The 10 Best Medical Alert Systems in 2023 – According to Experts

By: Gizmodo Advisor Reviews Team
Fact Checked

Safety and security at home and on the go allow seniors to remain independent and age in place as they grow older. One tool that can help make this possible is a medical alert system, which is a personal emergency response device or button you wear or install in your home. These devices allow you to alert a caregiver or emergency response monitoring center in case of a medical emergency like a fall, seizure, heart attack or other chronic health condition. 

If you’re thinking about purchasing a medical alert system, you might be wondering which to choose. The best medical alert systems in 2023 are Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, GetSafe, and other devices listed in this guide.

• Best Overall: Medical Guardian
• Best Customer Service: Bay Alarm Medical
• Best for Budget: MobileHelp
• Best Protection Plan: Medical Alert
• Best for Hands-Free Devices: GetSafe
• Best for Remote Caregivers: Aloe Care Health 
• Best for AARP Discount: Philips Lifeline
• Best Response Time: LifeStation
• Best for Spouse Coverage: LifeFone
• Best for Health Features: WellBe Hands Free

Our experts research and recommend products that can help give you a better quality of life. Using our high standards and rigorous testing methodology, we’ve spent 1,700 hours, collectively, researching the best medical alert systems to help you find the device that’s best for you. Throughout our research process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with geriatric physicians
• Consulted with adult caregivers
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed 1,000 medical alert system users
• Tested various medical alert systems
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports 

Best Overall: Medical Guardian

• Cost: $29.95–$44.95 per month 
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 1,300–1,400 feet
• Battery Life: Five days for mobile 
• Fall Detection: $10 per month
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Neck pendant, wrist button, wall button, voice-activated wall button 
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No
• Equipment Fee: $149.95 (Mini Guardian); $199.95 (MG Move); $149.95 (Mobile 2.0 and Home 2.0)
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Mobile app for family members and caregivers, wall-mounted and wearable buttons, voice-activated wall-mounted buttons, customer care portal, lockbox 

Pros:

• Long battery life 
• Home-based unit has long signal range
• Several devices to choose from

Cons:

• May be more expensive than other medical alert systems
• Smartwatch has an additional fee

When it comes to overall quality, device options, pricing plans and extra features, Medical Guardian is a clear top choice. With both an on-the-go and at-home medical alert system, you get protection, safety and security in all settings. The on-the-go battery lasts an industry-leading five days, and the at-home alert system has a range of 1,300–1,400 feet — longer than almost any other medical alert system on this list.

For active seniors, the Active Guardian, which is an all-in-one wearable device, has a help button and a two-way speaker. And the Freedom Guardian provides users with a smartwatch-style medical alert button that also has voice-to-text messaging. You have the ability to add to your system with wall-mounted buttons and voice-activated wall-mounted emergency buttons. 

You can even personalize any of your medical alert buttons with the Limitless Icons Collection of pendant jewelry. In addition to the standard at-home and on-the-go systems, the company sells the Mini Guardian, a small and lightweight device that is half the width of the traditional devices. 

Best Customer Service: Bay Alarm Medical

• Cost: $24.95–$37.95 per month 
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 1,000 feet 
• Battery Life: 6–18 hours for smartwatch
• Fall Detection: $10 per month 
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Neck pendant, wrist button, SOS smartwatch, wall-mounted button 
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No 
• Equipment Fee: $99 (SOS Mobile and SOS All-in-One); $159 (SOS Smartwatch)
• Contract Required: No 
• Special Features: Location tracking, small on-the-go button, charms to personalize device, functional and attractive SOS smartwatch, bundle packages available 

Pros:

• Risk-free, 30-day trial
• High customer satisfaction ratings
• Support for more than 170 languages

Cons:

• Premium features cost extra
• Not as many devices and accessories as other medical alert systems

If you’re looking for a medical alert system with the best customer service, we recommend Bay Alarm Medical. The company has an A+ rating and an average of 4.3 out of 5 on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Bay Alarm Medical is rated 4.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot, where 88% of reviewers rated the company as “Excellent” or “Great”. A handful of reviews express disappointment with long telephone wait times, but most reviewers report high satisfaction— noting helpful, friendly customer service with short telephone wait times.

Bay Alarm Medical also has a cancellations page dedicated to making it easier for you to cancel your service, a pain point we’ve found with almost every other medical alert systems provider on this list. Bay Alarm Medical gives you precise instructions on how to cancel your service and uses an automated process to cancel your account for certain reasons.

Bay Alarm Medical offers four medical alert systems: SOS Home, SOS Mobile, SOS All-in-One, and the SOS Smartwatch. You can wear the on-the-go devices around your neck. With the SOS Smartwatch, you’ll have easy access to the SOS button and can count your steps. The SOS Home is a good option for those looking for coverage inside the home, with device coverage up to 1,000 feet.

