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Hand pushing panic button on medical alert system — Prostock-Studio / Getty Images

Medical alerts can help save lives with the push of a button because they can notify an authorized party. Some can also notify emergency contacts or the authorities when you give a voice command, or when your vital statistics (as measured by a heart monitor or other technology) indicates you are under physical duress. These devices are available in both in-home and mobile formats and they can be useful as well as provide vital support for the elderly and anyone living with chronic health conditions.

There are two main types of medical alert systems. The first is called monitored alert systems. These connect the user with a call center staffed by trained professional dispatchers and charge a monthly or annual subscription fee. The second type is called unmonitored systems and they generally cost less without a monthly fee, but offer limited services—often merely connecting the user directly with a 911 operator. Either monitored or unmonitored systems may also connect the user to family members or other preferred contacts. While both types can be useful, the best medical alert systems offer a combination of user-friendly technology, comfort, and affordability. Our thorough, research-based analysis makes it easy for you to find the system that’s right for you or your loved one.

Best Overall: Medical Guardian

Key Specs

Price: $29.95–$39.95 per month (+ device costs and add-ons)
Connection: 4G LTE, WiFi, GPS
Fall Detection: Yes
In-Home Range: 1,300 feet

Why We Chose It

Offering an extensive range of package options and payment plans, Medical Guardian is a flexible, highly customizable system that can be tailored to suit nearly any lifestyle.

Pros & Cons

Wide range of features
Automatic monthly device testing
Reasonable pricing

Spousal protection not included on all devices
Many add-ons may be overwhelming for some people
High initial device costs

Overview

When entrepreneur Geoff Gross launched Medical Guardian in 2005 with the goal of protecting his grandmother, he wound up helping a great many more people. Originally based out of Gross’s Philadelphia apartment, the company has since built a stellar reputation. Like many competitors, the company offers several devices that include both in-home and on-the-go systems. They distinguish themselves, however, with a broad range of optional add-ons that allow users to tailor packages to suit their unique needs. Medical Guardian has consistently won acclaim for the quality and versatility of its systems, as well as the responsiveness and competency of its certified team. The company has earned stamps of approval from industry standard-bearers as well, including TMA Five Diamond, Electronic Security Association, Factory Mutual Global, and Underwriters Laboratories.

Customization is the name of the game with Medical Guardian: users are first invited to choose the device that best suits their lifestyle–whether a base unit, pendant, smartwatch, or combination thereof. Systems are backed by Wi-Fi, cellular, GPS tracking, and clear two-way communication. In-home devices offer an impressive 1,300-foot range and a battery life of five days. With such solid options, it’s hard to go wrong.

Next, the user may select additional features such as 9-11 alerts that directly activate emergency response; a lockbox to allow emergency personnel to access home keys; fall detection that senses when a user falls down; caregiver support that provides critical information about the user’s health to select family or friends; voice activation which allows the user to call for help verbally; and other options that meet individual needs for safety and comfort.

Medical Guardian offers this versatile suite of products at reasonable pricing with flexible payment plans. Month-to-month and annual contracts are available, all without the burden of long-term contracts or activation fees. An easy-to-use customer care portal makes it simple to manage accounts and subscriptions, and to keep health and safety information in one centralized place.

Plans & Pricing

Medical Guardian offers the following plans:

Classic Guardian for $29.95 per month, which includes an in-home unit that connects with a landline, can sync with a pendant or watch, and offers 1,300 feet of in-home monitoring, voice assist, and caregiver connection
Home 2.0 for $34.95 per month, which includes an in-home unit that can sync with a pendant or watch and offers 1,400 feet of in-home monitoring, voice assist, and caregiver connection
MG Move for $39.95 per month and includes a smartwatch with 24/7 monitoring from Five Diamond certified staff, plus fitness tracking tools and optional social apps
Mini Guardian for $39.95 per month and includes a lightweight, water-resistant help button with 24/7 monitoring, a two-way speaker, and location tracking
Mobile 2.0 for $39.95 per month and includes a combination pendant/watch with advanced location monitoring and caregiver connection

Other optional features include caregiver support ($5/mo.), lockbox ($2.99/mo.), voice activation ($4.99/mo.), 911 access ($9.99/mo.), and more.

