Bay Alarm Medical Review, Tested by Caregivers
Bay Alarm Medical: Key Findings
- Averaging 16 seconds in our 10 test calls, Bay Alarm Medical systems are among the most reliable.
- Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home systems start at $24.95 per month, and its mobile systems start at $29.95 per month.
- With any system, customers get access to the Bay Alarm Medical app, which allows loved ones to track a user’s location and receive alerts when emergency calls are placed.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of caregivers, experts, and healthcare professionals conducted over 5,000 hours of in-depth research and testing. The results helped us recommend the most reliable brands and devices. In this process, our team:
- Tested 50 medical alert devices from 15 different brands.
- Surveyed 1,250 seniors and caregivers on medical alert system usage.
- Consulted with nurses, EMTs, and caregivers who are experts at caring for older adults.
- Published dozens of videos that demonstrate our medical alert system testing.
- Evaluated verified customer reviews of medical alert companies from the Better Business Bureau.
- Continues to monitor developments in the world of medical alert systems and revises our findings accordingly.
How We Tested Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical currently sells four different systems. For the purposes of this test, we purchased three of them: SOS Home, SOS All-In-One 2, and SOS Smartwatch. We evaluated each system on the following criteria:
- Response times: We placed 10 test calls with each Bay Alarm Medical system and calculated the average response time.
- Ease of use: We ensured that each device was easy to use — particularly for those with visual impairments and manual dexterity issues — through testing and design analysis.
- Customer care: We conducted extensive interactions with Bay Alarm Medical’s customer care teams and monitoring agents, ensuring that they offered adequate support.
- Affordable pricing: We examined the costs of our Bay Alarm Medical systems and compared them to similar systems from other companies.
- Flexible contracts: We read the fine print of our Bay Alarm Medical service agreement, ensuring there were no unexpected fees or obligations.
- Extra features: Apart from conducting test calls, we also tested out Bay Alarm Medical’s fall detection, water-resistance, in-home range, GPS, and caregiver connectivity features.
Bay Alarm Medical Pros and Cons
Bay Alarm Medical Pros
- Affordable plans: Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home system costs as low as $24.95 per month, making it one of the most affordable medical alerts.
- Straightforward equipment: Bay Alarm has high-tech equipment, from its in-home systems to GPS medical alerts. Still, all of its devices are user-friendly and easy to install.
- 30-day trial period: Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day trial period, during which you can return your device and receive a full refund.
- Smartwatch option: Bay Alarm Medical offers a medical alert watch, the SOS Smartwatch, which gives you medical alert safety features in a discreet package.
- Accurate fall detection: In our tests, Bay Alarm systems detected 7 out of 10 test falls, making them among the best fall detection devices.
Bay Alarm Medical Cons
- One-time fees: Bay Alarm’s smartwatch and mobile systems both have steep device charges: $199 and $149, respectively.
- No Wi-Fi connectivity: Unlike the Kanega Watch, which uses Wi-Fi in addition to 4G, Bay Alarm’s cellular systems only use 4G. This means they may not work in some rural areas.
Bay Alarm Video Review
If you want to see me test out my Bay Alarm Medical systems, including fall detection demonstrations, watch the video below.
Systems Compared
Bay Alarm Medical currently offers four different systems. Here is an overview of each:
- SOS Home: Bay Alarm’s standard system works like most in-home medical alerts: using a base station and help buttons. It has a 1,000-foot range and can be used with either a landline or cellular connection; the cellular version costs a bit more, though.
- SOS All-in-One 2: This mobile medical alert functions similarly to the in-home system, but its rechargeable battery allows you to take it just about anywhere. The system includes a built-in GPS that your loved ones and monitoring agents can use to keep track of your location.
- SOS Micro: This Micro system is Bay Alarm Medical’s smallest option, at just over 2 inches by 1 inch. It also has fall detection built in, so you don’t need to wear or carry an additional device for this feature.
