The Best Medical Alert Systems

Sunday, March 23rd

2025 Medical Alert System Reviews

Bay Alarm Medical

• Monthly plans
• FSA/HSA eligible
• 30-day risk-free trial
• Connects in 45 seconds or less with emergency response
• 24/7 USA-based monitoring
• 100% waterproof products
• No long-term contracts or cancellation fees
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Bay Alarm Medical has been providing life-saving medical alert systems to customers for nearly 80 years. They have a USA-based medical emergency response center that's available 24/7. Their centers are in Ogden, Utah and Rexburg, Idaho and dispatchers will answer a response from an alarm within 45 seconds. Bay Alarm Medical is available all throughout the United States, so as long as you have a compatible home phone and power or cell service in your area, you can get signed up for their service.

Four main systems

There are four main product options for customers who want to try out Bay Alarm Medical. The first is the "SOS Home” system that's available in both cellular LTE and landline connections. It has 2-way communication during an emergency and has a 32-hour battery backup in case of a power outage or blackout. This system comes with an in-home base unit, wearable button for your wrist or neck (up to 1,000 feet of range), and vial of life (which provides EMS with your medical information during an emergency). The SOS Home landline package is $19.95/month, the SOS Home cellular package is $29.95/month with free shipping, and the SOS Home cellular with fall detection is $39.95/month with free shipping.

Stay out and about

The second system from Bay Alarm Medical is for those who are often on-the-go. The "SOS Mobile” comes with a mobile device with GPS and WiFi location services and optional fall detection. It can last up to 6 days on a single charge and it only takes 2-3 hours to charge from empty. You could wear it around your neck or on a belt clip, since the device comes with both. This system has "caregiver tracking” through an app, so whoever is allowed access can see where the wearer is at all times. This device has not only been used by seniors, but could also be something to consider for children or people who work in more dangerous professions. This system is $29.50/month with free shipping or $39.50/month if you want to add fall detection. If you want to bundle this with an in-home SOS Home Device as well, the monthly cost is $54.95. On top of the monthly fee, you'll need to make a one-time device purchase of $49.

Happy medium

For people who spend a good amount of time at home and elsewhere, the "SOS All-In-One 2” is something to consider. This includes a portable SOS device with a help button and 2-way speaker, automatic fall detection, and location tracking. You'll also get a charging base for it, a wearable button with a belt clip or lanyard, and caregiver tracking. It's great to have on you while you're out and also serves as a base console when you're home. If the device is charging, you can use the wearable button instead. The cost for this system is $34.95/month with free shipping or $44.95/month with free shipping if you include fall detection. The one-time device cost for this device is $99.

Make it modern

The last product recommended by Bay Alarm Medical is their sleek SOS smartwatch. It's a more modern-day alternative to traditional alert systems and doesn't require a smartphone. It will always show your cell signal to make sure you're within a good network range. Users can track the weather, their activity levels, and of course, connect to the 24/7 monitoring center by pressing and holding the red SOS button. The SOS smartwatch is $39.95/month with free shipping and a $149 one-time device purchase, or $49.95/month with automatic fall detection and a $149 one-time device purchase. If you want to upgrade to the SOS Smartwatch 360 Bundle, it will be $64.95/month and comes with a wearable button and SOS home device.

Try it risk-free

We were really excited to see that Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day risk free trial. If during this time you decide that the device you're using or the company isn't a good fit for you or your loved one's needs, you can send it back for a full refund, minus shipping.

Upgrade for a warranty

If you happen to damage or break your medical alert system device or accessories, you can either buy new ones online or by phone, or take advantage of Bay Alarm Medical's premier protection plan (warranty) for $2.95/month that allows for one unit replacement per contractual year and 50% off the value of accessories. Normal wear and tear or manufacturer's defects that result in issues with your medical alert system devices are automatically and always covered by Bay Alarm Medical without any added monthly cost.

Thumbs up from customers

Bay Alarm Medical not only has a "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, but also fantastic reviews from customers. Their customer service seems to be extremely professional, helpful, and responsive based on so many people having great things to say about them. They're said to have caring, compassionate service with transparent reminders about billing and other details regarding customer accounts. We found over 1,100 honest comments from customers and the vast majority gave Bay Alarm Medical a thumbs up.

Great all around

We like that all Bay Alarm Medical's devices are eligible for payment through FSA or HSA. You can cancel at any time as long as you send your equipment back. The four product options seem really reasonable and would fit anyone's lifestyle. We especially like the smartwatch since those are popular and you can get added benefits out of the features besides just emergency alerts. Since customers are also so happy with this service, it's by far our favorite option and Bay Alarm Medical has earned our highest rating among medical alert systems.

Medical Care Alert

• No long-term commitment
• 24/7 monitoring
• No activation fees
• Price lock guarantee
• Risk-free trial
• Free lockbox with signup
• Pause or cancel at any time
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Medical Care Alert is designed to help older Americans age gracefully at home and confidently live at home longer independently. It's shown that by living at home, older family members tend to stay more active, be healthier, and save money compared to living in an assisted living center. Having a company like Medical Care Alert gives them a sense of security knowing that they are not alone in the event of an emergency.

Website needs an overhaul

Navigating Medical Care Alert's website is a bit of a hassle since it is so wordy and feels a bit disorganized. It doesn't mean they provide a bad service, but we prefer shopping somewhere where everything is neatly laid out and we can quickly identify products, features, and prices without having to swim through so many pages of repetitive sales information. For example, there are four separate pages of FAQ information that we had to switch between to gather all the information we wanted, instead of them having it all in one accessible place. In short, shopping online here wasn't very enjoyable.

