Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home system

Overview

I’ve tested and reviewed Bay Alarm Medical systems several times over the years, and they never fail to impress. The in-home cellular unit has a 32-hour backup battery, a 1,000-foot button-to-base range (perfect for large houses), and optional fall detection. The in-home cellular system costs $29.95 per month and does not have an equipment fee, which I appreciate. Even better, there’s no additional monthly fee to add a spouse or roommate to your plan. You’ll just need to purchase an extra wearable help button for a one-time fee of $39.

» Learn More: Bay Alarm Medical vs. Medical Guardian

If you’re looking for a reliable, inexpensive cellular system that doesn’t require a landline, Bay Alarm Medical is a great choice. I found that the in-home system doesn’t offer a lot of high-tech features and it’s a bit of an eyesore. It’s still worth it, though, if you prefer to keep things simple and affordable. If looks are a concern, Bay Alarm Medical also offers sleek on-the-go systems. The company’s 30-day risk-free trial also makes it easy to test the system to make sure it’s right for you.

Pricing

Bay Alarm Medical’s prices are some of the lowest in the industry. The SOS Home Cellular starts at just $29.95 ($39.95 with fall detection) and there’s no equipment fee. Some providers, such as Medical Guardian, charge equipment fees, so this is a great way to save.

Looking for a cellular system you can wear on the go? Bay Alarm Medical offers three mobile systems to choose from, with prices ranging from $34.95 to $39.95 per month and equipment fees ranging from $99 to $170. You can also add fall detection to any system for $10 per month. For active seniors who want to track their daily activity, the SOS Smartwatch is a great option. The systems may cost a bit more than the in-home packages, but they’re a great fit if you want protection outside the home.

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Smartwatch

I love that Bay Alarm Medical has packages that meet a wide range of needs. My grandma, for example, is quite the busy bee. She spends a lot of time at home, but she’s very active and leaves the house several times a week. She liked using the SOS Smartwatch and the SOS Mobile for on-the-go protection. She preferred the smartwatch, however, since it felt more natural to wear. It also comes with additional features, such as daily goal setting and step tracking.

» For Tech-Savvy Seniors: Best Medical Alert Watches of 2024

Response Times

Bay Alarm Medical claims you can get in contact with an emergency response agent in 45 seconds or less. I’m excited to report that my experience surpassed those expectations. I ran emergency tests with the SOS Home, SOS Smartwatch, and SOS Mobile systems, and I recorded average response times of around 10 to 20 seconds. Each agent I spoke with was helpful and patient. I noticed that there was no significant difference in response time for each device. That means you can get the same quality speed and support regardless of the device you choose.

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Mobile system

Customer Service

I was satisfied with my experience contacting Bay Alarm Medical. You can reach the company’s customer service team via phone or email. I was able to ask about basic billing information and account settings through the mobile app.

Contacting Bay Alarm Mobile in the mobile app

The app also comes packed with features for families and caregivers. You can view the device status and location, ring a lost device, and see an emergency call log. I really appreciate those features, which help loved ones stay in the loop.

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical's companion mobile app

When I spoke with a customer service representative on the phone, I waited about five minutes. The agent I spoke with was very friendly and helpful. It took one business day to get a response by email, but that is pretty standard for larger providers. It would have been nice to have some kind of live support chat on the app or the company’s website, especially for when you just need a quick fix to a technical issue. Otherwise, I can’t complain.

My grandma testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system

Overview

Medical Guardian offers a wide variety of systems, which is why it earned a spot on our list. There are five systems to choose from, plus add-ons such as fall detection, wall-mounted help buttons, and enhanced emergency notifications. Those features cost extra, so you’ll want to assess your budget before purchasing.

When I tested Medical Guardian’s systems, I found them easy to use and I appreciated the friendly customer service. My grandma liked the devices so much that she purchased her own system! She’s been a loyal Medical Guardian customer for years now.