- SOS Smartwatch: Bay Alarm’s newest addition to its lineup is its mobile smartwatch; it’s perfect for users who want a discreet medical alert. The smartwatch features the same location tracking and monitoring features as the mobile systems. Also, it offers fall detection as an option. Read our SOS Smartwatch review to learn more.
FYI: Bay Alarm Medical offers a wide range of systems. To learn more about the plethora of devices that can keep you safe in your home, look at my guide to medical alert devices.
Testing Bay Alarm Medical
For this test, I purchased Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Home and SOS Mobile systems. After my systems arrived in the mail, I opened my SOS Home box and found the following:
- 1 SOS Home base unit
- 1 help button
- 1 bracelet attachment
- 1 pendant attachment
I should note that the SOS Mobile is no longer available from Bay Alarm Medical. It has been replaced by the SOS Micro; however, both systems have comparable features.
Inside my SOS Mobile box, I found the following:
- 1 SOS Mobile unit
- 1 pendant attachment
- 1 belt clip attachment
- 1 charging cradle
Installation
To install my SOS Home system, I placed it on a table in my living room (a central location is always best), plugged it in, and waited for the device’s light to glow green. This indicated that my device had adequate cellular signal. Then I pressed the large red help button on the base unit to ensure that the device was working properly.
To install my SOS Mobile system, I simply had to plug in the charging cradle, place my help button on it, and wait until the device was charged. I then pressed the help button to place my first emergency call. I was connected with a monitoring agent who confirmed that my system was ready to use.
SOS Home Performance
To test my SOS Home system, I conducted a series of test calls around my house. Each time I pressed my help button, I was quickly connected to help. In my 10 test calls, I found that Bay Alarm Medical agents answered the call in an average of 16 seconds.
Additionally, I was impressed by the volume of my SOS Home’s base unit. Even when I made test calls from different rooms (or floors) of my home, I was still able to communicate clearly with monitoring agents. Equally as important, no matter where I went in my home, my help button was able to connect with the base unit.
SOS Mobile Testing
With the SOS Mobile, I found similarly quick response times from the monitoring center. All of my test calls were picked up in an average of 16 seconds. Even more impressive, when I made test calls outside of my home, monitoring agents were able to report my location — down to the street and number. This would come in handy for anyone who experiences an emergency outside of their home.
Equally impressive was the SOS Mobile’s battery life. While I always recommend charging mobile medical alert systems daily, this one lasted for three days on a single charge. Such battery life is pretty good compared to other mobile medical alerts. I also took the device into the shower with me and noticed no observable water damage in the aftermath.
Fall Detection
To test the fall detection on my SOS Mobile, I conducted a series of 10 test falls. The device accurately detected 4 out of 5 fast falls and 3 out of 4 slow falls. While this is far from perfect, it is more accurate than average. I also appreciated that when the SOS Mobile detected a fall, it gave me ample time to cancel the call by holding down my help button.
Did you know that Apple Watches have fall detection? To learn more about how an Apple Watch can keep your loved ones safe, read my guide: Apple Watches vs. Medical Alert Systems.
Caregiver Features
With any Bay Alarm Medical system, you get free access to the Bay Alarm Medical app. Through this app, loved ones can keep tabs on a user’s device — ensuring that it is powered on and functioning properly. They can also set up notifications for when the user places emergency calls.
In the case of mobile systems, loved ones can also track a device’s live location. While I did notice slight delays in the location reporting, I think this feature would be particularly useful for users who are prone to wandering. By checking the location, you can rest assured that the user is in a safe place.
Bay Alarm Medical Pricing
Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Home system costs $24.95 per month for the landline version and $29.95 for the cellular version. Neither of these systems requires any activation fees or equipment purchases. Rather, your monthly subscription cost covers both the lease of your equipment and monitoring service. Fall detection, if desired, costs $10 per month extra.
The SOS Micro system costs $29.95 per month and requires a one-time $149 equipment purchase. As with the SOS Home, fall detection costs an extra $10 per month.
Regardless of your chosen system, Bay Alarm Medical does not require a long-term contract. Even after the 30-day trial period, you may return your equipment, cancel your subscription, and receive a prorated refund.
