The Best Medical Alert Systems 2020

Overview

What separates Medical Guardian from other medical alert providers is their fierce commitment to protecting their customers. The company has even been recognized as one of the top places to work in the country, and happy employees leads to happy customers.

In terms of devices, Medical Guardian offers an in-home traditional medical alert system, an in-home cellular option, two mobile devices with GPS capability, and a smartwatch, all of which can be paired with their fall detection technology. What’s more, their systems are both intuitive and simple to use. I was able to get mine up and running in a matter of minutes. Medical Guardian promises a “life without limits,” a lofty goal that is certainly met.

This range of service features helps put them at the top of my list, as there is a Medical Guardian system to suit any set of needs. If Medical Guardian seems right for you, then check out my full review to learn more.

Medical Guardian Key Points

• Features: Medical Guardian offers landline and cellular in-home options, mobile options with GPS capabilities, and water-resistant help buttons worn around either the wrist or neck.
• Extras: Additional wrist or neck pendants can be added to a system, which is a great option for couples and roommates. Medical Guardian also offers automatic fall detection pendants, wall-mounted help buttons, voice-activated wall buttons, and waterproof lockboxes.
• Battery: In-home systems feature a 32-hour backup battery, ensuring your system will still function in the event of a power outage. Their mobile units feature a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 24 hours.
• In-Home Range: The Classic Guardian, their in-home system, features a connectivity range of 1,300 feet, which is more than enough for most homes.
• What Stands Out: The connectivity range of Medical Guardian’s in-home systems is unrivaled in terms of distance. You can also add multiple help buttons under the same system, a common-sense feature that is lacking in most medical alert products.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

Since 1946, Bay Alarm Medical has brought medical alert systems to homes throughout the country. Despite all this time, they’re still family-owned and operated, allowing them to provide care that is both personalized and attentive.

Bay Alarm Medical offers a traditional in-home medical alert system, in addition to a GPS-enabled mobile unit and an in-car system, the first of its kind. This system, I observed, would also be great for young drivers, as it allows you to track its location and set notifications when the device leaves a certain boundary.

They also allow you to save by bundling their in-home system with one of their on-the-go options. Some of their systems can also be used with their Caregiver Tracking app, which allows you to track the user’s location, in addition to sending you notifications when the system’s battery is low.

All of these features come at a shockingly low cost. Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home systems start at a mere $19.95 per month, not to mention that they also waive activation, installation, and equipment fees.

Bay Alarm Medical Key Points

• Features: Bay Alarm Medical offers landline and cellular in-home options, a mobile option with 4G LTE coverage, and an in-car medical alert system. Each of their help buttons (worn as either a pendant or wristband) is also water-resistant.
• Extras: In addition to the systems themselves, Bay Alarm Medical also offers several useful add-ons including additional help buttons, wall buttons, automatic fall detection, and lockboxes for your keys. They also have some products not often seen with other systems. Their Bella Charms offer a stylish way to spruce up the staid appearance of the help pendant, and their Vial of Life is a handy way to keep track of medical information. For more details on these extras and their pricing, check out my full review of Bay Alarm Medical.
• Battery: The in-home system features a backup battery that can last up to 32 hours, and the mobile unit can last 72 hours on a single charge.
• In-Home Range: Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home system has a connectivity range of 1,000 feet, enough to cover most homes and potentially even accommodate venturing into the yard.
• What Stands Out: Bay Alarm Medical offers simple pricing and equipment that’s a breeze to install. Although their number of systems is not as large as other companies, they are still able to cover almost any type of care situation. On top of everything, Bay Alarm Medical offers stellar customer service. Each time I made test calls to their monitoring centers, I was treated with patience, skill, and, most importantly, compassion.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

In 1974, Philips Lifeline became the first company in North America to provide medical alert services. Founded by a gerontologist, this company has consistently proven itself as an innovator in the world of caregiving, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Of all medical alert companies, Philips Lifeline has the largest subscriber base in the country.

Currently, they offer a traditional in-home system, the HomeSafe, which can be purchased with or without fall-detection, in addition to the GoSafe 2, their mobile alert system with GPS capabilities and two-way talk. Recently, they have also introduced the Philips Cares app, which allows caregivers to view the status of their loved one’s device and even create schedules for checkups and other assistance.

