Linda earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University and has assisted 10,000+ seniors throughout her 25-year career. She specializes in home health care and fall prevention for seniors and has nearly three decades of experience recommending medical alert systems. Her insights have helped inform the reviews and ratings below. Learn More about Linda
Medical Guardian’s industry-leading smartwatch helped to place them at the very top of our rankings. This company is always one step ahead when it comes to high-tech, customizable features for medical alert systems. With everything from a smartwatch system to the MyGuardian companion mobile app and desktop portal, Medical Guardian adds flair and versatility that many competitors simply don’t offer. Whether you’re looking for a simple medical alert system or one with all the bells and whistles, Medial Guardian offers six different packages to meet your needs. They have all of the standard features and add-ons, including fall detection, a base station with two-way audio, waterproof help buttons, and systems built for at-home and outside use.
Current Deal: Medical Guardian is offering 20 percent off the new Mobile 2.0 system throughout the month of October!
Answer a few questions on Medical Guardian's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
Bay Alarm Medical’s systems start at just $21.95 per month, and even their top-tier packages remain affordable, which is why Bay Alarm once again placed in our top ten. They offer inexpensive systems for use at home or out on the town. Not only are the prices affordable compared to the competition, but the systems also come packed with top-of-the-line features and value, so you really get the most bang for your buck. Plus, if you want more than one system, you can bundle two for even bigger savings.
Current Deal: Bay Alarm Medical is currently offering free shipping for new customers who order online. This “spooky special” (love the name, Bay Alarm!) ends on Oct. 25, so you’ll want to snag this deal fast!
Bay Alarm’s mobile GPS help button is sleek, small, and lightweight, so it’s perfect for active users who don’t want to carry around a bulky system. It also comes with a Caregiver Tracking feature, which allows caregivers to pinpoint the location of the wearer, view location history, and receive low battery notifications. The SOS Smartwatch, the company’s latest system, allows you to track your steps, set daily goals, and connect to their 24/7 monitoring center. It’s excellent for active seniors who want a discreet system that functions like a smartwatch. The in-home unit comes with all the standard features: a base unit, help pendant, and optional fall detection. Plus, you can add wall help buttons to any package.
Important Note: Bay Alarm Medical used to offer a unique in-car medical alert system with GPS tracking and crash detection. However, in May of 2021, a Bay Alarm Medical representative informed us that the system is no longer offered. The company hopes to relaunch the product with upgraded technology sometime in the future.
Call Bay Alarm Medical
Call to speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Answer a few questions on Bay Alarm Medical's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
MobileHelp made our list thanks to their Duo alert systems designed specifically for two users. They offer a versatile lineup of medical alert systems designed for both at-home and on-the-go use, whether you need protection for just yourself or for a partner as well. While many companies will require you to pay an extra fee or purchase two separate systems to add a spouse, MobileHelp offers multiple two-in-one systems. That way, you and a spouse or roommate will be covered at one affordable monthly rate. Whether you both spend your days out and about or you’re homebodies, MobileHelp’s Duo plans will keep you protected at all times. MobileHelp also offers a high-tech touch screen system, MobileHelp Touch, enabled with medication reminders, WiFi and bluetooth capabilities, and other health and safety features for those who need a little more coverage.
Visit our MobileHelp pricing guide to learn more about this provider’s monthly rates and packages.
Touchscreen system with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology
Two help buttons with most systems
Cons
Smartwach system discontinued
Cellular systems rely on AT&T service
Monitoring center is not company-owned
Automatic fall detection isn’t built into mobile devices; extra device required
The Product Lineup and Pricing
Product name
Prices starting at
Connection type
Designed for
Fall detection
MobileHelp Classic
$19.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
At-home use
$10 per month
MobileHelp Wired Home
$24.95 per month
Landline
At-home use
$10 per month
MobileHelp Micro
$29.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
Discreet on-the-go use for one user
Not available
MobileHelp Duo
$41.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
At-home & on-the-go for one or two users
$10 per month
Mobile Duo
$44.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
On-the-go for two users
$10 per month
MobileHelp Solo
$37.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
On-the-go for one user
$10 per month
MobileHelp Touch Classic
$54.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
At-home & on-the-go use with touchscreen and advanced health and safety features for one user
$10 per month
MobileHelp Touch Duo
$64.95 per month
Cellular (AT&T)
At-home & on-the-go use with touchscreen and advanced health and safety features
$10 per month
Is MobileHelp Right for Me?
