MobileHelp Medical Alert Review

Pros and Cons of MobileHelp

MobileHelp Systems Compared

MobileHelp offers three systems that can protect users both in and out of the home. Here is an overview of each:

• Classic Landline: This in-home system functions much the same way as the MobileHelp Wired Home, but it operates through a landline connection instead of a cellular connection. Starting cost: $25.95 per month; for quarterly, it’s $77.85 and $285.45 annually.
• Wired Home: This basic in-home system uses a base unit with an impressive 1,400-foot range and a waterproof help button to contact emergency monitoring services. For an extra $10 per month, it can also be paired with MobileHelp's fall-detection button. Starting cost: $25.95 per month; quarterly, $77.85; and annually, $285.45.
• Elite: The company’s newest and most advanced mobile medical alert device weighs just 1.5” x 2.6.” Its compact design is small enough to wear discreetly and comes in black, silver and white. It also features a one-touch SOS button, advanced fall detection, and GPS+ Wi-Fi location tracking. Starting cost: $41.95; quarterly: $119.85; annually: $417.45.

Using MobileHelp Medical Alert System

Credit: MobileHelp

I chose the MobileHelp Classic in-home package, which came with an in-home base station, my choice of a wearable pendant help button, an optional fall detection pendant (for an additional $10 per month) and instruction manual.

MobileHelp Installation

To install my MobileHelp systems, I plugged the base unit's power cord into an outlet, turned it on, and held down the test button. After holding the test button for six seconds, the unit announced, “User auto test.” I was then instructed to press the help button on my pendant. The base unit responded with, “Test call sent to the emergency response center,” followed by, “Thank you for testing your device.” Pretty easy! Although I have a landline in my house, I didn't need to use it since both devices operate on AT&T's cellular network.

Testing MobileHelp

To use the pendant, I had to stay within 1,400 feet of the base unit — one of the longest ranges I've seen from an at-home unit. It should work for the vast majority of homes. But if you have an extremely large house, MobileHelp also offers cellular options that work everywhere.

After pressing the button, the base unit announced, “Call in progress,” and then, “Please stand by for the operator.” A few seconds later, an emergency operator answered through the base unit, and I told him it was just a test call. I was confident he'd coordinate the appropriate response with emergency responders if it were an actual emergency.

To test my fall-detection pendant, I simulated a fall by dropping the button from about 3 feet off the ground. About 20 seconds later, the button beeped and flashed yellow, prompting the base unit to announce, “Fall detected. Press and hold the button to cancel.” I wanted to cancel, so I pressed and held the button until it flashed green — saving the emergency operator's precious time. It's reassuring to know MobileHelp's fall detection works well, although like any fall-detection pendant, it won't accurately detect 100 percent of falls.

MobileHelp Connect

Another feature I was excited to try was the MobileHelp Connect caregiver portal. Via the portal, caregivers can keep track of a system's location, activity, and alert usage. When connected to my system's fall-detection pendant, for example, my partner could log on to our caregiver portal to track my movement and any inactivity periods. This feature would be especially useful for those caring for people from afar.

MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems Pricing

Like most medical alert systems, I didn't have to pay any up-front costs for MobileHelp. Instead, I rented the equipment and paid for professional monitoring with monthly subscription fees. For my MobileHelp Classic, I paid $25.955 per month plus an additional $10 monthly for fall detection.

The cost of each system varies, but you’ll get one month of service for free if you sign up for the annual plan and pay up front. If you prefer, you can make monthly or quarterly payments at the regular rate.

For more information on MobileHelp's systems and their costs, take a look at my rundown of MobileHelp costs.

MobileHelp vs. Life Alert

MobileHelp and Life Alert essentially provide the same products services: in-home and mobile medical alert systems. At the touch of a button, a system from either company will connect you with trained monitoring agents.

That said, in our tests, Life Alert took far longer to pick up the calls. On average, MobileHelp answered our calls in under 30 seconds. Life Alert, however, usually took two minutes or longer to answer the calls, which is far longer than average.

Additionally, Life Alert costs considerably more than MobileHelp: Its systems start at $49.95 per month and the company charges activation fees. MobileHelp products start at $25.95 per month, with no activation fees and free shipping and a free lockbox with annual plans. Life Alert also locks you into a minimum three-year contract; by contrast, you’re free to cancel service with MobileHelp after three months.

To read more about our experience with Life Alert, read our Life Alert review.

The Bottom Line

While testing my system, I found that MobileHelp provides quality devices at affordable prices. I feel wholly confident that MobileHelp devices can help my clients and loved ones age safely in their homes. MobileHelp is easily one of the best medical alert systems on the market, with no complicated long-term contracts and emergency response times aligned with industry standards.

• Affordable in-home systems: With in-home systems starting as low as $25.95 per month, MobileHelp is one of the most affordable medical alert options available.
• Detailed caregiver tracking: With MobileHelp Connect, the system's caregiver portal, you can easily monitor a loved one's system from your computer or smartphone.
• No long-term contracts: Life Alert costs $49.95+ per month and requires a three-year minimum contract. MobileHelp, however, allows you to subscribe on a monthly basis.