Lively Mobile2 Medical Alert Review
We know Lively best for their popular Jitterbug phones for seniors, but our team recently put their Lively Mobile2 medical alert system through extensive testing. The sleek device combines GPS tracking, a clear speakerphone and advanced fall detection in one portable unit perfect for active older adults who spend time at home and on the go.
Our hands-on testing involved real-world scenarios inside and outside the home, examining performance, reliability, pricing and how it compares to similar devices from other companies. Here’s what we discovered during our comprehensive evaluation.
Key Findings
- Affordable price: The Lively Mobile2 costs a one-time $79.99 and a recurring monthly charge of $24.99.
- Quick access to help: In our test calls, Lively agents answered in an average of 13 seconds, faster than most medical alert devices.
- Handy caregiver app: The Lively Mobile2 app is one of the most useful medical alert apps we’ve used, and it allows loved ones to track a device’s live location.
Did You Know: The Lively Mobile2 is one of our favorite mobile medical alerts. If your loved one spends most of their time at home, however, we’d recommend a stationary system. To find home medical alert systems from $20 per month, read our guide to this year’s best medical alert systems.
Pros and Cons of Lively Mobile2
Pros
- Complete mobile solution: Unlike systems that require separate pendants, the Mobile2 integrates a help button, speakerphone, GPS and fall detection in one device.
- Budget friendly: At $24.99 per month, it’s among the most affordable medical alerts we’ve tested — significantly cheaper than Life Alert’s $49.95 starting price.
- Waterproof protection: With an IPX7 rating, the device withstands 30 minutes of water immersion, making it safe for shower use.
- Advanced caregiver features: The Lively Link app provides real-time location tracking and emergency notifications for family members.
- Rapid response: The 13-second average response time is among the best in the industry.
Cons
- Limited battery life: The Lively Mobile2’s 32-hour battery requires daily charging, unlike the MGMini Lite, which can last up to four days on a single charge.
- Fall detection false alarms: It accurately detects most falls, but occasional false positives occur.
Lively Mobile2
Time Spent Testing: 168 hours
Starting Price: $24.99 per month
Contract Minimum: 1 month
Average Response Time: 13 seconds
Battery Life: 32 hours
Lively Mobile2 Video Review
Using My Lively Medical Alert System
Once the Lively Mobile2 arrived at my house, I opened the box and found the following:
- 1 Lively Mobile2 device
- 1 charging dock
- 1 magnetic lanyard
- 1 belt clip
Activation
As with most mobile systems, the setup process was quick and easy. I plugged my charging dock into an outlet, placed my device on the charger and waited until the device was powered on. After this, I called the number included in my Lively instruction manual. On this call, an associate was able to activate my device. Alternatively, you can activate the device through Lively’s website.
I was disappointed to learn, however, that you have to pay an additional one-time activation fee regardless of which activation method you choose. The fee is $25 for online activation and $35 for activation over the phone.
Performance
With my system installed and charged, I started testing its basic features. First, I placed a series of test calls in my home. All agents at Lively’s Urgent Response monitoring center answered each call promptly and politely. To test the waterproofing on the device, I brought it into the shower and found that it still performed the same.
To test the cellular connection, I took my Lively Mobile2 on a trip around town. At the park, at the library and even on a short hike through the woods, I found that my calls were able to connect. On average, I waited 13 seconds for a monitoring agent to respond.
One of my favorite parts about my Lively Mobile2 was that I could place an Urgent Response call both in emergency situations and for general assistance. Each time I connected to a monitoring agent, they took the time to understand my situation and plan a proper response. For example, if I had fallen and needed medical attention, they would have contacted emergency responders; however, if I’d simply locked myself out of my home, they would have contacted a loved one to come help.
Another impressive feature of the Lively Mobile2 was its fall detection. Each time I simulated a fall (which is about as glamorous as it sounds), my device automatically placed a call and connected me with an agent. A couple of times, my device detected a fall when this was not the case. Luckily, when that happened, I could easily cancel the call by pressing and holding my device’s call button.
