LifeFone offers a lineup of six medical alert systems and several add-on services at a reasonable price. The company has been an innovator in the medical alert system industry since 1976 and has earned substantial praise and recognition. Their UL-certified equipment and U.S.-based monitoring services are recommended by the National Council on the Aging, the National Institute of Senior Citizens, and the National Aging in Place Council.
LifeFone has a lot to offer its customers, including an array of systems starting at $29.95 per month, accessible payment plans, and a transparent online buying experience. While it may not have the same brand recognition as other brands we've reviewed, like Life Alert, LifeFone’s systems are affordable compared to many of their competitors, plus they offer top-of-the-line features that keep up with the best medical alert providers in the industry.
LifeFone at a Glance
30-day, money-back guarantee
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau1
No upfront activation or equipment fees
User-friendly systems
Knowledgeable customer service representatives
Lifetime product warranty and price guarantee
No contracts
Discounts for quarterly and annual payment plans
Seasonal promotions and discounts
How Does LifeFone Compare to Top Medical Alert Brands?
LifeFone has been a trusted provider of medical alert systems and services for nearly half a century. With no contracts, lifetime warranties, and excellent customer service agents, it’s no wonder that thousands of seniors choose LifeFone every year. Additionally, LifeFone offers competitive pricing and plenty of discount opportunities. That said, you should always shop around before making a decision. If you’re in the market for a medical alert system, be sure to check out the best providers we’ve reviewed below.
– Base station and waterproof help button
– Two-way speaker in base station
– 1,300-ft. range
– 32-hour backup battery
$29.95 per month
$27.95 per month
$24.95 per month
$5 per month
At-Home Cellular
– Base station and waterproof help button
– Uses AT&T’s cellular network
– Two-way speaker in base station
– 1,300-ft range
– 32-hour back-up
$34.95 per month
$32.95 per month
$30.95 per month
$5 per month
At-Home & On-the-Go
– Base station, waterproof help button, and mobile device
– 1,400-ft. in-home range
– 24-hour battery for mobile device
– Built-in two-way speaker
– GPS tracking in mobile device
– Cellular connection
$39.95 per month
$39.95 per month
$36.95 per month
$5 per month
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, VIP Active
– All-in-one mobile device
– Uses AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network
– GPS and WiFi tracking
-5-day battery
$43.95 per month
$41.95 per month
$39.95 per month
N/A
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, VIPx
-All-in-one mobile device
-GPS and WiFi tracking
-16-day battery
-Uses AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network
-Available in 3 colors
-Optional VIPx Caregiver App
LifeFone – At Home (Landline or Cellular) Equipment
LifeFone’s At-Home Landline system is the company’s least expensive product. It costs $29.95 per month for a month-to-month plan, $27.95 per month on the quarterly plan, or $24.95 per month with an annual plan. These prices are on par with other popular providers like Medical Guardian’s pricing. Plus, it only costs $5 to $10 to add fall detection, half the price of fall detection from most other companies.
Quick Tip:
Quick Tip: While LifeFone’s starting prices are affordable for the industry, there are a few cheaper options to be found. For instance, Bay Alarm Medical’s prices start at $24.95 per month.
The package comes with a base station and a choice between a wearable help pendant or wristband. The base station features a loud and clear two-way speaker, a 32-hour backup battery, and an impressive 1,300-foot range. So, no matter where you are in the house, you’ll be able to call for help without worrying about a dropped connection. The pendant and wristband are water-resistant, so they are shower-safe but should not be submerged. Additionally, you won’t need to rush to the phone ever again – the pendant allows the wearer to answer the phone and speak to callers through the base station’s speaker.
At-Home Cellular
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing Wearable Pendant
At-Home Cellular is very similar to the At-Home Landline system. It still offers all of the same features; the main differences are cost and this system’s AT&T cellular connection (no landline required). It costs $34.95 per month with the month-to-month plan, $32.95 per month with quarterly payments, or $30.95 per month with an annual plan.
