Best GPS Medical Alert Systems, Tested and Reviewed

Testing out Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite

Overview

Medical Guardian offers three GPS medical alert systems designed for various needs, including a pendant-style system, a small wrist-worn help button, and a sleek smartwatch option. All three systems include location tracking and 4G LTE service, so you can receive help anywhere you go. While Medical Guardian’s costs are slightly higher than providers like Bay Alarm Medical, I’ve found that the company offers cutting-edge technology, discreet equipment, and reliable, U.S.-based 24/7 monitoring.

» Pricing Guide: Medical Guardian prices and deals

One of my favorite GPS systems that Medical Guardian offers is MGMove. It looks more like a smartwatch than a medical alert system! For active seniors or those who want a more stylish device, MGMove is a solid option. The watch comes with all the bells and whistles, like an emergency help button, advanced location tracking, step tracking, weather notifications, and calendar alerts.

Plans, Pricing, and Features

*You can save up to 16% on your monthly premiums by paying annually.

GPS Accuracy

I’ve tested out all three of Medical Guardian’s GPS systems and had a good experience overall with the location tracking accuracy. When testing the MGMini Lite, Medical Guardian’s wrist-worn system, I tried out the location detection using the MyGuardian mobile app. This app shows you the system’s location, along with other useful information like its status and alert history. I wore the MGMini at home and while running errands. During that time, I frequently checked the mobile app to see if my location was indicated correctly. It always pinpointed me on a map right where I was!

Checking my system’s location in Medical Guardian’s MyGuardian mobile app

My grandma and I also put the MGMove to the test. Using Medical Guardian’s OnGuard caregiver notification feature, I had it set so that I would get a text alert if my grandma had an emergency. She initiated three separate “test” emergencies, and I was promptly texted with her location. I was able to use my phone’s built-in navigation to locate her, but in two of the three tests, the feature gave me more of a general idea of where my grandmother was located. That said, I was able to locate my grandma within minutes each time.

Testing out Medical Guardian’s MGMove

Response Times

My grandma and I tested out the MGMove to see just how fast we could get an emergency response agent on the line. We initiated multiple tests by pressing the red button on the side of the watch and holding it down for five seconds, as the instructions say. After that five seconds, a friendly agent answered our call in just four seconds, so it took us a total of nine seconds to get on the line with a real person. This was incredibly fast, especially compared to some of the other providers we tested, like MobileHelp and LifeFone.

» You Might Like: 2024 MGMove review

I will say, I had a slightly slower experience with the MGMini when I was at home. To test the system’s emergency response, I pressed the button on the center of the device, and it turned blue. It took a full minute for me to connect with an operator. However, I had faster response times of around 20 seconds when I tested the system away from home. I’m assuming this long wait time was due to poor cell service in my area at the time.

» Related Reading: Medical Guardian review

Battery Life

The battery life for Medical Guardian’s systems varies by device. It ranges from around 24 hours for the MGMove to five days for the MGMini. When trying out the systems for myself, I experienced similar battery life to what Medical Guardian advertises. This is pretty solid, though the battery doesn’t last as long as systems from some of the other providers on our list. For comparison, one of LifeFone’s systems has a battery life of up to 10 days.

My grandma and I were most impressed with the MGMini’s five-day battery life, especially since I’m pretty forgetful when it comes to charging my devices. For the other two systems, I just got in the habit of charging the device by my bed each night. However, if an emergency were to happen in the night, this wouldn’t be very helpful. You can also try charging your device while doing things like reading or watching TV when you’re not moving around as much. Just make sure to keep the device within arm’s reach so you can grab it if you need to!

Line up the gold pins on the MGMove with the gold pins on the charging cradle for a successful charge.

