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Medical alert systems put people in touch with a dispatcher who can call for help in case of a medical emergency. Some systems are made for use at home, while others offer security on the go. All of them are made to reassure people who are medically vulnerable and often live alone, as well as their loved ones. The Health editorial team looked at data on nearly 60 products from 20 companies to choose the best medical alert systems.
Each product’s star rating was based on a number of factors, such as its range of use, its ability to detect falls automatically, its ability to connect to an emergency response person in real time, and its price. Read on to discover which medical alert systems for home use and mobile-friendly medical alert systems placed on our list.
Best Medical Alert Systems
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian has a variety of premium add-ons that can be added to its systems. Our Reviews Team chose Medical Guardian as having the “Best Premium Features” because it has a lot of extra features that let you change how your device works.
There aren’t many other medical alert companies that have as many extras to help you make your system fit your needs. This may be why most of the people surveyed by the Reviews Team (43%) use Medical Guardian as their medical alert system.
Features
Pros
- Price transparency
- A variety of sleek on-the-go devices
- One of the longest device ranges in the industry
Cons
- No free trial period
- Prices slightly higher than other brands
MobileHelp
The average response time was 15–20 seconds, but MobileHelp’s was only 1–15 seconds, making it one of the fastest. This is a big deal for a lot of customers: Most of the 1,000 medical alert system users surveyed by the Reviews Team said that a fast response time was the most important thing to them when choosing a medical alert system.
MobileHelp also has prices that are reasonable. The Reviews Team found at least one product in each category (at-home, on-the-go, and bundled) with a lower price than competitors. For example, the MobileHelp Classic costs $20 per month, which is $10 less than a lot of other cellular-connected home systems on the market.
Features
Pros
- Free trial period
- Referral program offered
- Medication reminders available
Cons
- No free warranty
LifeFone
LifeFone’s pricing and policies set it apart from many other brands when it comes to extra features. LifeFone is our pick for “Best Customer-Friendly Policies” because it offers a 30-day risk-free trial, a price lock guarantee, and a lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects.
This is the longest warranty on this list. The cell phone has a help button, a range of 1,300 feet, a room temperature sensor, and reminders to take medications. If the temperature in the room goes above or below your settings, the sensor will sound an alarm and send a message to your contacts.
Features
Pros
- 30-day trial period
- Price lock guarantee
- Optional daily check-in available
Cons
- No free warranty
- Add-ons can get pricey
GetSafe
GetSafe is our Best Medical Alert System of 2023, and it also takes the top spot in our rating of the Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection of 2023. Medical alert systems from GetSafe are available in all 50 states and are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are three different packages to choose from: Starter, Standard, and Select.
Monitoring is $27.95 per month for all three plans, but the cost of the equipment varies. The Starter package is for up to one room and costs $79 for the equipment. The equipment for the Standard package costs $179.00 and can be used in up to three rooms. The most expensive package, Select, has an equipment cost of $279.00 to cover up to five rooms.
Features
Pros
- 30-day risk-free trial
- No landline required
- Users can receive one month free through GetSafe’s refer-a-friend program
Cons
- In-home range not as far as other competitors
One Call Alert
Life Protect 24/7 and One Call Alert are tied for the No. 2 spot on our list of the Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023. It is also No. 2 on our list of the Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection of 2023. For alert system users who are active and frequently move about their homes and communities, One Call Alert’s mobile devices may be a good option.
One Call Alert offers six medical alert system options, ranging from its most affordable In-Home Landline system for $24.95 per month to its pricier Mobile Double option for $44.95 per month. All systems come with a monitoring device and voice access, but other features like GPS, medication reminders, and waterproof wrist buttons or pendants vary by system.
Features
Pros
- Significant cost savings for mobile monitoring of two people
- In-home range of up to 1,400 feet
- 30-day risk-free trial
Cons
- Smartwatch and other accessories not offered
Aloe Care Health
The Aloe Care Health system is a home system with a smart home devices that has an emergency call button and a 200-foot-range call button pendant. The hub checks the air quality, motion, and room temperature. It also lets family members and carers talk to each other without using their hands. The system is easy to set up, and in our tests, it worked pretty quickly.
The Aloe Care system is perfect for people who need a hands-free emergency response system that keeps family members and carers informed about your current condition and the conditions in your home. You can ask anyone in your Care Circle to call you to check in, and the easy-to-use companion app lets you make a health profile that tells emergency responders what medications you take.
Features
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Quick response times
- Voice activation
Cons
- No add-on medical services
FAQs
Which is better Life Alert or medical alert?
Most of the time, we recommend Medical Alert over Life Alert because it is cheaper and doesn’t require a contract. Whether you choose the monthly, semi-annual, or annual plan, Medical Alert costs less. Each plan also comes with two buttons so that a spouse or significant other can be covered at no extra cost.
What is the best and cheapest Life Alert system?
- GetSafe
- Bay Alarm Medical
- Medical Guardian
- MobileHelp
- Lively
Are medical alert systems safe?
In general, monitored help buttons from reputable companies are easy to use and reliable. However, it is important to know that medical alert systems have some risks and limitations. Even the best medical alert systems can break, just like any other electronic device, if there are bugs or if the user does something wrong.
What’s the best fall alert?
If you’re looking for the best medical alert systems with fall detection, our Reviews Team recommends Medical Guardian because of its long device range, Bay Alarm Medical because it has the best devices and longest battery life, LifeFone because it has the best extra features, ADT Health because it saves money, Lifeline because it is the most accurate, and Philips Lifeline because it is the most affordable.