Lifeline Medical Alert Systems: Pricing and Value in 2025

The Fast Facts: Lifeline Equipment and Pricing

At first glance, you’ll probably notice in the chart below that Lifeline tacks on many extra fees for activation, equipment, shipping, and installation. But here’s the good news: If you give Lifeline a call, the representatives may waive some of these fees (typically shipping and activation).

A Closer Look at Lifeline Systems and Value

Lifeline HomeSafe system

HomeSafe

HomeSafe is Lifeline’s lowest-priced option, starting at $29.95 on a month-to-month plan for the landline model. It costs the same as entry-level LifeFone systems and less than LifeStation models, so it’s fairly priced for the industry.

The system comes in both a landline and cellular model. The cellular option costs $39.95 per month, making it $10 more than the landline model. We'd recommend going with the landline model to save money every month, as the cellular system doesn't add much extra value. The exception is if your home doesn't have a landline, in which case paying the extra cost per month makes more sense than setting up a landline connection you probably won't have other uses for.

You can also add fall detection to the system for $15 per month. That’s on the pricier side, since fall detection from companies such as Bay Alarm Medical is around $5 less per month. To compare a few more affordable fall-detection options, head to our latest ADT Health review and Medical Guardian review. Also, check out our list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.

On the Go

On the Go is a solid option if you want a device that offers protection anywhere you go. It has a battery life of up to four days on a single charge. The system has both a standard and mini version for those wanting more discreet protection.

Priced between $44.95 and $49.95 per month, it's more expensive than the cellular HomeSafe system. Unlike the HomeSafe models, On the Go is an all-in-one wearable system that you can use both on the go and at home, so it's more versatile despite the higher price.

As long as you’re in an area with reliable AT&T service, you’re set.2 On the Go has location-tracking technology, and you can add fall detection for $15 per month. The pendant, which can be worn as a necklace, also comes with a built-in two-way speaker and a help button for quick and easy communication.

Editor Jeff Hoyt testing On the Go

For those who frequently spend time outside the home, we’d recommend this Lifeline system. If you're on a tight budget, however, there are more affordable mobile systems to consider. The Bay Alarm Medical on-the-go system we reviewed and the MobileHelp packages we tested, for example, offer similar features for a few dollars less per month than Lifeline. Keep in mind, however, that other mobile systems may not be all-in-one systems or as lightweight as Lifeline’s On the Go.

Smartwatch

Lifeline Smartwatch

Lifeline's Smartwatch costs $39.95 per month, plus a $159 device fee. Subscribers can save a few bucks per month by paying annually or quarterly. You also get free shipping and a free lockbox with annual payments.

This is our top pick if you’re looking for a more high-tech, sleek system. It looks just like a standard smartwatch, so no one will know you’re wearing a medical alert system. Plus, it has features like step tracking and heart monitoring to help you stay on top of your health.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I appreciate that Lifeline recently added a smartwatch to their lineup, because watch-style systems have become much more popular in recent years. They offer discreet protection and extra health-monitoring features. Just know that fall detection may not be as accurate on a wrist-worn system as it is on a lanyard.

Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features

Compared to other companies, such as Bay Alarm Medical, Lifeline doesn’t offer many accessories. The only add-ons are a lockbox and a protection plan, priced at $2.95 per month and $6.95 per month, respectively. The key lockbox gives first responders access to your home in the event of an emergency. Having a lockbox in place could save you additional costs, since first responders won’t have to damage your door to reach you during an emergency. We wish Lifeline offered more add-on equipment, but it’s perfect for those who just want to keep things simple.

How to Get the Best Deal With Lifeline

Lifeline runs deals throughout the year to help you save. Some deals may not be advertised online, so be sure to call Lifeline’s customer support line to ask a representative about any ongoing promotions or current deals.

You can do a few other things to get the best value and save the most money on your Lifeline service, including:

1. Order your system over the phone: Lifeline adds several extra fees and up-front costs to start your service. That’s pretty standard with most companies, but you can typically get a few of those fees waived if you call to speak with a representative. If you skip this step and go straight to ordering online, you’ll likely be stuck paying the fees.
2. Choose self-installation: Medical alert systems are designed to be simple to set up and use, and Lifeline does a great job of ensuring that the setup process for all of their alert systems does just that. The company offers a professional installation option for $99, but there’s typically no need for it. Every package comes with a detailed instruction manual, and customer service can answer any additional questions you may have during setup.
3. Go with a landline option for in-home systems: For the HomeSafe system, you can save $10 per month by choosing the landline option instead of cellular. If you have a landline, the connection will be just as, if not more, reliable than the cellular system. The main advantage of the cellular system is that it doesn't need to be plugged into a phone jack, so you have more freedom in where to set it up. If that flexibility is worth the extra cost, or if you don't have a landline, you'll want to choose the cellular system.

Lifeline vs. the Competition

Lifeline has a long history in the industry, but other companies offer systems with older adults in mind. Below is a brief overview of what some competitors have to offer.

Lifeline vs. Medical Guardian

Lifeline offers only two systems and a smartwatch. Medical Guardian packages, however, include options for three on-the-go systems and two home systems. They have high-tech products with prices starting at around $30. The MGMini we reviewed also has a broad signal range at up to 1,400 feet. Both offer the option for fall detection, but Medical Guardian charges only $10 a month.

Lifeline vs. ADT

ADT is a familiar brand with a strong reputation and more than 145 years of experience. ADT packages offer three systems with add-on features and a price-lock guarantee, but they have a range of only 600 feet. ADT has several U.S.-based emergency-response monitoring centers that are company-owned and operated and monitored 24/7 by professionals trained to support older adults.

Lifeline vs. Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical has existed for more than 75 years. Prices for Bay Alarm Medical start at around $27.95 per month. They offer four systems and a 30-day risk-free trial. Fall detection can be added for $10 a month. The company has 24-hour U.S.-based emergency response centers with an average response time of 10–20 seconds.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Lifeline

If you’re looking for a medical alert company with decades of experience, Lifeline is a great option. There’s an added level of reassurance knowing that the company has been serving seniors and their families for nearly 50 years. Plus, their parent company, Philips, is an industry leader in several areas of health technology.

Lifeline’s systems are on the pricier end compared to other companies in the industry. Still, the reliable technology, fall detection options, and user-friendly equipment make the price worth it. Plus, they offer a companion mobile app called My Lifeline, allowing family members and caregivers to check the status of the user’s devices and share notes with other loved ones. Overall, Lifeline systems are simple and reliable, so if you want a system that doesn’t overcomplicate things, they’re a solid choice.