With plans starting at $29.95 per month, Philips Lifeline is on the higher end when it comes to price, and that’s not including activation fees, equipment costs, and add-ons such as fall detection. Still, the quality of this system and its monitoring is hard to beat, and that’s why I’ve ranked it so highly. For more info on Philips Lifeline, check out my full review.

Philips Lifeline Key Points

• Features: Philips Lifeline’s in-home options can function through either a landline or cellular connection. The mobile system uses AT&T’s cellular network, and it also features GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way talk through its all-in-one pendant design.
• Extras: Philips Lifeline offers automatic fall detection as an add-on for their in-home systems, and this option comes standard in the GoSafe 2. The in-home systems also feature voice extension, allowing you to speak to the monitoring center even while in a different room from your base unit. They also offer an automatic medication dispenser for $59.95 per month.
• Battery: Their in-home systems feature a 30-hour backup battery. The GoSafe 2, however, can last up to seven days on a single charge.
• In-Home Range: Philips Lifeline’s in-home cellular system can cover 400 ft, whereas the landline version covers about 200 ft.
• What Stands Out: For decades, Philips Lifeline has been a trusted name in mobile medical alerts, and I appreciate the simplicity with which I was able to install and operate my systems. They also keep pricing simple. No matter how long you sign up for, the monthly price remains the same, meaning there’s no need for long term contracts.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

With their popular line of easy-to-use cell phones, the Jitterbug, it’s likely that you’ve heard of GreatCall. What you might not have heard of, though, is their standalone medical alert device, the Lively Mobile, which combines the portability of a cell phone with the safety features of a personal emergency response system.

The Lively Mobile from GreatCall is a completely cellular medical alert system that includes features such as fall detection and telehealth capability. There’s also an app, GreatCall Link, that allows families and caregivers to be instantly tuned in with a user’s health and safety.

GreatCall service starts at a mere $24.99 per month with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees; however, if you want to make the most of your Lively Mobile, I’d recommend going for the Ultimate Package, which includes fall detection, GreatCall Link, and access to medical professionals. At $39.99 per month, this plan is competitively priced when compared to other mobile systems. Check out my GreatCall Lively Mobile review for the full rundown on my experience with this system.

GreatCall Lively Mobile Key Points

• Features: The Lively Mobile comes with just about everything you’d expect from a mobile medical alert system: automatic fall detection, GPS, professional monitoring, and two-way talk. My favorite features, however, come with GreatCall’s Ultimate monitoring plan, which includes access to the GreatCall Link app, in addition to an extended warranty on the Lively Mobile itself.
• Extras: Included in both the Ultimate and Preferred plans is what GreatCall refers to as Urgent Care. This unique feature allows you to speak to a live nurse or board-certified doctor at all hours of the day, no appointments required. They can even write or fill prescriptions for common drugs. This, on top of fall detection, GPS capabilities, and rock-solid audio performance make the Lively Mobile quite the enticing option for someone seeking a portable system.
• Battery: In my testing, I found that the Lively Mobile lasted about 24 hours on a single charge.
• In-Home Range: Technically, it’s limitless, although I’d expect nothing less from a mobile system.
• What Stands Out: Of all the medical alert companies, GreatCall had the fastest agent response times, with their 5Star monitoring agents never failing to receive a call in more than several seconds. You can also try this system risk-free for 30 days.

Overview

With its entire workforce based in the United States, LifeFone is able to offer an unparalleled level of service to its customers. They also offer bundles of their systems, such as the At-Home and On-The-Go GPS combo, which is perfect for spouses or roommates.

In total, LifeFone offers four different alert systems: in-home (both landline and cellular options), a bundled at-home and on-the-go system (perfect for couples), and a bundle of two mobile units (perfect for active couples). All of these systems also have available the option of fall detection. While LifeFone certainly offers options suited for couples, their solid equipment, and locked-in pricing make them a great fit for just about anyone.

In terms of pricing, LifeFone’s systems start at $29.95 per month, but don’t let that number fool you. Their fall detection costs only $5 per month, lower than anyone else in the industry. Additionally, their bundled systems offer savings to those of us looking to add additional users. All of this makes LifeFone a deceptively affordable option. Check out my full review to learn about all things LifeFone.