Best Mobile System: Lively

Key Specs

Price: $24.99–$39.99 per month (+ device costs and add-ons)
Connection: 4G LTE, GPS
Fall Detection: Yes
In-Home Range: NA

Why We Chose It

When it comes to a user-friendly, innovative design that seamlessly integrates with existing technology, it doesn’t get any better than Lively. The company offers a diverse line of products to suit a range of lifestyles, with an exclusive focus on cellular devices.

Pros & Cons

Fast call response time
Some devices are compatible with Alexa and Apple Watch
Special offers and AARP discounts available on some packages

Initial device fee
No backup battery available
Apple Watch setup may be tricky for some users
No landline device available

Overview

Launched in 2005 by cellular pioneer Arlene Harris, Lively (previously GreatCall) has a long track record of bridging health and technology. Over the two decades, the company has thrived, and its accessibility and design haves earned accolades from numerous organizations and national publications. In 2018, the company was acquired by electronics retailer BestBuy.

With an exclusive focus on mobile products, Lively offers three different devices (including a help button and two phones) with several options for subscription plans. Users who choose a phone can keep their existing phone number and enjoy the usual features like camera, video, and word games along with the peace of mind of knowing crucial emergency services are available, too.

From personal medical consultation to fall detection to transportation support (in partnership with Lyft), Lively has you covered in a lot of situations. For maximum convenience, some devices integrate with Alexa and Apple Watch.

Plans & Pricing

Lively offers the following plans:

Lively Mobile+ Basic Package for $24.95 per month, which includes urgent Response featuring 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, and certified response agents
Lively Mobile+ Preferred Package for $29.99 per month, which includes urgent Response 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, and certified response agents; Urgent Care featuring prescription refills and advice from board-certified medical professionals; Lively Link caregiver response app, and location detection
Lively Mobile+ Ultimate Package for $39.99 per month and includes urgent Response featuring 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, and certified response agents; Urgent Care featuring prescription refills and advice from board-certified medical professionals; Lively Link caregiver response app, and location detection; plus Fall Detection

If you're interested in Alexa/Apple Watch, you can purchase the device separately and then sign up so that they work together. In addition, if you're also in the market for a phone, there are multiple Jitterbug devices that can be added to any package:

Jitterbug Flip2 Value Talk + Text for $14.99 per month, which includes 300 minutes/mo., 10 cents/text. Simple flip phone with large screen, clear menu, magnifier, Alexa integration, and Urgent Response button. You can enhance this phone with any Lively Mobile+ plan.
Jitterbug Flip2 Unlimited Talk + Text for $19.99 per month and includes a flip phone with large screen, clear menu, magnifier, Alexa integration, and Urgent Response button. You can enhance this phone with any Lively Mobile+ plan.
Jitterbug Smart3, which includes a Phone with large screen, clear menu, voice typing, video chat function, and Urgent Response button. Enhance this phone with any Lively Mobile+ plan, then add any data plan ($2.49–$30/mo.).

You can also sign up for a personal Operator service, which can do everything from make calls for you , to schedule rides and, to offer driving directions. Lively Rides integrates with Lyft to provide transportation.

In addition, Lively requires an initial device fee ($49.99) but it’s a modest one compared with the initial device fee and/or setup cost of many other companies. With free ground shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no contract obligation, Lively makes it easy to try the product without hassle.

Most Affordable: LifeFone

Key Specs

Price: $24.95–$36.95 per month
Connection: Landline, GPS, 5G
Fall Detection: Yes
In-Home Range: 1,400 feet

Why We Chose It

With no activation or equipment fees, free spousal protection, and fall detection that costs half of the services of its competitors, LifeFone offers a truly solid product at competitive pricing. Ideal for anyone on a fixed income, LifeFone also offers discounts to both AARP members and veterans.

