Best Medical Alert Bracelets
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- Simple systems
- Lifetime warranty
- No upfront equipment fees
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No equipment fees
- Caregiver mobile app
Adults ages 50 and older overwhelmingly want to stay in their own homes for the long term,1 and Medical alert systems can make that desire a safer reality. The convenience of a medical alert system with a bracelet can’t be ignored. Worn on the wrist, it’s easily accessible when you need it. Plus, if you’re already in the habit of wearing a watch or medical ID bracelet, you’ll have an easier time remembering to wear it!
Below we take a look at the top medical alert bracelets, including cost, features, and tips for choosing the right system for your needs and budget. Let’s dive in!
How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Bracelets
Testing out ADT Health's Medical Alert Basic system
Deciding which medical alert bracelet to go with is daunting! After all, you have so many choices. We’ve narrowed things down to create our list of the top medical alert bracelets to make your search a little easier. We considered criteria such as pricing, ease of use, features, and reputation. Our team has tested all the systems on the list to give you an inside look at how they actually work — and whether they’re worth it. Keep reading to see which top medical alert system providers made our list!
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1. Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch - Best smartwatch option
What we like most
- No smartphone-pairing required
- Sleek and stylish design
- Built-in GPS and 24/7 monitoring
Bay Alarm Medical SOS SmartwatchOverview
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
Bay Alarm Medical’s Medical Alert SOS Smartwatch keeps you connected while you’re at home and on the go. Best of all, you don’t need a smartphone to use it! A built-in speaker and microphone connect you with trained operators who can track your location and send help your way. The SOS Smartwatch costs $34.95 per month ($44.95 with fall detection), plus a device fee of $159.
If you’d prefer something simpler, Bay Alarm Medical also offers the SOS All-In-One mobile system with a wearable help button you can wear on your wrist. You can even wear the bracelet in the shower — a major perk considering most falls occur in the bathroom.2 The All-in-One costs $39.95 per month with no equipment fee. If you’re just looking for affordable at-home coverage, the SOS Home is another option, starting at $24.95 per month.
Pros About Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
- GPS caregiver tracking
- Optional fall detection
- Shower-safe waterproof design
- No long-term contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Price-lock guarantee
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
- Limited product lineup
- Up-front equipment fees with some systems
The Bottom Line
If a smartwatch medical alert system is what you’re after, look no further than Bay Alarm Medical. The company’s SOS Smartwatch functions identically to Medical Guardian’s MGMove, but it's $5 less per month. Learn more about Bay Alarm Medical’s offerings in our latest Bay Alarm Medical review.
Pro Tip: Visit our Bay Alarm Medical vs. Medical Guardian comparison guide to learn more about how these top providers stack up.
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2. Medical Guardian - Best in-home range
What we like most
- Wide array of customizable systems
- No long-term contracts required
- At-home and on-the-go systems
Medical GuardianOverview
Our editor Taylor Shuman's grandma testing out Classic Guardian
Our favorite Medical Guardian system with a medical alert bracelet is the Home 2.0. The advanced home-based system offers an impressive 1,400-foot range that’s suitable for nearly any home. It uses 4G LTE and Wi-Fi to connect quickly with the monitoring center. Wear the help button on your wrist with an included black or white wristband. It’s even safe to wear in the shower! Medical Guardian’s prices for the Home 2.0 start at $37.95 per month, plus a $149.95 equipment fee.
You can also choose from two other wrist-wearable offerings: the MGMove and Classic Guardian. The MGMove smartwatch is a discreet system that costs $39.95 per month and $199.95 for equipment. Classic Guardian is Medical Guardian’s budget-friendly home-based system that includes a wristband and costs $29.95 per month with no equipment fees.
Pros About Medical Guardian
- Lifetime warranty
- Landline and AT&T cellular options
- Fall detection available
- Can purchase additional help buttons to add a spouse to your plan
- Access to MyGuardian customer-care portal and app
- Add-ons available to customize your system
- Discounts with quarterly or yearly payment plan
Cons About Medical Guardian
- No fall detection with smartwatch
- Up-front equipment fees with some systems
The Bottom Line
Medical Guardian offers impressive technology backed by a responsive monitoring team. With a coverage range of nearly four football fields, the Home 2.0 system is perfect for seniors who spend most of their time in and around their homes. Keep in mind that Home 2.0 relies on AT&T’s 4G cellular network. If you don’t have good coverage in your area, you can opt for Medical Guardian’s Classic system, which runs on a landline connection. Visit our 2023 Medical Guardian review to learn more.