Whether you’re looking for a system for one person or two, there are several users that would benefit from a MobileHelp system:
Those who need spouse monitoring or a two-in-one system
Users looking for a high-tech touchscreen system
Older adults who need an affordable at-home system
People with strong AT&T coverage
If MobileHelp sounds like a good fit for you, check out this year’s MobileHelp review for more details.
4. ADT Health
Why They Made the Cut
ADT is best known for its 150-year history of providing reliable, innovative home security. The company has applied that same standard of excellence to its medical alert systems to protect seniors and their families. Though ADT’s systems are great and comparable to major competitors, we were most impressed with their monitoring centers which is why they made our list. ADT’s Emergency Response Monitoring Center is U.S.-based, company-owned, company-operated, and monitored 24/7 by senior-sensitivity-trained professionals. In the middle of an emergency, older adults can rest assured they will speak with a top-trained ADT professional.
ADT has a variety of systems, including on-the-go and in-home models and add-on features, such as fall detection and home temperature monitoring. If you already have an ADT home security system, make sure you mention it to your customer representative, as you may be eligible for a discount on an ADT medical alert system.
Aloe Care Health is ideal for adult children and caregivers who worry about their loved one living on their own. This medical alert system leverages modern technology to provide ultimate at-home support for independent seniors and their caregivers. Family and friends in the designated Care Circle can see real-time updates on their loved one via the Aloe Care Health app. Viewers can see recent movement in the home, the temperature, air quality, and check-in notes. They can even call their loved one directly through the base station called the Smart Hub.
We love Aloe Care Health’s voice-activated emergency response. If seniors need help and cannot press their care button, they can repeatedly say, “emergency.” Aloe Care Health’s Smart Hub will connect them to an emergency response professional and alert caregivers of the event. For seniors who want fall detection, the Mobile Companion is a great option. For even more protection, the Total Care system includes a Smart Fall Sensor and two motion sensors.
Medical Alert offers one of the industry’s best mobile apps, making it a top provider. Being able to track a medical alert subscriber’s whereabouts, emergency calls, and device status adds an extra level of assurance for family members and caregivers. Medical Alert’s mobile app lets the user’s loved ones do just that. With the added peace of mind, you won’t feel the need to check in on your aging loved ones multiple times a day, and they won’t feel like you’re hovering. All you have to do is open the mobile app straight from your smartphone to view their call history and device status, create testing schedules, build an emergency contact list, and check the user’s location. Medical Alert offers other essential features for their at-home and on-the-go systems, including optional fall detection, GPS location tracking, and waterproof help buttons. Plus, setup for every system is as simple as it gets, requiring just one or two plugins. With all of these great features, Medical Alert was an easy top eleven pick. Plus, you can’t beat Medical Alert’s pricing.
Current Deal: Medical Alert is offering free shipping, one month of free service, a free lockbox, and protection plans for $1 per month when you sign up for an annual payment plan!
With easy-to-use systems, a top-of-the-line mobile app, and affordable monthly rates, we’d recommend Medical Alert for the following seniors:
Families or caregivers looking for a mobile app
Seniors who want custom response plans
Those who don’t want extra bells and whistles
Users that want real-time alerts
If Medical Alert sounds like the right choice for you, see our full Medical Alert review.
7. One Call Alert Systems
Why They Made the Cut
Starting at just $19.95 per month for their cellular in-home system, One Call Alert has some of the lowest rates for in-home protection on the market. The In-Home Wireless system also has an impressive base-to-button coverage range of 1,300 feet, so you can stay protected throughout the home.
If you’d prefer a landline at-home system, you can upgrade for an extra $5 per month. The provider offers five different medical alert systems with at-home, on-the-go, and hybrid options. Similar to MobileHelp, they have multiple two-in-one systems for couples or roommates to stay protected at one affordable rate. One Call Alert has no long-term contracts and no equipment fees, making them an affordable and transparent provider.
