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| Who is Lifeline Best For: | |
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If you're looking for a high-quality medical alert device backed by a company with a solid reputation and reliable 24/7 service, Lifeline and Medical Guardian are two excellent choices.
Lifeline has a long history of success in medical alert devices, and the company pioneered some of the first tech in the industry. On the other hand, Medical Guardian is a much newer company with a big heart for its customers and some snazzy new tech like a medical alert watch and discreet, mobile options. We outline everything you need to know about these providers below!
| Features | Medical Guardian | Lifeline |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way communication | Yes | Yes |
| GPS options | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Water-resistant devices | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular connection | AT&T or Verizon | AT&T |
| Smartwatch option | Yes | No |
| Language support | Yes | Yes |
| Average response times under one minute | Yes | Yes |
| Long-term contracts | No | No |
| Battery life | Up to 5 days | Up to 3 days |
If your interest is piqued, let's talk a little bit more about Medical Guardian. Founded in 2005, the company has earned its place as one of the industry's most innovative providers. Medical Guardian is committed to improving medical alert technology and offering a wide range of modern services to break down the negative stigmas associated with alert systems. Their unique medical alert watch, sleek equipment, and diverse product lineup are just a few ways the company demonstrates this commitment.
Medical Guardian offers a professional, U.S.-based 24/7 monitoring center staffed with multi-lingual representatives. Their centers are UL-listed and TMA Five Diamond certified, indicating the quality and reliability of their monitoring.
For more than 50 years, Lifeline has been a mainstay in the medical alert industry. In 1972, Lifeline was the first provider to pioneer a medical alert system in North America to help seniors live safely and independently. In 2006, Philips acquired Lifeline. Since its founding, the company has provided service to more than 7.5 million people. Lifeline offers professional, 24/7 monitoring to all customers, and the company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.1
| Medical alert provider | Medical Guardian | Lifeline |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $29.95 – $44.95 per month | $29.95 – $58.95 per month |
| Setup or activation fees | No | $50 for basic activation fee; $99 for fall detection |
| Equipment fees | Yes, on select systems | Yes, on select systems |
| Installation fees | None | $19.95 self-installation; $99 professional installation |
| Trial period or money-back guarantee | No free trial period | 30-day return window |
| Warranty | None | One-year warranty |
| Fall detection | $10 per month | Included in certain packages |
Medical Guardian offers a wide range of products and services to meet seniors' needs inside and outside the home. With both basic solutions and high-tech systems, you'll find that Medical Guardian offers more variety than Lifeline.
Medical Guardian's in-home solutions include:
Classic Guardian with Landline
Utilizing a traditional landline connection with a monthly cost of $29.95, Classic Guardian is perfect for customers with unreliable cell service or those who want a simple at-home system. It offers a coverage range up to 1,300 feet and includes a water-resistant wearable pendant, so you can call for help no matter where you are in the home.
Home 2.0
A step up from Classic Guardian, Home 2.0 starts at $37.95 per month with a $149.95 one-time equipment fee. The main difference with this system is that it uses AT&T's cellular network instead of a phone line, and the base station is a bit sleeker than Classic Guardian. Note that Home 2.0 offers an impressive coverage area of up to 1,400 feet.
Medical Guardian's mobile alert systems for on-the-go use include:
Mini Guardian
Weighing only 1.3 ounces, the Mini Guardian is an all-in-one, yet discreet option priced at $44.95 per month with a one-time equipment fee of $149.95. It comes in a variety of colors for all you fashion-forward seniors and includes a charging cradle, lanyard, and belt clip.
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt testing Mobile 2.0
This two-piece cellular system comes with a small, portable base and a lightweight pendant. The pendant has a range of 500 feet from the base, which can be thrown in a purse or clipped onto a belt. The small pendant can easily tuck into a shirt or jacket for optimal discretion. Monthly rates start at $44.95. This is Medical Guardian's only on-the-go system without an equipment fee.
Money-Saving Tip: Medical Guardian offers additional ways to save by signing up for a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment plan. Since they do not require long-term commitments, you are free to cancel anytime to receive a refund for any unused portion of your service.
MGMove Watch
MGMove, smartwatch alert system, is Medical Guardian's latest and most high-tech system. Priced at $39.95 per month with a one-time $199.95 equipment fee, MGMove is an excellent choice for active users. You can track your steps, send and receive messages, and take your protection with you wherever you go. Plus, it looks similar to popular non-medical smartwatches, so it is a very discreet option. This watch is unique for the industry, which sets it apart from Lifeline's more traditional systems.
For more details on Medical Guardian's pricing, review our Medical Guardian pricing page.
Lifeline Equipment
Lifeline's product lineup consists of three systems. The company's systems are more traditional and simplistic than Medical Guardian's, so they're best for those who don't need extra, high-tech features or customizable options.
Money-Saving Tip: Lifeline has an ongoing deal to waive activation and shipping fees and, sometimes, a free month of service for new customers, but you have to request it. Call a Lifeline representative for a coupon code before placing an order.
Lifeline HomeSafe Standard
This entry-level in-home system works on a landline or cellular connection, with prices starting as low as $29.95 per month. Every system comes with a base unit, access to the Lifeline Cares app, and a personalized care plan. For comparison, HomeSafe Standard is similar to Medical Guardian's Classic Guardian in price and features.
An upgrade from the base package, the HomeSafe with AutoAlert starts at $44.95 per month for a landline connection. It has the same features with the addition of fall detection; the wearable pendant is equipped with technology that automatically detects a fall and contacts the monitoring center. If you are unable to respond, first responders will quickly come to your aid. The addition of fall detection bumps up the monthly price by about $15. If you choose the AutoAlert option with a cellular connection, you're looking at prices starting at $58.95 per month. For comparison, you can add fall detection to Medical Guardian's systems for $10 per month, so it's slightly more expensive.
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing GoSafe 2
On The Go is an all-in-one wearable help button that's equipped with GPS and WiFi tracking and a built-in two-way communicator, so there's no base unit needed. This device works with the Lifeline Cares app and personalized care team services. Prices start at $49.95 per month with a one-time $99.95 device fee. You'll find that Medical Guardian's comparable mobile units are around $5 to $10 cheaper per month.
If you'd like more information on this provider's pricing and value, check out our Lifeline pricing page.
By now, you've probably noticed that Medical Guardian is known for extra bells and whistles, while Lifeline keeps things more simple. This trend applies to their add-on features as well. Lifeline provides all of the essential add-ons, like a communicator extender for larger homes and key lockboxes for easy EMS access. Medical Guardian offers similar add-ons in addition to a few extras, including wall help buttons, alert notifications for caregivers, and voice-activated help buttons.
For those who don't want to tack on a lot of extra monthly fees, Lifeline will be your best bet. On the other hand, if you're all about the add-ons, Medical Guardian is the better pick.
Now that we've covered the significant differences between Medical Guardian and Lifeline, let's take a look at what they have in common:
Insider Tip: Want to compare Medical Guardian and Lifeline to other popular providers? Check out our top picks for medical alert systems.
Medical Guardian and Lifeline offer reliable medical alert systems, 24/7 protection, and options for at-home and on-the-go use. In our book, you'll be in good hands with either provider. If you need a bit more help deciding, Medical Guardian is our pick for the latest high-tech features, sleek equipment, and a diverse product lineup. Lifeline is best for seniors who want a more basic barebones system with all of the essential features. Lifeline systems are also a great option if you're looking for a provider with long-term industry experience. Still not sure? Visit this year's Lifeline review and our hands-on Medical Guardian review for more details.
Better Business Bureau. (2020). Lifeline.
