Cavius vs First Alert:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Cavius had more branded searches than First Alert among smoke alarm brands in New Zealand. Cavius had about 890 branded searches, while First Alert had 10. Cavius made up 90.8% of all smoke alarm brand searches we track, and First Alert accounted for 1%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about smoke alarm brands, Cavius appeared in three of the four answers and First Alert in none.
Who do people search for more?
Cavius, about 89 searches for every 1 for First Alert
Who does AI mention more?
Cavius, mentioned in 3 of 4 answers, First Alert in 0
Who does AI recommend more?
Cavius, the only one of the two named
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Top smoke alarm brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and one Google AI Overview, Cavius was mentioned in three out of four: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in the Google AI Overview. First Alert did not appear in any of the four answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Cavius1st
Quell2nd
Kidde–
First Alert–
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
Cavius3 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
Quell2 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
Kidde0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
First Alert0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
See every answer about smoke alarm brands
4 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which smoke alarm brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best smoke alarm brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best smoke alarm brand in New Zealand for home safety?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“smoke alarm nz”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“battery smoke alarm”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Cavius or First Alert more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Cavius and First Alert by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all four smoke alarm brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Cavius, First Alert. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Cavius | Kidde | First Alert | Quell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 88.1% | 9.9% | 2% | 0% |
| Nov 2025 | 91.2% | 7.8% | 0.98% | 0% |
| Dec 2025 | 93.7% | 5.3% | 1.1% | 0% |
| Jan 2026 | 90.3% | 7.8% | 0.97% | 0.97% |
| Feb 2026 | 91.8% | 7.2% | 1% | 0% |
| Mar 2026 | 88.6% | 9.8% | 1.6% | 0% |
| Apr 2026 | 68.8% | 30.1% | 0.57% | 0.57% |
| May 2026 | 62.3% | 36.6% | 1.1% | 0% |
| Jun 2026 | 84.5% | 14.7% | 0.78% | 0% |
| Jul 2026 | 93.3% | 5.9% | 0.74% | 0% |
| Aug 2026 | 88.2% | 9.2% | 1.7% | 0.84% |
| Sep 2026 | 90.8% | 8.2% | 1% | 0% |
How has the Cavius and First Alert comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Cavius was ahead of First Alert in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Cavius’ share of searches among smoke alarm brands in New Zealand moved from 88.1% to 90.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 890.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, First Alert’s share of searches among smoke alarm brands in New Zealand moved from 2% to 1%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 20 to 10.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand smoke alarm brands in September 2026?
2 changes

In September 2026, Cavius gained share of searches among smoke alarm brands in New Zealand, from 88.2% to 90.8%.

In September 2026, First Alert lost share of searches among smoke alarm brands in New Zealand, from 1.7% to 1%.
How are branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Cavius’ and First Alert’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Cavius
2 branded search terms
- cavius
- cavius smoke alarm
First Alert
1 branded search term
- first alert
Other head-to-heads among smoke alarm brands

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