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Does your elderly parent live at home alone? What if something happens when you’re not available? Or maybe you don’t live nearby. Medical alert systems can save you from worrying about your loved one — and maybe save their lives. These systems have been around for decades, and there are dozens on the market to choose from. How do you pick the best one for your particular needs? Our Medical Alert System Reviews will help you decide by giving you reviews of specific providers, and their pricing, features, pros, cons, and more.
Who Needs a Medical Alert System?
Here’s a guideline to help you determine if you or a loved one is a good candidate for a medical alert system. You should consider a system for:
- Senior citizens who live alone or who spend a large part of their day alone
- People with epilepsy, seizure conditions, or other potential emergency health situations
- Anyone who is hard of hearing and may not be able to communicate well with 911 dispatch
- People recovering from major surgery, a heart attack or stroke
- Senior citizens or disabled people who are prone to debilitating falls
Best Medical Alert Systems
We’ve chosen our top recommendations for our medical alert bracelets reviews based on a number of factors, including: reliability of equipment and monitoring service center, device options, fall detection availability, pricing, and other features.
Medical Guardian Review
| #1 |  |
Visit Website
Call: 800-825-6700
Medical Guardian wins our top spot for Best Medical Alert System. With no activation, equipment or cancellation fees, and free delivery and a fully certified, in-house monitoring center, Medical Guardian is hard to beat for its level of service and reliability. They have a number of system options to choose from and offer special deals frequently. And their devices have some of the farthest ranges and longest battery lives on the market. Medical Guardian gets overall excellent consumer reviews, and they’re rated A+ from the BBB.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
With Medical Guardian you only pay a per month service fee. You’re not required to purchase a long-term contract, but you can save on monthly pricing if you sign up for an annual plan. Please note that the fall detection add-on is only available with the Home Guardian and Premium Guardian systems.
| Classic Guardian | Home Guardian | Mobile Guardian (GPS) | Premium Guardian (GPS) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.95/month | $34.95/month | $39.95/month | $49.95/month |
| Communication | Landline | AT&T Cellular Network | AT&T Cellular Network | AT&T Cellular Network |
| Range | 1,300 feet | 600 feet | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Battery Life | 32-hour | 30-hour | 24-hour | 36-hour |
| Water Resistant Pendant |  | | | |
| Fall Detection Available | No | Yes - $10/month more | No | Yes - $10/month more |
| GPS Pendant Recharge Time | N/A | N/A | 2 hours | 4 hours |
Read our in-depth Medical Guardian Review
Bay Alarm Medical Review
| #2 |  |
Bay Alarm Medical is our number two pick for Best Medical Alarm System. Bay Alarm Medical has been in business for nearly 70 years and has an excellent reputation for reliable devices and monitoring service. Their monthly pricing is among the most affordable, and they offer member discounts from AARP, AAA, and USAA. For a one-time fee of $34.95 you can order an additional lanyard button, and your spouse gets free monthly service. You even get a 14-day trial period with a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Bay Alarm does charge $9.95 for standard shipping, but there’s no contract required and no activation or cancellation fees.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
You have the option of bundling either in-home device with the GPS device.
| In-Home Landline | In-Home Cellular | GPS Mobile Help Button | In-Home Landline + GPS Bundle | In-Home Cellular + GPS Bundle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | N/A | N/A | $49 | $49 | $49 |
| Price: Month to Month | $29.95/month | $39.95/month | $29.95/month | $49.95/month | $59.95/month |
| Price: 3 Month's in Advance | $27.95/month | $37.95/month | $27.95/month | $47.95/month | $57.95/month |
| Price: 6 Month's in Advance | $25.95/month | $35.95/month | $25.95/month | $45.95/month | $55.95/month |
| Communication | Landline | AT&T Cellular | AT&T Cellular | Landline | AT&T Cellular |
| Range | 1,000 feet | 1,000 feet | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Automatic Fall Detection | $9.95/month extra | $9.95/month extra | No | $9.95/month extra | $9.95/month extra |
| Battery Life | 5 years | 5 years | 72 hours per charge | 72 hours per charge | 72 hours per charge |
| Battery Backup | 32 hours | 32 hours | N/A | N/A | N/A |
LifeFone Review
| #3 |  |
