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The 8 Best Gas Leak Detectors of 2024

Track and get alerts to any leaks that could be dangerous

First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Backlit Digital Display

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are standard in most homes, but gas leaks are another threat that homeowners need to be aware of and monitor. Some units are portable, and others are meant to monitor rooms continuously.

If you work with potentially hazardous gases or install equipment, a gas leak detector can be handy to have on hand to ensure that everything is safe. The main purpose of a gas leak detector is to check for natural gas or other gaseous materials that have broken containment from any pipeline—at home or on the job.

From popular brands such as FirstAlert and Kidde, we researched the best gas leak detectors available online, evaluating each model's type, power source, and value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Backlit Digital Display

Amazon

What We Like
  • Detects CO, propane, and natural gas leaks

  • Loud alarm

  • Backlit digital display is easy to read

  • Backup power

What We Don't Like
  • The battery runs down quickly

First Alert has a range of reliable alarms, and the Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide alarm is one of the most thorough. It can detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, propane, and natural gas leaks. The alarm is loud enough to reach any room in most homes. It also has a visual alert signal that lights up when you should move for fresh air. If a gas leak is detected, the detector sounds an 85-decibel alarm, equivalent to the sound of a nearby food blender. This product is UL-certified and comes with a five-year limited warranty. 

You can track the peak level and the current level on the digital display screen. The screen is backlit, so you never need to worry about being able to see it. It also has a test button and a low battery alert, which are important to ensure you are never without safety monitoring.

The alarm does take a 9V battery, which is included. The battery life isn’t great. Fortunately, the alarm also plugs into any standard wall outlet for backup power. There are cheaper detectors available, but few of them test for all three gases. For regular home monitoring, the First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is hard to beat.

Types of gas monitored: Carbon monoxide, propane, natural gas | Power source: Battery, wall outlet

Best Budget

Techamor Y201 Portable Gas Leak Detector

Techamor Y201 Portable Gas Leak Detector

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very portable

  • Flexible gooseneck probe

  • Audible alarm and visual level indicator

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t continuously monitor

The Techamore Y201 gas leak detector can be taken to any area where a leak is suspected to be happening. In addition to its budget-friendly price, portability is one of its most useful features. It is used primarily for propane and natural gas leaks, but the sniffer will also detect gasoline, sewer gas, and even coal gas.

It reacts immediately with an audible alarm and a level indicator light. Natural gases like methane and propane fuel many gas-powered appliances, like stoves, furnaces, and water heaters. It's crucial to be aware that natural gas is highly combustible, and a gas leak can result in an explosion if it's exposed to a lit match or light switch.  

It has a 12-inch gooseneck that can bend to get into tight spaces.  This device operates on three AAA batteries, and it can last up to four hours. It is also UL-certified.  If the Techamor Y201 detects a gas leak, it will notify you with an 85-decibel alarm and flashing red LED lights. You can adjust the device to minimize false alarms, so we recommend consulting your user manual. It isn’t ideal for continuous monitoring since the probe is small and directional. But if you are working on a project and want to ensure that you’ve turned off the gas, this is a really handy tool to have.

Types of gas monitored: Propane, natural gas, gasoline, sewer gas, coal gas | Power source: battery

Best for Carbon Monoxide

Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector

Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In AC/DC Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very reliable

  • Visual and audible alarms

  • Continuous power with battery backup

  • 10-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Only detects one type of gas

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly, and continuous monitoring is essential. The Kidde Nighthawk plug-in CO detector monitors the levels of carbon monoxide in your home continuously and reliably. It has a digital display that shows detected levels and an alarm that can reach 85 decibels. This unit plugs into an outlet. It also comes with a 9V battery, so it keeps working during a power outage.

It is a bit pricey when you consider that it only detects one gas, carbon monoxide. However, carbon monoxide is one of the biggest threats since it does not give off any odor or color like other gas types. The Kidde Nighthawk detector does come with a 10-year warranty, making the purchase a great value.