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile with fall detection is small and portable

Overview

Bay Alarm Medical is my top pick for affordable GPS medical alert systems, with prices starting at $34.95 per month. Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile is a lightweight, wearable option for on-the-go protection. The system also comes with a companion mobile app, so I could easily track the device’s location. This was one of my favorite features, as I didn’t have to wait on an emergency alert text to know where the device was.

» Our Full Review: Bay Alarm Medical alert system review 2024

Bay Alarm Medical also offers the SOS Smartwatch, perfect for active older adults or those who want a discreet alert system. The touch-screen watch can track your steps, set daily health goals, and call for help, much like Medical Guardian’s MGMove. Lastly, the company has an All-in-One system, which is pretty similar to the SOS Mobile. It’s just a little less sleek and costs $5 more. Overall, Bay Alarm Medical’s monthly prices are affordable, no matter the system you choose.

» Pricing Info: Bay Alarm Medical plans and pricing

Plans, Pricing, and Features

GPS Accuracy

Not only does Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile offer very accurate GPS tracking, but it also makes it easier for caregivers to keep track of their loved ones’ locations from their smartphones. With the companion mobile app, I could see exactly where my grandma was at any given time. I could see her while she was on the move (headed to the pharmacy), as well as when she was resting at home. The app has lots of other great features too, like step tracking, the status of the device’s battery life, and more.

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical’s companion mobile app

My favorite app feature is the Locate My Device option. If I misplaced my system, all I had to do was press “Ring Device” in the app. Then, the SOS Mobile started ringing through its two-way speaker. As someone who is notorious for misplacing my devices, I loved this! If your loved one is forgetful like me, it’s a great feature.

You can ring a lost device in the Bay Alarm Medical app

Response Times

Bay Alarm Medical has solid response times. I tested out the response times on the SOS Smartwatch by pressing the watch’s help button on the side of the watch. After holding down the button for five seconds, I was connected to an agent in around five seconds. I let the agent know I was just making a test call, which she confirmed and verified my identity. These response times are very similar to Medical Guardian’s times for the MGMove smartwatch.

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch

Battery Life

Similar to most of the other companies on our list, the battery life will vary by system. SOS Mobile has the best battery life of up to six days. During my testing, the device lasted for about 5.5 days, so that’s pretty accurate. When my device hit 10 percent battery life, the system’s help button started flashing red every 26 seconds. I appreciate this reminder to charge your device. No one wants to walk around wearing a system with a dead battery!

Charging Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile system

The SOS Smartwatch lasts up to 12 hours, according to Bay Alarm Medical, which is pretty short for a medical alert system. I was able to get a full day of use out of my watch before it was time to recharge. I set my watch on its charging station, and it took about two hours to fully recharge, which is pretty typical for mobile devices.

My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

Overview

Lively is a unique provider, as they offer hybrid cell phones and GPS medical alert systems. For the 91 percent of seniors ages 65+ who own a cell phone,1 a phone with a built-in medical alert system offers the best of both worlds. You can stay connected and protected with one device. Many older adults may avoid purchasing a medical alert system because of its appearance, so Lively’s phones are a great solution as they provide discreet, on-the-go protection. My grandma is a big fan of Lively’s phones for this very reason. She owns a Medical Guardian system, but she loves that Lively’s devices look just like a regular cell phone. For those who are just looking for a medical alert device, Lively also offers a stand-alone GPS system.

» Plan Breakdown: Jitterbug phone plans for seniors 2024

Whether you go with a device or phone, you’ll have your pick of Lively’s health and safety features. For even more flexibility, you can pay for the health and safety services, and, rather than purchase a Lively device, use them on your Apple Watch or Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

Keep in mind that Lively charges an upfront equipment and activation fee for your chosen device. I’m not a big fan of activation fees, but they might be worth it if you’re looking for a senior-friendly phone with medical alert protection. If you opt for one of Lively’s phones, you’ll also be charged a monthly talk, text, and/or data fee.