LifeFone rounds out our top three choices for Best Medical Alarm System. LifeFone, in business since 1976, offers all the features you’d want, including a lifetime equipment guarantee, a lifetime subscriber price and a 30-day money back guarantee — all for attractive pricing compared to its competitors. They have a good variety of devices, bundles and upgrades to choose from. What’s missing? LifeFone’s wireless ranges from its base isn’t as strong as other systems, which could make a big difference if your loved one lives in a larger home. And their monitoring center isn’t CSAA certified.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
| At-Home Landline | At-Home Cellular | At-Home Cellular with Fall Detection | At-Home & On-the-Go GPS | At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, Voice-in-Pendant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price: Month to Month | $29.95/month | $34.95/month | $43.95/month | $39.95/month | $46.95/month |
| Price: 3 Month's in Advance | $27.95/month | $32.95/month | $41.95/month | $39.95/month | $44.95/month |
| Price: 12 Month's in Advance | $24.95/month | $30.95/month | $38.95/month | $36.95/month | $42.95/month |
| Communication | Landline | AT&T Cellular Network | AT&T Cellular Network | AT&T Cellular Network | AT&T Cellular Network |
| Range | 480 feet (1,500 feet with extension) | 1,300 feet | 600 feet | 600 feet from base station 350 feet from mobile unit | 300 feet |
| Battery Life | 32-hour battery backup | 32-hour battery backup | 30-hour battery backup | 30-hour battery backup | 36 hours |
| Waterproof Necklace or Bracelet | | | | | |
| Fall Detection Available (up to 600 ft range) | Yes - $5/month more | No | Yes - Included | Yes - $10/month more | Yes - $5/month more |
Need a Side-By-Side Comparison?
We’ve created a table with many of the medical alert systems’ features to help you compare each service side-by-side.
| Medical Guardian | Bay Alarm Medical | Lifefone | ADT Medical Alert System | Alert 1 | GreatCall Splash | Life Alert | Lifestation | MobileHelp | Philips Lifeline | Rescue Alert | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Guardian | Bay Alarm Medical | Lifefone | ADT Medical Alert System | Alert 1 | GreatCall Splash | Life Alert | Lifestation | MobileHelp | Philips Lifeline | Rescue Alert | |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | View on Amazon | Visit Website |
| Standard At-Home Base System Monitoring Starting Price | $29.95/Month | $25.95/Month | $24.95/Month | $29.99/Month | $29.95/Month | $19.99/Month | N/A | $25.95/Month | $27.03/Month | $29.95/Month | $27.95/Month |
| GPS Mobile Device Monitoring Starting Price | $39.95/Month | $25.95Month | $36.95/Month | $39.99/Month | $49.95/Month | $34.99/Month | N/A | N/A | $32.78/Month | $54.95/Month | $37.95/Month |
| Activation Fee | | | | ||||||||
| Equipment Fee | | ||||||||||
| Delivery Fee | With Some Plans | | With Some Plans | | |||||||
| Range From Base | Up to 1,300 Feet | Up to 1,000 Feet | Up to 1,300 Feet | Up to 600 Feet | 600 Feet | In any Verizon area | N/A | 500 Feet | 600 Feet | 800 Feet | 600 Feet |
| Battery Backup | 24-36 Hours | 32 Hours | 30-36 Hours | 20 Hours | 24 Hours | Less than 24 hours | N/A | 32 Hours | 30 Hours | 30 Hours | 90 Hours |
| Mobile GPS Available | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Free Monitoring for 2nd Help Button | | | | | | ||||||
| Multiple Languages | | | | | | | |||||
| Fall Detection Available | | | | | | | | | | | |
| CO Monitoring | | | |||||||||
| Fire & Smoke Monitoring | | | |||||||||
| Self-Testing Unit | | | | | | | | ||||
| Check-In Service | | | | | | | | | |||
| Outdoor Lockbox | Free | $39.95 One-Time Charge | $29.95 One-Time Charge | N/A | $39.95 One-Time Charge | N/A | N/A | $2.99/Month | Free (due to a current special) | $29.95 One-Time Charge | Added Charge (exact price unavailable) |
| Repairs Covered | | | | | | | N/A | | | | |
| Website Resources | Blog, FAQ, Live Chat | Blog, FAQ, Articles, Live Chat | Blog, FAQ, Caregiver Portal | FAQ, Live Chat | Blog, Articles | Articles | Articles | FAQ | Blog, FAQ | Blog, Articles, Live Chat | FAQ, Articles |
| Monitor Centering Standards | CSAA, UL | CSAA, UL | UL | CSAA, UL | UL | CSAA, UL | UL | ETL | UL, ETL | ||
| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | View on Amazon | Visit Website |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Other Medical Alert System Reviews
ADT Medical Alert System | Alert 1 | GreatCall Splash | Life Alert | LifeStation | MobileHelp | Philips Lifeline | Rescue Alert
ADT Medical Alert System Review
You likely recognize ADT as one of the largest home security systems in the world, but they also offer medical alert systems. Unfortunately, the medical alert branch of their business doesn’t live up to many other medical alert companies’ services. We’re less than impressed with their devices’ range and battery life. They do offer a 20% discount for AARP members and a monthly service price guarantee for life. But compared to other systems, ADT just doesn’t get our vote.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
ADT charges an extra $5/month for an additional button for you or your spouse. You’ll also incur a $9.99 delivery fee for any of their systems.