Typical in-home system

The first product we looked into at Medical Care Alert is an in-home system. It's similar to what we've seen a dozen other times from other companies. You have a wrist or pendant button to wear around the house with 1,000 feet of range and a base unit with a 2-way speaker plus a giant red button you can push if you aren't wearing your button. You'll get 24/7 monitoring with Medical Care Alert and quickly connect to emergency personnel when you need help. The in-home system can use a landline, or cellular service for $5 more per month. You could also add automatic fall detection to your pendant for $10/month. The total system on its own is $29.95/month and all products can be paid for monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually (which comes with a free month).

Popular watch choice

The smartwatch is becoming a popular choice for medical alert systems since it looks like a normal piece of jewelry and has added features like location tracking, step counting, heart rate monitoring, a companion app for family members, 2-way talk, and more. You can add fall detection for $10/month and an extended protection plan for $5/month. The protection plan isn't a bad idea since the replacement cost for the watch is $350 if something happens to it. Unlike the in-home system, there is a one-time $149.95 charge for the watch on top of the monthly price of $39.95 for ongoing service.

Tiny and convenient

The smallest medical alert system button offered by Medical Care Alert is the "Home and Away Mini GPS Medical Alert System”. It can be worn as a pendant or on a belt clip and comes with a small charging unit that it slides into. It uses 4G LTE for GPS tracking and has a simple button on it to reach emergency personnel. You can upgrade to fall detection for an additional $10/month and buy a warranty plan for $5/month. This device also comes with a $350 replacement fee, so we recommend the warranty if you're prone to losing or dropping things. The mini alert system costs $39.95 per month and you don't have to pay a device fee upfront with that.

Ample product information

Although we aren't the biggest fans of this company's website, we will say that Medical Care Alert gives thorough information about each product. You can read a detailed explanation of all the features for each system and how it works, see a video overview, and view the technical specs. Some companies leave us unsure of a lot of the nitty-gritty details about their systems, but that's not the case here. As long as you're up for some reading, you should feel like you basically know the medical alert systems inside and out before you actually sign up.

2-3 day shipping

Priority shipping (2-3 days) for all purchases from Medical Care Alert is $12.95 with the option to upgrade to faster speeds for $60 or more if needed. You'll also get a free lockbox with each purchase.

14-day trial

There's a risk-free trial for all products from Medical Care Alert. Within 14 days you can try out their features and get a full refund (less shipping costs) of any prepaid monitoring fees if you change your mind about the system and send it back with all the packaging and accessories. If Medical Care Alert finds that the system was never actually connected and tested by the customer, a $50 programming/restocking fee will apply. After the trial, you can cancel your service at any time, but refunds won't be given for equipment.

Join their happy customers

There are customer reviews on the Medical Care Alert website you can read through. We never found anything under 3 stars, so people generally seem really happy with what they receive here. They have an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau and reports from customers about having no issues, good range, great customer service, and responsive team members when an emergency arises. Surely if you sign up here you'll be one of these people who are glad they did.

Inexpensive for quality care

Medical Care Alert may not provide the best online shopping experience (we're pretty picky about this), but they deliver on their service. We felt that their pricing was really competitive and we're big fans of having no activation fees. This is probably one of the least expensive places to turn for medical alert systems while still getting phenomenal service and high quality devices. Medical Care Alert has earned one of our highest ratings.

LifeFone

• Pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly
• Price-lock guarantee
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Cancel anytime
• Limited lifetime warranty
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

LifeFone has been a valuable resource for people since 1976. Their service is provided by US-based employees and has been recognized by the National Council for the Aging, the National Stroke Association, WebMD, and the National Institute of Senior Citizens.

Cater to your lifestyle

Whether you like to stay close to home or be out and about shopping, visiting friends and family, or fine dining, LifeFone has products to cater to you. Their "At-Home & On-The-Go Active” voice-in-pendant, is a small mobile device that comes in either gold or black and has a 5-day battery life. It uses cellular service in your area and works nationwide so you can press the help button and receive assistance no matter where you are. The cost is $43.95/month if you pay monthly, $128.85 quarterly, or $439.44 annually.

Caregiver tracking

Similar to the "At-Home & On-The-Go Active” pendant is the "At-Home & On-The-Go VIPX” that is $41.95/month instead with a 10-day battery life and an optional caregiver tracking app where you can view the wearer's first motion of the day, activity, and location for an extra $8/month.

Small and versatile

The "VIP Flex” is the smallest and most versatile product from LifeFone. It works through LifeFone's cellular service in your area and can be worn as a pendant, on your wrist, or on a belt clip. It has unlimited range and a 5-day battery life. Each month the cost for this device and service is $41.95, with an optional $5 upgrade for fall detection. You could also choose to pay $131.85 quarterly or $461.45 per year and save a bit on the overall monthly cost.

Sleek and discreet

LifeFone's "At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active” is the most discreet life alert system. It looks just like a smartwatch and has GPS technology with optional caregiver tracking. For an extra $5/month it can be enabled with automatic fall detection too. This device can monitor your heart rate, track your steps, show you the weather, warn you of low battery, and has a powerful 2-way speaker for when you need to reach emergency contacts. It's water resistant, so you never need to take it off. The cost for this item is $49.95/month, $143.85 quarterly, or $505.45 annually.

Stay close to home

For the people who like to kick back at home most of the time, the at-home landline or cellular system will be a good option. The landline option requires a landline (makes sense) and gives up to 1,300 feet of range with a 32-hour battery life. It's $24.95/month compared to the cellular option with identical features that's $30.95/month with small discounts if you sign up quarterly or yearly. Both systems have the capability for automatic fall detection for an extra $5/month.

Straightforward pricing

You never have to pay activation fees, installation fees, or upfront deposits at LifeFone. Plus, once you subscribe, your price is locked in and won't change. You can cancel your service at any time and receive a refund for any prepaid, unused amount. If you refer other subscribers to LifeFone, you'll get a free month off of your service for each person who signs up.

