The 5 Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2024
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For those who live alone, a medical alert necklace provides quick access to emergency assistance. Worn around the neck, these devices go wherever the user does, allowing them to press a button and contact response agents who can coordinate a response, whether this means calling EMTs or a neighbor for help.
In this list of the best medical alert necklaces for seniors, we’ve tested out dozens of different devices and ranked them based on price, performance, and reliability.
Pro Tip: Looking for a bracelet, smartwatch, or GPS medical alert? Then read our guide to this year’s overall best medical alert systems.
The 5 Best Medical Alert Necklaces
- Bay Alarm Medical : Fast Response Time
- Medical Guardian : Best GPS Necklace
- MobileHelp : Most Affordable Necklace
- ADT : Best In-Home Necklace
- Life Alert : Best Customer Service
What Is a Medical Alert Necklace?
A type of medical alert device, a medical alert necklace provides access to emergency response agents. Worn around the neck, the medical alert necklace will have a button. When pressed, this button will place a call to the device’s monitoring center. In most cases, these calls will be carried out through a system’s base unit. This base unit will have a speakerphone, allowing the response agent and the user to communicate.
The efficacy of a medical alert necklace is in its wearability. While a cell phone could certainly be used to contact emergency services, it cannot be taken everywhere. For example, a majority of falls occur in the bathroom. Most medical alert necklaces, however, are water-resistant, allowing the user to take them wherever they go.
How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Necklaces
| Companies evaluated | 20 |
|---|---|
| Hours of research | 100+ |
| Hours of product testing | 150+ |
| Finalists chosen | 5 |
- Pricing: While medical alert necklaces can save your life, they may also charge you for extra features or lock you into long-term contracts. We took into account the value you get for the fees when comparing these products.
- Comfort: Since a medical alert necklace needs to be worn, it should be comfortable. You want your loved one to keep it on, so we chose the products for comfort as well as functionality.
- Response time: There would be little point investing in a medical alert necklace with a slow response time. In the event that the necklace is needed to save your or your loved one’s life, we tested each necklace’s response times to ensure that they can offer prompt responses to emergencies.
- Range: Medical alert necklaces require a connection to a wireless phone network or a hardwired connection to a landline to work, usually through a box placed in the user’s home. The range of the device determines how far away the user can be in their home or yard and still have a stable signal.
Top Picks for the Best Medical Alert Necklaces
1. Bay Alarm Medical - Fast Response Time
What We Like Most:
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Optional fall detection
- Location tracking on mobile units
- Systems starting at $24.95 per month
Cost: From $24.95 per month
Overview
Bay Alarm Medical offers a range of plan options, including at-home and on-the-go devices. Its plans start at $24.95 per month and come with free GPS tracking, support for over 10 languages, and no long-term contracts.
Its SOS home system has a range of 1,000 feet, while its SOS mobile and smartwatch versions have an unlimited range. The home system comes with a landline or cellular option, and the necklace itself has a five-year battery life. We like that all its devices are waterproof and can even be customized to look like jewelry for users who may need a little convincing to wear a medical device.
As for downsides, we noted that most of the company’s products come with a one-time installation fee of anywhere between $30 and $160 and there is a charge of as much as $4.95 per month for a warranty. This is in addition to the monthly service fee as well as additional fees, such as $10 per month for fall detection, though this is the industry average.
But where Bay Alarm Medical really shines is in the response time of its dispatchers. It averaged 10 to 15 seconds in our tests, compared to 30 seconds for the industry average. This response time, coupled with good prices and device options, makes Bay Alarm our top pick.
To learn more about this provider, read our full review of Bay Alarm Medical.
Pros
- One-time $35 fee for additional help buttons
- $15 per month for additional fall buttons
- 1,000-foot in-home range
- Two U.S.-based monitoring centers
- 32-hour in-home backup battery
- Water-resistant devices
Cons
- Equipment fees for some systems
- Extra cost for fall detection
2. Medical Guardian - Best GPS Necklace
What We Like Most:
- No long-term contracts
- Quick response times
- Fall detection available
- 24/7 U.S. based monitoring
Cost: From $29.95 per month
Overview
Medical Guardian’s GPS necklace pulls ahead of the pack by offering fall detection without requiring additional pendants. The MGClassic is its cheapest option for in-home use, though it requires a landline connection, which many systems no longer use.
