MobileHelp vs Bay Alarm Medical

Who is MobileHelp?

MobileHelp is a medical alert company on a mission to “be someone’s hero, every day.”1 In 2006, it became one of the first businesses to sell mobile medical alert systems. These devices use cell signals and GPS technology to keep seniors safe outside of the home. Today, MobileHelp employs over 200 people and brings in more than $20 million2 in yearly revenue.

The company is best known for its two-in-one systems that let roommates or spouses each have their own system while only paying one affordable monthly rate. Their latest MobileHelp Touch systems set this company apart, giving older adults additional health and wellness benefits like brain games and medication reminders.

Overview of MobileHelp’s Services

MobileHelp Wall Button

MobileHelp specializes in at-home, on-the-go, and hybrid systems; there’s an option for almost everyone! Prices start at $19.95 per month, depending on the package you choose, making MobileHelp an affordable option. We’ll take a quick look at each of the eight systems the company offers below.

MobileHelp Classic

This in-home system comes with a base unit and a wearable, waterproof help button for $19.95 per month. It has a 1,400-foot signal range and requires AT&T cell coverage, so it’s best for seniors who live in an area with strong cell service.

MobileHelp Wired Home

This in-home system has a more modern-looking base unit that runs on a landline connection, so it’s great for seniors in rural areas or who don’t have reliable cellular coverage. It has a 600-foot coverage range and a wearable help button, with prices starting at $26.95 per month.

MobileHelp Touch Classic

The Touch Classic, a tablet with an eight-inch touchscreen, is a unique offering in the at-home category of medical alert systems. Starting at $54.95 per month, this system is perfect for older adults who are comfortable with technology, want a few extra features, and don’t mind the higher monthly cost. Some of the features include a picture gallery, brain games for older adults, and activity tracking and medication reminders (for an additional fee).

MobileHelp Solo

The Solo is an on-the-go cellular system with GPS technology and a 600-foot signal range from Mobile Device to a wearable button. There is no base station required; users carry a mobile unit and wear a help button on their wrist or around their neck, making it a reliable option for seniors who spend a lot of time outside the home. Prices start at $41.95 per month.

MobileHelp Micro

The Solo is an on-the-go cellular system with GPS technology. It offers a 600-foot signal range from the mobile device to a wearable button. There is no base station required; users carry a mobile unit and wear a help button on their wrists or around their necks. This makes it a reliable option for seniors who spend a lot of time outside the home. Prices start at $41.95 per month.

Mobile Duo

Designed for roommates or spouses who are always out and about, this system includes two MobileHelp Solo units for $49.95 per month.

MobileHelp Duo

The MobileHelp Duo bundles together the base station from MobileHelp Classic and the all-in-one MobileHelp Solo device. It’s best for monitoring two users (one at home and one on the go), or for those who want a hybrid system. You’ll pay $46.95 per month for this bundle

MobileHelp Touch Duo

This advanced hybrid system includes a high-tech touchscreen complete with brain games, medication reminders, and WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. It also comes with a mobile unit and help button so you can monitor one or two users. Monthly rates start at $54.95 per month. We’d recommend this system for those who want high-tech features or a touchscreen system.

MobileHelp Monitoring Center and Customer Service

MobileHelp uses a third party to handle emergency calls and 24/7 professional monitoring. The company, called RapidResponse, has 25 years of experience, delivers top-notch service, and its operators undergo extensive training. RapidResponse is UL-certified and has redundant facilities, so you’re always covered even if there’s a power outage in one location.

Feel most comfortable speaking a language other than English? MobileHelp has you covered. This company supports 240+ languages, ensuring all seniors feel confident when calling for help. Bay Alarm Medical offers similar language support, so this is one area where both providers excel.

Who is Bay Alarm Medical?

Bay Alarm Medical has 75 years of experience in the health technology industry, and the company founded Bay Alarm Medical, a subsidiary, in 2007. The company is currently headquartered in California and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.3

Bay Alarm Medical delivers some of the best prices in the medical alert industry. Their SOS Home starts at $24.95 per month. That price jumps by $10 per month if you prefer an on-the-go mobile system.

Overview of Bay Alarm Medical’s Systems

Bay Alarm Medical – Wall Button

Bay Alarm Medical sells three types of medical alert systems: in-home, a traditional mobile device, and a smartwatch. Bay Alarm Medical systems start at $24.95 per month. You can also bundle two of the company’s systems together for a discounted rate.

SOS Home

As the name suggests, this is an in-home system that features a 1,000-foot range and your choice of a landline connection starting at $24.95 per month. Or, you can go for their SOS Home Cellular system, which runs on a cellular 4G LTE connection, starting at $29.95 per month. Travel a lot? You can take the system with you and plug it in at any home.

SOS Mobile

Bay Alarm Medical’s lightweight SOS Mobile is an all-in-one mobile system that comes with a water-resistant pendant equipped with a two-way speaker, optional fall detection, and GPS technology. Users have their choice of an AT&T or Verizon connection for at-home and on-the-go protection. Basic plans start at $34.95 per month, and you’ll also pay a one-time $99 device fee. Caregiver tracking via a mobile app is also included to keep caregivers or family members in the loop.