FYI: According to CDC data, over 36 million older adults fall each year1, making fall-detection technology increasingly valuable for active seniors.
Caregiver Features
The interface of the Lively Mobile2 is incredibly simple. Unlike a medical alert watch or a Fitbit, which can have any number of extra controls and buttons, the Lively Mobile2 just has one primary button. However, it also has some features on the back end for caregivers.
With the Lively Link app, loved ones can remotely check on the device’s location, ensure that the device is powered on and check on the activity levels of the user. Through this app, you can also receive push notifications every time a user presses their Urgent Response button.
So if the user of this device has some loved ones who live nearby, I think this app would be a great way to keep them in the loop.
FYI: One study found that as many as 3 out of 5 people with dementia will wander2, so it’s important to develop a strategy to keep track of your loved ones.
Extra Features
In addition to Urgent Response calling and the Link app, Lively plans come with some optional features tailored to older adults.
- Care Advocate: With the Care Advocate service, Smart4 users can be connected with what Lively calls care advocates. From my experience, I’d call them “senior care coaches.” These professionals will conduct an initial screening and help the user create a care plan that encompasses health, financial planning and personal care.
- Nurse On-Call: One of my favorite wellness features, Nurse On-Call, allowed me to speak directly with registered nurses and doctors who provided me with medical advice. They could even prescribe common medications over the phone. Available 24/7, I found the feature much more useful than the Care Advocate service.
Did You Know: In addition to their medical alert systems, Lively is also one of our favorite cell phone providers for seniors.
Lively’s Pricing and Plans
The Lively Mobile2 costs a one-time $79.99 payment. You’ll also have to pay a one-time activation fee of $25-$35. If you activate the device online, this fee will be $25, while activating over the phone will cost $35.
Additionally, you’ll have to choose one of Lively’s two plans: Basic for $24.99 per month or Premium for $34.99 per month.
Both plans include Ask Lively, an operator service, Urgent Response calling and the Lively Link app for caregivers, but Premium enables the Care Advocate and Nurse On-Call features.
With either plan, you can add fall detection for $9.99 per month.
Lively Mobile2 Plan Comparison
| Basic | Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $24.99 | $34.99 |
| Urgent Response | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link App | Yes | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | Yes |
| Nurse On-Call | No | Yes |
If you want a more detailed breakdown of Lively’s pricing, check out my rundown of Lively medical alert pricing.
Medical Alert Efficacy: Studies indicate that medical alert system users experience fewer emergency room3 visits due to faster, more appropriate emergency response.
Lively Mobile2 vs. Life Alert
When it comes to medical alert systems, Life Alert is undoubtedly the most popular option; however, in terms of price and features, we think that the Lively Mobile2 is the superior option.
For starters, there is the cost. Life Alert systems start at $49.95 per month (not to mention activation fees). Plus, to get Life Alert’s mobile system, you’ll have to pay an additional $20 per month; their mobile unit cannot be purchased alone.
The Lively Mobile2, however, starts at $24.99 per month. This price rises to $34.98 per month if you want fall detection, a feature not even offered with Life Alert.
The Lively Mobile2 also offers a caregiver app, Lively Link, which allows loved ones to receive notifications on their phone when a user presses their help button. It can also be used to track the location of the Lively Mobile2 unit. Life Alert offers none of this functionality.
While the Lively Mobile2 is technically a mobile system, requiring daily charging, it can easily be used as a home medical alert. This makes it an all-around better option than Life Alert.
To learn more about our experience with Life Alert, read our full Life Alert review.
Lively Mobile2 vs. Lively Mobile Plus
Before the Lively Mobile2, there was the Lively Mobile Plus. This mobile medical alert system worked almost identically to the Lively Mobile2. It featured a speakerphone, help button, GPS and fall detection all built into one compact unit. Our one major gripe with this system, however, was its appearance. With its shiny gray plastic and squared edges, the Lively Mobile Plus was unattractive, to say the least.