Money-back guarantee

LifeFone is one of those companies we want to celebrate because they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This shows us that they stand behind the quality of their devices and emergency response team. If you're not happy with their service or devices within 30 days, you can send them back for a full refund.

$5 for upgraded warranty

All LifeFone products come with a limited lifetime warranty. This means they are guaranteed to be free of manufacturing defects or you'll get a replacement at no cost. If you want to have a more comprehensive warranty in case of theft, damage, or loss, you can pay $5 monthly for LifeFone's protection plan and get equipment replacement for a deductible.

No red flag ratings

The Better Business Bureau has given LifeFone an "A+” rating. They have excellent customer reviews from people who have had real life-threatening emergencies and were able to get help from LifeFone. Subscribers say that their service is extremely reliable and responsive, customer support is great to work with, and setup is as easy as can be. Overall, people are very pleased with LifeFone and their pricing, so we are reassured by this.

Big thumbs up

We like how transparent LifeFone is with their pricing, device features, and policies. It's not hard to figure out which device fits in your budget and makes the most sense for what your life is like day-to-day. LifeFone scores extra points with us for offering a 30-day guarantee, so we're really happy with this company and feel confident recommending them as one of our top choices for medical alert systems.

Life Alert

• 3 medical alert devices
• First month free and free shipping
• Handles over 2 million calls per year
• Knowledgeable customer service representatives
• Impressive customer reviews
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Life Alert was founded in 1987 and thanks to their commercials with the tagline, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!” their name came to life and made them one of the most well-recognized medical alert systems. In fact, this slogan is so well-known that it ranked #1 on USA Today's most memorable ad campaigns. Life Alert handles over 2 million calls per year and says that on average they save at least one life from a potential catastrophic outcome every 11 minutes.

Gives confidence to live alone

Life Alert owns and operates their own emergency dispatch center with an emergency staff size that is 200% greater than a traditional security company (based on self-reported information from their website). Back in 2004, a study conducted by ACNielsen showed that 87% of Life Alert members said that their protection service was a big factor in why they felt comfortable choosing to continue living at home alone.

Call to buy

We noticed that throughout the website, Life Alert really pushes people to either call them for information or a free brochure. This seems like a slightly outdated way to gather details on a company since most people want to see everything online. However, Life Alert takes a less ideal approach to their sales and makes you call for pricing and even to purchase their medical alert systems. You can't do it from their website, which is a massive deterrent for us and we're sure for many others too. But, our research indicates that you should expect to pay a monthly fee of $49.95 to $98.85 per month, an activation fee of about $200, and potentially a three-year contract. No wonder Life Alert doesn't tell you that upfront.

Pendant with 1,000 feet of range

Although you can't purchase a medical alert system online from Life Alert, they do provide some information on their three products. The first is their micro voice pendant. It's fully waterproof with a 2-way speaker. The pendant can be worn around the neck and has 1,000 feet of range from the base station. The batteries never need to be charged and last up to 10 years. Other than that, no other specific details on this device are provided unless you call the company for more.

Get out of a slippery situation

Next up we looked into the fully waterproof HELP button. This big red button is ideal for a shower, next to a bathtub, by a toilet, or on the nightstand. It never needs to be charged and allows users to talk directly to a dispatcher when it is pressed.

For when you're away

The third product from Life Alert is their HELP on-the-go + GPS system. This is a pendant with a single button on it that will connect you directly to dispatchers when pressed. The batteries never need charging and it has nationwide coverage with the GPS system.

Lacking transparency

We would like to know more about what is required for the three Life Alert products as far as cell service or landlines, warranty information, or how to cancel a plan, but they only include the bare bones here so that you have to get clarification from one of their team members by phone. This seems gimmicky and is an older way of operating a company. We want full transparency without having to jump through hoops to learn about a service like this. The only information that even remotely ties back to pricing is the offer on Life Alert's home page saying that if you order now, you'll get 1 month free plus a free gift, a free month of service, free use of equipment, and free ground shipping. Definitely mention this if you call to make sure you get as many deals as possible.

Incredibly high reviews

Despite their outdated website and annoying way of operating their sales service, Life Alert has commendable reviews from customers. They have an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau with hundreds of reviews praising them for their excellent service. It's reported that the setup for the systems and subscription plans is seamless and that customer service is excellent. Their team members seem really knowledgeable and are willing to take plenty of time answering questions (and even conference calling other family members so everyone is on the same page). It was actually hard to find noteworthy complaints about Life Alert, so you can color us both surprised and impressed by this.

Worth the extra effort

Life Alert has a solid history in the medical alert system industry. They've made themselves memorable and based on customer feedback, they live up to the hype they've created around themselves. This still isn't enough for us to dismiss our annoyance with the lack of information about each of their products on the website and the fact that they don't list pricing. However, this company is the exception when it comes to it being worth it to go out of your way and call a representative over the phone to set up an account. We trust that you're in good hands with Life Alert, so they've earned one of our top ratings.

MobileHelp

• 6 medical alert systems
• Pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
• No long-term contracts
• 100% U.S.-based sales and customer service
• Incredible customer reviews
• Free activation
• No equipment fees
• Free lockbox with each order
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Founded in 2006, MobileHelp provides alert systems and fall detection for customers anywhere from 19 years old to 110 years old. They answer a call every 7.5 minutes. MobileHelp's company mission is to be someone's hero and deliver legendary service every day. In addition to basic medical alert systems, MobileHelp has added medication reminders as part of their service, since the Mayo Clinic has said that up to 50% of falls are related to skipped medication. They also boast that they offer activity tracking resources to encourage customers to be outside and exercise to increase muscle tone and balance, although we didn't actually see anything about this in relation to their medical alert systems.

