The Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems, Tested and Reviewed in 2025

Bay Alarm Medical is our top pick for cellular medical alert systems due to its affordable prices and caregiver companion app.

Taylor Shuman Linda Schlenker
Taylor Shuman
Taylor Shuman
Who is Taylor Shuman?
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More
Expert Verified
Expert Verified
This content has been reviewed and verified by relevant subject matter experts. Learn More
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
Linda Schlenker
Linda Schlenker
Who is Linda Schlenker?
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… Learn More
Medically Verified
Medically Verified
This content has been reviewed and verified by relevant medical experts. Learn More
Occupational Therapist
Our Methodology

Our team of senior tech and fall-prevention experts tested the top medical alert systems in the industry to find the best medical alert systems without a landline.

200
Hours of Research
20
Products Tested
5
Experts Consulted
5
Products Selected

Testing out a Medical Guardian help pendant

How We Tested the Medical Alert Systems

How we test medical alert systems

My team and I spent over 200 hours testing the industry’s best cellular medical alert systems. We ordered each system and used it for a week, taking notes on everything from system features to average response times. We also recruited medical alert experts and older adults (including my grandma!) whenever possible to get a better understanding of how the systems impact their target users.

How We Chose the Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems

Here are some of the most important criteria our team looked for when selecting a system.

  • Price: Between 12 and 15 percent of American seniors rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income,1 so we understand older adults need medical alert systems at a good price. All the systems on our list cost less than $40 per month, though additional fees may apply. We evaluated monthly fees, equipment costs, and any hidden fees, along with seasonal promotions and other ways to save.
  • Cellular carrier compatibility: Cellular medical alert systems need mobile service coverage to function. All the systems on our list are compatible with one or more popular nationwide carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. We assessed each system’s coverage quality and consistency by making 10 test calls in various areas of a 1,400-square-foot, two-story home. We also tested mobile systems on walks and while traveling.
  • Response times: This is one of the most important aspects of a medical alert system. The industry standard is somewhere between 15 and 45 seconds, but every second counts in an emergency. We tested the response times and included only cellular systems that could meet or exceed the response times of their competitors.
  • Equipment durability: Buying a cheap pendant or bracelet may save you a few bucks now, but you might have to replace it frequently if it’s not constructed from durable materials. We tested the durability of each system to ensure that it could withstand falls, as well as regular wear and tear.
  • Features: Every medical alert system should connect the user with an emergency-response agent quickly, but extra features can make a cellular system even more useful. Some great features we looked for include fall detection, mobile apps for caregivers, and spouse monitoring.
  • Customer service: The systems on this list offer stellar service during an emergency, but it’s also important to consider their regular customer support team. From getting the system set up to asking questions about pricing, we reached out to each provider’s tech and support teams to evaluate the quality of service.
Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: To learn more about how we test medical alert systems, check out our medical alert system methodology guide!

Why Trust Us?

Our team of senior tech experts has tested dozens of medical alert systems from the industry’s leading providers. We’re always evaluating and testing the newest tech to keep older adults safe.

Our medical alert content is also reviewed by Linda Schlenker, an occupational therapist with over three decades of experience advising older adults and their caregivers on how to stay safe while aging in place. Schlenker and her patients have extensive experience with medical alert systems, and she approved all the systems on our list and provided her insights and expertise.

SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines

Citations
  1. Social Security Administration. (2025). Social Security Fact Sheet.

  2. CDC. (2024). Older Adults Fall Data.

  3. National Center for Health Statistics. (2025). NHIS Early Release: Wireless Phone Use.

  4. Pew Research Center. (2024). Internet, Broadband Fact Sheet.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
Reviewed By:
Linda Schlenker
Occupational Therapist
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… Learn More About Linda Schlenker