LifeFone Key Points

• Features: Every LifeFone system features the fall detection option, two-way talk, and access to their U.S. based monitoring agents. The mobile systems also feature GPS capability, meaning that the monitoring center and loved ones can track the user’s location.
• Extras: When it comes to add-ons, LifeFone has you covered. They offer services such as daily check-in calls, medication reminders, and activity assurance, which is a great way for the monitoring center to verify the wellbeing of the user. LifeFone also offers a hanging lockbox, a leather carrying case, and a vanity pendant, which can help disguise the clinical appearance of a help button.
• Battery: LifeFone’s in-home system features a 32-hour backup battery, whereas the mobile system lasted about five days on a single charge, based on my testing.
• In-Home Range: Whether the system is cellular or landline-based, the help buttons will work up to 1,300 feet from the base station.
• What Stands Out: LifeFone has a proven track record of customer service excellence and equipment made of high-grade material. Their bundles offer a unique and cost-effective solution for cohabitants. Their fall detection also comes in at steal, only $5 per month.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

For over 40 years, LifeStation has played an instrumental role in protecting senior citizens. Designed by industry veterans, LifeStation systems are designed with older adults in mind, and the end result is three systems that provide ideal ways for folks to age in place.

Currently, they offer a traditional in-home landline system, a cellular in-home system, and a mobile system with GPS capabilities. Starting at $19.95 per month, these systems are quite the steal, and their fall detection only costs an additional $7 per month. Despite the low price, LifeStation sacrifices nothing when it comes to the quality of care.

Each LifeStation monitoring agent is a CSAA-Certified Care Specialist, meaning with each call I made with my system, I was in the hands of trained professionals. These men and women will respond quickly and effectively, either by arranging emergency services or contacting a loved one designated in your personalized care plan. For those who want a no-frills medical alert device that performs well beyond its price range, look no further than LifeStation. Check out my LifeStation review, which goes into greater detail.

LifeStation Key Points

• Features: Currently, LifeStation offers an in-home cellular unit, an in-home landline unit, and a mobile option with GPS capabilities. Each of these systems is completely waterproof. Since up to 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, the importance of this feature cannot be overlooked.
• Extras: Keeping true to the minimalist spirit, LifeStation offers few add-on features and devices. Still, I appreciated the “Find My Loved One” feature, which allowed my husband to trace my location through his smartphone. Something else I loved was how additional pendants could be added to my in-home system for only $3.99 per month.
• Battery: The in-home system has a 32-hour backup battery, which should be long enough to keep you protected through any power outage. The mobile unit also showed a good battery life, lasting about five days on a single charge.
• In-Home Range: In my tests, I found that LifeStation’s in-home system worked up to 500 ft away from my base station.
• What Stands Out: LifeStation proves that quality doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Each of their systems performed flawlessly, and their monitoring agents responded to my test call with genuine care and expertise.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

In my years as a caregiver, ResponseNow has always been a favorite among colleagues. It’s not hard to see why. Their reliable in-home system and innovative Belle and Belle+ cellular systems ensure that they have the right solution for any older adult looking to maintain their independence.

ResponseNow is so sure of their systems that they’ll allow you to try them out for thirty days with no strings attached. After this period, their systems start at $29.95 per month, putting them towards the higher end of pricing. Still, their solid customer service justifies the cost of entry.

Rather than offering a single, stock package with superfluous (and expensive) add-on services, ResponseNow keeps it honest. Their range of options makes it possible to personalize the amount of care and monitoring your loved one receives. And with ResponseNow’s monitoring centers being some of the best rated by the Better Business Bureau, you can trust that behind ResponseNow’s equipment is a dedicated team of professionals.

You can learn more about this reputation in my ResponseNow review.