Wireless in-home system

MobileHelp's products are divided into in-home and on-the-go categories. The first in-home system is the MobileHelp Classic with 1,400 feet of range, a waterproof help button, and no landline required. This device is only $19.95/month, $98.85 every 3 months, $179.70 every 6 months, or $359.40/year. MobileHelp has a price guarantee, so you'll never have your rates raised once you sign up. We noticed that although this company boasts that they don't do activation fees, we were charged a one-time processing fee of $49.95 if we chose to pay monthly. You'll also need to pay $16 for ground shipping as well.

Use your landline

The MobileHelp Wired Home system requires a landline hookup and has up to 600 feet of coverage area. It has a built-in speaker on the unit with 2-way talk, plus a help button. Oddly, this device has less capability than the MobileHelp Classic, but it costs more if you pay month-to-month. Monthly you'd pay $26.95, quarterly the cost is $80.85, semi-annually the cost is $149.70, and annually you'd pay $299.40. The only other cost for this is $16 for ground shipping.

Simple and portable

For more freedom and flexibility, you'll want to focus on the portable products. The Solo is a pendant (or can be worn on your wrist) with a mobile unit with GPS tracking and remote activation that can be used wherever you are. It's a very basic system that costs $41.95/month, $122.85 quarterly, $219.70 semi-annually, and $384.45 annually, plus $16 for shipping.

Compact and lightweight system

The MobileHelp Micro is the second on-the-go system from MobileHelp. It's the smallest and most lightweight device available. It comes with a detachable lanyard, GPS monitoring, and is water-resistant. The monthly plan for this device is $39.95/month, $116.85 quarterly, $207.70 semi-annually, or $395.40 if you pay for the full year.

The total package

If you want the best of both worlds and would prefer both an in-home system and on-the-go button to switch between, MobileHelp has complete protection systems too. They have a Duo and a Mobile Duo that vary slightly by design and start at $46.95/month with only a few dollars of price difference between them. This would be worth looking into if you're wanting complete protection with a mix of product features.

Call customer support

If you call MobileHelp about setting up a medical alert service with them, you'll get 1 month free and 50% off fall detection. We didn't see any discount code or way to set this up if you buy online, so it might be worth giving them a call. Plus, you'll want more information on the battery life of these products and some other specs that we weren't able to find on the website, so this is another reason to reach out to MobileHelp's team members.

Cover yourself from loss or damage

Connect Premium is MobileHelp's version of an extended warranty that costs $6/month, so that if your device is lost or damaged, rather than paying the full replacement price, you'll either pay nothing or a small deductible instead. Another optional add-on is a fall detection pendant with your order. This is $11/month and comes as a separate device.

Sky high customer reviews

MobileHelp is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and they have sky high customer reviews on their profile. Often people turn to the BBB just to leave complaints, but in this case people have come here to rave about their customer service. They have a no-pressure sales team and thoroughly answer the questions that customers have. There is no shortage of glowing praise from buyers, and MobileHelp almost has perfect 5/5 star ratings across the board, which is something hard to come by.

Would have liked more product details

What mostly has us sold on this company is how happy they keep their customers. From service to responsiveness and quality, MobileHelp scores 10/10 with their mobile alert system wearers and family members. Their pricing is really comparable to what you'll find from other medical alert system companies, so we have no complaints there. The only thing we wished to see was more specific device information from MobileHelp. They provide a very general overview of their system, but don't tell you anything about battery life and charging, a cancellation policy, or what to do if your device comes with glitches. We'd like to see more thorough information on their website even though we know they'll provide these details over the phone.

Great choice for simple products

Overall, MobileHelp seems like a great option if you're willing to work with them on the phone a bit. They have really simple, straightforward medical alert systems, so if that's all you need, this is a great choice.

ADT

• Yearly, quarterly, or monthly billing plans
• 24/7 monitoring
• No landline required on some systems
• Free 2-day shipping for yearly and quarterly plans
• Serves over 6 million customers
• Automatic fall detection options
• Price lock guarantee
• Waterproof pendants and wristbands
• "A” Better Business Bureau rating

ADT has been a big player in the home and personal security industry for over 150 years. Today they employ over 17,000 people throughout their 9 monitoring centers and 200+ locations in the United States. ADT offers 24/7 monitoring for systems like indoor and outdoor home security, small business security, and health and senior safety. They compete with companies like Ring, Brinks, Vivint, SimpliSafe, and Comcast Xfinity.

Choose your package and payment schedule

There are three main medical alert packages offered by ADT with 24/7 monitoring, all with slightly different pricing. The first is the "On-The-Go” system that includes a mobile base unit, a wristband, neck pendant, or optional fall detection button (for $11 more per month), and has GPS location capabilities. You could choose to pay upfront for this service and get a full year of monitoring for $443.88 (comes with free shipping), pay $119.97 quarterly (comes with free shipping), or pay $41.99/month. This medical alert system is great for people who either stick close to home or travel far away.

For the homebodies

For those who don't leave the house much, but like to wander around their yard throughout the day, the "Medical Alert Plus” system is ideal. This system includes either a black or white wristband, a neck pendant, or a fall detection pendant (costs an extra $11/month). It has an in-home operation base that allows for up to 600 ft. of pendant range and even monitors your home temperature. This system is $419.88/year, $113.97 quarterly, or $39.99/month.

The bare bones

The most basic system from ADT is the "Medical Alert Basic” package. This includes an in-home base unit that requires a landline and offers 300 ft. of pendant range. It has two-way talk and also monitors the temperature of your home. It's much less expensive at just $323.88/year, $89.97 quarterly, or $31.99/month. This is the bare minimum type of system you can have to give you peace of mind inside your house without having all the bells and whistles. It's good for someone who lives independently, is mostly in good health, and can get around without too much trouble.

Add some accessories

There are a few optional accessories you could purchase to go along with any ADT system. The first is a waterproof emergency button that can be mounted to a shower or bedside table that comes with an added fee depending on your chosen payment schedule. ADT offers a lockbox for $29.99 so you can keep a door key accessible for anyone who needs it to get into your home. And lastly, a leather carrying case for your on-the-go device that includes a belt clip can be purchased for $10.