At just $5 more than the landline system, you’ll have the freedom to place the base unit anywhere in your home, since you won’t need to connect to a phone jack. While this is a convenient option for those without a landline, it may not be best for areas where AT&T’s coverage is sparse. If you’re on a tight budget, we’d recommend the landline unit to save a few bucks.
At-Home & On-the-Go
LifeFone – At Home & On The Go Equipment
If you enjoy being out and about as much as you enjoy being home, you can get the best of both worlds with LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go system. It starts at $39.95 per month or $36.95 per month with an annual plan. This hybrid system is around $10 cheaper than MobileHelp’s prices for a similar system, so you know you’re getting a solid deal.
At-Home & On-the-Go comes with a cellular base unit, a help button, and a wearable mobile device. The mobile device is designed for on-the-go use, with advanced GPS and WiFi tracking and 24-hour battery life, so you’ll be covered throughout the day wherever you go. The at-home system has a coverage range of 1,400 feet and temperature sensors that send an alarm if the temperature goes above or below customized settings. Both the base station and the mobile device use AT&T’s cellular network.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, VIP Active
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing VIP
LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go, Voice-In-Pendant (VIP) Active system offers all-in-one protection. The package costs $43.95 per month for the month-to-month plan, $41.95 per month for quarterly payments, or $39.95 per month on the annual plan. This mobile system can be used at home or on the go (as the name suggests), so it offers excellent value.
At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active solely relies on a mobile unit, so you can transition from staying home to running errands without changing help buttons. The pendant itself comes equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi technology, a two-way speaker, optional fall detection, and a battery that can last for five days. Whether you’re gardening in the backyard or heading out for a road trip or to the store, you won’t have to worry about a dead battery. Thanks to the GPS technology, help can be sent to your exact location at all times. The system can run on either AT&T or Verizon, so potential customers should check which carrier offers the best coverage in places they will normally be.
At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx
Like the VIP Active, the VIPx is an all-in-one device that can run on either AT&T or Verizon and has advanced location tracking with both GPS and WiFi technology. The similarities end there. The VIPx is uber small and lightweight 一 just 1.3 ounces and about the size of car key fob. In addition, it comes in your choice of black, white, or silver.
The battery life of this discreet device is longer than the VIP Active, and, at 16 days, it also beats most of the competition. It has a few additional features, too. It offers optional fall detection for $5 per month and the VIPx Caregiver App for $8 per month. At $45.95 per month, this is one of LifeFone’s most expensive systems, but it is also among the most advanced and comprehensive.
At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active
Recently launched, the Smartwatch Active joins a growing list of smartwatch medical alert systems on the market. However, it stands out in a crowd for two reasons. First, the Smartwatch Active includes built-in fall detection, which many other comparable watches don’t. While reviews are still out, this is a huge step forward. In addition, while the Smartwatch Active offers sophisticated technology, an appealing design, and feature-rich performance, it does not have an equipment fee. This is pretty much unheard of with other medical alert smartwatches. The tradeoff is an above-average monthly cost of $49.95.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
LifeFone offers several add-on services and accessories for their alert systems. We’ll take a look below.
