MobileHelp vs Medical Guardian

Jeff Hoyt Jeff Hoyt Editor in Chief

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If you’re in the market for a medical alert system, chances are you’ve heard of MobileHelp and Medical Guardian, two of the nation’s largest and most reputable medical alert companies. Both providers rank in our top picks for medical alert providers, so you’ll be in good hands either way. Overall, MobileHelp is best for spouses or roommates, while Medical Guardian is our pick for high-tech features and sleek systems. Below, we’ll get into all the advantages and drawbacks of both providers so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

MobileHelp (Left) and Mobile 2.0 from Medical Guardian (Right)

MobileHelp (Left) and Mobile 2.0 from Medical Guardian (Right) Side by Side Comparison

How Much Do MobileHelp and Medical Guardian Cost?

Our favorite is Medical Guardian
  MobileHelp - Logo Medical Guardian logo
Rates starting at $19.95 per month $29.95 per month*
Contracts No No
Money-back guarantee? 30 days No
Fall detection $11 per month $10 per month
Upfront fees Equipment fee for the Micro; processing fees for monthly subscriptions Equipment fees for some systems
Cancellation fees No No
Website

Getting to Know Medical Guardian and MobileHelp

MobileHelp Pros Cons
MobileHelp logo
  • No contracts
  • U.S.-based 24/7 monitoring center
  • Affordable monthly rates
  • Two-for-one spouse monitoring
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Large product lineup
  • Unique touchscreen system
  • Bulky equipment
  • Fall detection requires an additional pendant
  • Monitoring center operated by a third-party
Medical Guardian Pros Cons
Medical Guardian
  • No contracts
  • Company-owned, U.S-based monitoring center
  • High-tech equipment
  • Smartwatch system option
  • Diverse product options
  • Sleek equipment
  • No hidden fees
  • More expensive monthly rates
  • No risk-free trial

MobileHelp

MobileHelp not only builds medical alert systems for its customers but also manufactures systems for other U.S. providers, which goes to show that their equipment is high-quality and reliable1 and has been in operation since 2006. MobileHelp offers a range of eight affordable systems, including a few unique two-for-one systems for spouses or roommates.

In 2016, MobileHelp’s monitoring centers, run by their partner Rapid Response, won the CSAA Central Station of the Year Award, indicating the caliber of its monitoring centers.

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has been serving seniors since 2006. The company is known for its highly-trained operators, cutting-edge technology, and sleek systems. Over 200,000 older adults across the country currently subscribe to one of Medical Guardian’s five alert system options. Customers can rest easy knowing the company’s U.S.-based monitoring center has received several industry certifications for reliability, excellence, and safety, including TMA Five Diamond, UL Listed, and ESA Security certifications.

MobileHelp Pricing

MobileHelp is a budget-friendly provider with at-home systems starting as low as $19.95 per month and on-the-go systems starting at $39.95 per month. Their rates are typically around $5 to $10 cheaper per month than similar products from Medical Guardian. Keep in mind that MobileHelp’s advanced tech system, the Touch Classic is pricier, starting at $54.95 per month. Their hybrid system, MobileHelp Touch Duo, also starts at $54.95 per month

MobileHelp is also known for its two-for-the-price-of-one systems, which are popular with couples and roommates. Many providers require multiple users to pay for two separate systems which can be very pricey, so we appreciate that MobileHelp’s Duo systems come at one low monthly rate. Overall, MobileHelp’s prices are affordable. The provider is our pick for seniors on a tight budget or those who want a system for two users.

Buyer’s Tip:

Buyer’s Tip: For seniors who are prone to falls or just want an added level of protection, Medical Guardian and MobileHelp offer automatic fall detection for most of their systems, which will cost an extra $10 per month.

Overall, MobileHelp’s prices are affordable. The provider is our pick for seniors on a tight budget or those who want a system for two users.

Medical Guardian Pricing

While MobileHelp stands out as a more budget-friendly option, Medical Guardian is known for its high-tech systems, offering the latest and greatest features with a price tag to match. Rates start at $29.95 per month with a monthly payment plan and range up to $44.95 per month. Medical Guardian’s prices are reasonable, but they are a bit more than MobileHelp. We’d recommend choosing an annual payment option if it works for your budget since you’ll receive a discount on monthly rates. For couples or roommates, you can add extra help buttons for $2.99 per month to most systems.

All of Medical Guardian’s systems, with the exception of MGHome Cellular, have upfront equipment fees. However, unlike MobileHelp, you will not be charged additional processing fees if you choose a monthly subscription. Though higher than many other systems, Medical Guardian’s pricing is transparent. If you’re looking for a more advanced or customizable system, Medical Guardian is worth the cost in our book.

Comparing Medical Alert Systems and Features

For a simple side-by-side comparison, the chart below covers all of the important features offered by MobileHelp and Medical Guardian. We’ll then take a look at the types of systems each provider offers.