Pros & Cons

No equipment or setup charges
Free spousal protection
Pricelock ensures subscription fees never increase

Overview

Since 1976, LifeFone has been a leader in the healthcare communications space, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and recognition from such institutions as the National Council on the Aging, WebMD, and the National Institute of Senior Citizens. Over time, LifeFone’s products have evolved to become both technologically advanced and affordable, and the company’s reputation has been cemented.

Offering both in-home and on-the-go options, LifeFone offers easy-to-install, waterproof equipment secured by a lifetime warranty. Devices can be used on a landline (for homebodies) or on GPS or 5G networks (for those with more active lifestyles). The in-home base station features a crystal-clear two-way speaker, an enduring 32-hour backup battery, and a vast 1,300-foot range. The base station is also available with cellular connection and can be paired with either a pendant or smartwatch. Hybrid packages are available, as well.

Plans & Pricing

LifeFone offers the following plans:

At-Home Landline: $24.95 per month which includes a base station with two-way speaker
At-Home Cellular: $30.95 per month, which includes a base station with two-way speaker, plus waterproof help button
At-Home and On-the-Go Voice-in-Pendant: $41.95 per month, which includes a base station with two-way speaker, plus waterproof help button, along with a mobile device with 24-hour battery and GPS tracking
At-Home & On-the-Go Voice-in-Pendant Active: $36.95 per month, which includes a mobile device featuring 30-day battery, along with GPS and WiFi tracking

Those who want to optimize the already low cost of LifeFone will want to look for special promotions, available online or by calling directly. Also, consider paying annually or semi-annually, which can save money. You can also use your veteran’s or AARP discount to get the best pricing.

In addition, there are also referral rewards: When you purchase a unit and refer a friend, you’ll earn a free month of service once certain requirements have been met.

Best In-Car System: Bay Alarm Medical

Key Specs

Price: $29.95–$49.95 per month (+ device costs and add-ons)
Connection: Landline, 4G LTE
Fall Detection: Yes
In-Home Range: 1,000 feet

Why We Chose It

As the oldest and largest family-owned alarm company in the country, Bay Alarm Medical produces products that are not only reliable, but also affordable. Their in-car device is one of the only systems of its kind. .

Pros & Cons

Device fees and add-ons can get costly
Features like medication reminders and wellness checks are unavailable

Overview

Founded in 2005 as a subsidiary of the reputable 70-year-old security company Bay Alarm, Bay Alarm Medical is the largest family-owned alarm company in the United States. Consistently ranked one of the top providers in the health communications industry, the company offers quality medical alert systems at top value.

Offering services that protect users both in and out of the home, Bay Alarm Medical devices can be bundled in a combination that’s right for you. Every in-home system comes with a sleek pendant and convenient wristband-style device equipped with an emergency call button.

When devices are used in harmony, systems can be customized to include features like GPS location tracking, fall detection, and a wearable help button with 24/7 monitoring.

Another distinctive offering is the company’s in-car alert system, which connects to any vehicle’s 12V outlet. The device features an impact sensor, internal GPS, help button, speaker, and USB charging port. With the company’s proprietary app, caregivers and family members can monitor the user’s whereabouts while they’re behind the wheel. This advanced tracking feature can be crucial to help support users with unpredictable health issues.

When it comes to logistics, Bay Alarm Medical makes it easy, offering services with transparent contracts and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Plans & Pricing

Bay Alarm Medical offers three main types of service, each of which hasve different plans:

SOS Home package offers three plans:

In-Home Basic for $24.95 per month, which works with a Landline and has 24/7 monitoring
In-Home Preferred for $29.95 per month, which has everything the Basic plan does, plus a faster connection and easy installation
In-Home Premium for $39.95 per month and includes everything in the Preferred plan plus an additional wall button package

The SOS Mobile offers three plans:

Mobile Lite for $29.95 per month and includes 24/7 USA-based monitoring and caregiver tracking
Mobile Plus for $39.95 per month and includes the same things as the Lite plan, plus fall detection
Mobile 360 Bundle for $49.95 per month and includes everything in the other two plans plus in-home protection

SOS Smartwatch package which costs $34.95 per month and offers 24/7 USA-based monitoring and , location tracking. You can also get the smartwatch Bundle for $49.95 per month, which includes 24/7 USA-based monitoring, location tracking, and in-home protection.