MGHome Cellular, Medical Guardian’s home system that doesn’t require a landline, is one of my favorite cellular systems. It’s sleeker than Bay Alarm’s cellular in-home system, and it has an extensive coverage range of 1,400 feet. That’s about the distance of four football fields! Whether you call for help in the kitchen or an upstairs bedroom on the other side of the house, you’ll be covered. My grandma and I had no problem reaching the Medical Guardian team throughout her home. Just make sure you live in an area with good AT&T coverage, because the cellular in-home system uses AT&T’s service.

If you want a cellular device for on-the-go use, Medical Guardian has three options: a pendant-style mobile device, a medical alert smartwatch (similar to Bay Alarm’s watch), and a wrist-worn system. I’ve tested all three devices myself, and I love the variety they offer. MGMove, the smartwatch system, is probably my favorite. It’s discreet, and it gave me some extra motivation to stay active with step tracking and goal setting!

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMove

Pricing

Medical Guardian’s price for ts MGHome Cellular is $37.95 per month. That’s $8 more than Bay Alarm Medical’s cellular in-home system. Medical Guardian’s system also has a $149.95 equipment fee, which I’m not a big fan of. If you want a mobile cellular system, prices range from $39.95 to $44.95.

Those prices seem competitive at first glance, but they don’t factor in the additional $10 per month for fall detection. Medical Guardian’s equipment fees are also high compared to providers such as Bay Alarm Medical. Depending on the device you choose, you’ll pay a one-time equipment fee between $149.95 and $199.95.

» For Bargain Hunters: Best Medical Alert Systems With No Monthly Fees

In addition to fall detection, Medical Guardian offers a lot of extras that could increase the cost of your service. You can add a wireless wall button for $2.99 per month, an entryway key lockbox for $2.99 per month, an equipment protection plan for $6.99 per month, a two-way speaker that connects directly with a 911 emergency responder for $9.99 per month, and a Support Circle app for easy contact with loved ones for $5 per month. My grandma and I loved having the option to customize our plan exactly the way we wanted, but those costs definitely add up.

Response Times

We tested response times for MGHome Cellular, MGMini, MGMini Lite, and MGMove, along with my grandma’s Active Guardian system (which the company no longer sells). We typically got in touch with an emergency-response agent in around 15 seconds, which falls right in the middle of our average response times for Bay Alarm Medical.

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite

In one experience, I had a hard time connecting with an agent using my grandma’s system at home. When I placed a test call, the agent couldn’t hear me very clearly and the signal started to cut in and out. Because the agent didn’t hear that I was just making a test call, she said she was going to dispatch first responders. Luckily, I was able to call Medical Guardian on my cell phone and let them know it was a false alarm. I appreciate the company’s quick response when they thought I needed help, but that could be quite the hassle if it happened regularly.

Customer Service

My grandma has always had a great experience with Medical Guardian, as customer service representatives are friendly and quick to answer. Medical Guardian never made my grandma and I feel like we were being rushed off the phone. They gave us plenty of time to ask questions and resolve any issues we had.

We also liked that Medical Guardian makes it easy to connect with someone by phone, email, or contact form. Unlike Bay Alarm Medical’s customer-care team, Medical Guardian’s customer service isn’t available on Sundays. If you need help on the weekend, make sure to get in touch before the offices close for the week on Saturday.

LifeFone – At Home (Landline or Cellular) Equipment

Overview

Since an older adult experiences a fall every second,2 I recommend adding automatic fall detection to your cellular system. LifeFone made our list because it offers some of the lowest-priced fall detection in the industry at just $5 per month. That’s half the cost of fall detection with most other providers, including Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical. LifeFone’s At-Home Cellular system is $34.95 per month, and LifeFone offers a price-lock guarantee, so you won’t have to worry about the price of your service going up in the future.

» Learn More: 2024 LifeFone Review

In addition to affordable fall detection and a price-lock guarantee, LifeFone offers valuable perks such as free spouse monitoring. The company also offers discounts to veterans and AARP members, so take advantage if you qualify!