Best for Budget: MobileHelp

• Cost: $19.95–$64.95 per month 
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: Up to 1,400 feet 
• Battery Life: 24 hours for mobile
• Fall Detection: $10 per month 
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Neck pendant, wrist button, wall-mounted button
• Monitoring Center: Security Industry Association Certification 
• Activation Fee: No 
• Equipment Fee: No
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Connect app helps families track loved ones, lockbox, no landline required, two-way communication capability with Wired Home

Pros:

• Risk-free, 30-day trial
• Long at-home range 
• No landline required 

Cons:

• Premium features cost extra
• May require an activation fee
• Some devices do not offer fall detection 

Many seniors are on a fixed income, which means that every penny counts. MobileHelp offers one of the lowest monthly monitoring fees with the longest at-home ranges. Monthly fees start at $19.95, plus additional fees for features like automatic fall detection. 

Despite the low price, you get a 1,400 foot range, power outage backup, multiple alert systems to customize your plan and no equipment or activation fees. You also get the MobileHelp Connect app, which provides notification and tracking for family members and caregivers. However, with the budget-friendly price comes extra costs for premium features and activation fees with certain devices.

MobileHelp provides monitoring through Rapid Response, which consistently receives best-in-class ratings. Plus, MobileHelp offers several medical alert device systems to meet your needs including the Classic, Wired Home, Solo, Mobile Duo, MobileHelp Duo and Touch.

Best Protection Plan: Medical Alert

• Cost: $19.95–$39.95 per month
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 800 feet
• Battery Life: Five days for mobile 
• Fall Detection: $10 per month 
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Neck pendant, wrist button
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No
• Equipment Fee: $49 one-time programing fee
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Lifetime warranty, water-resistant buttons, $1 monthly fee for protection plan, mobile app for caregivers, multiple button options, lockbox 

Pros:

• Money-back, 30-day guarantee
• Button devices are lightweight and water-resistant 
• Generous protection plan

Cons:

• At-home range shorter than other brands 
• Premium features cost extra 

Warranties and protection plans provide peace of mind when purchasing electronic devices like a medical alert system. Unfortunately, they often come with a hefty price tag. Medical Alert offers a protection plan for $1 per month that covers out-of-pocket expenses up to $350 in case your system is stolen, damaged or lost. Medical Alert also provides a generous lifetime warranty. And with plans starting at $19.95 per month, Medical Alert is also an affordable option for seniors looking for a budget-friendly medical alert system. 

The company offers two at-home devices — one with a landline and one that works without a landline — and an on-the-go system. All three come with access to the Medical Alert Connect app which gives caregivers and loved ones the ability to check in, receive notifications and monitor usage.

Best for Hands-Free Devices: GetSafe

• Cost: $29.95 per month 
• Services: At-home
• At-Home Range: N/A
• Battery Life: Five years for pendant 
• Fall Detection: $10 per month 
• Connection Type: AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Voice-activated button, wall-mounted help button, lanyard button
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No
• Equipment Fee: Yes, a one-time fee; $79 for zero to one bedroom; $193 for two to three bedrooms; $307 for four to five bedrooms
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Voice-activated speakers, fall detection, smoke detector, lockbox 

Pros:

• 30-day, money-back guarantee
• Simple pricing plan
• Devices don’t need to be worn

Cons:

• At-home only
• One-time equipment fee required 

Seniors looking for an innovative medical alert system that uses voice-activated, two-way speakers instead of wearable emergency buttons may like what GetSafe has to offer. GetSafe is the only medical alert company on this list that works with voice-activated emergency monitoring — which means that, instead of pressing a button, the user simply tells the device to call for help.

The company offers three plans: the Starter, Standard and Select. With each plan, you get the base unit, voice-activated system and wall-mounted button. Even though the system is designed as hands-free and voice-activated, you can still choose to wear a pendant. 

This medical alert system is a good choice for seniors who are home-bound and don’t want to wear a help button. However, GetSafe does not have an on-the-go system for seniors who go outdoors or leave the home.

Best for Remote Caregivers: Aloe Care Health

• Cost: $29.99–$49.99 per month 
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 200 feet 
• Battery Life: Five days for mobile 
• Fall Detection: Yes, no extra fee
• Connection Type: AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Voice-activated Smart Hub or Care Button 
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No
• Equipment Fee: Yes
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Built-in air quality sensors and temperature control, caregiver app, mobile app

Pros:

• 30-day, money-back guarantee
• Free caregiver app
• Voice-activated system 

Cons:

• At-home range is low
• Requires one-time equipment fee

Being able to check in remotely with a loved one is critical. The Aloe Care Health medical alert system is a high quality personal emergency response device that comes with one of the best mobile apps on the market. With the Aloe Care Health App, both the user and caregiver can communicate through the care hub device — caregivers can use the app to call users through the hub device, see the user’s activity in the home, call the Aloe Care emergency service team and manage the user’s medication.