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3. MobileHelp - Best in-home range
- Monthly fees starting at $19.95
- Two-for-the-price-of-one systems
- Vast product line
MobileHelpOverview
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt Testing Out MobileHelp
MobileHelp should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a budget-friendly system. MobileHelp Classic costs just $19.95 per month. The at-home system includes a base unit and a help button you can wear on your wrist. The button is waterproof and comes backed by 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring. Equipment, shipping, and activation are free.
If you have wiggle room in your budget, consider one of MobileHelp’s other medical alert bracelet systems. The MobileHelp Touch Classic includes a medical alert bracelet and a sleek tablet that acts as the base unit. Prices start at $54.95 per month. Other systems with a wristband include MobileHelp Wired Home, MobileHelp Duo, MobileHelp Mobile Duo, and MobileHelp Solo.
Pros About MobileHelp
- Two-for-the-price-of-one systems
- Affordable monthly rates
- Landline and cellular options
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No long-term contracts
- No activation fees
- Over 240 languages supported
- Black and white wristbands available
Cons About MobileHelp
- Third-party monitoring center
- Most systems are not very sleek
The Bottom Line
MobileHelp may offer the most affordable medical alert bracelet system, but that’s not all the company is good for. MobileHelp has an extensive product line, including two-for-the-price-of-one systems and on-the-go systems. Before settling for the MobileHelp Classic, consider the other products we’ve reviewed from MobileHelp.
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4. ADT Health - Best monitoring center
What we like most
- Simple systems
- Lifetime warranty
- No upfront equipment fees
ADT HealthOverview
Setting up my Medical Alert Plus ADT Health system
A trusted name for decades in home security, ADT also has a lineup of medical alert systems for seniors. ADT’s Medical Alert Plus system comes with a medical alert bracelet with a white or black wristband. The cellular in-home system includes optional fall detection, home temperature monitoring, and no long-term contracts. Equipment is free and ADT Health monitoring costs $37.99 per month. ADT also offers an in-home landline system called Medical Alert Basic for $29.99 per month.
We’re most impressed by ADT Health’s monitoring professionals. Its company-owned and -operated emergency response monitoring center is based in the U.S., and all operators are senior-sensitivity-trained and understand your needs as you age to deliver top-notch assistance whenever you need it.
Pros About ADT Health
- No long-term contracts
- No equipment fees
- Optional automatic fall detection
- Monthly rate never increases
- No landline required
- Free two-day shipping and activation
- Lifetime warranty on all systems
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Ready-to-use out of the box
Cons About ADT Health
- Limited range from base unit to help button
- No companion mobile app
The Bottom Line
Families have trusted ADT’s home security systems for more than 150 years to keep their loved ones safe. The company’s Medical Alert Plus system gives you another way to do just that. Thanks to ADT ForeverRate, your monthly rate will never increase. Just keep in mind that because of its limited range (600 feet), the system is best for seniors who have downsized.
To learn more about the company’s medical alert systems, check out our most recent review of ADT Health.
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5. Medical Alert - Best mobile app
What we like most
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No equipment fees
- Caregiver mobile app
Medical AlertOverview
Medical Alert Mobile System
Medical Alert’s Connect mobile app sets it apart from the other providers on our list. Using the app, you can track a subscriber’s location, emergency calls, and device status. It’s a great way for caregivers to stay connected with their loved ones. Best of all, it’s included with your medical alert service for no additional monthly fee.
MedicalAlert’s Home System and Mobile System both include emergency help buttons you can wear on your wrist. Prices for Medical Alert’s Home and Mobile systems start at $27.95 and $47.95 per month, respectively. All systems come backed by U.S.-based response specialists who can dispatch whatever help you need.
Pros About Medical Alert
- Affordable monthly monitoring fees
- Save money with semiannual and annual payment plans
- Optional fall detection
- Water-resistant emergency bracelet
- Landline and cellular options available
- 30-day free trial to test the device
- Free mobile app
- Fast response times
Cons About Medical Alert
- Limited product variety
- No volume control on the base unit
- One-time programming fee
The Bottom Line
Medical Alert doesn’t offer the fanciest medical alert systems, but its app is impressive. If you’re looking for a system to fit a small budget, the company delivers. Its at-home landline-based system gives you the safety and peace of mind you’re after for less than $30 per month (less than $20 per month if you choose the annual payment option). Learn what else we love about the brand in our Medical Alert review.
Comparing the Best Medical Alert Bracelets
| Provider | Starting price | Fall-detection cost | Connection type | In-home range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Alarm Medical | $24.95 per month | $10 per month | Landline and cellular options | 1,000 feet |
| Medical Guardian | $29.95 per month | $10 per month | Landline and cellular options | 1,400 feet |
| MobileHelp | $19.95 per month | $11 per month | Landline and cellular options | 1,400 feet |
| ADT Health | $37.99 per month | $11 per month | Landline and cellular options | 600 feet |
| Medical Alert | $27.95 per month | $10 per month | Landline and cellular options | 800 feet |
What Is a Medical Alert Bracelet?
