Lifeline Medical Alert System Review 2023

Overview of Lifeline

The Buying Experience

I highly recommend calling customer service to place your order. Lifeline’s website has a lot of information, but it’s helpful to talk through your specific situation with an expert since unnecessary add-ons can add up. Inquire about seasonal discounts, and tell the service representative exactly when and where you’ll need protection (in the yard, basement, grocery store, etc.).

Lifeline also has an online chat feature on the website. I tried this feature to ask about additional fees. All I had to do was click on the black and blue circle on the bottom right of the screen, and I was connected with a representative in a few seconds!

Click the chat box icon on Lifeline's website to talk with a representative

Setting up My Systems

HomeSafe Standard

To set up the HomeSafe Standard, I plugged the base station into a power outlet and a phone jack and waited for the light to come on. Then I pressed the button on my pendant, and the base station beeped loudly and said it was connecting to the response center. During my test, the base station repeated this message every few seconds until an agent picked up and asked if I needed help. I said that I was testing the system. The agent acknowledged my answer, then he ended the call, and that was it! It’s important to walk to each room of the house to see if the pendant is in range of the base station. To do this, just hold down the reset button on the base station and release it to go into test mode. Then, you’ll have four minutes to walk around the house and press the pendant button to make sure the base station receives the signal.

This system also comes in a cellular model, so if you don’t have a landline connection, you can still use a HomeSafe Standard. Just keep in mind that the cellular system runs on AT&T’s network, so you’ll need an AT&T signal where you live for the system to work. Otherwise, it should function the same.

On the Go

On the Go comes with a mobile pendant, charger, and manual. I simply plugged in the charger, set the pendant on it, and waited until the pendant light turned from flashing green (charging in progress) to solid green (fully charged). From there, I pressed the mobile help button to get connected to Lifeline's 24/7 response center. They picked up in about 15 seconds and confirmed I was OK. The system was fully activated and ready to go. You don’t need to do a range test with the On the Go, although you should walk through your house, yard, or garage, where you have concerns about cell coverage, and see if you can place a test call.

Contracts and Warranty

Lifeline offers all of its systems on a month-to-month basis, which means you can cancel your service at any time without penalty. There is an automatic payment option available. By filling out a form, you can have Lifeline directly debit your bank account each month.

Lifeline has a 30-day, full-refund guarantee, which I appreciate. They provide a one-year warranty for the On the Go system, covering normal wear and tear, which is on the shorter end of included warranties for the industry (Bay Alarm has a lifetime warranty for certain products). Simply register your device after you receive it to activate the warranty.

Lifeline Systems at a Glance

Lifeline System and Product Details

HomeSafe Standard

Cost

The HomeSafe Standard landline model is for in-home use and is ideal for older adults on a budget, as it’s the cheapest system Lifeline offers, starting at $29.95 per month. It functions well in a small, one-story home. You’ll want to conduct a range test if you own a larger home or consider a $10 monthly add-on called Voice Extension Communicator, which acts as a separate base station. For an additional $15, you can upgrade to HomeSafe with AutoAlert, which adds automatic fall detection. This feature is best for older adults who have a high risk of falling.

The system also comes in a cellular option, which costs $14 more per month. Thinking of adding fall detection and getting the HomeSafe Standard Cellular system? You’ll actually pay more for this configuration than with the On the Go (covered below), so unless you have this more basic landline use case, look closely at the On the Go to save every month.

Testing Our Lifeline Equipment

Equipment

Out of the box, the system comes with a base station that acts as a communicator to the Lifeline emergency response center and a wearable, waterproof pendant or wristband (your choice!). The pendant itself is lightweight and about the size of a half-dollar. If you ever need help, simply press the button on your pendant or wristband. You’ll then be connected to Lifeline’s emergency response center through the base station. Easy peasy!

Service and Monitoring

HomeSafe Standard is Lifeline’s product for at-home use, and you can choose between a cellular or landline connection. If you’re more of a homebody, we’d recommend this system. You can add automatic fall detection for an additional fee. This feature triggers an emergency call if your pendant’s sensor detects movements consistent with a fall. You also have access to the Lifeline Cares mobile app with this system. This app is great for caregivers or family members who want to stay in the loop about your well-being, as it lets them check on the status of your system and send notes between users.

