MobileHelp vs Medical Guardian Comparison
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January 25, 2024
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| Editor's Ratings | ||
| Costs | ||
| Equipment Costs | $0 |
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| Monthly Price Range | $19.95‒ $54.95 | $29.95-$44.95 |
| Activation Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Shipping Cost |
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| Contracts | Month-to-month | Month-to-month |
| Return Policy | 30 days | 30 days (with $50 restocking fee) |
| Product Features | ||
| Connection | Landline or Cellular | Landline or Cellular |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes |
| In-Home Backup Battery Life | 24 hours | 30-32 hours |
| In-Home Range | 1,300-1,400 feet | 600-1,300 feet |
| On-the-Go Battery Life | 24 hours |
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| Water-Resistant Help Button | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 USA-Based Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Add Ons | ||
| Fall Detection | $10 per month | $10 per month |
| Spouse Monitoring | Included with Mobile Duo plan | $2.99 per month |
| Wall-Mounted Help Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Lockboxes | Yes | Yes |
| Contact | ||
| Phone Number |
Call for best price:
800-915-8738 |
Call for best price:
877-947-4512 |
| Website | View Packages | View Packages |
*We recommend calling because representatives can sometimes offer special deals or pricing. We make every effort to provide and maintain accurate information on our site. However, the businesses reviewed on our site may periodically change their pricing, equipment, and packages and there may be a lag between the time they make such changes and the time we become aware of such changes. If you identify any outdated or inaccurate information, please contact us here.
Two of our favorite medical alert providers, Medical Guardian and MobileHelp, offer a range of reliable systems for both in-home and outside use. But which one is right for you?
Overall, MobileHelp offers slightly lower costs while Medical Guardian delivers some higher-end features. Let’s take a closer look.
Pro Tip: New to the world of medical alerts? Check out my 2024 guide to medical alert devices.
MobileHelp Overview
Based in Boca Raton, Florida, MobileHelp systems offer comprehensive protection. They are known for developing the first medical alert system that integrates GPS technology into their medical alert devices. They also offered the first medical alert system designed for those that lack a landline phone. For an additional price, subscribers can sign up for MobileHealth Connect that offers free damaged equipment replacement, discounts on fall-button pricing, and medication reminders, along with activity tracking technology.
Fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four older adults report falling each year. Automatic fall detection can help provide peace of mind for those who live alone.
MobileHelp is an FDA-registered company, so their products are held to high standards. One thing I love about this company is their telehealth feature. With this add-on, subscribers can access a network of doctors from their homes for medical advice and prescription refills.
FYI: To learn more about MobileHelp, read my full review of MobileHelp.
MobileHelp Systems
| System | Monthly Starting Cost | Connection | For Use | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MobileHelp Classic | $19.95 | Cellular | In-home | Those who do not leave the house often |
| MobileHelp Wired Home | $24.95 | Landline | In-home | Those who do not leave the house often and have a landline phone connection |
| MobileHelp Duo | $41.95 | Cellular | On-the-go | Those who need complete protection both at home and while traveling |
| Mobile Duo | $44.95 | Cellular | On-the-go | Those who live with somebody else who needs protection both at home and while traveling |
| MobileHelp Solo | $37.95 | Cellular | On-the-go | Those who leave the home often and do not need a home base unit |
| MobileHelp Touch Duo | $54.95 | Cellular | On-the-go | Those who want a tablet that provides medical alert and protection services |
What We Love About MobileHelp
- Affordable pricing: MobileHelp has no up-front equipment fees and offers a variety of service plans that can accommodate any budget and lifestyle.
- Smart technology: The MobileHelp Touch tablet has medication management reminders, picture galleries, cognitive games, and an easy-to-use interface for seniors who want a comprehensive health monitoring system.
- Personalized monitoring: The U.S.-based monitoring center will contact either emergency responders or a designated family member, neighbor, or caregiver, depending on the situation. This can save a bundle on an unnecessary ambulance!
- Telehealth feature: For $10 per month, MobileHelp offers a platform called MDLIVE that connects users with doctors over the phone, computer, tablet, or smartphone. Doctors provide medical advice and can even refill prescriptions for common medications. The best part is that there are no insurance co-pays with this service.
- Free lockbox: Each system comes with a lockbox at no extra charge. This allows users to safely store keys for emergency responders or caregivers who need access to their homes in case of an emergency.
What We Don't Love About MobileHelp
- Damaged equipment fee: If the equipment is lost or damaged due to negligence, MobileHelp requires a $650 replacement fee.
- Cellular coverage reliance: Most MobileHelp systems rely on AT&T coverage for service. If you live in an area that has unreliable AT&T network coverage, the device may not function correctly.
Medical Guardian Overview
Medical Guardian is a U.S.-based company with over 15 years of experience in medical monitoring. The company offers monitoring in all 50 states and offers support in both English and Spanish. Medical Guardian is a CSAA Five Diamond-certified company known for its excellent customer service and monitoring. Our Medical Guardian review provides an in-depth demonstration of Medical Guardian products.
Tip: Medical Guardian often has sales and discounts on their services and products. Keep an eye on their website for special pricing!