The MGHome Cellular ($37.95) gives you Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity options. The company’s other devices — Mini Guardian, Mobile 2.0, and MGMove — are mobile alert systems priced between $39.95 and $44.95. The Mini Guardian features advanced GPS tracking contained within the necklace itself; there’s no bulky base unit to keep track of, so you can use it anywhere you have Wi-Fi. We like that its devices are water-resistant, so you can wear them in the shower as well.
On the other hand, Mobile 2.0 has a base unit and a 500-foot range, making it a more limited option. Additionally, the MGMove does not have fall detection like Medical Guardian’s other devices.
It’s hard to go wrong with Medical Guardian’s lineup, especially with a response time below the industry average (10 to 20 seconds during our tests). Pricing is done per month, with additional charges for extra features like real-time OnGuard alerts ($2.99 per month), a protection plan for technical support ($6.99 per month), and a voice-activated wall button ($4.99 per month).
To learn more about our experience with Medical Guardian, read our full Medical Guardian review.
Pros
- All-in-one mobile system
- Landline and cellular options
- Smartwatch option
- Accurate location tracking
- Fall detection available on most systems
- No long-term contracts
- Free month of service on annual subscriptions
- Up to seven-day mobile battery life
Cons
- Occasional false alarms with fall detection
- Limited activity monitoring
3. MobileHelp - Most Affordable Necklace
What We Like Most:
- Starting at $19.95 per month
- Flexible contracts
- Mobile and in-home protection
- Free equipment and activation
Cost: From $19.95 per month
Overview
MobileHelp offers medical alert devices priced widely between $19.95 and $64.95. These include three at-home systems, two completely mobile ones, and three bundle deals. We like how the company doesn’t nickel and dime their customers like some other brands, giving you a monthlong free trial of the MobileHelp system and waiving any activation, service, or equipment fees when you get started.
Its Classic system costs $34.95, but we’ve seen it go on sale pretty frequently for $19.95. We like that the system has a 1,400-foot range, so pretty much any house setup will be completely covered. It doesn’t come with a landline option, however, so you need a cell signal. Its Micro device is their most popular on-the-go option and has an unlimited range and free location tracking for $39.95 per month.
The systems that bundle mobile and at-home coverage (Duo, Mobile Duo, and Touch Duo) are all more expensive ($41.95 to $64.95). Additionally, fall detection costs $11 per month, which is slightly higher than average, and warranties cost another $6 per month. However, MobileHelp offers a discount with an annual subscription.
The MobileHelp team responded to our test calls in 5 to 15 seconds, much better than average. If you can catch MobileHelp’s Classic system on sale, it’s the most affordable high-quality medical alert system out there.
To learn more about our experience with this provider, read our full MobileHelp review.
Pros
- Duo is one of the only two-in-one systems available
- Flexible pricing plans
- No landline required for in-home systems
- Stylish smartwatch option, great for men
- Two pendants included with every system
- No long-term contracts
- Simple, easy to understand pricing
- High quality equipment
- Free lockbox with all orders
- FDA-compliant
Cons
- Fall detection and cellular are two separate units
- Initial set-up fee for in-home unit (monthly plan only)
4. ADT - Best In-Home Necklace
What We Like Most:
- Waterproof help buttons
- Optional fall detection
- Quick response times
- Straightforward pricing
Cost: From $29.99 per month
Overview
ADT’s Medical Alert Basic System costs $29.99 per month, comes as a landline-only system, and features waterproof devices, which not all companies offer. The Alert Plus version uses a cellular connection for $37.99 per month. Fall detection is not free ($11 per month), but ADT offers payment options in monthly, quarterly, and annual plans as well as a free 30-day trial to see if you like its system. It also offers its On-the-Go System for $39.99.
We liked that ADT’s systems are easy to use and its plans are very clear, with no hidden activation or equipment fees. Our least favorite part was the comparatively short device ranges: 300 feet for the Basic System, 600 for the Alert Plus, and 100 for the On-the-Go. This means that by default, not everyone can use its devices, depending on the layout of their home.
