Best answer: The Nest Protect's battery will last five years for the battery-powered version, or long enough as a backup if you use the wired model.
- Best Buy: Nest Protect, Wired (opens in new tab) ($120)
- Best Buy: Nest Protect, Battery-Powered (opens in new tab) ($120)
How long does the Nest Protect's battery last?
There are two models of the Nest Protect available: battery-powered and wired. Which one is better for you will depend on your living conditions: renters — or homeowners that don't want to hire an electrician — are better off with the battery-powered version, while homeowners that like messing with wires can get the wired version.
The battery-powered model comes with six AA batteries that Nest says will last five years, while the wired version comes with three AA batteries that are meant to serve as a backup if your electricity goes out. Nest doesn't say how long these batteries will last, but since they'll only be used as a backup they should be good for years to come.
The battery-powered Nest Protect is the better model for most people.
While the wired Nest Protect is more permanent, the battery-powered version will be the best for most consumers since you won't need to mess with your house's wiring. And the five-year battery life pretty much makes this permanent anyway.
