Smoke detector with Smart Home connectivity: X-Sense XS01-M (FS61) review

Smart, connected smoke detectors make perfect sense, as they can contribute even more to safety than “dumb” alternatives. X-Sense, for example, offers the XS01-M (FS61) as a solution that can be set up and managed via the app. The app also offers additional features such as app notifications and more, though some of these are available only through a subscription at an affordable price (19.99 euros per year).

In our test, we focused on the connectivity of X-Sense’s smoke detectors and other devices. This worked seamlessly via Home Assistant and greatly expands the possibilities. However, there are still some limitations where we’d like to see improvements—in addition to further smart home integrations.

X-Sense offers the X-Sense XS01-M (FS61) smart smoke detector in various configurations. For example, the suggested retail price for the 6-pack with the SBS50 base station is 139.99 euros, and it is available directly from X-Sense as well as on Amazon.

Smoke detectors are essential in occupied buildings and help ensure safety. However, many households still use “dumb” models that, while they do sound a loud alarm in the event of smoke or a fire, do nothing more than that.

The next generation consists of interconnected smoke detectors that at least alert each other, making the alarm sound audible from far away. X-Sense takes this a step further with its smart, connected smoke detectors, such as the XS01-M (FS61). This model not only offers app control but also integration with a smart home system. Our X-Sense Smart Smoke Detector review explains what this means, what possibilities it opens up, and how it works.

Before we dive into the smart features, here are a few general notes about the X-Sense XS01-M Smart Connected Smoke Detector (FS61). It is available in various kit sizes, but in every case includes and requires the SBS50 base station for connectivity. The package also includes mounting hardware for installing the smoke detectors on the ceiling.

The smoke detector itself is equipped with a photoelectric sensor. This review is explicitly not intended to assess its functionality or reliability. Since the product has been certified by TÜV Rheinland, among others, and a small practical test we conducted also triggered an alarm, its basic functionality is likely assured—though we cannot guarantee it.

Instead, we want to focus on the smart home connection and integration of the X-Sense XS01-M (FS61). According to the manufacturer, the smoke detector—which uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi—is compatible with Home Assistant via the SBS50 base station. This is (unfortunately) the only option currently available. Matter, for example, is not supported.

Home Assistant is an open and widely used smart home system that’s very popular among hobbyists and tinkerers, for example. It offers the ability to connect countless smart home devices and other systems with one another. We’ll explain exactly how this works with this smoke detector below.

The first step is to connect the X-Sense XS01-M (FS61) to the SBS50 base station. To do this, connect the base station to a power outlet using the included USB-C-to-A cable and the included USB-A power adapter (or any other compatible one). According to our measurements, power consumption is very low and therefore negligible.

You’ll also need the X-Sense Home Security app, which is available for iOS and Android. After creating an account (with an email address and password) or logging into an existing account, you can connect the base station by tapping the “+” icon. To do this, simply scan the QR code on the back of the station with your smartphone’s camera and enter the Wi-Fi password—that’s it. The connection process worked without any issues during our test.

You can then connect the individual smoke detectors and other components to the app. Simply follow the instructions in the app after selecting the appropriate type from the menu. Caution: During setup, the smoke detector will emit a short but very loud warning tone twice.

In addition to configuring individual devices, the app enables push notifications in the event of an alarm. If that’s not enough, you can use additional options—but only with a paid subscription. This subscription costs 1.99 euros per month or 19.99 euros per year, making it relatively affordable, and includes AI voice calls, SMS and email notifications, as well as notifications to emergency contacts via phone call, SMS, and email. If you’re interested, you can try the subscription for free for 15 days.

If you want to integrate X-Sense products into your Home Assistant smart home, you'll find instructions for doing so in the app. First, you'll need to install the official Mosquitto Broker add-on under "Settings -> Add-ons" if you haven't already done so. Next, you’ll need the IPv4 address, the MQTT port number, and your Home Assistant login credentials. That’s all it takes to connect your X-Sense devices to Home Assistant locally, without using the cloud.

The smoke detectors and other devices connected to the SBS50 base station are now integrated in Home Assistant as devices. For the smoke detector, the following entities are available: "Battery Status," "End of Life," "Online Status," "Smoke Fault Status," and "Smoke Status." In testing, event transmission worked quickly.

Alternatively, integration via HACS is also possible. However, this is the significantly more complicated route and, in my opinion, not recommended since X-Sense now offers official Home Assistant support including an MQTT solution.

By connecting X-Sense smoke detectors and other devices, you can set up useful automations in your smart home that can provide even greater safety in addition to the features available through the X-Sense app.