Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch: A Hands-on Review

Key Features and Pricing

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Smartwatch

The Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch packs considerable technology into its compact design. At its core, the device provides 24/7 access to Bay Alarm Medical’s monitoring center, which maintains an average response time of less than 60 seconds, according to both the company’s data and our own hands-on testing.

The smartwatch operates on AT&T’s cellular network, providing indoor and outdoor nationwide coverage. Unlike home-based systems that limit protection to inside the house, the device keeps you connected whether you’re gardening, shopping or traveling across the country.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

The IP67 water-resistance rating means you can wear the watch in the shower or while washing dishes, but we recommend removing it for swimming. I’m a big fan of the water-resistant design, because many falls occur in the shower.

Unboxing and Setting Up Our SOS Smartwatch

Unboxing our SOS Smartwatch

Setting up the SOS Smartwatch was easy and fast. All we had to do was remove it from its box and set it on its charger, which took around three hours to charge. We also called Bay Alarm Medical to activate service and completed a test call to their U.S.-based emergency center.

Here’s what came in the box:

• SOS Smartwatch
• Docking cradle charger
• Power plug and cable
• Quick-start guide

The quick-start guide is easy to read. It uses large print and clear illustrations, which is a huge plus for people with vision loss.

>>Related Reading: Smartphone Apps and Resources for Those With Vision Loss 

Once the watch was charged, we put it on and wore it for about eight hours. We found the watch interface simple and intuitive to use. Unlike Apple Watch, which has tons of features that can feel overwhelming or unnecessary, the SOS Smartwatch keeps things simple and focuses on its emergency response. The time display is large and clear, and the large, red emergency button on the side is impossible to miss. That makes getting help as simple and quick as possible in an emergency.

The SOS Smartwatch also makes sense for older adults on a budget, especially compared to the cost of many medical alert systems. Some systems, such as MobileHelp, include wristbands in their bundles. They don’t function as smartwatches, but they provide an extra layer of protection for older adults in and near their homes.

We appreciated that the charging cradle uses magnetic alignment — no need to fumble with tiny connectors. The watch provides clear low-battery warnings by vibrating and displaying a low-battery icon when charging is needed.

Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Smartwatch clearly displays the battery level and provides low-battery notifications.

Testing the Smartwatch’s Features

Making Emergency Calls

The heart of the SOS Smartwatch is its emergency button, which is prominently positioned on the watch face. When pressed, it immediately connects you to Bay Alarm Medical’s U.S.-based monitoring center.

We tested the feature multiple times and were consistently connected with a helpful operator within 45 to 60 seconds. The two-way speaker works very well. The operators could hear us clearly even in moderately noisy environments, such as busy coffee shops.

We found that Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch has a comparable response time to other devices we tested, including Medical Guardian’s MGMove.

GPS Tracking and Location Services

The SOS Smartwatch’s GPS tracking was very accurate during our testing. We tested the watch at home, on walks and while running errands, and it always pinpointed our location within 10 to 30 feet.

We could easily access the watch’s location information through Bay Alarm Medical’s caregiver app. If a fall or other event occurs, the call center will also notify one or more family members or caregivers via phone.

Using Fall Detection

The optional fall-detection feature uses accelerometer technology to detect sudden movements that are consistent with falls. When we tested controlled falls (safely, with padding), the system detected eight out of 10 falls accurately.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Bay Alarm Medical’s fall-detection rate aligns with industry standards. It’s important to note that, according to our testing and the CDC, no fall detection technology is 100 percent accurate.1 That means it’s essential to press the SOS button after a fall if you’re able to.

Once a fall was detected, a message on the watch popped up asking if we had fallen. We could press either “Help” or “Cancel.” The feature prevents first responders from showing up at your front door after a false alarm. We also found that wearing the watch on our nondominant wrist led to better fall-detection accuracy, since that arm typically moves less during daily activities.

>> Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems of 2025

Health Features

The SOS Smartwatch tracks your daily steps to help you stay on top of your fitness goals. We found that the tracker was pretty accurate compared to other step counters we’ve used on Apple Watch and our smartphones.

We love the watch’s step tracker, but we wish the watch had more health-monitoring features, such as heart rate and blood pressure. We also wish it had medication reminders, since it’s so easy to forget to take a pill when you’re on the go and active. Walking is one of the most common forms of exercise for older adults, however, so the watch’s ability to track steps is very helpful.

Watch the video review below with SeniorLiving.org Editor-in-Chief Jeff Hoyt to learn more about our experience testing the SOS Smartwatch.

Companion App and Caregiver Features

Tracking our systems' location using the Bay Alarm Medical companion mobile app.

Bay Alarm Medical’s caregiver app provides valuable information for both caregivers and users. We could check our daily steps and location, plus receive alerts when the help button was pressed.

The smartwatch itself does not connect to an app, so it keeps things simple for the user. Family members can receive alerts when the emergency button is pressed. The caregiver app lacks a few advanced features, such as a heart rate monitor, which LifeFone and other companies offer.

SOS Smartwatch vs. the Competition

The SOS Smartwatch is priced competitively compared to other popular medical alert smartwatches. It also has very similar features to competitors, so we’d recommend it if you’re looking for an affordable watch that still has the most important features.

The biggest drawback is the watch’s short battery life, especially compared to the UnaliWear Kanega watch, which has a battery that lasted 24 to 36 hours during our testing. The SOS Smartwatch’s battery typically lasts six to eight hours, depending on usage.

Bay Alarm Medical charges an up-front device fee, but the base monthly rate is lower than many competitors. The SOS Smartwatch 360 bundle, which costs $64.95 a month (plus a $199 device fee), includes both the watch and their home system, offering comprehensive protection.

Seniors who like the look of the watch may also consider Medical Guardian’s MGMove smartwatch, which has a similar aesthetic and additional features such as messaging and medication reminders.

Customer Support and the Buying Experience

Bay Alarm Medical sells the SOS Smartwatch on their website and consumer sites such as Amazon. We found online ordering to be straightforward. We just selected the system we wanted, and the website walked us through the customization and checkout process with clear instructions and illustrations.

During our testing, we called Bay Alarm Medical’s phone support line a few times to ask questions. We found their staff to be helpful and patient when we asked questions both before and after purchase. Their representatives patiently explained features without using high-pressure sales tactics.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Ask about seasonal promotions when ordering by phone. Bay Alarm Medical frequently offers discounts that aren’t always advertised on their website.

Warranty, Trial Period and Cancellation Policy

Bay Alarm Medical provides a 15-day risk-free trial period after purchase. It allows you to test the SOS Smartwatch during your daily routine. If the watch isn’t to your liking, you can return it for a full refund of equipment fees and any monthly charges you’ve already paid. For comparison, Medical Guardian offers a similar trial period of 14 days, while MobileHelp offers an extended 30-day trial period.

The device comes with a limited warranty covering wear and tear and manufacturer defects. Extended warranty options are available through Bay Alarm Medical’s Premier Protection Plan, which has an additional monthly cost.

The Final Verdict

After thorough testing, we found that the Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch delivers reliable emergency protection in a very discreet package. Its strengths lie in its sleek design, competitive pricing structure and reliable 24/7 monitoring. The GPS tracking works well, the two-way communication is clear and the monitoring center response times meet industry standards.

The main weaknesses — shorter battery life than some competitors and the upfront equipment fee — are notable but not deal-breakers for most users. The lack of health-monitoring features may disappoint tech-savvy seniors, but it also means fewer complications for those who simply want emergency protection.

The device is best for active, independent older adults who value discretion and spend significant time away from home. The combination of nationwide coverage, optional fall detection and reasonable pricing makes it a solid choice in the increasingly crowded medical alert market. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, but it excels at its primary job: keeping you connected to help when you need it most.