On the Go

Cost

On the Go is an all-in-one help button that starts at $49.95 per month. Lifeline also charges a $99 device fee for this on-the-go system, and then you choose between a $24.95 self-installation fee (recommended for most) or a $99 professional installation fee. The On the Go device offers the best value and versatility of all the Lifeline systems. It’s cheaper than the HomeSafe with AutoAlert cellular model, and, unlike that system, you can wear it at home or out and about. Plus, automatic fall detection is included, a big bonus to me!

Testing the Lifeline GoSafe 2 Neck Pendant

Equipment

On the Go is a small mobile unit with a help button, a two-way talk feature, and built-in fall detection. It comes with a mobile pendant, charger, and manual. I think the On the Go mobile device is an excellent system for active older adults. You can wear it while shopping, taking a walk, or grabbing lunch with friends. This is the only Lifeline system that can be used on the go, meaning it’s the best option for active seniors who leave the house regularly. It’s an all-in-one wearable system, so just throw it on like a necklace, and you’re set. The pendant is lightweight, and it’s one of the smaller all-in-one systems I’ve seen in the industry. You could easily tuck it into a sweater or pocket, and no one would even know you were wearing it!

Service and Monitoring

On the Go works wherever there is reliable AT&T service throughout the continental United States. The system comes with GPS and cellular technology, so help will be sent straight to you no matter where you are – all you have to do is press the pendant’s help button! I also like that this system comes with automatic fall detection. No matter where you are, you can rest easy knowing On the Go will detect a fall and send help, even if you can’t press your help button. This mobile system includes access to the Lifeline Cares mobile app.

Add-on Features and Accessories

HomeSafe With AutoAlert

This system comes with built-in fall detection, which will automatically contact Lifeline's emergency center if the pendant’s sensors detect a fall. You can upgrade to this model from the HomeSafe Standard systems for an extra $15 per month.

Voice Extension Communicator

For larger homes, this optional add-on for the HomeSafe package ensures the system’s signal extends throughout your house. An extra Lifeline Communicator base station costs $10 per month. I’d recommend this for medium to large homes, as the coverage area for landline systems is around 400 feet and only 200 feet for cellular systems. You can call a representative for advice if you’re unsure. If you’d like to compare this coverage to a system with a longer range for its base station, check out our Alert1 review. Alert1 has coverage up to 600 feet.

Key Lockbox

Opting to add a key lockbox to your system gives first responders quick and easy access to your home. If you’re not able to get to the door during an emergency, first responders will have to knock the front door down. You’ll have to deal with the mess and pay for a new front door, which is just a hassle. The one-time device fee is $29.95 at checkout.

The Bottom Line on Lifeline

Overall, Lifeline offers easy-to-use, reliable alert systems. They’re great for those who want a no-brainer system with no frills attached. As for which Lifeline product to choose, I prefer the On the Go, as you can use it anywhere at home or on the go, and it’s incredibly easy to set up, maintain, and use in an emergency.

If you’re on a tight budget, the HomeSafe Standard system is the cheapest option and offers high-quality at-home protection. Once the product arrives, be sure to test the unit at home for coverage. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so on your own, go with the professional installation option.

All of my interactions with Lifeline employees, including their customer service team, the Lifeline Chat, and the response center, were very positive. Lifeline also received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a big plus in my book. According to Lifeline, many of their team members have been with the company for over 25 years, which says a lot about the quality of service and how the company treats its employees.

Our Methodology

Our team evaluates many key decision-making factors that users should consider when choosing a medical alert system. These factors include reliability, ease of use, customer service, price and value, average response times, and available features. We test each system to give readers a hands-on look at our experience with the product. We also ask older adults for feedback on the systems whenever we can. Then, we use all of our research and product testing to give each company a star rating out of five, making it easy for readers to compare systems. Visit our medical alert system methodology guide to learn more about the review process.