Types of gas monitored: Carbon monoxide | Power source: Wall outlet, battery

Best Smart

Smarter Living Smart WiFi Gas Detector

Smarter Living Smart WiFi Gas Detector

Smarter Living

What We Like
  • Loud audible alarm

  • Periodic monitoring saved on app

  • Alarms sent to the app

  • Can set up group notifications and monitoring

What We Don't Like
  • Requires app and WiFi

If you want to get alerts on your phone or smart device, the Smarter Living detector is the one you need. It monitors propane and natural gas, sending an alert if they reach dangerous levels. It also has a loud, audible alarm that sounds at 70 decibels. One of the best features is that you can set up a group to get notifications about the gas levels and alerts if there are any alarms. This can be helpful in a home with a large family or if you are away from home and want to keep an eye on things.

Please note that in order to utilize the smart features of this alarm, WiFi is required. However, the audible alarm will still sound if unsafe conditions are detected, even without WiFi. It is important to download the app in order to connect and receive notifications and updates through the app when a WiFi connection is available.

Types of gas monitored: Propane, natural gas | Power source: Wall outlet

Best Digital

Techamor Natural Gas Detector and Propane Alarm

Techamor Natural Gas Detector and Propane Alarm

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy-to-read digital display

  • Audible and visual alarms

  • Monitors multiple types of gas

  • Easy to install

What We Don’t Like
  • Needs a wall outlet

The sleek design of the Techamore natural gas detector looks futuristic and ensures safe monitoring of your home. The unit can monitor for methane, propane, natural gas, and gasoline. It shows the reading as a percentage of the LEL or Lower Explosive Limit. This shows how significant the gas leak is and how much gas is present relative to the amount needed to explode in the presence of an ignition source.

You can plug the unit into any standard wall outlet. This makes installation easy but may impact the performance of the detectors, depending on where the potential gas leak is. Some gas detection is best placed at different levels in the room or in closer proximity to a stove or heater. If you do not have a wall outlet nearby, this detector may not be as effective.

Types of gas monitored: Methane, propane, natural gas, gasoline | Power source: Wall outlet

Best Handheld

Ridgid CD-100 Combustible Gas Leak Detector

Ridgid CD-100 Combustible Gas Leak Detector

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can adjust sensitivity

  • Multiple types of alarms

  • Long, flexible probe

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

  • Not good for continuous monitoring

This handheld unit from Ridgid comes with all of the bells and whistles, making it ideal for a contractor or other professional who needs to test for natural gas leaks often. It is one of the most thorough detectors available, testing for methane, propane, butane, ethanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. It has a 16-inch gooseneck probe that you can adjust to fit into tight spaces. The sensitivity adjustments also allow you to dial up or down the sensitivity as needed. 

It has a visual and audible alarm. You can activate the vibration alarm on the Ridgid unit, which is highly reliable. This feature is particularly useful for assessing newly installed plumbing lines, identifying plumbing repair or maintenance requirements, or obtaining precise readings in tight spaces. The unit is quite costly and more suited for professionals than regular homeowners. It's also more effective for pinpoint monitoring than continuous surveillance.

Types of gas monitored: Methane, propane, butane, ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen | Power source: Battery

Best for Propane

Home-Flex Electronic Gas Leak Detector

Home-Flex Electronic Gas Leak Detector

Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Small and compact

  • Easy to use

  • Detects multiple gases

What We Don't Like
  • Not meant for continuous use

This simple gas leak detector is reliable and very accurate. It can test for natural gas, propane, methane, and butane. It has an audible alarm and a visual indicator light that shows either yellow or red, depending on the detected levels. It only requires 2 AA batteries and is small enough to keep with your other handheld tools.

Home-flex has an entire line of gas-related tools and equipment. The gas leak detector is meant to complement them, especially if you are working on a new project. You can include this in your tool bag and use it to test the newly installed gas line. It isn’t great for continuous monitoring, however, especially since it turns off after 5 minutes of being idle.