To learn more about Bay Alarm Medical’s different systems and prices, read my full rundown of Bay Alarm Medical costs.
Bay Alarm Medical vs. Medical Guardian
Both Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian offer a similar range of systems, including in-home systems, mobile systems, and even smartwatches. Their systems are so similar that, were it not for company branding, the average person would be unable to tell them apart.
That said, in our tests, we found that Bay Alarm Medical agents answered our emergency calls in an average of 16 seconds. Compare this to our Medical Guardian review, in which our calls were answered in an average of 8 seconds. While both response times are better than average, Medical Guardian consistently answered more quickly.
On the other hand, Bay Alarm Medical systems across the board are slightly cheaper than Medical Guardian’s. Bay Alarm Medical systems start at $24.95 per month, while Medical Guardian’s start at $29.95. Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile systems start at $29.95 per month, while Medical Guardian’s start at $39.95.
To read a full comparison of these two providers, read our full rundown, Bay Alarm Medical vs. Medical Guardian.
Compare Bay Alarm Medical to Other Brands
Final Thoughts on Bay Alarm Medical
I would definitely recommend Bay Alarm Medical both for people who are active and those who stay closer to home. With both in-home and mobile options, Bay Alarm Medical has a device for any lifestyle and budget. Bay Alarm Medical is one of the best medical alert systems.
I’d recommend Bay Alarm Medical if you want:
- Affordable in-home systems: With devices starting at only $24.95 per month, Bay Alarm is one of the most affordable medical alert systems.
- A discreet smartwatch: For those who want a more discreet medical alert, Bay Alarm offers one of the best smartwatches for seniors.
- Spouse monitoring: You can purchase extra wearable help buttons for a one-time charge of $35, making Bay Alarm a great medical alert for couples.
- Month-to-month contracts: Companies like Life Alert require you to lock into three-year contracts that you can only exit through death or transition to a care facility. Bay Alarm Medical, however, allows you to pay as you go. To learn more, read my guide to Life Alert costs or compare Bay Alarm Medical and Life Alert.
I wouldn’t recommend Bay Alarm Medical if you want:
- Detailed caregiver tracking: The Bay Alarm app was helpful with managing my account and tracking my location. However, it doesn’t offer direct contact with loved ones like the systems from Aloe Care Health.
- Voice commands: While Bay Alarm does offer voice-activated wall buttons, they don’t offer the same array as a bona fide voice-activated medical alert.
Bay Alarm Medical Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does Bay Alarm Medical cost per month?
Bay Alarm Medical systems cost $24.95 to $54.95 per month. Accessories like fall detection and wall buttons will cost an additional monthly charge.
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Is Bay Alarm Medical legit?
Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted names in the medical alert industry. Their monitoring agents are highly trained, and their equipment is reliable.
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How much does Bay Alarm Medical’s equipment cost?
Most of Bay Alarm Medical’s equipment is leased on a monthly basis. However, the smartwatch requires a one-time fee of $199, and the mobile systems each require a one-time $149 fee.
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Does Bay Alarm Medical offer a free trial?
Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day risk-free trial on all of its devices.
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Is Bay Alarm Medical Alert waterproof?
The help buttons with Bay Alarm in-home systems are water-resistant, meaning you can wear them in the shower without damage. However, you should not submerge them in water.
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How do I cancel my Bay Alarm Medical?
If you need to cancel your Bay Alarm Medical service, you can simply call their customer service line at 1-877-522-9633. They’ll instruct you on how to return your equipment and get any applicable refunds.
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How does Bay Alarm Medical work?
Bay Alarm Medical provides medical alert systems with two-way audio that connects people with three redundant monitoring centers via landline or cellular connection. It also offers medical alerts with fall detection, which can contact the centers automatically if a fall is detected. When you push your button or the fall detection device detects a fall, you will be connected to the monitoring center. An agent can call for in-person help if needed.
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Can Bay Alarm Medical call the police?
Bay Alarm Medical’s monitoring agents call the police, local hospital, or fire department as needed. They will do this only when you request it or when a fall is detected and you do not respond.