Pricing

LifeFone’s At-Home Cellular system starts at $34.95 per month, which is around $5 more than Bay Alarm Medical’s similar system. You can knock that price down to $30.95 per month with an annual plan though. We think adding fall detection is a great value at just $5 per month, especially if you or a loved one are prone to missteps or falls.

» Also Check Out: Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems

LifeFone also has several mobile medical alert options if you spend a lot of time on the go. The VIP Active system offers GPS and Wi-Fi tracking, starting at $43.95 per month. For a mobile device with a longer battery life and an optional caregiver app, you can upgrade to the VIPx plan, which starts at $45.95 per month. The Safe Watch Active system is an excellent option for active seniors who want features such as heart monitoring and step tracking, but it’s also one of the most expensive plans at $49.95 per month. Unlike Medical Guardian, which charges high fees for equipment, LifeFone doesn’t charge activation or equipment fees. That’s a big win!

Response Times

Based on my testing, LifeFone offers solid response times. I tested the In-Home Cellular package and the VIP flex system using the help buttons on both devices. I was able to get an emergency-response agent on the line in about 20 seconds with both systems. That was only five seconds slower than Medical Guardian, and 10 seconds faster than Aloe Care Health.

Charging LifeFone's VIP flex system

Customer Service

I called LifeFone’s customer-care number on three different occasions, and each time I was connected with a friendly, knowledgeable representative. Everyone I spoke with was happy to answer any questions I had and offer recommendations.

LifeFone has two numbers. The one you should call depends on the nature of your inquiry — general information or tech support — and we had to wait only a few minutes to connect with someone. It took a few days to get a response to our email inquiry, which was longer than it took Bay Alarm Medical’s customer support team. Still, as long as your issues are not urgent, LifeFone offers a great all-around customer experience.

Unboxing my Aloe Care Health Smart Hub

Overview

If you’re an older adult who embraces advanced technology, Aloe Care Health will be right up your alley. The Essentials package, powered by 4G service, uses a Smart Hub and help button to provide medical alert protection, motion and temperature monitoring, and check-in calls. The company’s modern technology is why it made our list.

I found that Aloe Care Health’s Smart Hub is very sleek and blended right in with the kitchen counter. If you’re looking for discreet protection, it’s my top in-home pick. The Smart Hub is also voice-activated, so you can use it just like a smart speaker.

My uncle trying out the Aloe Care Health Mobile Companion

With the mobile app, I could call the Smart Hub and use the two-way speaker to talk to the user. I also like that the system can detect motion and send alerts to the mobile app. When my uncle tried the system, I received an alert each morning when he first walked past the Care Hub. I could also see alerts if he hadn’t walked by the system for long periods of time. Those are unique features I haven’t seen with most medical alert systems. If your loved one lives alone, it’s an easy way to check in and make sure they’re OK.

Aloe Care Health’s equipment fee and monthly service fees are a bit higher than its competitors’, but you’ll get advanced features that other providers simply don’t offer. For those who want a reliable cellular medical alert system with all the bells and whistles, an Aloe Care Health system checks the boxes.

Pricing

The cost of an Aloe Care Health system is a bit more than competitors such as Bay Alarm Medical and QMedic. The Essentials system costs $39.99 per month for monitoring service and $199.99 for equipment. Prices continue to climb for top-tier packages, but I believe the technology and sleek equipment can be worth the cost. Aloe Care Health also offers two mobile cellular medical alert systems for on-the-go older adults.

» Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors

The Essentials Plus system, featuring the Smart Hub and a mobile device, has a staggering $349.99 equipment fee and $59.99 monthly rate. To put that price in perspective, you can get a comparable Bay Alarm Medical bundle with the same monthly rates and pay around $250 less in equipment fees. We love Aloe Care Health’s high-tech systems, but you’d be better off choosing another company if you’re on a tight budget.