» Dive Deeper: Lively medical alert review

Plans, Pricing, and Features

GPS Accuracy

We tested out the accuracy of Lively’s standalone medical alert system, Lively Mobile2, along with the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2. Our plan included Lively Link, which is a mobile app that lets me track my grandma’s location at any given time, much like Bay Alarm Medical’s companion app. I could also see an emergency call history, the status of her device, and receive alerts if she called for help.

Tracking my grandmas location using the Lively Link mobile app

We were both surprised by the accuracy of the GPS when testing the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2. Anytime I clicked “view on map” in the Lively Link app, it would automatically bring up an accurate map pinpointing my grandma’s precise location. I could also refresh the map to see if there had been any changes since I last checked.

I will say there was a bit of an issue with identifying the Lively Mobile2’s location. The first time I placed a test call by pressing the system’s help button, the agent I spoke with had a hard time pinpointing my location and thought I was in a different place than I was. I didn’t have this issue when I placed additional test calls. However, knowing exactly where you are during an emergency is essential, so this is something worth noting.

Response Times

Based on the test emergencies my grandma and I initiated on Lively’s three devices, the average response time was 10 seconds. These response times were the same as they were for Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian. I thought it was funny that our three top medical alert companies had the same average times! During an emergency, every second counts, so I appreciate these speedy responses.

Placing a test call on the Lively Mobile2

Battery Life

The Jitterbug Smart4 has a battery that lasts up to 37 hours, which is pretty typical for a smartphone. My grandma and I noticed that the battery lasted much longer than the last iteration of this phone, the Jitterbug Smart3; I appreciate that Lively has improved the batteries of its devices over time. The Jitterbug Flip2 lasts up to 12 hours, so I just charged my device each night before bed.

» Related Reading: Jitterbug Smart4 review and Jitterbug Flip2 review

As for the Lively Mobile2, it lasts up to 40 hours. While that’s still pretty solid, Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS mobile has it beat with an extra 32 hours of battery life. As long as you remember to charge your device every day or two, it shouldn’t be an issue. Just something to keep in mind.

Charging the Lively Mobile2

MobileHelp Duo

Overview

MobileHelp provides GPS coverage and protection for two users at one affordable rate, placing them on our list. While some providers (like Lively or Medical Guardian) require you to purchase two systems at full price or pay an extra fee for a second subscriber, MobileHelp offers multiple systems built for spouses or roommates. The Mobile Duo comes with two mobile GPS units, perfect for senior couples who are active outside of the home. Whether you’re golfing, on vacation, or spending time with friends, you and a second user will be covered at all times, even when you’re not together.

One of my favorite things about this system is that there are multiple ways to wear it. You can wear the mobile unit around your neck as a necklace, or you can throw the mobile unit in a purse or pocket and wear a smaller help pendant as a necklace or wristband. The latter option allows you to wear your system more discreetly, perfect for those who don’t like the looks of a medical alert system. During testing, I could easily tuck the help pendant underneath a shirt or sweater to hide it while keeping the mobile unit in my purse.

» Learn More: 2024 MobileHelp review

MobileHelp also offers the Duo bundle that combines their at-home and on-the-go GPS units, which is a great fit if you spend time on the go but your partner is more of a homebody, or vice versa. A third offering is the MobileHelp Touch Duo, which includes a touch-screen tablet, a traditional on-the-go GPS device, and a help button, great if one of the spouses is a techie. This last system is a bit pricier because of the more advanced technology, costing $54.95 per month. Overall, MobileHelp’s prices for spouse monitoring are competitive and, depending on the plan you choose, even more affordable than a one-person system from a carrier like Lively.

Plans, Pricing, and Features

GPS Accuracy

I tested out the MobileHelp Touch Duo plan to see how well it worked for at-home and on-the-go emergencies. I kept the touch-screen tablet at home, which has built-in GPS tracking. When I went out for a walk, I tested the accuracy of the mobile unit’s GPS feature, and it was about as accurate as Medical Guardian’s MGMove. It would give me a general area (within about 30 feet), but it wasn’t always perfectly precise.

