The 5 Best Travel-sized Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2024

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These portable carbon monoxide detectors offer peace of mind when away from home.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

When planning to travel, it never hurts to err on the side of caution by packing some safety items. For responsible travelers, this may mean packing a carbon monoxide detector for use in your hotel, rental, or even a hostel. Dubbed the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a “colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas,” Delfin III Lopez, a firefighter with the Barrie Fire Emergency Service in Canada, says. “It can be fatal when inhaled in small or large amounts.”

Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to monitor and alert you of dangerous parts per million (ppm) levels. After hearing horror stories of travelers suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels and rentals, I purchased several to provide peace of mind while traveling, and I recommend every traveler add one to their packing list of essentials.

This travel-friendly carbon monoxide detector's electrochemical sensor can detect carbon monoxide from anywhere in the room.

The “normal functioning” color on the display is red, not green, which may confuse some travelers.

First Alert didn’t miss a beat with their CO605 Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup. This portable device plugs into any standard outlet, providing hassle-free installation in just about any room. If a power outage disrupts your holiday plans, the battery backup also provides an extra layer of protection. The advanced electrochemical sensor makes this unit similar to the carbon monoxide detector you have at home. It’s capable of detecting carbon monoxide from anywhere in the room — perfect for accommodations with oddly-placed outlets.

This detector is also UL certified, meaning that it has been put through rigorous testing to alarm when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected. One downside is that the screen doesn’t display carbon monoxide levels in real time. Instead, an 85-decimal alarm will beep four times if the gas is detected.

The Details: 4.2 ounces | ‎3.4 x 1.38 x 5 inches | 120 volts

The tamper-resist feature triggers an alarm if the plug comes loose from the outlet or is unplugged.

The backup batteries can be tricky to install.

Like any good travel-friendly unit, this Kidde carbon monoxide detector plugs into standard 120V outlets and has a life-saving battery backup. Additional features are pretty brilliant, such as the Peak Level Memory, which records the last time carbon monoxide was detected. The Smart Hush button silences the unit for approximately eight minutes as well, which is helpful if elements in the air trigger false alarms, such as smoke from cooking in your rental kitchen or steam from the shower.

There’s no getting around it: the 85-decimal alarm is loud. While essential in an emergency, some users found it to be a nuisance during testing and false alarms. Finally, the lithium battery lasts 10 years — almost as long as some people’s passports — so you’ll have this trusty sidekick for many years to come.

The Details: 8 ounces | 2.75 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | 120 volts

The freestanding design allows you to bring the detector with you everywhere — even camping.

The replaceable batteries only last five years.

This light and portable device is similar in size and shape to a television remote. With a freestanding setup option, travelers can set up shop anywhere, such as on a counter or dresser. Taking a break from traveling? Simply mount it to the wall until you’re ready to fly the coop again.

The real-time ppm readings are a nice feature usually found on sophisticated models. Plus, the color codes are listed on the device, so no information is left up to interpretation in an emergency. Since the battery can be replaced, it can be taken out and sealed for traveling.

The Details: 3.2 ounces | 0.6 x 5.3 x 2.5 inches | Up to 5 years of battery life

The rechargeable 1000mAh battery charges in 1.5 hours with a USB-C cable and then lasts 120 hours.

The device's buttons aren’t labeled, so you have to remember how long to hold them to reset the alarm.

Traveling off-the-grid? The Pildegro carbon monoxide detector's ultra-fast rechargeable battery ensures you’ve got enough juice (120 hours, to be exact) for all your adventures. Built with portability in mind, this carbon monoxide detector can be used indoors or outdoors. Simply hang it using the handmade lanyard, place it on a tabletop, or secure it using the magnetic backing.

The carbon monoxide device covers a lot of ground with the 0 to 500 ppm range. It does have an adjustable warning range between 25 to 125 ppm as well. This is helpful to utilize in situations where you’re likely to trigger a false alarm, such as when cooking or showering. Since the 3-in-1 multipurpose tool also tells the temperature and humidity, it eliminates the need to pack other bulky devices. If we could change one thing, it would be adding labels to the buttons. This way, you don’t have to remember the instructions on the fly.

The Details: 3.52 ounces | 2.99 x 2.76 x 1.18 inches | Up to 120 hours of battery life | Rechargeable

This small but mighty device has a sticky adhesive that can easily attach to your dashboard.

The included batteries only last between eight and 12 months.

Fuel your next road trip with the Forensics Car, Vehicle, and Aircraft CO detector. While most indoor carbon monoxide detectors won’t sound an alarm if the level is below 30 ppm, it’s necessary when you’re in a vehicle or some other mode of transportation (including aircraft). The Japanese sensor technology of this device comes in clutch as it has a low-level alarm with 9 ppm and 25 ppm alarms. When carbon monoxide is detected, the 70-decibel buzzer alarms and a red light blinks.

When it comes to installation, the stick-on tab at the back attaches securely to your dashboard. The system is easy to use, relying on a single-button operation. The only thing to be aware of is that the included batteries only last eight to 12 months.

The Details: ‎‎‎‎‎2 ounces | 0.8 x 1.9 x 2.7 inches

Wherever you’re traveling, look for a carbon monoxide detector that’s not much larger than a smartphone. It should be small and lightweight enough to fit into most carry-on luggage, checked bags, or backpacks. If your carbon monoxide detector is too bulky, you’re more likely to leave it at home.

If you want a carbon monoxide detector with all the bells and whistles, look for added features that go beyond the norm. For example, there are smart plug-in carbon monoxide detectors that allow you to monitor the carbon monoxide levels via an app. Some apps offer wireless interconnected features, such as voice alerts with the location of the elevated carbon monoxide levels. Another added feature is a detector capable of identifying both carbon monoxide and smoke. This offers dual protection in one single unit.

Portable carbon monoxide detectors are an important travel accessory for safety, much like a personal alarm or an anti-theft backpack. A portable carbon monoxide detector is a life-saving device that protects you and your loved ones in unfamiliar places. In the United States, many states have laws requiring hotels and motels to install carbon monoxide detectors, but not all countries mandate these same rules.

Hosts on Airbnb and VRBO also are not required to install carbon monoxide detectors. However, both companies strongly encourage their hosts to install them near sleeping areas. That said, don’t assume that your accommodations have carbon monoxide detectors. The safest route is to call your accommodations and ask them directly. This will help gauge how necessary it is for you to pack your own.

TSA permits carbon monoxide detectors in your carry-on and checked luggage. If you’re bringing spare lithium batteries with more than 100 watt-hours, be aware that these can only be placed in your carry-on luggage.

Plug-in carbon monoxide detectors work just as well as their battery-powered counterparts. They receive power from an outlet and are extra convenient since they require no installation. Lopez says that the best plug-in carbon monoxide detector is one that has a battery backup. This way, you have the assurance that the device will work in the event of a power outage.

For this article, Sarah Kester utilized her many years of experience as a gear and travel writer. She is passionate about travel safety and hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. A cautious traveler, she owns the First Alert CO605 Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector and the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector Plug-in and uses them on her own travels. She also interviewed Delfin III Lopez, a firefighter with the Barrie Fire Emergency Service in Canada, for his expertise and safety tips.

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