MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian’s on-the-go wearables are compact and discreet, while MobileHelp offers affordable in-home systems and the new Elite mobile device.
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MobileHelp and Medical Guardian are two of the nation’s largest, most reputable medical alert system companies. Our senior tech experts have tested multiple systems from both companies. We’ve found that each offers at-home and mobile systems with fast call center response times. Both companies rank among our top picks for medical alert providers, so you’ll be in good hands no matter which one you choose.
There are, however, differences between the two. In general, MobileHelp is best for older adults who want affordable in-home protection or a compact mobile device that runs on AT&T 4G LTE. Medical Guardian is best for those who want more high-tech options, including discreet mobile devices, a smartwatch, and a more robust caregiver app. Below we’ll get into the advantages and drawbacks of both providers, along with our experience using each company’s systems, so you can choose the one that’s right for you or your loved one.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
Getting to Know Medical Guardian and MobileHelp
| MobileHelp | Pros | Cons |
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| Medical Guardian | Pros | Cons |
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MobileHelp
MobileHelp has been in operation since 2006. The company builds medical alert systems for its own customers, plus manufactures systems for other U.S. providers. That indicates that MobileHelp’s equipment is high quality and reliable.1 The company currently offers three main systems: Classic, Wired Home, and MobileHelp Elite. Classic and Wired Home are affordable in-home systems, while Elite is a compact mobile medical alert device for on-the-go protection.
MobileHelp’s monitoring centers are managed and maintained by its partner, Affiliated Monitoring. The centers are based in New Jersey and Texas. According to the company, call center response times average 11 seconds. Read our full MobileHelp review for more details.
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian has been serving seniors since 2005. Over 200,000 older adults across the country currently subscribe to one of Medical Guardian’s alert systems. The company is known for its highly trained operators, cutting-edge technology, and sleek systems. Medical Guardian is UL-listed and it has ESA Security certifications and its call centers are TMA Five Diamond certified. The designation ensures that Medical Guardian’s call centers meet high-quality standards that include a commitment to random inspections by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), high levels of customer service, and ongoing job-related education for call center employees.2
Check out our Medical Guardian review to learn more about our experience with the provider.
How Much Do MobileHelp and Medical Guardian Cost?
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| Rates starting at | $25.95 per month | $31.95 per month |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Money-back guarantee? | No | No |
| Fall detection | $10 per month | $10 per month |
| Up-front fees | Processing fees for monthly subscriptions | One-time equipment fees for some systems |
| Cancellation fees | No | No |
| Website |
See Pricing
Links to MobileHelp
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View Packages
Links to Medicalguardian.com
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MobileHelp Pricing
MobileHelp is a budget-friendly provider. Their systems are rented, not purchased, so there’s no up-front equipment fee. The company’s current lineup includes Classic, Wired Home, and MobileHelp Elite. Classic and Wired Home both cost $25.95 per month, $77.85 per quarter, or $285.45 per year. MobileHelp Elite costs $41.95 per month, $119.85 per quarter, or $417.45 per year.
Fall detection costs an additional $10 per month when available. Classic and Elite support optional fall detection, but Wired Home is not compatible with fall detection. MobileHelp’s monthly cost starts at $25.95, which is typically less expensive than comparable products from Medical Guardian. Overall, MobileHelp’s prices are affordable. The provider is our pick for seniors on a tight budget or those who want simple in-home protection.
Did You Know? Data indicates that for most falls, push buttons on medical alerts are not manually activated by the wearer. The reasons why may include forgetfulness or medical trauma. It’s one reason automatic fall detection is so important.3
Medical Guardian Pricing
MobileHelp stands out as a more budget-friendly option, but Medical Guardian is known for its exceptional customer service and high-tech systems. Its rates start at $31.95 per month with a monthly payment plan and range up to $46.95 per month. Medical Guardian’s prices are reasonable, but they are a bit higher than MobileHelp’s prices when you factor in up-front equipment costs, which can run as high as $199.95. We 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 have up-front equipment fees. Unlike MobileHelp, however, you will not be charged additional processing fees if you choose a monthly subscription. Although it’s higher than some 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.
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 |
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| At-home systems |
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| On-the-go systems |
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| Hybrid systems | None | None |
| 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 | Large in-home range with Classic; compact Elite mobile device with GPS + Wi-Fi location tracking | Smartwatch system (MGMove); discreet mobile system (Mini Guardian); advanced location detection (GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE) |
MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems
MobileHelp currently offers three main medical alert systems: Classic, Wired Home, and MobileHelp Elite. Classic is an in-home cellular system with a large coverage range, Wired Home is a landline-based in-home system, and Elite is a compact mobile device for on-the-go protection. All of MobileHelp’s packages come with 24/7 professional monitoring included at no extra cost, so you’ll be covered around the clock.
Testing out MobileHelp's wearable help button
Seniors who just want coverage at home can choose between Classic and Wired Home. Classic uses AT&T cellular coverage and offers an in-home range up to 1,400 feet. Wired Home uses a landline connection, making it a better fit for those who live in areas with spotty cellular coverage. However, Wired Home is not compatible with fall detection.