What I like most about Medical Guardian is its wide range in pricing, so you’re able to find a product that provides security for any lifestyle. Medical Guardian supports both my clients who rarely leave home and clients who travel frequently. They offer fall detection medical alerts, mobile systems, and smart technology with no long-term contracts.
Medical Guardian Systems
| System | Monthly Starting Cost | Connection | For Use | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGClassic | $29.95 | Landline | In-Home | Users who spend most of their time at home and have a landline. |
| MGHome Cellular | $34.95 | Cellular | In-Home | Individuals who spend most of their time at home. |
| Mobile Guardian | $44.95 | Cellular, GPS | On-the-Go | An active person who spends most of their time at home, in their yard, or chatting with a next door neighbor. |
| Active Guardian | $39.95 | Cellular, GPS | On-the-Go | Users who spend a lot of time out and about who prefer a lightweight wearable with fall detection. |
| Freedom Guardian | $44.95 | Cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS | On-the-Go | Active older adults who want a stylish smartwatch medical alert at-home and on the go. |
| Mini Guardian | $39.95 | Cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS | On-the-Go | Individuals who want a small, sleek, and discreet medical alert with an unlimited range of coverage and fall detection. |
What We Love About Medical Guardian
- Device selection: Medical Guardian provides a wide range of devices with flexible pricing. These devices work both on cellular networks and landline connections to fit any individual’s needs.
- No long-term contracts: Service requires no long-term contracts. If you are unsatisfied with Medical Guardian’s service for any reason, you may terminate service after three months for a small fee.
- Fashionable smartwatches: For more tech-savvy seniors, Medical Guardian provides a smartwatch option to monitor health and provide protection. Wearable technology like smartwatches have useful monitoring apps that are proven to increase general well-being and physical activity.
- Voice-activated technology: Medical Guardian has an optional voice-activated wall button so users can simply say “Call Medical Guardian” twice to receive assistance if they cannot reach a help button.
FYI: For detailed voice features, check out my rundown of the best voice-activated medical alerts.
What We Don't Love About Medical Guardian
- Monthly charges can add up: Many of Medical Guardian’s great features like fall detection, voice-activated technology, and protection plans require an additional fee per month, so charges can rack up quickly.
- Equipment fees: The Mini Guardian and Freedom Guardian Smartwatch models cost $124.95 and $299.95, respectively. These charges are in addition to the monthly service fees.
Pro Tip: Medical Guardian makes one of our favorite medical alert systems with GPS. Read my full Active Guardian review to learn more.
Medical Guardian and MobileHelp Similarities
Medical Guardian and MobileHelp both offer around-the-clock monitoring from U.S.-based response centers. They both offer service options for those who need basic help-button monitoring with optional add-ons like additional pendants and fall detection. Additionally, each company offers a free lockbox with the purchase of any system and discounts for annual service subscriptions. Their pricing is designed so users who purchase an annual plan qualify for a discount.
Some other similarities include:
- Cellular connectivity
- In-home landline systems
- Two-way communication systems
- 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring
- Smart device options
- Long in-home ranges
- Automatic fall detection add-on
- Device insurance
- No long-term contracts
- Affordable pricing
- Mobile devices for on-the-go protection
MobileHelp and Medical Guardian Differences
While MobileHelp and Medical Guardian offer similar protection options, their pricing does vary. MobileHelp offers a $19.95 per month package, while Medical Guardian’s least expensive option is $29.95. Additionally, MobileHelp has a much higher replacement fee ($650) than Medical Guardian ($350). Overall, Medical Guardian prices are a bit higher.
MobileHelp offers a telehealth option for an in-home connection to medical professionals for medical advice and prescriptions while Medical Guardian does not. However, Medical Guardian has a comprehensive caregiving app, so loved ones can track the subscriber through a smartphone device, while MobileHelp does not offer such a service.
Systems and Devices
Medical Guardian and MobileHelp both offer landline systems, mobile systems, fall detection, and optional wall buttons. For more tech-savvy users, Medical Guardian offers a MGMove watch while MobIle Help offers a tablet and smartwatch.
Tip: MobileHelp’s smartwatch option sells out quickly. Monitor their website to keep track of when devices are in stock.
Emergency Response and Call Centers
Medical Guardian and Mobile Help both offer 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring. Each service has operators fluent in both English and Spanish, along with automated translation that supports over 100 other languages.
Both companies have highly-trained operators that assess the situation and can call either a caregiver or emergency responder depending on the subscriber’s needs. No matter what company you decide to go with, you can be assured a highly-trained representative is available to help you.
Our Favorite
Both Medical Guardian and MobileHelp have proven experience in the industry, U.S.-based call centers, and a wide variety of pricing and equipment options. Undoubtedly, both companies provide excellent customer service and protection with the option of fall detection.
That being said, MobileHelp offers lower base pricing. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, MobileHelp may be the company for you. Medical Guardian, however, offers quicker response times, and their mobile battery life is unmatched by any other device.
To learn more about these companies, check out how they ranked in my list of the best medical alert systems.