One Call Alert offers a solid variety of medical alert systems for all types of seniors. We’d recommend One Call Alert for:
Those who want affordable in-home protection
Couples or roommates
Seniors who don’t need high-tech features
Older adults who live in large multi-story homes
For the full rundown on our experience with this provider, check out our One Call Alert review.
8. LifeFone
Why They Made the Cut
LifeFone is a top eleven contender, as they offer one of the largest in-home coverage ranges in the industry. It’s essential that older adults will be able to call for help during an emergency, no matter where they are in the house. At 1,300 feet, LifeFone’s range from its base station to wearable help buttons is two or even three times the in-home coverage of many of its competitors. Plus, LifeFone’s signal range is the same for both its cellular and landline systems. Oftentimes, companies offer a larger coverage range for landline systems when compared to their cellular options, which is frustrating for those without a landline. You can enhance your in-home systems even further with automatic fall detection for just $5 per month, which is very affordable for the industry. LifeFone’s systems have several other great perks that put them on our list, including a caregiver mobile app, features for those with hearing or visual impairments, and a 30-day battery life for the At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP system.
Current Deal: LifeFone is offering one month of free service and free shopping when you sign up for an annual or quarterly plan. You’ll also get a free lockbox if you sign up for the annual plan, and all plans come with a price lock guarantee and free activation.
LifeFone’s affordable and versatile at-home and on-the-go systems will be a great match for many different types of users in their golden years:
Users looking for large in-home signal range
Those who want affordable fall detection
Hearing or visually-impaired seniors
Those who want a mobile system with an ultra-long battery life
For more information, take a look at our full LifeFone review.
9. Lively
Why They Made the Cut
Lively’s unique senior-friendly phones with built-in medical alert technology put them at number eight on our list. One of the main complaints we hear from seniors time and time again is that they don’t want to wear or carry a medical alert device everywhere they go. Lively is one of the only providers that offers cell phones equipped with medical alert features to solve this problem; older adults can stay protected and connected on the go with one simple device designed with their needs in mind.
Subscribers can choose from several health and safety packages to add to their phones. Lively’s monthly cost for these plans depends on the level of medical alert features you want, so it’s easy to find something to fit your budget. These features range from standard ones like automatic fall detection and 24/7 monitoring to medication reminders and concierge services like a personal operator to call Lyft rides. Or, if you just want a senior-friendly cell phone, you can pay for the phone and a talk, text, and/or data plan without paying for any added medical alert features. Lively’s cell phones run on Verizon’s network, so if you have solid coverage in your area you’ll be set. Lively also offers a standalone medical alert system for those who don’t want a phone and just want to stay protected. These customizable packages, high-tech features, and senior-friendly phones made Lively a no-brainer for our top eleven.
WellBe was developed by health care executives that realized accessing health care resources needed to be easier for seniors and their caregivers. WellBe combines the sophisticated AI of a smart speaker and the reliable protection of a medical alert system. WellBe is the only provider on our list that doubles as a virtual health care assistant. The voice-activated WellBe smart speaker can answer thousands of health questions, remind you to take your medication, keep track of medical appointments, and make phone calls to a select list of contacts. In an emergency, seniors can simply say, “OK, WellBe Emergency,” to be connected to a monitoring professional.
WellBe’s smartwatch is ideal for active seniors who want medical alert protection on the go. It also tracks steps, monitors your heart rate, and is water-resistant. For seniors looking for protection in and out of the home, the WellBe Medical Alert PLUS bundles the smartwatch and smart speaker for a discounted rate. WellBe’s systems are on the pricey side, but the advanced assistance and protection this technology provides are worth the investment if you have some wiggle room in your budget.
WellBe’s smart speaker and smartwatch make up a distinctively advanced medical alert system. Older adults and caregivers who may benefit from a WellBe system are:
Older adults who need assistance keeping track of their medications and appointments
Adult children who live far away from their aging loved one
Those who want a high-tech medical alert system
Active seniors who would prefer a smartwatch-style mobile system
Check out our hands-on WellBe review for a closer look at this high-tech provider.