Response Times

With average response times of 30 seconds, Aloe Care Health is a little slower than the other providers on our list. The times we recorded with Aloe Care Health are by no means slow though; LifeFone beat Aloe Care Health by only about 10 seconds.

» Further Reading: Aloe Care Health Medical Alert Review

I’m a big fan of the smart hub’s voice-activated feature. To call for help, I could press my help button or just say “emergency” three times in a row. The system picked up my voice and connected with Aloe Care Health’s emergency-response center. That’s a great option if you can’t press your pendant or you forget to wear it.

Customer Service

The Total Care app for caregivers makes it pretty easy for loved ones to keep in touch with support as needed. I could contact support via the secure mobile app, over the phone, or using the website’s live chat feature. When setting up my system, I had some trouble getting the mobile app to connect with the Smart Hub. I gave customer service a call, and they helped me troubleshoot the problem. It took a few attempts to get the system up and running, and the representative was patient and persistent! He didn’t end the call until we got everything working properly.

A friendly customer-care representative greeted me and answered my questions with ease. Unfortunately, like QMedic, Aloe Care Health’s customer-care team is closed on the weekends. That makes it a bit harder to get technical questions answered promptly.

Qmedic Home Medical Alert

QMedic: Best Activity Monitoring

QMedic uses intelligent activity monitoring to provide helpful insights to caregivers. In addition to offering medical alert protection, QMedic systems monitor the user’s activity patterns, sleep, and compliance with wearing the help button. For caregivers who want to closely monitor their loved ones when they’re away, QMedic provides optimal data, which earned it a spot on our list.

Unfortunately, you have to pay for QMedic annually and the company doesn’t refund customers for unused service after their 30-day trial period, so make sure QMedic is the best fit for your needs before purchasing. Caregivers of older adults with mobility issues or dementia may benefit from the activity monitoring, but QMedic doesn’t offer fall detection. If your loved one has a history of falling, consider LifeFone’s affordable fall detection or read our list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.

Pricing

QMedic’s pricing is a bit different from its competitors. You have to pay for a year of service in advance, which comes out to $300 for the home cellular system. For the mobile cellular option, the price goes up to $400 per year. When I tested QMedic’s system, I found the technology to be worth the up-front cost if you don’t mind prepaying for your service. If you prefer a monthly payment model and the option to cancel service at any time, however, you’re better off with a provider such as Bay Alarm Medical or Medical Guardian.

QMedic also offers more enhanced plans with fall detection and smartwatch technology, but you’ll need to contact QMedic for up-to-date pricing. The upside is that, unlike Aloe Care Health and Medical Guardian, QMedic doesn’t charge equipment fees. That means you won’t have any costs aside from the annual premium if you opt for the pricier Mobile GPS plan. If you do the math (and I did), you can get 24/7 monitoring at home and on the go for $33.33 per month. That’s about $6 per month cheaper than a comparable plan from Bay Alarm Medical.

Response Times

When testing QMedic’s equipment, I pressed the large button on the base unit (which, I admit, is pretty clunky-looking). I heard a confirmation that said, “Alarm activated,” followed by a beeping noise. The agent who answered the call spoke clearly, loudly, and slowly. It was easy to communicate with the system’s speaker.

I found average response times of around 30 seconds. That’s in line with industry standards and similar to Aloe Care Health’s response times, but a little slower than Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian. To learn more about our team’s experience with QMedic, check out our video below with Jeff Hoyt, SeniorLiving.org’s Editor-in-Chief.

Customer Service

QMedic offers pretty standard customer support, with agents available by phone or email. I was pretty impressed with how quickly I could get someone on the phone. I waited only about two minutes to reach someone. I was able to get all of our questions answered sufficiently by friendly customer service representatives. Like Bay Alarm Medical, QMedic lacks any kind of live chat option, which is not ideal for seniors who need assistance without delay. Moreover, QMedic’s offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you need help, you’ll need to call during regular business hours Monday through Friday.