A medical alert bracelet is a bracelet or watch that features a help button, so users can call for help at any time. Wearers can press the SOS button to connect with a trained professional who can send the appropriate help, whether it’s 911 emergency services, your emergency contact, or a caregiver.
Medical Alert Bracelet vs. Medical ID Bracelet
It’s common to confuse medical alert bracelets with medical ID bracelets, so let’s explore the latter.
A medical ID bracelet gives first responders crucial health information in case of an emergency. It’s typically a metal bracelet engraved with your allergies, medical conditions, etc. First responders are trained to look for medical ID bracelets to gather useful information about a patient who is unconscious, incapacitated, or uncommunicative. These ID bracelets do not have any SOS features that can contact emergency services like medical alert bracelets do.
Depending on your health history, it may be a good idea to have both a medical alert bracelet and a medical ID bracelet.
Types of Medical Alert Bracelets
There are three main types of medical alert bracelets. Understanding your options can help you choose the right one for your needs.
- At-home: Home-based landline or cellular medical alert systems work great for housebound seniors. The system typically includes a base unit with a two-way speaker and a help button you can wear on your wrist or around your neck.
- Mobile: Mobile systems connect to a cell network and are fully mobile. You carry the system around in your purse or pocket and wear a help button on your wrist. These systems work best for seniors who spend time outside the home and still drive. They’re also great for people with larger homes, since most in-home systems have a limited coverage range.
- Smartwatch: A medical alert smartwatch connects you with help when you need it and might offer fall detection. Smartwatches are great for tech-savvy seniors who prefer discretion. These systems also often include health features like step tracking and heart-rate monitoring, perfect for active older adults.
How Much Do Medical Alert Bracelets Cost?
Medical alert bracelet costs vary, depending on the style and provider you choose. Smartwatch systems, like those from Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian, typically have up-front equipment costs between $125 and $200, plus a monthly fee.
In-home or on-the-go medical alert systems that come with medical alert bracelets often include equipment for free when you sign up for a monthly monitoring plan. Monthly monitoring fees vary from $27 to $50 per month, with mobile systems at the higher end. Fall detection will typically add another $10 to your total monthly cost.
How to Choose the Best Medical Alert Bracelet For You
It’s important to choose a medical alert bracelet that suits your needs and your budget! Here are a few factors to consider as you decide which system is right for you.
Smartwatch vs. Wrist-Wearable Help Button
Consider whether you’d like a smartwatch medical alert system. Smartwatch systems are discreet and easy to use if you’re at least somewhat comfortable with technology. Most include step tracking, simple ways to respond to text messages, two-way communication with the response center, and helpful apps, such as the weather. Because of the extra features, smartwatches tend to cost more up front and each month.
Medical alert systems with wrist-wearable help buttons typically cost less. The system includes a base unit with two-way communication and a help button you can wear on your wrist. You can’t talk directly into the wristband. Instead, it’s just a button you press that signals the base unit to call for help.
At-Home vs. On-the-Go
Smartwatches are always on-the-go systems. If you’re just interested in a wrist-wearable help button, you can choose between on-the-go and at-home systems. On-the-go systems work best for active seniors who spend time outdoors exercising, driving, and running errands. They’re also a great choice if you split your time between two locations, such as a primary home and a vacation home. At-home systems typically cost less per month and work best for seniors who spend most of their time in and around the home.
Budget
Finally, you need to consider your budget. Make sure you understand all the expenses associated with a medical alert system, such as up-front equipment costs, added fees for fall detection, monthly monitoring fees, and mobile app fees. You need to choose a system you can afford now and in the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alert Bracelets
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Does Medicare pay for medical alert bracelets?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of medical alert systems, including medical alert bracelets. A Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), however, may include medical alert system coverage.
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Do medical alert smartwatches require a smartphone?
Some medical alert smartwatches require a smartphone, but not all do. Bay Alarm Medical’s smartwatch, for example, works without a smartphone.
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Which wrist should I wear a medical alert bracelet on?
You can wear a medical alert bracelet on either wrist, but it may be most comfortable to wear it on your non-dominant hand so you can use your dominant hand to push the emergency button or use the smartwatch SOS feature.
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Should I wear a medical alert bracelet while sleeping?
We recommend wearing your medical alert bracelet at all times so help is available at the push of a button, day and night.
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Do medical alert bracelet systems require a landline?
Not all medical alert systems need a landline. Some require one, but others rely on a cellular connection or Wi-Fi.
AARP. (2022). Despite Pandemic, Percentage of Older Adults Who Want to Age in Place Stays Steady.
National Safety Council. Safety Check: Stand Up to Falls. (2017).