Best for People With Dementia: QMedic

Key Specs

Price: $300–$400 per year
Connection: Landline, 4G LTE
Fall Detection: No
In-Home Range: 1,000 feet

Why We Chose It

Offering optional movement tracking, along with a reminder system and thorough caregiver communication, QMedic is our choice for those living with dementia. It gets bonus points for high-quality equipment with a user-friendly interface.

Pros & Cons

Overview

Founded in 2010 by Sombit Mishra and other alumni of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and funded in part by the National Institutes for Health, QMedic offers advanced protection through a simple, streamlined, no-fuss system.

QMedic systems include an in-home unit, plus your choice of a pendant or fully waterproof watch-style emergency button. All devices are equipped with compliance tools that allow caregivers and family members to monitor whether the device is being worn.

With careful monitoring of vital activity including sleep, movement, heart rate, and more, QMedic can offer useful services such as wellness checks or medication reminders. .As well, caregivers can receive custom alerts via text or email. A second button is available free of charge, although only one set of data is collected per account.

QMedic offers few options and no add-ons, but this seems to be by design, as the simplicity of their system prevents overwhelming choices or unexpected charges. The company offers remote battery testing of all devices and will automatically replace them when needed.

Plans & Pricing

QMedic offers two plans:

Cellular Plan for $300 per year, which comes with the choice of either bracelet or neck pendant with a waterproof help button. Both options feature 24/7 monitoring, two-way speaker, and caregiver reporting
Mobile GPS Neck Pendant for $400/year (though there is a promo code available), which comes with a water-resistant pendant for active individuals featuring aes 14-day battery life

Best for Diabetics: MobileHelp

Key Specs

Price: $19.99–$54.95 per month
Connection: 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth
Fall Detection: Yes
In-Home Range: 1,400 feet

Why We Chose It

With options that include medical reminders, wellness tracking, and telemedicine appointments, MobileHelp is an ideal option for monitoring diabetes.

Pros & Cons

Overview

In the decade since its founding, MobileHelp has become a leader in the personal emergency response systems. With eight different packages tailored to suit a range of lifestyles, MobileHelp offers something for nearly every budget and need.

MobileHelp Solo is a solution that supports people without landlines, while MobileHelp Duo was the first medical alert system integrated with GSM/GPS. All devices are integrated with wireless technology to provide medical monitoring services and location tracking for expedited emergency assistance. A newer option, MobileHealth Touch, offers a sleek touchscreen device with state-of-the-art technology that can provide telehealth appointments, as well as fitness tracking, and more. A caregiver app, MobileHelp Connect, allows loved ones to access information and know the device user is safe.

With low subscription fees, no equipment or activation fees, and no long-term contracts, MobileHelp is a consumer-friendly company that is fairly easy on the wallet. Note that the company offers discounts for advance payments.

Plans & Pricing

MobileHelp offers several plans, including:

MobileHelp Classic for $19.95 per month, which comes with an in-home base unit that does not require a landline. It also comes with a waterproof help button, 24/7 monitoring, and 1400-foot range
MobileHelp Wired Home for $24.95 per month comes with everything above plus a two-way speaker. It only has a 600-foot range though.
MobileHelp Micro for $33.95 per month which comes with a mobile device with a sleek waterproof design, GPS tracking, voice guidance, and optional fall detection
MobileHelp Solo for $37.95 per month, which comes with a mobile unit plus a waterproof help button that provides 24/7 monitoring
MobileHelp Duo: $44.95 per month that comes with and in-home base unit, plus mobile unit and waterproof help button
MobileHelp Mobile Duo for $44.95 per month that comes with two-for-one medical alert system and includes two water-repellent help buttons with GPS technology
MobileHelp Touch Classic for $54.95 per month that comes with a touchscreen tablet powered by 4G LTE, WiFi, and Bluetooth integrates add-ons like medication reminders, telehealth support, and cognitive games
MobileHealth Touch Duo for $54.95 that comes with a touchscreen tablet embodies the best and most advanced of all systems, plus includes a 24/7 help button

Best Caregiver Support: Aloe Care Health

Key Specs

Price: $24.99–$49.99 per month (+ device costs and add-ons)
Connection: 4G LTE, WiFi
Fall Detection: Yes

Why We Chose It

According to the National Caregiving Alliance, one in five Americans is now a caregiver–many of whom have chronic health issues of their own. Aloe Care Health, by developing devices to support both patients and caregivers, has brilliantly addressed an outstanding need.