Types of gas monitored: Propane, methane, butane, natural gas | Power source: Battery

Best for RVs

MTI Industries Propane Gas Alarm

MTI Industries 30-442-P-WT Propane Gas Alarm

Amazon

What We Like
  • Loud alarm

  • Mute button

  • Equipped with indicator light

What We Don't Like
  • Only detects propane leaks

If you're hitting the road on a scenic trip and you're looking for a device to keep your RV or camper safe, we think the MTI Industries Propane Gas Alarm is a solid safety gem to have on board. It's powered by your vehicle's 12vDC and is triggered when it senses a propane gas leak, which is important for a rolling home that relies on gas for cooking and heating.

For roughly $50, we think this device is easy to install, requiring just basic wiring knowledge. Plus, it's equipped with both an indicator light and an 85-decibel alarm, so you'll know instantly if you have a dangerous propane leak. The indicator light will also change color to confirm that the device has power and whether or not it needs replacing. There's even a handy mute button on the alarm, if you should ever need it.

Types of gas monitored: Propane | Power source: Battery

Final Verdict

We think the First Alert GCO1CN Combination Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detector, our best overall pick, is a versatile device that will monitor your household for both carbon monoxide and natural explosive gases, such as methane and propane. With its loud alarm to warn you beforehand, it plugs into a standard outlet and has a battery backup. For a dependable handheld model that detects gas leaks around gas-powered appliances, we recommend the Techamor Y201 Gas Leak Detector, our best budget option. We love that it can be taken to any area in your home where a leak is suspected and has an audible alarm and indicator light.

What to Look for in a Gas Leak Detector

Gas Type

In order for a gas explosion to occur, “the gas needs to have an ignition source and the right concentration," explains Bob Ackley, an expert with Gas Safety USA. “I would say to anybody, if they smell gas, to call 911, and get out of the house.” That's why we think a gas leak detector is essential. It provides an early warning before these deadly events. Some gas detectors are designed to keep track of a specific gas, such as the Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector, our best for carbon monoxide option. Others, like the First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, our best overall, detect multiple gas threats.

We think the best option for your space is the one that can track gases most likely to occur. Some of the most frequently occurring gases include carbon monoxide, propane, methane, butane, gasoline, ammonia, radon, and natural gas. 

Sensors and Alerts

We suggest looking for a gas leak detector that has a clear sensor with access to the air around the unit. The alert method is also important. Many units have both audible and visual alarms for high detection levels, such as the Ridgid CD-100 Combustible Gas Leak Detector, our best handheld pick. We think it's one of the most thorough detectors out there, because it's equipped with a gooseneck probe that you can fit into super tight places.

Power Source

Gas leak detectors come in various styles, such as handheld units for checking gas leaks in specific areas and plug-in alarms that provide continuous monitoring of your home. Gas leak detectors that plug into the wall for power, such as the First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (our best overall option), are good for situations where continuous monitoring is important. For gas leaks that pose a danger, such as natural gas or carbon monoxide leaks, it's important to have a monitor with a battery backup in case of a power outage since every minute counts. Others, including the Techamor Y201 Portable Gas Leak Detector (our best budget), have batteries and are portable.

Expiration Date

Make sure to pay close attention to the expiration date of your gas leak detector. Some detectors, such as the Smarter Living Smart WiFi Gas Detector (our best smart pick), send updates on the status of the alarm and its effectiveness.

FAQ
  • Are gas leak detectors reliable?

    Yes, gas leak detectors can be very reliable. Some can be adjusted for sensitivity. Because many gas leaks are odorless and colorless, it’s important to have a gas leak detector if your home has natural gas, propane, or another potentially hazardous situation.

  • How often do most flammable gas detectors require calibration?

    To ensure that your gas leak detector is operating properly, it’s important to periodically test the sensors. The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends performing a bump test before each use and calibrating the unit if it fails the test. It is best to calibrate the unit at least once a year.

  • What does ppm mean on a gas detector?

    PPM is an acronym for parts per million, which indicates the quantity of gas being tested in the air. If the reading is 5 ppm, it means that out of every million air particles, 5 of them are the tested gas. The safe levels for each gas vary.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for gas leak detectors that worked for a variety of gas types as well as a variety of continuous and portable units.

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