Best Medical Alert Bracelets, Tested and Reviewed
Bay Alarm Medical is our top choice for medical alert bracelets, thanks to the company’s affordable prices and straightforward systems.
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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 put it on!
Below our senior tech and fall prevention experts take a look at the top medical alert systems with bracelets, including costs, features, and tips for choosing the right system for your needs and budget. We evaluated each system on our list for value, ease of use, comfort, caregiver support, and more.
Our Top Medical Alert Bracelets
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Bracelets
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Our team of senior tech experts spent over 100 hours testing and comparing the best medical alert bracelets. We ordered each system for ourselves and used them over a weeklong period, taking notes on our experience from set up to daily use to making emergency calls. Our team also recruited older adults to provide their feedback on the systems to make sure they’re the right fit for seniors.
We compared each system using the factors below.
- Pricing: We compared the monthly prices, deals, and extra fees for every system to determine its value.
- Ease of use: Being easy to use is an essential characteristic of a good medical alert system. We tested over a dozen medical alert systems with bracelets to see which ones were the easiest to use without taking away from the most important features.
- Comfort: Since medical alert bracelets are meant to be worn 24/7, you’ll want something that’s comfortable.
- Features: Useful features increase a system’s value. Some of our favorite features include apps for caregivers, a large pendant range, and fall detection.
- Brand reputation: We dug deep to see what people really think about each brand. From customer reviews to ratings from the Better Business Bureau, we made sure all the providers on our list have great reputations and trustworthy systems. We also considered our own experience with the bracelets.
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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:
Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Smartwatch
Bay Alarm Medical’s Medical Alert SOS Smartwatch keeps you connected while you’re at home and on the go. A built-in speaker and microphone connect you with trained operators who can track your location and send help your way. Plus, the watch-style system is discreet and offers extra health features like step tracking. The SOS Smartwatch costs $34.95 per month, plus a device fee of $159.
» Pricing Guide: Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing
If you prefer something simpler, Bay Alarm Medical also offers the SOS All-In-One and SOS Home systems with bracelet help buttons. You can even wear the bracelet in the shower, which is a major perk considering most falls occur in the bathroom.1 The All-in-One costs $39.95 per month with a $170 equipment fee. If you’re just looking for affordable at-home coverage, you could go with the SOS Home, which costs $24.95 per month. You can add fall detection to any system for $10 per month, which we recommend for anyone at high risk of falling.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
- Multiple bracelet alert system packages
- Shower-safe waterproof design
- GPS caregiver tracking
- Optional fall detection
- No long-term contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Price-lock guarantee
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
- Fall detection not available with SOS Home landline package
- Caregiver app available only with mobile systems
- Equipment fees with some systems
Summary:Ease of Use
After testing all of Bay Alarm Medical’s systems, we found that the SOS Home is the easiest to use. There’s a base unit with a large, red button and two-way speaker, as well as a bracelet that works up to 1,000 feet away from the base. We could easily connect with a live operator throughout the house.
Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home system
The SOS Smartwatch is our top pick for tech-savvy seniors who want an on-the-go system. It’s simple compared to Apple or Galaxy watches. We used the touch screen to see the time, check the weather, and even track our steps. To initiate an emergency call, we held the SOS button for five seconds and were connected with an operator in just 10 seconds. The SOS Smartwatch functions almost identically to Medical Guardian’s MGMove, but it’s $5 less per month.
» Related Reading: The Best Smartwatches for Seniors
The standard Bay Alarm Medical bracelet and the SOS Smartwatch are both made with comfortable, stretchy nylon that didn’t pull at our skin or feel constricting. Both devices also have adjustable clasps that are easy to use, even if you struggle with arthritis or poor hand function. We found that Medical Guardian and MobileHelp’s silicone-based devices were more form-fitting, however, so they may be a better fit if you want a hypoallergenic bracelet.
» Our Full Review: Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Review 2024
Caregiver Support
Bay Alarm Medical offers some great features for caregivers with its on-the-go packages. Using the Bay Alarm Medical mobile app, we could track our system’s location, check the call history, and see if the device's battery was low. Our favorite feature was the Locate My Device button, which let us call our system if we misplaced it. It’s perfect for people who often lose their devices or have memory loss. Those features provide peace of mind for seniors and their caregivers, but we would have liked to see similar capabilities with the SOS Home system.