SOS Smartwatch

This smartwatch is Bay Alarm Medical’s most high-tech system. It features an easy-to-navigate touchscreen, a traditional watch face, step tracking, daily step goals, and an emergency help button. It’s a solid option for active seniors who want a more discreet system that also offers health and fitness features. Prices start at $34.95 per month, and you’ll also pay an upfront equipment fee of $159.

SOS All-in-One:

Bay Alarm Medical’s most recent release, the SOS All-in-One, is designed for those who want both on-the-go and at-home coverage but don’t want to wear a bulky device. The system comes with a watch, a help button that can be worn on a lanyard or wristband, a belt clip, a charging device, and access to a free app with caregiver tracking. The cost is $39.95 per month, or $49.95 per month with fall protection. Both versions have a $119 one-time equipment fee.

Bundles

Bay Alarm Medical allows you to bundle two of their systems together to save. With bundles starting at $59.95 per month, you can save on your monthly bill when compared to purchasing the two systems separately.

Bay Alarm Medical Monitoring Center and Customer Service

Like MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical also offers language support for customers. Whether you’re a native English, Spanish, or Mandarin speaker, you’ll feel comfortable and confident talking with a customer service representative.

While its customer service team operates outside the company’s California headquarters, Bay Alarm Medical’s monitoring efforts come from a different U.S.-based monitoring partner. The two redundant 24/7 monitoring call centers are in Ogden, Utah, and Rexburg, Idaho. Both locations are UL and CSAA Five Diamond certified. In other words, they’re top-tier and always available in an emergency.

MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical Price Comparison

Now that you’re familiar with both brands let’s compare their monthly rates and other important pricing information.

Important Differences Between MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical

All-in-all, the two providers share a lot of similarities. Both have redundant 24/7 monitoring centers and landline and cellular options. So what are the significant differences between these two providers to consider?

MobileHelp On-The-Go Wrist Pendant

1. Spousal monitoring

MobileHelp offers two packages that make spousal or roommate monitoring more affordable — MobileHelp Duo and Mobile Duo. Bay Alarm Medical offers complimentary spousal monitoring with their in-home device (with the purchase of an additional button). For an additional monthly fee, spousal monitoring is available for a mobile system at a greatly reduced price. Still, MobileHelp offers the best prices overall and is our top pick.

2. The cost of mobile monitoring

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile starts at just $34.95 per month, while the SOS Smartwatch and SOS All-in-One start at $34.95 and $39.95 respectively. These prices are very affordable compared to mobile systems from other companies, even when accounting for the one-time equipment fee. The MobileHelp Micro costs $39.95 per month, and the Solo comes in at $41.95 per month.

3. Product lineup

Both providers offer in-home and on-the-go systems; however, MobileHelp offers eight different systems while Bay Alarm Medical’s lineup is limited to four. However, Bay Alarm Medical still offers solid variety with their smartwatch, mobile, and bundle offerings.

4. Payment options

MobileHelp offers one way to save money all year long—choosing a longer service plan. For most products, the longer the plan, the more you’ll save. Selecting an annual plan over a monthly one could save you around $5 per month or up to $60 per year. Bay Alarm Medical offers monthly, quarterly, and annual payment options, but the savings are limited to free shipping and a free month of service when they are running specials. This is one area where MobileHelp has a leg up on the competition.

MobileHelp vs. Bay Alarm Medical Add-Ons

If you’re looking to add any extra features or equipment to your system, Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp both offer various add-ons. Below is a comparison.

Is MobileHelp or Bay Alarm Medical Best for You?

There’s no need to worry if a particular system or company hasn’t jumped out at you yet. You have many factors to consider, especially if this is your first time researching medical alert systems. Below, we’ve put together our recommendations based on the features and services offered by each company.

One last thing to remember as you decide which company to choose: While MobileHelp relies on AT&T’s cellular network, with Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile, you have your choice of an AT&T or Verizon connection. Therefore, if your loved one lives in an area with poor AT&T cellular service, Bay Alarm Medical will be your best bet.

If you are interested in other medical alert companies that partner with different mobile carriers, look at Lively medical alert systems and LifeFone medical alert systems.

Our editor Taylor Shuman’s grandma testing out Bay Alarm Medical’s Mobile Help Button

If you think your loved one needs a mobile system that uses a carrier other than AT&T, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Thankfully, other medical alert companies partner with different mobile carriers. For example, Lively medical alert systems rely on Verizon.

The Bottom Line on Bay Alarm Medical vs. MobileHelp

Whether you’re interested in Bay Alarm Medical’s smartwatch system or MobileHelp’s spouse monitoring, you will be in good hands with either provider. If you only need a barebones landline system or you’re looking for affordable on-the-go protection, Bay Alarm Medical is your best choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a touchscreen system or you and your partner both need monitoring, we recommend MobileHelp.

Overall, be sure to keep your loved one’s needs, monthly budget for an alert system, and lifestyle in mind as you determine which system to purchase. For additional information, check out our MobileHelp review and our Bay Alarm Medical review.