11. QMedic
Why They Made the Cut
QMedic is a finalist on our list because they offer advanced, high-tech activity and compliance monitoring with every package. For seniors with serious health conditions or families and caregivers who want to keep an extra close eye on them, activity tracking is a great feature. QMedic tracks the user’s behavior, and if their activity or sleeping patterns are abnormal, real-time alerts will be sent to their loved ones via the Caregiver Dashboard and mobile app. Whether they’ve been in bed for an unusual amount of time or have been inactive throughout the day, QMedic will be there to notify the right people and send whatever help is needed through their 24/7 monitoring center. The technology can even detect when a subscriber isn’t wearing their alert system. Family members can also check in on the user’s activity and call history at any time. This level of activity monitoring that proactively learns from the user provides a whole new level of peace of mind for seniors and their families alike.
Current Deal: Right now, QMedic is offering $100 off the Mobile GPS annual subscription. That’s a 25 percent discount!
QMedic currently doesn’t offer automatic fall detection for their at-home or mobile systems, because their founder believes that the technology isn’t accurate enough and leads to too many false alarms. While we normally recommend fall detection, QMedic’s activity and compliance monitoring with real-time alerts are a solid replacement.
Alert1 offers the most extensive language support we’ve seen, with support for 190 different languages, and that’s why they made this year’s list. For the millions of Americans who primarily speak a language other than English at home,1 speaking with an operator in their native language during an emergency adds extra peace of mind and takes away some of the tension from an already stressful situation. When you sign up for Alert1, you’ll be able to set up your preferred language. From then on, whenever you press the help button on your pendant or base station, a live operator speaking your language will be there to send the help you need.
In addition to being an industry leader in language support, Alert1 also offers affordable at-home and mobile alert system options. You’ll receive major discounts if you go with the 10-month plan over the monthly plan, or bundle two systems together. Plus, the company is always offering some sort of promotion to waive fees and reduce rates. If you’re looking for a reliable on-the-go system, Alert1’s On-the-Go’s help pendant has a battery life of 30 days, which is much longer than many other options in the industry. And for those older adults who don’t want to advertise that they are wearing a medical alert device, Alert1 offers a sleek-looking watch with lots of unique features. With high quality equipment, top-notch language support, and great deals, it’s no wonder Alert1 made our list.
After more than 300 hours of research, testing, and group discussion of all the medical alert devices we could get our hands on, our team narrowed down the list to our top eleven picks. We evaluated each system for quality, reliability, speed of emergency responses, price, aesthetics, extra perks, and overall value to create a well-rounded ranking for each product. We placed test calls to each response center and during the purchase process spoke to customer service representatives at each company.
In addition to evaluating every medical alert system based on our research and hands-on testing, every company had to meet the four standard requirements we find most important for all medical alert systems. Check out our requirements for making the cut below:
No Long-Term Contracts: Some medical alert companies still require customers to sign long-term contracts for up to three years, which we’re not big fans of. All of the providers included in our top 12 offer month-to-month options to give customers the ultimate flexibility.
24/7 Professional Monitoring: In case of a fall or other emergency, fast response times and 365/24/7 monitoring are essential for getting the help you need. While some companies don’t include professional monitoring, we think it’s an essential feature, so our list only has those that do.
GPS Options: All of the companies on our list offer GPS mobile options. For seniors that still spend time outside the home, it’s essential that the monitoring center can locate you and send help to your exact location during an emergency. GPS technology makes this possible.
Monthly Rates Starting Under $40: Every provider on our list offers at least one system for under $40 per month. We want seniors to find an affordable system and keep them from breaking the bank just to stay protected. While monthly rates may be higher for premium plans, those on a budget will still have options with our top picks.
For more details on medical alert systems, jump down to our guide to choosing a medical alert system below.
What is a Medical Alert System?
So what exactly is a medical alert system and why do you need one? Personal medical alert systems are designed to keep seniors safe and prevent life-threatening injuries from falls and other health emergencies that become more common as we age. Systems typically come with a base unit equipped with a help button and two-way speaker, and a wearable help pendant or bracelet.