| Medical Alert Basic | Medical Alert Plus | On-the-Go | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99/month | $35.99/month | $39.99/month |
| Communication | Landline | AT&T Cellular | AT&T Cellular |
| Range | 300-feet | 600-feet | Unlimited |
| Automatic Fall Detection | No | $10/month extra | $10/month extra |
Alert 1 Review
Alert 1 offers one of the best mobile alert systems on the market with an incredible 60-day battery life and compact size, but you’re going to pay a hefty price, including a $59.95 activation fee, which other comparable systems offer for free. Alert 1 has been in business for nearly 30 years and has a great reputation for reliability and customer service. Their two emergency monitoring centers are CSAA certified, but they outsource the centers. If you can afford Alert 1, they deserve serious consideration.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
Alert 1 doesn’t require a contract, but you can save $5/month with quarterly or $10/month with annual plans.
| Home | Fall Detection | Mobile | Mobile + Fall Detection | Home + Mobile + Fall Detection | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price: Month to Month | $39.95/month | $45.95/month | $59.95/month | $59.95/month | $69.95/month |
| Price: 12 Month's in Advance | $29.95/month | $35.95/month | $49.95/month | $49.95/month | $59.95/month |
| Communication | Landline | Landline | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Range | 600-feet | 400-feet | 600-feet | None | None |
| Automatic Fall Detection |  | | | ||
| Mobile GPS | | | | ||
| Battery Life | 5+ years | 2+ years | 2 months | 36 hours | 24-hours PAX Plus 2+ years Fall Detection Pendant 5+ years In-Home Classic Wristband |
GreatCall Splash Review
GreatCall Splash could be a great option if your loved one is on-the-go and willing to charge the device nearly every day. GreatCall Splash only offers a GPS-enabled mobile medical alert device, which has built-in fall detection technology with its highest plan — and their monthly pricing is affordable compared to many other services. The device is about half the size of a credit card (although thicker in-depth), and it comes with a keychain clip. GreatCall Splash offers free shipping and no long-term contracts.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
The GreatCall Splash GPS-enabled device is a one-time charge of $49.99. You then choose from three monthly service plans. The device comes in two colors: Desert Silver and Tahoe Blue.
| Basic | Preferred | Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99/month | $24.99/month | $34.99/month |
| Communication | Verizon Cellular Network | Verizon Cellular Network | Verizon Cellular Network |
| 24/7 Connection to Emergency Services | | | |
| Unlimited Access to Registered Nurses and Doctors | | | |
| Fall Detection Available | |
Life Alert Review
Life Alert is best known for their prominent TV commercial, “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” Their advertising may be stellar, but their medical alert systems and services come up short compared to their peers, based on online consumer reviews. For a company that’s well-known for its ads, their website is seriously lacking information. So much so, we can’t give you a sound list of pros and cons or pricing. You’re required to contact Life Alert’s Sales Department for all the information about their medical alert systems.
LifeStation Review
LifeStation has affordable pricing for its At-Home System with no activation, equipment, cancellation or delivery fees — and they offer a price lock guarantee (as well as no long-term contract). The base station’s battery life is good, and the range to the wearable device is slightly less than average, but if you don’t need a wider range, LifeStation is definitely worthy of consideration for the price. They do charge fees per month for an additional user, a lock box, and a mobile emergency button, but LifeStation’s monitoring center certification is among the best — and you get two dedicated, well-trained representatives with every emergency call.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
LifeStation’s website only includes pricing and other device information for its At-Home System (and add-ons). You must call for information on their Cellular System, GPS-Enabled System and Fall Detection.