However, ADT is still worth keeping on your list for its affordability and transparency. Its response time was great in our tests (5 to 15 seconds), so if you’re aware of the company’s limitations, it still might be the right pick for you.
To learn more about our experience with ADT, read our ADT Medical Alert review.
Pros
- Waterproof help buttons
- No long-term contracts
- Automatic fall detection
- Personalized response plans
- Quick response times
- Landline options available
Cons
- Relatively small in-home range
- No smart features
- No caregiver tracking
5. Life Alert - Best Customer Service
What We Like Most:
- Tailored customer care
- 3-year battery life on mobile system
- All-in-one wall button
- Water-resistant devices
Cost: From $49.95 per month
Overview
Life Alert is without a doubt the most well-known brand in medical alert systems. To back up its reputation, it offers 24/7 monitoring services run from monitoring centers that it operates and owns, meaning you’re always dealing with Life Alert personnel. Its customer service is the best in the business too.
However, for these luxuries, you pay high costs for Life Alert — $49.95 to $98.95 per month for either its mobile or in-home devices — as well as the highest fees we could find, including a $197 installation fee and a separate $198 activation fee. Worst of all, Life Alert requires a three-year contract, meaning you’re stuck with its high rates if you sign up. Its at-home device doesn’t have the longest range (800 feet), and while its systems are waterproof, they don’t come with voice activation or fall detection.
In fact, it’s hard to recommend Life Alert to most users due to these costs, but remember that you’re paying for fantastic customer service, 24/7 monitoring, fast response time, regular checkups, and the brand’s reputation. These factors may be what you need to convince a stubborn loved one to put a medical alert system in their home.
To learn more about this company, read our full Life Alert review.
Pros
- Customized and compassionate customer service
- Easy installation and use
- Quick emergency response times
- Long-lasting batteries
Cons
- $49.95 minimum monthly price
- Three-year contract required
Mobile vs. In-Home Medical Alert Necklaces
Most medical alert companies offer in-home necklaces as well as mobile versions that can be used when you leave the house. Some brands, such as MobileHelp, offer systems that work both ways.
While mobile systems can be easily used in the home, mobile units tend to be difficult to carry around due to their bulk and frequent need to be charged. Anyone who lives alone, has a high risk of falling, or suffers from a chronic condition that could cause a medical emergency could benefit from using an at-home system.
While a mobile system could help anyone when they’re on the go, you should compare your risk of having a life-threatening medical event with the inconvenience of carrying one around to determine whether the bigger system is necessary.
To learn more about mobile systems, read our rundown of the best GPS-enabled medical alert systems.
Bottom Line
Medical alert necklaces do save people’s lives. But the systems can be pricey, and not everyone is happy with having a communication device on them 24/7. Mobile systems can also be cumbersome to bring with you.
If you or a loved one is at an elevated risk for a medical emergency, especially if you/they live alone, a medical alert necklace can provide you and the ones you care about the peace of mind to know that help is available if something happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which medical alert necklace is best?
The best devices we reviewed overall were the Bay Alarm Medical necklaces due to their low prices and ease of use. However, all the devices listed here have positives that could make them the ideal choice for your or your loved one’s needs.
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Does fall detection require an additional necklace?
Some companies offer fall detection built into their at-home or mobile devices, while others require additional devices with additional charges. The industry-average cost for fall detection is $10 per month.
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How do you get a medical alert necklace?
Some hospitals, local senior agencies, and foundations offer medical alert devices to seniors at a discount. Otherwise, you can contact the companies directly to find out if they have any special offers available. Sometimes, you can get deals not otherwise offered through their online sign-up process.
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Are medical alert bracelets worth it?
Medical alert bracelets are a simple and affordable way to provide assistance in the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise. They can cost as little as $19.99 per month.
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What is a medical alert bracelet?
A medical alert bracelet is a help button worn around the wrist. When pressed, it will contact an Urgent Response center, wherein an agent will assess the user’s situation and coordinate the appropriate response.