During an emergency, all the user has to do is press the help button on the base station or pendant and they’ll be connected to the company’s 24/7 monitoring center. A live operator will help the user get the assistance they need based on the situation, whether it’s a family member, neighbor, or first responders. If the operator is unable to get a response from the user, they’ll send help straight away. Some systems are designed for in-home or on-the-go, while others are a hybrid of the two, so users can stay protected whether they’re at home or traveling. Learn more about medical alert systems in our “Introduction to Medical Alert Systems” video below.
One-in-four seniors experience a fall every single year, which is also the leading cause of life-threatening injuries for older adults.2 Plus, once a senior has one fall, they’re twice as likely to fall again.3 Because falls are a very prevalent and serious danger to older adults, it’s important to be prepared for falls even before they happen. That’s where medical alert systems come in. They can literally save the user’s life by sending help immediately after a fall. These systems give both seniors and their loved ones an added layer of peace of mind and protection, especially for older adults who live alone or away from family.
What to Look for in a Medical Alert System
There are several types of medical alert systems tailored to meet the needs of different users. To decide which system is best for you and feel confident in your choice, here are the main topics to consider.
Landline vs. Cellular Systems
In-home alert systems will either run on a landline or cellular connection. If you live in an area with spotty cellular coverage, a landline system will be ideal for a steady and reliable connection. However, if you don’t have a landline or would rather not have to connect your system to a phone jack, a cellular system is a great option. For those looking for an on-the-go system, essentially all mobile systems run on a cellular connection, so again, you’ll want to ensure that the provider you choose uses a cellular network that’s reliable in your area.
Pendants, Smartwatches, or Portable Base Stations?
If you want a system that can be used on the go, you’ll need to decide how you want to carry or wear the system, as there are a few different options on the market. The first option is an all-in-one wearable system that can be put on like a necklace. These systems are great for those who don’t want to deal with keeping track of multiple pieces of equipment. However, they’re typically a bit bulkier than other options since everything is built into one piece of equipment.
The second option is a two-piece system that comes with a help button that can be worn as either a necklace or bracelet and a small, portable base station. For these systems, the base station is typically small enough to be thrown in a purse or put in a pocket, and the pendant is small and lightweight. These two-piece systems are good for those who want a more discrete pendant. Just know that you’ll have to remember both pieces of equipment whenever you leave the house, and you’ll need to keep the portable base station close by.
The last option is an all-in-one smartwatch system. The best medical alert watches function similarly to Apple Watches, as they track user activity and allow you to send and receive messages, but they also have medical alert features like a help button and 24/7 monitoring. Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and WellBe are currently the three major medical alert providers that offer a smartwatch option, so it’s pretty unique. If you’re looking for this high-tech option, you’ll want to consider Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch, or WellBe’s smartwatch.
What is Automatic Fall Detection?
Medical alert providers typically offer automatic fall detection pendants in certain packages or as an add-on feature. With fall detection, the user won’t even have to press a button after a fall. The pendant will detect the downward motion followed by inactivity and automatically connect to the monitoring center. This is a useful feature for any users, but especially for those more prone to falls due to health conditions or mobility issues. When choosing a system, look into the company’s fall detection options. Consider if the person you’re buying for will need, or feel more secure with, fall detection and determine whether or not this add on will fit in your budget. To help your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
How to Share Data with Caregivers and Family Members
Many providers, like Aloe Care Health and Bay Alarm Medical, offer companion mobile apps that pair up with your medical alert system. If you want to be able to keep track of your aging family member and receive real-time alerts to any incidents, you’ll want to make sure you choose a company and package that comes with mobile app access. Each app offers different features, but some of the most standard include GPS tracking, user call history, and real-time alerts for emergency calls.
Typical Costs of a System
You’ll need to make sure that the medical alert system you choose fits in your budget. The cost of a medical alert system varies greatly by the provider and type of system you choose. You’ll find that the most affordable systems on the market start at around $20 per month. For mobile GPS systems or more advanced in-home systems with activity monitoring or other unique features, prices typically jump to about $30 to $45 per month.