At-Home System
- $29.95/month month-to-month; $27.95/month for 3 months; $25.95/month for 12 months
- 500-foot range
- 32-hour battery backup
- Landline required
- Waterproof wristband or necklace
MobileHelp Review
MobileHelp is a solid option, especially if you don’t have a landline — both of their systems work via AT&T Cellular Network, which is included in the system. They offer a good refund policy with a 30-day guarantee and a prorated refund if you paid for a long-term contract. One thing that stands out with MobileHelp compared to other services is that they give you two help buttons at no extra charge. They provide two additional MobileVitals systems, which include monitoring for blood pressure, pulse and weight, but you must purchase the measuring equipment, and your monthly charge goes way up.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
You get free delivery with all pricing plans except their monthly plan, which includes a $15 shipping charge for either system’s equipment.
| MobileHelp Classic | MobileHelp Solo | MobileHelp Duo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price: Month to Month | $29.95/month | $37.95/month | $41.95/month |
| Price: 3 Months in Advance | $27.95/month | $29.95/month | $33.28/month |
| Price: 6 Months in Advance | $26.62/month | $28.78/month | $31.12/month |
| Price: 12 Months in Advance + Free 13th Month | $27.03/month | $30.03/month | $32.78/month |
| Communication | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Automatic Fall Detection | $10/month extra | $10/month extra | $10/month extra |
Philips Lifeline Review
Philips Lifeline was the first medical alert system in the U.S., and they’ve had a good reputation for more than 40 years. Philips Lifeline offers many of the same features as other systems but at a higher price. Although they don’t have cancellation fees, they tack on fees pretty much everywhere — activation, shipping, additional buttons — and there’s no savings for quarterly or annual payments. But if price isn’t a game changer for you, Philips Lifeline is a solid, reliable choice.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
Philips Lifeline doesn’t offer discounts if you pay for multiple months, like most other systems. They also charge a $19.95 shipping charge and an activation fee.
| HomeSafe | HomeSafe with AutoAlert | GoSafe (GPS) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price: Landline | $29.95/month | $44.95/month | $54.95/month |
| Price: Wireless | $41.95/month | $56.95/month | $64.95/month |
| One-time Equipment Fee | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Automatic Fall Button | | |
Rescue Alert Review
Rescue Alert is one of the more affordable medical alert systems on the market, and their devices have the longest battery backup life of all the systems we’ve reviewed. Unfortunately, Rescue Alert doesn’t offer a GPS-enabled mobile version or fall detection. If these features aren’t important to you, Rescue Alert has some excellent pricing options — you can even purchase the equipment upfront, which cuts the monthly fees in half. Their monitoring center gets good customer reviews, and they require all their emergency monitoring customer representatives to get a minimum of 180 hours of training.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing & Tech Specs
For the MXD3G, there is the option to pay a one-time fee of $849, which includes both new equipment and monitoring for life.
| MXD - Landline | MXD3G - Cellular | Mobile PERS (GPS) | |
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| Price: Month to Month | $32.95/month | $42.95/month | $44.95/month |
| Price: 3 Months in Advance | $29.95/month | $39.95/month | $39.95/month |
| Price: 12 Months in Advance | $27.95/month | $37.95/month | $37.95/month |
| Communication | Landline | AT&T Cellular | AT&T Cellular |
Why Is Fall Detection So Important?
Injuries resulting from falls is the leading cause of death among older people, says the AARP. Check out this Philips Lifeline video that features medical experts explaining their experiences with fall victims.
So Many Medical Alert Bracelets & Necklaces; How Do I Choose?
You have so many options when shopping for medical alert systems for seniors, and your decision really comes down to what the best fit is for your loved one and your family. Your choices depend on how mobile your loved one is, his or her budget and risk of falling, among many other factors. Use our medical alert systems review to weed through your choices, make a list of your priorities and find the best medical alert bracelet for your needs.
Has a medical alert system helped you or your loved one?
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2 Comments on "Best Medical Alert System Reviews: LifeFone vs Medical Guardian vs Bay Alarm & More!"
I suggested for my mom to use medical device because I worry about her especially when she is alone at home. I have chosen BlueStar because my father supports the veteran affairs and they offer 10% discount to veterans and their family. The BlueStar team have all been very pleasant and helpful especially when I first got it and had to hook it up. Also, one day I hit it by accident when I was changing clothes and they came on promptly.
My husband and I have been researching medical alert systems for his mom who is getting to the point where she needs one. Since she doesn’t live in a retirement community yet (and lives alone) we wanted to rest assured she’d be okay in case something were to happen. I automatically assumed that Life Alert would be one of the top picks since they’re all over TV but interesting to see there are so many other companies that offer just as great (if not better) products.