Right now? I'd say first alert smoke alarms. The batch we bought all has failed in an "alarm always, and don't stop" kind of way. They are only two years old, and I'm frustrated.
Failing to an alarm on state is preferred to an alarm off state. So at least no fire can sneak up on you. I think they sell ones now that are 10-year sealed battery with a 10-year warranty.
I agree. If it fails by alarming constantly you replace it. If it fails by not alarming at all you never know, because who actually tests their alarms?