In addition to monthly monitoring fees, you’ll also need to consider the cost of any add-on equipment or features. Fall detection, the most common add-on feature, typically costs around $10 per month, while some providers offer it for a few bucks more or less. Other add ons like protection plans, jewelry accessories, and additional equipment can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per month, or you may just pay a one-time fee for extra equipment. Once you’ve chosen your ideal system, be sure to do the math and add up all of your monthly costs along with any upfront fees so you know what to expect on your bill.
What Type of Maintenance is Required?
Medical alert systems are built to be durable and last for years to come, so typically there isn’t a lot of required maintenance. Most help pendants have batteries that last for a few years, and providers will usually replace them when they die at no extra cost. If your system is malfunctioning and it’s not due to user error or intentional damage, most providers will fix or replace the equipment for free.
When choosing a system, be sure to check the company’s warranty and what exactly it covers. Some providers offer a lifetime warranty that will cover all maintenance, while others are more limited or short term. Many companies that don’t have lifetime warranties offer monthly protection plans instead for around $5 per month that will cover expensive equipment replacements.
A medical alert system usually comes with one or more devices that helps the user stay safe. The device comes in the form of a bracelet, necklace or pendant. It is connected to a speaker that allows the user to come into contact with a trained operator with the simple press of a button. The trained operator can determine whether to send emergency help.
It’s not uncommon for people to believe that seniors are the only ones to benefit from wearing a medical alert system. Truth is, though, anyone of any age can benefit from a medical alert system, particularly those who want peace of mind in knowing they will receive around-the-clock protection during medical emergencies, fires, and break-ins.
The most important aspect to look for in a medical alert system is reliability. No matter how well the medical alert system performs, unless it’s connected to a live agent who can instantly take your call, then the system will prove of little value. Beyond reliability, it’s important to look for a system that is easy to use and install. Always get a system that offers a backup battery, as well. With a backup battery, you obtain peace of mind in knowing the system will still operate during a power outage.
A medical alert system is worn by the user. Many systems also come with a base in which the medical alert device sends a signal to. All the user has to do to call for help is press the HELP button on the base or device being worn. Once the signal from the device reaches the base, it is immediately forwarded to the system’s monitoring center, which includes trained emergency response operators. The operator will answer your call and using two-way voice communication, you will hear the operator ask you questions. If you can speak, you tell the operator what type of help you need. If you can’t speak, you can simply stay on the line with the operator in silence. The operator will assess the situation and determine what type of emergency help to send.
You should shop for a medical alert system that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a hassle-free return policy. Also, check the provider’s ranking with the Better Business Bureau.
Medical alert systems are available in many forms. Some connect to a home’s landline, some are wireless, and some are considered mobile. A landline medical alert system comes with a phone cord that connects from the base device to the phone jack on your wall. Wireless medical alert systems connect to a wall outlet and works off of a cellular network, meaning you don’t have to connect it to a landline. Mobile medical alert systems come with a mobile device that easily fits in your hand or is worn around the neck or wrist. You get a carrying pouch as well and a charging cradle along with a power cord. No matter the type of system that you choose, fall detection is usually optional. Please keep in mind that wireless systems usually work all throughout the United States. Mobile systems work all throughout the 50 states, however, they only work outside of the country when you are in an area that has cellular network coverage.
Yes, they do! And that’s another great reason you need one. You never know what situation you may find yourself in. Sometimes, GPS tracking may be the difference between saving your life and losing it. Anything from memory loss to a seizure can cause you to wander off to places where you aren’t safe, but with a medical alert system with GPS tracking, both you and your caregivers can keep track of your location. If you go missing, your caregivers will know to call your monitoring service provider to get your GPS coordinates.
Looking for Help Choosing a Medical Alert System?
We can help! Answer 5 simple questions and we'll make a recommendation for you or your loved one.
Linda’s Acclaimed Career in Senior Care Linda Schlenker is a comforting voice for seniors and caregivers across the U.S. For nearly three decades, Linda has helped seniors remain safe in their own homes, while helping them to regain priceless independence and peace… Learn More About Linda Schlenker
Written By
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
For over five years, Taylor has been writing, editing, and researching products and services covering topics such as senior care and technology, Internet and the digital divide, TV, and entertainment, and education. Her research on media consumption and consumer behavior has been… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