Features & systems MobileHelp Medical Guardian
At-home systems
  • MobileHelp Classic
  • MobileHelp Wired Home
  • MobileHelp Touch Classic
  • MGHome Cellular
  • MGClassic
On-the-go systems
  • MobileHelp Solo
  • MobileHelp Micro
  • Mini Guardian
  • MGMove
Hybrid systems
  • MobileHelp Duo
  • MobileHelp Mobile Duo
  • MobileHelp Touch Duo
  • MGMini Lite
In-home range Up to 1,400 feet Up to 1,400 feet
Battery life Up to 1 day Up to 5 days (for some systems)
Cellular connection through AT&T AT&T or Verizon
Two-way communication Yes Yes
GPS options Yes Yes
Water-resistant equipment Yes Yes
24/7 monitoring included Yes Yes
Automatic fall detection available Yes Yes
Unique offerings Touchscreen system (MobileHelp Touch); two-in-one (Duo systems) Smartwatch system (MGMove); Discreet mobile system (Mini Guardian); Advanced location detection (GPS, WiFi, and LTE)

MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems

MobileHelp Wall Button

MobileHelp Wall Button

MobileHelp currently offers a lineup of eight different medical alert systems, ranging from basic in-home systems to on-the-go GPS units to a hybrid touchscreen and mobile system. All of MobileHelp’s packages come with 24/7 professional monitoring included at no extra cost, so you’ll be covered around the clock. For seniors who just want coverage at home, you’ll have your choice of a cellular or landline system, so whether you live in an area with spotty cellular coverage or you prefer a cellular connection, you’ll be covered.

Buyer’s Tip:

Buyer’s Tip: MobileHelp’s Connect Premium program costs $5 and can help you save on replacing damaged, lost, or stolen equipment, which could set you back over $300 without the plan.

As for MobileHelp’s on-the-go offerings, they all come equipped with GPS technology and an AT&T cellular connection, so you’ll be able to call for help wherever you go. One of our favorite systems that MobileHelp offers is the Mobile Duo, which comes with two mobile GPS units, so it’s perfect for two active users. All in all, MobileHelp sticks to the basics, including all of the essential features to keep users protected.

Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems

Mobile 2.0

Mobile 2.0 from Medical Guardian

Similar to MobileHelp, Medical Guardian offers a diverse selection of medical alert systems, with five different options to choose from. The at-home options include cellular and landline, and the on-the-go systems include both two-piece and all-in-one mobile devices. All Medical Guardian subscriptions come with access to their 24/7 emergency response center included.

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip: While both providers offer essential add-ons like fall detection, wall help buttons, and lockboxes, Medical Guardian offers a few unique extras, like jewelry pendants and voice-activated wall buttons. If extras are important to you, it’s something to consider.

Medical Guardian’s newest system is MGMove, a smartwatch alert system perfect for active users, which is unique in the industry. One of Medical Guardian’s most popular systems is the Mini Guardian, a tiny device weighing only 1.3 ounces. However, even though discreet, the device includes advanced features and comes in an option of three colors. Medical Guardian’s alert systems offer modern, high-tech solutions to seniors, which is what sets it apart from MobileHelp the most. We appreciate that Medical Guardian strives to reduce the stigma associated with the appearance and use of medical alert systems,2 which discourages many seniors from using an alert system.

Comparing the Fine Print

Now that we’ve covered price and important features, let’s take a look at the fine print. From extra perks to contracts to risk-free trials, it’s important to consider all of the granular details for both providers.

You’ll be happy to know that neither MobileHelp nor Medical Guardian have long-term contracts, so you can say goodbye to hefty cancellation fees or paying for service that you don’t want. On top of that, MobileHelp offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test out your alert system without any risk. Medical Guardian doesn’t currently offer a free trial, so this is one area where MobileHelp has a leg up on the competition. On the other hand, Medical Guardian does not charge activation fees, unlike MobileHelp.

MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian: Who is Right for Me?

MobileHelp and Medical Guardian both offer a wide variety of medical alert system options that will be suitable for many seniors. Below are the types of seniors we highly recommend each provider for.

We’d recommend MobileHelp for:

  • Couples or spouses who need monitoring
  • Those who want a touchscreen system
  • Seniors looking for affordable systems
  • Older adults who don’t need lots of extra bells and whistles

Medical Guardian is a great option for:

  • Older adults who want high-tech features
  • Those looking for sleek equipment
  • Users who want a smartwatch system
  • Seniors with a flexible budget

The Final Verdict on MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian

From our firsthand experience with MobileHelp and Medical Guardian, we truly believe you can’t go wrong with either provider. Choosing between the two companies comes down to your needs, budget, and lifestyle. For those who are on a tight budget and aren’t too concerned about having the latest, high-tech features, we’d highly recommend MobileHelp.

As we’ve mentioned, they’re also a great option for couples or roommates who need monitoring for two users. On the flip side, Medical Guardian is our pick for those who want a sleek, high-tech medical alert system and are willing to pay the price that comes with it. If one of these providers piques your interest or you just want more information, check out our detailed MobileHelp review and Medical Guardian review.

Citations
  1. MobileHelp. (2020). Emergency Monitoring.

  2. AARP. (2021). How to Choose a Medical Alert System.

Written By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
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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