You can ring a lost device in the Bay Alarm Medical app
Check out our video review below to learn more about the SOS Smartwatch.
Jeff Hoyt's Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smart-Watch Review -
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:
Using Medical Guardian's help bracelet with the MGHome Cellular system
One of our favorite Medical Guardian systems with a bracelet is the MGHome Cellular. The sleek home-based system offers an impressive 1,400-foot range (400 feet more than the SOS Home from Bay Alarm Medical), which makes it suitable for older adults who have a large, multilevel home. It uses 4G LTE and Wi-Fi to connect quickly with the monitoring center. The MGHome Cellular costs $37.95 per month, plus a $149.95 equipment fee. MGHome Cellular relies on AT&T’s 4G cellular network. If you don’t have good AT&T coverage in your area, you can choose the MGClassic landline system.
» Pricing Guide: Medical Guardian Prices and Deals
Medial Guardian also offers bracelets with two of its on-the-go systems: the MGMini Lite and MGMove. The MGMini Lite is a simple one-button bracelet that has a more modern aesthetic than the basic MGClassic bracelet. It packs all its features into the bracelet, so you don’t need a base station or other piece of equipment to use it. The MGMini Lite costs $44.95 per month with a $149.95 equipment fee. The MGMove smartwatch is an even more discreet system that costs $39.95 per month, plus a $199.95 equipment fee. If you want a watch-style system that can track your steps, send reminders, and receive messages from loved ones, we recommend the MGMove.
» You Might Like: Best Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About Medical Guardian
- Landline and AT&T cellular options
- Fall detection available
- Lifetime warranty
- Access to MyGuardian customer-care portal and app
- Add-ons available to customize your system
- Discounts with annual payment plan
Cons About Medical Guardian
- Starting prices are a little higher than competitors’ costs
- Fall detection costs an extra $10
- Up-front equipment fees with some systems
Summary:Ease of Use
Medical Guardian’s MGHome Cellular works much like Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Home system. You get a base unit with a large help button and a loud two-way speaker, along with a bracelet that provides coverage around the house. Both systems are equally easy to use, but Medical Guardian’s range is 40 percent larger than Bay Alarm Medical’s. That means you can wear your bracelet throughout a large house, and while you tend the garden or walk to the mailbox.
MGMini Lite keeps things very simple, which is great for people who don’t want extra bells and whistles. It features only one button and a two-way speaker. During testing, we pressed the help button, it turned blue, and we were connected to a live operator in about one minute.
Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Like MobileHelp, Medical Guardian makes its bracelets and smartwatch bands out of silicone, which is comfortable and waterproof. We found, however, that the MGHome Cellular’s bracelet took some getting used to. The band is different from a traditional watch strap. It’s designed to hide the excess strap underneath the band. We appreciate the design for keeping the excess strap out of the way, but it was difficult to adjust on the wrist. If you have arthritis or other dexterity challenges, it will take some practice.
Caregiver Support
Medical Guardian offers some of the best caregiver support on the market. Unlike Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp, Medical Guardian doesn’t limit certain caregiver features to mobile systems or put them behind paywalls. Regardless of the system you choose, you can receive notifications via text, the mobile app, and the web portal.
» Our Full Review: Medical Guardian Review 2024
During testing, we were big fans of the mobile app, which makes it easy to set task reminders, get activity alerts, monitor current locations, and update emergency contact information. With the MGMove system, we could even send messages to the smartwatch and then respond to the messages with preset prompts on the watch.
Setting reminders in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app
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3. MobileHelp - Most affordable
- Monthly fees starting at $19.95
- Two-for-the-price-of-one systems
- Vast product line
MobileHelpOverview:
Testing out MobileHelp's wearable help button
MobileHelp has affordable monthly rates, starting at $19.95 per month for an in-home system with a bracelet. The system includes a base unit and a bracelet help button. The button is waterproof and backed by 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring. Unlike Bay Alarm and Medical Guardian, MobileHelp doesn’t charge extra fees for equipment or activation.
» Pricing Guide: MobileHelp Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing
MobileHelp has an extensive product line, including two-for-one systems for couples, several mobile units, and a touch-screen system. If you have wiggle room in your budget, the MobileHelp Touch Classic includes a medical alert bracelet and a sleek tablet that acts as the base unit, starting at $54.95 per month. Other systems with a wristband include MobileHelp Wired Home, Duo, Mobile Duo, and Solo.