» Useful Resource: Best cellular medical alert systems

The other potential drawback of MobileHelp’s system is the way that location tracking is tacked onto plans. I couldn’t just check my system’s location at any given moment. Instead, I had to “ping” my device’s location each time I wanted to check it, and I could only request the location 30 times per month. If I needed to use it more often, I’d have to pay an extra $6 per month for another 30 location requests. I’m not a big fan of this limitation, as other companies like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical let you check the device’s location as often as you want. This system is not ideal for caregivers or family members who like to check on their loved ones more than once per day.

Response Times

When I initiated multiple test emergencies, I recorded average response times of 25 to 30 seconds. This is slower than other providers on our list like Lively and Bay Alarm Medical. While every second counts in a real emergency, it’s hard to complain about a GPS medical alert system that can have an agent on the line in less than a minute!

Testing out MobileHelp’s wearable help button

Battery Life

All of MobileHelp’s GPS systems have a battery life of about one day. There are options with longer battery lives from companies like Medical Guardian, LifeFone, and Lively. I do wish MobileHelp had some systems that offered better battery life. However, as long as you remember to charge your device once a day, it shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, building a daily charge into your routine might be easier to remember than charging your device every three or four days!

Charging LifeFone’s VIP flex system

Overview

LifeFone has several on-the-go systems, including two pendant-style systems, a smartwatch, and a bracelet-style system. The company has the best battery life of all the GPS systems I tested, lasting up to five days for the At-Home & On-the-Go VIP Flex and VIP Active systems and 10 days for the At-Home & On-the-Go VIPx. This is especially useful for older adults who go on long trips or those who have a hard time remembering to charge their devices. You’ll never have to worry about being out and about with a dead battery again!

» Our Full Review: LifeFone medical alert system review 2024

I also appreciate that LifeFone has several systems to choose from, so you can find the one that’s right for your needs. The company’s GPS systems can get a little pricey, though. For instance, the At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active costs $49.95 per month. However, I learned you can save a few bucks a month if you pay for your system annually or quarterly instead of monthly.

Plans, Pricing, and Features

GPS Accuracy

All of LifeFone’s devices delivered great GPS tracking, with precise results. I tested the VIPx and was impressed with the accuracy of its tracking. The mobile app allowed me to keep tabs on my system at any time of day or night, which is great for caregivers who want to know about potential emergencies before they happen. I also tested the location accuracy by placing test calls to LifeFone’s 24/7 urgent response center. When I placed a call by pressing the system’s help button, I asked the operator to verify my location, and he did so correctly!

One major drawback to GPS tracking with the mobile app is that LifeFone charges $8 per month for access to the app. This is pretty disappointing, as Medical Guardian, Lively, and Bay Alarm Medical offer free access to their mobile apps. The app does come with a variety of useful features, though, such as detailed activity tracking, daily step counts, location detection, and battery status. If you’re on a tight budget, I’d recommend one of the other providers on our list, but if you want more detailed activity tracking, it could be a good option.

» Our Full Review: LifeFone pricing and packages

Response Times

I placed several test calls by pressing the help button on my VIPx device. I was always greeted by a friendly representative who asked if I needed assistance. After doing several tests, I calculated average response times of 20 seconds with the LifeFone VIPx device. It couldn’t beat Medical Guardian, Lively, or Bay Alarm Medical response times, but it was still pretty fast.

Battery Life

Battery life is a big part of the reason that LifeFone made this list. The company offers several GPS systems with long battery life, including the At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx, which lasts a whopping 10 days. That’s a full week and a half! If you forget your charger on vacation or just get annoyed when you have to charge your devices regularly, this is a great option. The VIP Active and VIP Flex systems last up to five days, while the At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active lasts up to one day. Regardless of the system you pick, the battery life is pretty solid.