MobileHelp Elite is the company’s current on-the-go option. The compact device weighs 1.5 ounces, measures 1.5 inches by 2.6 inches, and comes in Black, Silver, and White. It includes one-touch SOS, GPS and Wi-Fi location tracking, water resistance, AT&T 4G LTE, two-way calling, a Find Me locator, and hourly heartbeat signals. Fall detection is available for an additional $10 per month.
Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems
Medical Guardian offers a diverse selection of medical alert systems, with five options to choose from. The at-home systems include cellular and landline options, and the on-the-go systems have pendants and wrist-worn devices. All Medical Guardian subscriptions come with access to their 24/7 emergency-response center. All our experiences with Medical Guardian’s response team were very positive. Response agents were efficient, kind, and helpful whenever we made a test call or had a question.
Quick Tip: Both providers offer essential add-ons, such as fall detection and lockboxes, but Medical Guardian offers a few unique extras, including jewelry pendants and voice-activated wall buttons. If extras are important to you, it’s something to consider.
Medical Guardian’s MGMove is a sleek smartwatch alert system. It looks like a high-tech smartwatch, and it’s perfect for active users. When we tested the system, we loved how easy it was to use. It also pairs with Medical Guardian’s mobile app, which caregivers and loved ones can use to track the system, send messages and reminders to the watch, and receive notifications during an emergency.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMove
We tried the MGMini Lite, one of Medical Guardian's lightest and smallest systems. It was so light that we often forgot we were wearing it! We found it super simple to set up and charge. The device audibly notified us when it was fully powered on and ready for use. We liked that the system came with an EMT card to fill out and put on the fridge. It asks for information including emergency contacts, allergies, illnesses, surgeries, health insurance details, blood type, medications, and power of attorney and living will information that first responders may need.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Medical Guardian’s alert systems offer modern, high-tech solutions to seniors, which is what sets it apart from MobileHelp. We appreciate that Medical Guardian strives to reduce the stigma associated with the appearance and use of medical alert systems, which discourages many seniors from using them.4
Interested in one of Medical Guardian’s in-home solutions? Watch our video review below.
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 you don’t want. Medical Guardian does not charge activation fees, unlike MobileHelp. Neither brand offers a free trial but both will refund your money within 14 days of purchase, if you change your mind and return your equipment during that time frame.
MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian: Which Is Right for Me?
MobileHelp and Medical Guardian both offer a wide variety of medical alert systems that will be suitable for many seniors. Below are the types of seniors we highly recommend each provider for.
We’d recommend MobileHelp for:
- Seniors looking for affordable systems
- Older adults who want a simple in-home cellular system
- Users who want a landline-based system and do not need fall detection
- Active older adults who want a compact mobile device with GPS and Wi-Fi location tracking
Medical Guardian is a great option for:
- Older adults who want discreet mobile options with high-tech features
- Those looking for sleek equipment
- Users who want a smartwatch system
- Seniors with a flexible budget
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Compared MobileHelp and Medical Guardian
Testing out the MGMini Lite
Our senior tech experts spent over 100 hours researching and testing systems from both brands. We evaluated every part of the process, from unboxing to system setup and daily use. We also received feedback from older adults to learn what they valued most about each brand, along with what could be improved upon. Based on our hands-on experience, we broke down our evaluation into the following categories:
- Cost and value: We considered all costs associated with both brands, including monthly rates, equipment fees, add-ons, hidden fees, and seasonal promotions. Then we determined value based on the price and what the systems have to offer.
- Customer service: We spoke with each company’s customer service team multiple times to get all our questions answered before ordering our systems. We were particularly interested in the care and patience shown to customers.
- Ease of use: Our team considered how easy and quick it was to use both systems. We took note of anything confusing or difficult. We found that both brands offer easy-to-use systems with clear instructions.
- Discretion: When it comes to wearing a medical alert system, discretion is very important for many users. We give high marks to Medical Guardian for their easy-to-hide indoor systems and their sleek mobile systems and smartwatches.
- Response times: We conducted 10 test calls for systems from both brands and noted average response times. Our team also tested fall detection accuracy by simulating 10 test falls with each brand’s fall-detection pendant.
The Final Verdict on MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian
Given our firsthand experience with MobileHelp and Medical Guardian, we’re confident in recommending both to seniors. 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. Classic is a strong choice for affordable in-home cellular coverage, Wired Home is a good option for landline users who don’t need fall detection, and Elite is MobileHelp’s best fit for on-the-go protection.
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. Medical Guardian also offers more device variety, including a smartwatch and discreet mobile systems. If one of these providers piques your interest or you just want more information, check out our detailed MobileHelp review and Medical Guardian review.
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MobileHelp. (2020). Emergency Monitoring.
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TMA. (2025). What is the TME Five Diamond Program?
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eHealthInsurance. (2021). What to do if Your Parents Refuse to Wear Medical Alert Devices.
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AARP. (2021). How to Choose a Medical Alert or Monitoring System.