It may sound like I’m getting semantic, but appearance does matter; this is especially true with mobile medical alerts, which are designed to be worn outside your home. If your loved one is embarrassed by the appearance of a clunky, clinical-looking device, then they’re less likely to wear it. And a medical alert can’t really help you if you’re not wearing it.
Thankfully, the Lively Mobile2 addresses this issue. Although it’s roughly the same size as the Lively Mobile Plus, the Lively Mobile2 features rounded edges, an enlarged help button with a rubber texture for easier gripping, and, thank goodness, it’s black, which makes it much more discreet.
Final Thoughts on Lively
Overall, I had a good experience buying, setting up and testing my Lively Mobile2. It’s undoubtedly one of the best mobile medical alert systems, even if the battery life leaves something to be desired. Still, for active older adults, it’s a functional and reliable way to keep safe anywhere.
I’d recommend Lively if you’re looking for:
- An affordable mobile system: Starting at $24.99 per month, the Lively Mobile2 is one of the most affordable cellular medical alerts on the market, but the price will go up if you want features such as fall detection.
- Detailed caregiver tracking: It takes a village to care for a loved one. Lively’s smartphone app simplifies this process, keeping any loved ones updated on your activity throughout the day.
- Quick response times: In my tests, Lively had some of the fastest response times of any system I’ve tried. This made me feel confident that a Lively device could protect a loved one when they need it most.
- No long-term contracts: Life Alert’s high cost partially comes from its three-year minimum agreements. Luckily, Lively allows you to pay monthly and cancel your service at any time.
I wouldn’t recommend Lively if you want:
- An in-home system: Lively doesn’t offer traditional in-home systems. If you’re looking for an affordable one, I recommend checking out the Bay Alarm Medical review.
- Long battery life: Although a 32-hour battery life is enough to get you through the day, mobile systems from Medical Guardian offer a greater battery life of up to four days.
- A medical alert bracelet: The Lively Mobile2 has to be worn either on the pendant or belt clip. To find a bracelet option, be sure to check out our guide to the best medical alert bracelet.
Lively Frequently Asked Questions
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What products does Lively sell?
Currently, the company sells the Lively Mobile2, the Jitterbug Flip2 and the Jitterbug Smart4.
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How much are medical alert systems from Lively?
Medical alert systems from Lively cost $79.99 for the equipment; on a monthly basis, they cost $24.99 to $34.99.
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What will I pay monthly with Lively?
For the Lively Mobile2, the monthly cost will range from $24.99 to $44.98 per month.
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Can I return my Lively Mobile2?
You can return your Lively Mobile2 within your first 30 days after purchase to receive a full refund on both your device and your subscription. After that period, you can’t return the device for a refund.
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What's included with my Lively Mobile2?
You receive the device, charging dock, magnetic lanyard, belt clip and access to 24/7 emergency monitoring, GPS tracking and the Lively Link caregiver app.
Methodology
My Lively Mobile2 evaluation involved comprehensive testing over 30 days in multiple scenarios and locations. I evaluated the device based on:
Performance Factors
- Emergency-response speed and quality
- GPS accuracy and cellular connectivity
- Fall-detection accuracy and false alarm rates
- Battery life in various usage conditions
- Water-resistance and durability
Value Assessment
- Monthly cost comparison with 12 major competitors
- Feature analysis relative to pricing tiers
- Setup complexity and activation costs
- Customer-service quality and availability
Real-World Testing Conditions
- Indoor testing in various rooms of my home
- Outdoor testing in urban, suburban and rural locations around my area
- Weather exposure, including rain and temperature extremes
- Extended-wear testing for comfort and discretion
Family Experience Evaluation
- Caregiver app functionality and notification accuracy with family members
- Location-tracking precision and update frequency
- Emergency-response coordination testing with my designated contacts
- Overall user experience assessment for both the wearer and caregivers
As a technology reviewer with experience evaluating medical alert systems, I purchased the Lively Mobile2 at full retail price to ensure an unbiased, authentic user experience that reflects what consumers can expect. My testing approach focuses on real-world scenarios that older adults and their families actually encounter in daily life.