Price lock guarantee

The main promotion that ADT was offering for medical alert systems was $5 off monthly monitoring plus free 2-day shipping and a free lockbox. This offer does require that customers sign up for a month-to-month agreement and pay a $99 activation fee. Regardless of which system you go with, ADT has a ForeveRate guarantee ensuring the price you sign up at is the price you'll keep forever.

Unanswered questions

ADT's website is really straightforward, but it's almost so simple that it leaves us wanting more information. For example, what are all the capabilities of the in-home operation base? Does it show if your pendant or wristband has a low battery? What type of batteries do all these products use? Or are they rechargeable? An FAQ section to answer some of these types of questions would be really useful. If you want to see an overview of how ADT's medical alert systems work, they do include a short video that shows someone using the devices.

Devices stay under warranty

As long as you're an active customer, your ADT devices fall under the Premium Protection Plan that covers you in case of an accidental drop or spill that causes damage to the product. It costs nothing extra and stays in effect as long as you remain a customer.

Poor customer ratings

The Better Business Bureau gives ADT an "A” rating. However, it's hard to get a good gauge of how people feel about the medical alert system branch of their company. Truthfully, we saw some pretty atrocious reviews about their overall customer service, inaccurate billing, poor quality on video cameras, and more. Many of these relate more to home security systems than they do to medical alerts. Still, there are so many issues people have with customer service that we worry this could bleed over.

Leery of customer service

What we like most about ADT is their pricing transparency and how straightforward their products are. They don't leave much to the imagination about what you'll receive with each package or how much you'll be charged. We like that you could do month-to-month or longer contracts depending on how much you want to pay or how long you anticipate a need. They have been around a long time and have made a big name for themselves, but we are concerned about their customer connections and how easy they are to work with, so ADT has earned an average rating for its medical alert systems.

LifeStation

• Monthly plans
• 4 medical alert systems
• Order online or over the phone
• Family-owned company
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

LifeStation is a privately-owned business that has grown to be one of the largest medical alert services in the United States. They offer 24/7 emergency support all throughout the country and have partnered with leading institutions for seniors like Aetna, VFW, American Legion, Kaiser Permanente, and more. LifeStation has also been featured by Forbes, USA Today, the Washington Post, and Consumer Reports.

Explore 4 systems

You can explore all the systems offered by LifeStation on their website and either order online or call one of their senior care experts if it's easier for you. They have 4 systems you can choose from to fit your unique needs. The first option is the Sidekick Home Medical Alert System. This waterproof pendant (or wristband) has optional fall detection and up to 600 feet of range. It does not require a landline since it can connect to AT&T's wireless network. The standard monthly cost is $39.95/month or you can pay $43.90/month with an included protection plan that guarantees a replacement if the device stops working due to hardware or technical problems. If you want fall detection with your Sidekick Home and the protection plan, the cost is $51.85/month. You'll also need to pay an activation fee of $99.95.

Ultimate flexibility

The Sidekick is LifeStation's mobile medical alert system. This gives wearers flexibility to be at the grocery store, out with friends, or on vacation and keep a sense of safety with their button. It also works for being around the house, so you can always be where you want to be. This small device is worn as a pendant and uses a 4G LTE network rather than a landline. It's water resistant and has a test button on the side that you can use every so often to make sure your device is in tip-top shape. The standard plan for the Sidekick is $39.95/month, the Select plan with a warranty is $47.90/month, and the Supreme plan includes fall detection for $55.85/month. The one-time activation fee is $99.95.

Additional features

If you want some additional features with your medical alert system, the smartwatch would fit this. It's stylish and wearable, giving users the ability to track their steps, show the weather, monitor their heart rate, and, of course, call for emergency help. The watch is water resistant and can always provide an accurate location for loved ones to monitor. This product is $47.90/month and requires a one-time activation fee of $99.95.

Safety meets fashion

A unique device found at LifeStation is their "Luxury” which is a stylish medical alert system. It comes on a 30” brass chain and has what appears to be a blue gem in the middle. The necklace uses a 4G LTE network to enable GPS and has 200 feet of range. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, you simply press down on the gem and you'll immediately be connected to a senior care expert. This necklace is by far the most discreet option for a medical alert system. It is advertised starting at $47.90/month, but we weren't actually able to add it to our cart, so it may not be available at this time.

No sales

Shipping is $12.50 for any system you choose and there were no major offers while we were shopping that would give any sort of free shipping discount or take a percentage off of a device.

Trial offer

We're glad to see that LifeStation offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try out any of their medical alert systems during this time and return it for a full refund if you aren't satisfied with the results.

Not the best warranty

The protection plans from LifeStation are actually not that awesome. For over $8/month, all their warranty says is that if your device stops working due to hardware or technical problems, they'll replace it. We hope this also covers accidental damage done by the wearer if it is dropped or spilled on, but it's not clear. If there is a hardware error, that's something that seems like it should be covered even if we aren't paying monthly.

Incredible customer service

LifeStation has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau and really positive ratings from customers. Their senior care experts are polite, kind, and can be reached at all hours. In urgent, pressing situations, people are impressed with how calmly the care experts handle things and how knowledgeable they are. People seem to really get attached to the senior care expert that they work with because they're so friendly and accommodating.

Simple and safe

We like that LifeStation has really simple options for medical alert systems. The pricing is competitive and we're glad that they offer a 30-day trial. It would be nice to get more information on a warranty, but surely a team member could clarify the warranty on the device you choose if you call them for setup. There's a helpful FAQ section on LifeStation's website that covers many general inquiries, so it would be worth breezing through those for a good company overview. However, from what we see of LifeStation, this is a safe choice for medical alert systems, so they've earned a solid rating.