Pros & Cons

Overview

Launched in 2018, Aloe Care Health strives to provide progressive and innovative solutions in health communication. With a founding team who have themselves served as caregivers, the company is led by people who thoroughly understand the challenges of medical care and communication. Their work has earned accolades from PC Magazine, Today's Caregiver, and MD Tech Review, and beyond.

Aloe Care’s fundamental offering is Mobile Companion, a 4G LTE device with GPS offering 24/7 access to emergency services. It is fully integrated with a caregiver app that keeps loved ones apprised of the user’s well-being. Aloe Care Essentials includes a smart hub that can connect via 4G LTE or WiFi. With voice-activated functionality, the hub offers access to 24/7 emergency response along with built-in motion, temperature, and air quality sensors. Access to the Family App and an additional help button are also available. With the Total Care package, Aloe Care offers fall detection and additional environmental and motion sensors.

Aloe Care may have higher initial device fees and monthly subscription costs than some companies–but itstheir services are top-of-the-line, and the resulting peace of mind for both users and caregivers is priceless.

Plans & Pricing

Aloe Care Health offers four plans:

Mobile Companion for $24.99 per month and includes a secure app for caregiver teams, fall detection, Two-way conversations with emergency response professionals, location updates
Essentials for $29.99 per month and includes all features of Mobile Companion plus voice-activated feature, motion and temperature sensors, motion-activated night light, unlimited 4G for app-to hub calls
Aloe Care Essentials Plus for $39.99 per month and comes with all features of Essentials Plan, plus mobile personal emergency response
Total Care for $49.99 per month and includes all features of Essentials Plus, plus fall detection, motion sensors

Final Verdict

If you’re in the market for a medical alert system, you’ll be faced with seemingly countless options. As the technology to manage our lives dramatically improves, more products emerge to address the challenges of health communication.

Any of the systems listed here are reliable and relatively affordable. For their versatility and capacity to meet a wide range of needs, though, we stand by Medical Guardian as the Best Overall Medical Alert System.

Compare the Best Medical Alert Systems

When choosing, these are important factors:

Price: Are you on a tight monthly budget? Can you afford to pay more frequently than monthly (as this usually comes with a discount? (Mention that these systems are FSA/HSA eligible if you get a doctor's note for them, so if you're lucky enough to have one, you can pay with your pre-tax earnings.) Finally, if you already have an Alexa-enabled device or Apple Watch, it could be cheaperst to just buy a monthly app subscription.
GPS tracking: Do you (or your loved one) go out a lot or do you generally stay home (inside and/or within range of an in-home device)? Do you want the ability to get notifications if your loved one leaves a preset geofenced location?
Features: Nearly all systems have a help button that is either a wearable device or is part of a base unit. The base unit can range from a piece of plastic with a help button up to a voice-activated smart speaker. Wearable devices sometimes can act as pedometers, sleep monitors, heart rate monitors, automatic medication reminders, or even walkie- talkie-like devices.
Caregiver app: Do you have local people you want to involve in your care? Look for a system with free access to an app/portal that offers features like compliance monitoring, medication tracking, etc. etc
Simplicity: Are you or the intended user you're buying for comfortable with technology, or do you need something dead simple? Is a touch screen okay? Do you want the ability for your caregivers to check into your biometrics?

In particular, medical alert systems can assist people who live alone. In recent decades, the number of adults living alone in the U.S. has dramatically risen. For all the perks of independence, living solo brings risks, too. A medical alert device, then, can come in handy.