Pros & Cons:Pros About MobileHelp
- Affordable medical alert bracelet systems
- Landline and cellular options
- Two-for-the-price-of-one systems
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No long-term contracts or activation fees
- Over 240 languages supported
Cons About MobileHelp
- Third-party monitoring center
- Most systems are not very discreet
- Many caregiver features cost extra
Summary:Ease of Use
MobileHelp offers the simplicity and ease of use we expect from any quality medical alert provider. The MobileHelp Classic functions much like Medical Guardian’s MGHome Cellular. Both cellular at-home systems offer connectivity up to 1,400 feet away from the base unit. To call for help, we pressed the help button on our bracelet or base unit. The system rang and connected us with a live agent in about 30 seconds. Although they’re easy to use, MobileHelp’s at-home systems are less sleek than the other providers on our list, so keep that in mind if aesthetics are important to you.
Testing out MobileHelp Classic
All the MobileHelp bracelets are silicone, and help buttons are 100 percent waterproof. One difference that’s worth noting is the wristband clasp. Unlike Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical, MobileHelp uses traditional metal clasps for many of its bracelets. They may be preferable to some older adults, but getting the small buckle into the correct hole could prove difficult for seniors with vision or dexterity issues.
Did You Know? Over 12 million Americans ages 40 or older have some form of vision loss, which can increase the risk of falls.2
Caregiver Support
We love MobileHelp’s low prices, but it’s not the best option for caregivers since many of its best features are behind a paywall. MobileHelp Connect is the company’s suite of caregiver tools, and it comes with system status checks, emergency alerts, and 30 location pings per month at no extra charge. If you want all the features, however, you’ll pay $6 per month for MobileHelp Connect Premium. The subscription includes benefits such as free replacements for lost or damaged devices, a two-year price-lock guarantee, and an extra 30 location pings per month.
» Our Full Review: MobileHelp Medical Alert System Review 2024
Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and many other providers allow caregivers to check their loved ones’ locations at any time. With MobileHelp, however, you have to request a location ping, and you’re limited to 30 pings per month. If you want more, you’ll need to pay up for MobileHelp Connect Premium to get 30 extra monthly pings. That’s not ideal for caregivers who like to do multiple location checks per day. If price is your main priority, however, MobileHelp is still worth considering.
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 |
What Is a Medical Alert Bracelet?
A medical alert bracelet is a bracelet or watch that features a help button. 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
Many people confuse medical alert bracelets with medical ID bracelets, so let’s compare the two.
Medical ID bracelets give first responders crucial health information in case of an emergency. They’re typically metal bracelets engraved with your allergies, medical conditions, and other vital health information. First responders are trained to look for medical ID bracelets to gather useful information about a patient who is unconscious, incapacitated, or uncommunicative. The ID bracelets do not have any SOS features that can contact emergency services like medical alert bracelets do.
It may be a good idea to have both a medical alert bracelet and a medical ID bracelet, depending on your health history.
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 systems typically include 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 in your purse or pocket and wear a help button on your wrist. The systems work best for older adults who still drive or spend time outside their homes. 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 it may offer fall detection. Smartwatches are great for tech-savvy seniors who prefer discretion. The systems often include health features such as step tracking and heart-rate monitoring, which is 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, such as those from Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian, typically have up-front equipment costs between $125 and $200, plus a monthly fee.
In-home systems that come with medical alert bracelets often include free equipment when you sign up for a monthly monitoring plan. Monthly monitoring fees range from about $20 to $50 per month, with mobile systems at the higher end. Fall detection typically costs another $10 per month.
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 or a standard, one-button bracelet. Smartwatch systems are discreet and easy to use if you’re at least somewhat comfortable with technology. Most include step tracking, two-way communication with the response center, and helpful apps such as a local weather app. Because of the extra features, smartwatches tend to cost more.
Medical alert systems with wrist-wearable help buttons typically cost less. The systems include a base unit with two-way communication and a help button you can wear on your wrist. You typically can’t talk directly into the wristband (with the exception of the MGMini Lite). Instead, it’s just a button you press that signals the base unit to call for help.
At Home vs. On the Go
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 older adults who spend most of their time at 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. 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 nondominant 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?
Some systems require a landline, but others rely on a cellular connection or Wi-Fi.
National Safety Council. (2017). Safety Check: Stand Up to Falls.
CDC. (2021). About Vision Impairment and Falls Among Older Adults.