Medical Guardian

• 5 medical alert systems
• 24/7 response team that's 100% US-based
• Device-matching quiz
• No cancellation fees
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Many medical alert system companies begin with a personal story of trying to keep a loved one safe. Medical Guardian is no exception. They were founded because of the CEO's desire to keep his grandmother connected and safe when she lived alone. The company, headquartered in Philadelphia, now has over 600,000 customers who can take advantage of 24/7 monitoring when emergency help is needed. You may have seen Medical Guardian featured by Forbes, Better Homes and Gardens, Top10, or the National Council on Aging.

Take the device quiz

There are 5 choices for medical alert systems from Medical Guardian. Three of them cater to on-the-go lifestyles and the other two give you coverage when you're at home. There is a product quiz that can help you quickly identify which device makes the most sense for you if you don't want to worry about comparing and contrasting on your own. Otherwise, you can go through each device one by one and explore the features, specifications, what comes included, and pricing.

Compare features and pricing

To simplify the differences between the 3 on-the-go systems, we'll compare them back-to-back to make it easier to see how they are similar and how they're priced:

• MGMini: Smallest pendant available in 4 colors with a 5-day battery life, GPS location, and step tracking. The monthly cost is $39.95 or you can pay annually and save 15%. The one-time device cost is $149.95.
• MGMini Lite: An alert button worn on a watch band that blends into your lifestyle. It has an all-black face with a single button you press in case of an emergency. It should be recharged daily with a 3-hour charge period and can track your steps and location. This device is $44.95/month or you can pay yearly and save 16%. The one-time device cost is $149.95.
• MGMove: The newest, most technologically advanced smartwatch that gives weather updates, tracks steps, and lets you voice-to-text with loved ones. It has GPS monitoring so loved ones can keep track of the wearer. The service for the MGMove is $39.95/month with an optional annual payment plan that saves you 16%. The one-time device cost is $199.95.

Stay safe at home

If you're mostly worried about having an emergency contact option at home, there are two systems for this:

• MGHome Cellular: This comes with a home base unit with voice assistance, 1,400 feet of range, and a waterproof necklace or wristband (in black or white) to wear around the house. It has a 32-hour backup battery and is powered by 4G so there is no need for a landline. The cost for this system is $37.95/month with a one-time equipment charge of $149.95. You could opt to pay annually and save 16% overall on the service fee.
• MGClassic: This landline-based system can cover up to 1,300 feet around your home and sync to your pendant or wristband. It has up to 32 hours of backup battery power. This system is $32.95/month with an option to pay annually and save 16%. There is no equipment fee for this system, so it is the cheapest option.

Optional add-ons

The add-on options for devices from Medical Guardian are a lockbox for $2.99 that gives emergency personnel access to your home without having to break in, the protection plan for $6.99/month that guarantees that you don't have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for a stolen, lost, or damaged device, fall detection for $10/month, a wireless wall button for $2.99/month, a separate fall detection pendant for $10, a black or white pendant combo kit for $2.99/month, and on-guard alerts for $2.99/month that keeps contacts up-to-date in real-time during an emergency.

No cancellation fees

You can cancel your service with Medical Guardian at any time without having to pay any fees, which is nice. You'll simply call their number and select the cancellation option to initiate this. You'll receive a prorated refund for any unused portion of your subscription that you already paid for. If you're using equipment that wasn't purchased, it will need to be returned in order for the full refund process to go into effect.

High ratings with some cancellation issues

Ratings for Medical Guardian are very good with an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 1,000 reviews from customers. People often test their devices and say that the call center is really professional and understanding. Customers are pleased with their rates and say that even after years of having the service, they are happy to continue using it since everything has gone smoothly so far. Here and there we saw some issues where people canceled their service and continued to be billed afterwards, so if there is anything to watch out for here it would be the possibility that canceling may not always be as easy as it should be.

A reasonable choice

The pricing on systems from Medical Guardian is definitely not outrageous, so if you want a few different alert system choices that all fall within a reasonable price range, you'll find that here. Their website is cleanly organized so that it's easy to identify which features your device comes with and how they work. If you need information beyond what you find on the website, they've listed their phone number in quite a few places that you can refer to. Medical Guardian is a solid option for medical alert systems.

Medihill

• 4 medical alert systems
• Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans
• Risk-free 30-day trial
• No activation fees
• No device charges (all rentals)
• 30-day trial period
• No cancellation fees
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Medihill is a newer medical alert system company that only dates back to their launch in 2010. They're headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia region. Their mission is to provide effective, reliable, and affordable medical equipment for people who have limited abilities but still want to have an independent lifestyle. Beyond emergency situations, Medihill helps customers watch over their health and wellbeing with an expanding telehealth market and sophisticated technologies.

One in-home system

There are 4 medical alert systems offered by Medihill. One is designed specifically for in-home use and the other 3 can connect you to emergency services while you're out and about. The Medihill Home PERS includes a tabletop console with a push button for emergency assistance. The transmitter can reach up to 1,000 feet, it comes with a 24-hour backup battery, it connects to a lightweight pendant, and its powerful speakers can reach through the whole home even if you aren't right next to it. Optionally, you can add fall detection to this system for an extra $10/month. It works through a landline or you could opt for cellular service for an extra $5/month.

"Health tracker” system

The first portable medical alert device we discovered from Medihill appeared to be a little different from what we've seen anywhere else. It's called "HealthTracker Medical Alert” and is an all-in-one mobile health, wellness, and personal safety solution. It has 2-way voice communication, optional fall detection for $10/month, alarm activity tracking from anywhere in the world, and is wearable on a lanyard, belt, or as a pendant. We would have expected a device that's advertised for health and wellness to at least track steps or something, but although this device looks a little different from the others, it doesn't have any impressive health benefits. The monthly plan on this device is $39.99, the quarterly plan breaks down to $37.79/month, the semi-annual plan is $35.19/month, and the annual plan is $32.99/month. Semi-annual and annual plans come with free shipping and annual plans also come with a free lockbox.

