real-time notifications to your smartphone. It also connects directly to your Z-wave hub and can be interconnected with Ring, Nexia Home, and other home security systems.
If you're less worried about getting fire alarm notifications when you're away and more concerned about the alarm, the X-Sense XS01-WR Smoke Detector may be a better buy for you. This detector is very similar to the WT, but instead of connecting to Wi-Fi, it connects to other detector models in the Link+ series. Because of this interconnectivity, if one goes off, they all go off.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart Smoke Detector
Before committing to any particular product, it is important to take time to consider how you would like your new device to function. Here are some aspects worth considering before you make your purchase.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity - Alarms with Wi-Fi connectivity work with a smartphone app to give you real-time alarm information no matter where you are.
- Interconnectivity - Detectors that are interconnected with others will simultaneously alarm even if smoke is only detected in one room.
- Home system compatibility - Compatibility with home security systems can be attained through compatible apps or by using a universal wireless communications protocol like Z-wave.
- Sensing type - Smoke detectors work in one of two ways. Photoelectric devices use a light beam to sense smoke particles in the air. On the other hand, ionization alarms use electrically charged plates to detect smoke particles. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. You can find out more here.
- Additional features - Smoke detectors can also have dual sensors that also alarm when carbon monoxide is present. It is suggested that you have smoke detectors in every bedroom in the home, while carbon monoxide detectors are only needed near gas and combustion sources.
Conclusion
A smart smoke detector is one of those fancy new tech devices we really should all have. The peace of mind that comes from getting real-time notifications about potential home fires when you're away from home is invaluable.
The X-Sense XS01-WT Wi-Fi Smoke Detector comes with the right tech to keep you informed and is built to reliably alarm at even lower smoke concentrations than your average traditional detector. And it's available at a price that isn't much higher than those not-so-smart traditional devices.
To learn more about what X-Sense has to offer or to purchase an XS01-WT for yourself, click here.