ResponseNow Key Points

• Features: ResponseNow’s in-home unit has everything you’d expect or need: a base station with two-way talk, a waterproof help button is worn as either a pendant or as a wristband, and the option for automatic fall detection. Where things really get interesting, though, is with their Belle and Belle+ systems, two mobile, GPS-enabled medical alert systems, the latter of which including fall detection.
• Extras: Currently, ResponseNow doesn’t offer anything else in the way of bonuses for its mobile units, other than the automatic fall detection included on the Belle+. Their in-home system can also be used with fall detection, in addition to a lockbox, and extra help button pendants.
• Battery: The Belle+ boasts a battery life of up to five days on a single charge, and the Belle can last up to 30 days, depending on how often calls are made to the monitoring center.
• In-Home Range: In my testing, the in-home system had a range of about 500 ft.
• What Stands Out: The Belle’s 30-day battery life is ridiculously good, making it far and away the longest lasting mobile unit. Additionally, ResponseNow scores big points when it comes to customer service and user experience. Everyone on the ResponseNow team, from sales reps to monitoring agents, demonstrated heart, dedication, and the highest standards of customer care.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

Developed by MIT scientists, QMedic combines the simple functionality of a medical alert system with an advanced array of proactive measures such as wellness calls and activity monitoring. Using their own proprietary equipment, QMedic gives caregivers peace of mind when it comes to keeping tabs on their loved ones. Their systems are a great choice for users who are frail, blind, or disabled.

In terms of systems, QMedic offers two in-home options, landline or cellular, in addition to a mobile unit that uses AT&T’s cellular network to connect to one of their two monitoring centers, located in Utah and Idaho. These centers are fully redundant, meaning that in the event of a power outage at one, the other would be able to fully assume its responsibilities.

Starting at $30 per month, QMedic systems are not the most affordable; however, their service plans are not tiered. All of their innovative caregiver features are included in this price. For more info on QMedic and their pricing, check out my full review.

QMedic Key Points

• Features: Both QMedic’s in-home and mobile options feature help buttons that are completely waterproof. These systems feature two-way communication and 24/7 access to QMedic’s monitoring center. The only notable omission is automatic fall detection, which is not available with QMedic systems.
• Extras: QMedic keeps it simple when it comes to add-ons. The real focus is the in-depth activity monitoring, which is included with all systems. With each of their systems, caregivers can check in on their loved one to make sure they’re wearing their device, that it’s charged, and if the wearer is displaying abnormal activity or inactivity levels.
• Battery: The in-home system features a 24-hour backup battery, and the mobile device lasted me an impressive 14 days on a single charge.
• In-Home Range: Both the cellular and landline in-home systems had a connectivity range of about 900 ft.
• What Stands Out: QMedic shines when it comes to proactive monitoring. Their caregiver dashboard, accessible through a web browser, provides real-time access to vital information regarding the wearer. You can even arrange it so that their monitoring center will also see this information, making calls to the user in the event of inactivity.

Medical Alert Systems Offered

Overview

Alert1 has been providing medical alert services since 1988, and today they serve customers in all 50 states. All staff is U.S. based, and support is provided in 190 different languages. Alert1 has no long-term contracts and has agreed to zero termination fees for The Senior List customers. Serving all 50 states, Alert1 offers simple yet effective medical alert systems that can suit any budget. See the full equipment lineup in my Alert1 review.

Although they require no long term contracts, they offer discounts for users who pay annually and quarterly as opposed to monthly. Alert1 is also a good fit for couples who each need their own help buttons. Every one of their medical alert packages has the option to upgrade with a discount for the second user.

Presently, Alert1 does not offer anything in the way of a caregiver app; however, what they do provide is stellar monitoring at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

Alert1 Key Points

• Features: Alert1 offers a landline in-home option, a cellular in-home system, a mobile unit with GPS, and waterproof help buttons. Automatic fall detection is also available as an add-on on each of its systems.
• Extras: Alert1 offers a host of products that you can use to bolster your system. First, they have an automatic medication dispenser, perfect for staying on top of regiments of supplements. They also have a voice extender, a lockbox, wall-mounted emergency buttons, a surge guard, a monitored smoke detector, and protective cases. They also offer a fall protection package, which includes two motion sensor lights and emergency buttons that can be placed at high-risk points throughout your home.
• Battery: The in-home system features a 24-hour backup battery, while the mobile unit lasted me for almost 30 days during testing.
• In-Home Range: The in-home system has a connectivity range of about 600 ft.
• What Stands Out: Alert1 makes choosing the right system both uncomplicated and affordable with the help of their skilled sales team. You also have the option of choosing either AT&T or T-Mobile, whichever has the better cellular coverage in your area. If you’re looking for a system that’s both easy to install and use, look no further than Alert1.

Medical Alert Systems Offered