Simple SOS alert button

The Medihill Hotpod is the second medical alert system available for on-the-go. It has a simple SOS alert button, up to 72 hours of battery life, 2-way calling, locating technology, optional fall detection for $10/month, built-in vibration and motion sensor, and can be worn as a wristband or on a belt clip. The pricing for this choice is $39.99/month, $37.79/month quarterly, $35.19/month semi-annually, or $32.99/month if you pay annually. All plans come with free activation, and free device rental. Semi-annual and annual plans come with free shipping and the annual plan also means you get a free lockbox.

Popular choice

A crowd favorite is the Medihill smartwatch. This device has an SOS button, optional fall detection for $10/month, two-way calling, 48 hours of battery life, heart rate monitoring, a step counter, and is available in 11 languages. The smartwatch looks just like any other watch you might wear, so no one would suspect that it's a medical alert system. Rather than buying the smartwatch like you do through most companies, it's a rental, so you aren't charged anything extra. Monthly plans for the watch are $44.99, $42.07/monthly if you pay quarterly, $39.59/month if you pay semi-annually, and $37.12 if you pay a whole year upfront. All systems come with free activation, but you'll only get free shipping with semi-annual and annual plans and also a free lockbox with annual plans.

Other products to consider

Other accessories or products you might consider adding to your purchase are an extra pendant for $34.99/month, express shipping for $29.99 (USPS shipping that arrives in 1-2 days), or a lock box (if you're getting a monthly or quarterly plan) for $24.99.

Extended protection

Regardless of which medical alert system you go with, Medihill will offer a protection plan for an additional $5/month. This allows a two-time replacement annually for broken or damaged devices. This is a pretty generous protection plan, considering we hardly ever see companies that offer more than one device replacement per year.

Try for 30 days

If you try out Medihill and aren't happy with the equipment performance, activation process, or any other aspect of the company and decide to change your mind, you can get a full refund within 30 days.

Hardly any customer reviews

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has awarded Medihill an "A+” rating for their service. We wish they had more customer reviews because this is one thing that's definitely lacking compared to other medical alert system companies. They don't have any on their website, none from their BBB profile, and hardly any anywhere else online. We really like to see what other people have to say about their experience with a company, so it's disappointing to not have that here.

Nothing we haven't seen before

Because Medihill offers a 30-day trial, it's not a very risky choice for medical alert systems. However, it seems like it may not be the most popular place to turn since they have so little feedback from customers. Their pricing is definitely reasonable, but their devices are nothing we haven't already seen before. This company strikes us as a decent option for medical alert systems, but there are definitely more tried and true choices out there.

Alert 1

• Yearly or monthly payment plans
• No charge for devices
• 24/7 monitoring service
• Free priority shipping
• No long-term contracts
• Cancel anytime
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Alert1 began in 1988 out of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. At the time, the founder had a grandmother living by herself with no family nearby and he felt concerned for her. He wanted to help by getting her a medical alert system for her home, but found they were all unreasonably priced. He took matters into his own hands and founded Alert1 to help senior citizens. Since this time, Alert1 has grown into a nationwide company that helps save lives.

In-home and on-the-go

There are both in-home and mobile medical alert systems available through Alert1. They're designed similarly to those from other companies, where you simply push a button, get connected to an agent who will ask about your emergency, and then you will receive help right away. You can reach Alert1 24/7/365.

Plenty of choices

For a full overview of the medical alert systems available from Alert1, you can view their product page to see an overview of each one. They include:

• In-home medical alert (comes with a pendant to be worn around the neck) that works with a landline or wirelessly for an extra $10/month. It has 656.2 feet of range and uses a rechargeable battery. It costs $28.95/month if you pay month-to-month or $239.40 yearly. Both require a one-time $19.95 activation fee.
• In-home + fall detection medical alert (comes with fall detection pendant and personal help wristband) that can be used with a landline or wirelessly for an extra $10/month. It has 656.2 feet of range and a rechargeable battery. This costs $38.95/month if you pay month-to-month or $359.40 yearly. Both options require a one-time activation fee of $19.99.
• On-the-go medical alert with GPS (comes with a simple button pendant to be worn around the neck or clipped on the waistband) that does not require a landline. It is showerproof and compatible with pacemakers. You could add fall detection for an extra $10/month and your device will automatically call for help. This system is $359.40 if you pay yearly or $38.95/month.
• On-the-go medical alert wristband that can be worn as a lanyard or clip. It is water-resistant, rechargeable, and does not require a landline. You can add fall detection to this product for an extra $10/month. The regular cost is $359.40/year if you pay yearly or you could opt to pay $38.95 monthly. Either way you'll need to pay a one-time activation fee of $19.95.
• On-the-go medical alert system with GPS and fall detection lets you decide who the command center will call in an emergency, is showerproof and will automatically send out an alert in case of a fall. It is worn like a lanyard and does not require a landline. If you pre-pay annually, the cost for this device is $479.40 or you could pay $48.95 monthly. You are also required to pay a $19.50 one-time activation fee.
• On-the-go wristband medical alert with location service and fall detection is a stylish wristband (can also be worn as a pendant or on a belt clip) where you can speak to live agents directly through the device. It does not require a landline and comes with a rechargeable battery. Yearly this device is $479.40 or you could pay $48.95/month, but both plans require a one-time $19.95 activation fee.
• On-the-go + in-home fall detection medical alert is the highest level of protection and comes with two devices that are waterproof and have rechargeable batteries. The in-home base has a 600-foot range that you can take advantage of around the house or while your on-the-go button is charging. Annually these systems are $599.40 or you can opt to pay $58.95/month. You'll also need to pay a one-time activation fee of $19.95.