Product
Description
Price
Activity Assurance Caregiver Tool
-Allows user to set check-in time
-If user doesn’t check in within 15 minutes of predetermined time, the agent will follow emergency instructions
$6 per month
Daily Check-In Call
-Allows user to set check-in call time
-If user doesn't respond to check-in within 15 minutes, the agent will follow emergency instructions
-Can also be used for medication reminders
$19 per month
VIPx Caregiver App
-Check first motion of the day
-Location tracking
-View button press history
-Step tracking
$8 per month
Medication reminders
-Set up to four reminders a day (up to 10 medications per reminder)
-Can be updated as needed
$6 per month
Location services
-Good for individuals with health or memory conditions
-Allows an authorized caregiver to request user's location
$9 per month
Protection plan
-Protects you from loss, theft, or damage
-Includes $6 deductible for standard pendant and $29 deductible for base station or voice-in-pendant
$5 per month
Automatic fall detection
-Either embedded in mobile all-in-one device or used through a separate help pendant
-Fall is automatically detected and alert sent to monitoring center
$5 – $10 per month
Vanity pendant
-Fashionable option for at-home medical alert pendant
-Does not include fall detection
$71.95
Lockboxes
-Three options
-Keep keys in lockbox with secret combination
-LifeFone agent will give combination to EMTs for easy access into the home during emergency
$29.95 – $39.95
Wall-mounted help button
-Easily mounted with Velcro
-Put anywhere a fall is likely
$39.95
Mobile device charging cradle
-Extra charging cradle for At-Home & On-the-Go system
$39.95
Carrying case for mobile device
-Leather
-Protects At-Home & On-the-Go device when on the go
$14.95
How to Get the Best Deal With LifeFone
Here are some ways to make sure you get the best deal with LifeFone.
Referral program: For every customer you refer to LifeFone, you and your referral will both receive a free month of service.
Advance payment: Save money by opting for an annual or quarterly plan. It may be more upfront, but the monthly breakdown can save you up to $5 per month (that’s $60 a year).
Watch for specials: There are frequent special offers for quarterly and annual plans, such as free shipping and a free month of service.
AARP membership discount:AARP members can receive a discount on their LifeFone service.
Veteran discount: LifeFone offers a discount for U.S. veterans. This offer cannot be combined with the AARP membership discount.
Current Deal:
Current Deal: We’ve seen LifeFone offer Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Father’s Day deals, so be sure to check the website to see which promotion they are currently running!
Is LifeFone Right for Me?
We’d recommend LifeFone if:
You live an active lifestyle: Medical alert systems aren’t just for homebodies! In the U.S., more than 3 million seniors own a medical device,2 and they’re not all staying home. Cellular-based systems, like LifeFone’s VIP Active, are a great way for older adults to take help with them wherever they go.
You’re more at risk of a fall: Each year, more than 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older fall, resulting in 3 million admissions to the emergency room for fall injuries.3 LifeFone offers automatic fall detection starting at $5 per month, so seniors can be prepared in the event they fall.
You are budget-conscious: LifeFone offers plenty of affordable services, the choice between monthly, quarterly, and annual payment plans, and there are no equipment or activation fees.
You want add-ons: The company offers many different accessories and tools, from vanity pendants to medication reminders to check-in calls. Just be wary: Accessory prices can add up quickly.
Conclusion
While the number of products and add-on services that LifeFone offers can be overwhelming, we’ve found that you can build a customized package at a reasonable price with a bit of savvy shopping. Starting at $24.95 per month with an annual plan, the company offers competitively priced systems. Throw in affordable fall detection, no long-term contracts, and a 30-day, money-back guarantee, and you’ll see that LifeFone provides solid value. However, be mindful of the add-ons, as they can quickly escalate your monthly costs. Ultimately, when it comes to reliable technology and service at budget-friendly prices, LifeFone is a good way to go.
To learn more about LifeFone, read our LifeFone review, or watch our video review below with our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt.
LifeFone doesn’t require long-term contracts, so you can cancel your service at any time. If you’ve paid for services in advance that you have not yet used at the time of cancellation, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
If you call for help and the LifeFone operator can’t hear you, they will try to reach you by phone. If they still can’t reach you, they will follow your preset Emergency Care Plan instructions and send the appropriate emergency services.
While LifeFone’s cellular systems rely on either AT&T or Verizon’s 4G network, you won’t need your own cell phone plan. Instead, LifeFone will provide cellular service for you.
National Council on Aging. (2020). Falls Prevention Facts.
Reviewed By
Linda Schlenker
Fall Prevention & Senior Safety Expert
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
Written By
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