Upgrade for a warranty

All devices and systems come with free shipping that takes 2-3 business days. The company boasts that they're the only medical alert service that doesn't charge for devices. However, they do charge for a warranty on your devices. If you spill something on the base or you drop and crack your button, you'll only get a replacement (up to once per year) if you've been paying $8.33/month for Alert1's warranty plan.

Looking for full honesty

Alert1 has been featured by major news outlets like ABC News, Good Morning America, Frontiers in Robotics and AI, Fox News, the Los Angeles Times, Washington Business Journal, and the Florida Times Union. They have an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is great. There are also over 1,500 customer reviews on Alert1's website that we believe are all real. However, every single one of them gives the company 5 out of 5 stars, and we know realistically this can't be a full report of people's feedback. Clearly Alert1 doesn't post anything critical about themselves for people to read (we get it) but we had to look elsewhere for a full overview of how people viewed this service.

Customer service issues and faulty equipment

We found that some people were completely pleased with Alert1 and hadn't run into issues, but there were also a lot of reports about problems with poor customer service and billing issues. Some advice we saw was not to sign up for the yearly plans because they make it hard to cancel or get refunds for unused portions of the service if you don't need it. Sometimes people have transmission issues and other things that make their devices feel less than useful.

Too many options

Overall we felt like Alert1 almost had too many medical alert systems for us to choose from. If they could condense and simplify their options, it would likely make it easier for both customers and the company. It could help with billing issues and just simplify processes. It's nice that they offer free shipping, but overall we don't feel like you're getting a way better deal here than you might elsewhere, especially if you are adding fall detection to your service and paying for the warranty each month. The ratings we found outside of Alert1's site were a little discouraging, so we haven't given this company one of our top scores.

Lifeline

• Monthly and yearly plans
• Free shipping and lockbox with annual plans
• 24/7 U.S.-based response center
• Calls answered in 30 seconds or less
• "A+” Better Business Bureau rating

Lifeline boasts that they were the first to provide a personal alert service in North America and has the largest subscriber base of any medical alert system company. The company originated from a question posed by gerontologist Andrew Dibner in 1972, wondering what an elderly person would do if they were alone and needed help. Dr. Dibner envisioned a personal emergency response system and turned the concept into reality two years later. The company was officially founded in 1974 and became public in 1983 as they continued to make advancements like waterproof alert buttons and fall detection systems.

Round the clock assistance

Lifeline fields an average of 18,000 calls per day with the help of their 200-person team of trained care specialists. They offer support in 140 languages and have 24/7 emergency help when you or your loved one needs it. Lifeline's average time to answer a call is 30 seconds, so you'll quickly be connected to a live agent.

Product selection quiz

You can easily browse the different products offered by Lifeline or save yourself a bit of time and take their product selection quiz. It will ask if you plan to use your system away from home, if you want it to track your heart rate and steps, if you're worried about falls, if you have a landline, and so on. In the end you'll be matched with the best product to fit your lifestyle and needs. Or, if you're someone who prefers some personalized help, you could call Lifeline or fill out their online form to have someone contact you and walk you through each system.

For around the house

For those who just need a system to give them peace of mind while they're at home, there are two options for this. The HomeSafe landline comes with an in-home safe communicator and help button (lanyard or wristband) and requires a landline. It has 800 feet of range and a 30-hour backup battery. There is a one-time setup fee of $99.95 and costs $29.95/month. You could also pay $335.40 annually which makes the monthly cost ever so slightly cheaper. Additionally, if you want fall detection, that's another $15/month (more than what most places charge). The cellular version essentially has all the same features, but is $39.95/month or $419.40 yearly. The product page advertises free shipping on yearly contracts, but we noticed that we were still being charged $29.95 at checkout for shipping.

For an active lifestyle

For customers who live an active lifestyle, coming and going all throughout the day, the "On the Go” system is worth looking into. This 2-way talk pendant device comes in a standard or mini size with GPS location technology, a battery that lasts up to 4 days on a single charge, and a charging cradle. The standard button is $44.95 monthly or $479.40/year. Fall detection can be added to this device for an extra $15/month. The mini size is slightly more expensive at $49.95/month or $539.40/year. Both incur a one-time fee of $99.95 for setup.

For the smartwatch wearers

If you're a fan of the smartwatch that we've seen some medical alert system companies introduce, then you'll be intrigued by what Lifeline's is like. It has a built-in button to quickly connect you to a care specialist with integrated GPS tracking. The watch also has a heart rate monitor, step tracking, and can display basic information like the date and time. It has nearly identical features to other medical alert watches we've seen, so the main difference is the style, which resembles other smart watches from popular brands. The monthly plan for the watch is $39.95 or you can pay $419.40 annually. You'll also be charged the one-time device fee of $159.

Perks with annual plans

Whenever you sign up for an annual payment plan through Lifeline, you'll get free shipping and a free lockbox.

Not our favorite product pages

We started to get a headache trying to differentiate among the different products here and even get straightforward pricing. You're shown the monthly cost if you pay month-to-month, semi-annually, or yearly, but you have to go to checkout to see what the yearly or semi-annual total would actually be. We also wish there was information about device warranties or refund policies here. They don't list this information on their website, so it is definitely something worth asking about if you give the company a call for more information.

Decent reviews

Lifeline has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau with mostly good customer reviews. Some people say that Lifeline is well worth the cost while others feel the company is a bit disorganized, especially when it comes to product returns and refunds. Overall, people are pleased with their service and don't have major issues to complain about, but their reviews didn't blow us away like the highest-rated companies we've rated have.

Ups and down

We'd say Lifeline is a decent company for medical alert systems. They're reputable and would provide a reliable service, but choosing your device and getting all the information you need straight from their website could be easier in our opinion. They charge shipping on monthly subscriptions to their service and there is a device/setup fee for any device you choose. This isn't our favorite choice, so they've not earned a high rating.