The company offers four options including the Mobile Companion, Essentials, Essentials Plus and Total Care. They all come with a wearable button and at-home monitoring, but the Essentials Plus also has on-the-go coverage. Taking it one step further is the Total Care package which includes all of the same perks as the Essentials Plus along with automatic fall detection and two help buttons.

Best for AARP Discount: Philips Lifeline

• Cost: $29.95–$49.95 per month 
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 500 feet 
• Battery Life: Five days for mobile 
• Fall Detection: Yes, no extra fee
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Pendent button, wrist button 
• Monitoring Center: No certification
• Activation Fee: $50–$99.95
• Equipment Fee: Yes 
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Multilingual call center, free caregiver platform, automatic fall detection, 15% AARP discount, caregiver app 

Pros:

• 30-day, money-back guarantee
• AARP discount
• Multilingual response team 

Cons:

• Requires a one-time device fee
• At-home range is limited

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) does not endorse or recommend a specific medical alert system, but it has partnered with Philips Lifeline to offer AARP members a 15% discount on certain monthly fees. 

Philips Lifeline offers four systems including the AutoAlert, HomeSafe, HomeSafe Standard and GoSafe 2. All systems come with access to Philips Cares which allows you to connect a circle of family and friends via the app to easily provide support and share information. Other notable features include multilingual operators, automatic fall detection and a quick response time (average of 12 seconds).

Best Response Time: LifeStation

• Cost: $32.95–$43.95 per month
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 600 feet
• Battery Life: Five days for mobile 
• Fall Detection: Yes, depending on device
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T cell service 
• Device Options: Neck pendant button, wrist button
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: For some packages 
• Equipment Fee: No 
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Lifetime warranty, Amazon Alexa, automatic alerts to caregivers

Pros:

• Quick response time
• Extra loud speakers

Cons:

• Low at-home range
• Installation fee

During an emergency, response time is critical. The LifeStation medical alert system combines at-home and on-the-go services with one of the quickest emergency response times in the industry at 20 seconds.

With the Find My Loved One app, caregivers can locate a loved one anytime as long as they are wearing the medical alert button. LifeStation even works with Amazon Alexa to help caregivers check on family members while at home. 

LifeStation also owns both of its monitoring centers (other companies work with third parties), so customer support is top notch. It is worth noting that LifeStation does have one of the shortest at-home ranges on this list at 600 feet and charges for installation.

Best for Spouse Coverage: LifeFone

• Cost: $24.95–$45.95 per month 
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: 1,300 feet 
• Battery Life: Varies depending on device 
• Fall Detection: $5 per month 
• Connection Type: Landline; mobile via AT&T or Verizon cell service 
• Device Options: Neck pendant button, wrist button, wall-mounted buttons 
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No
• Equipment Fee: No
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Protection plan, lockbox, bathroom and hallway wall buttons, activity assurance, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector alerts  

Pros:

• 30-day, money-back guarantee
• Lifetime guarantee
• Long at-home range

Cons:

• Higher price for add-ons and premium features 

Couples planning to age in place safely can get a two-for-one deal with LifeFone. The company’s customer-friendly policies feature no activation or equipment fees, lifetime customer price guarantee and spouses get free monitoring with basic service (many medical alert companies charge full price to cover a second person).

LifeFone has four medical alert devices to choose from including the at-home landline plan, at-home cellular, at-home and on-the-go GPS and the at-home and on-the-go GPS and voice-in-necklace device — making this medical alert device easy to customize for your needs. And, you can choose from several add-on options including a lockbox, wall-mounted button, activity assurance and a home package that comes with a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.

Best for Health Features: WellBe Hands Free

• Cost: $29.95–$54.95 per month
• Services: At-home and on-the-go
• At-Home Range: N/A
• Battery Life: Two days for speaker; one day for watch 
• Fall Detection: Yes, for the WellBe Pendant Plus
• Connection Type: T-Mobile cell service 
• Device Options: Smartwatch, smart speaker  
• Monitoring Center: TMA Five Diamond Certification
• Activation Fee: No
• Equipment Fee: Yes
• Contract Required: No
• Special Features: Hands-free care, virtual health assistant reminds you of prescription refills and appointments, speaker can double as entertainment center, remembers family members  

Pros:

• 30-day return policy
• Innovative smartwatch and speaker 
• Speaker is virtual health assistant 

Cons:

• No fall detection
• Limited warranty
• Setup is lengthy 

Seniors looking for an innovative at-home and on-the-go medical alert system that doubles as an entertainment center will appreciate the tech-forward features of WellBe Hands Free.

Unlike other medical alert systems, WellBe uses a voice-enabled smart speaker and smartwatch for monitoring. The WellBe Watch is your mobile emergency alert device that provides two-way communication for emergency response. Plus, the watch has a built-in pedometer to track steps. The Smart Speaker acts as a virtual assistant, alerting you to upcoming appointments, prescription refills, medication reminders and other daily notifications. 

Because this system is more technologically advanced, it does require more time and experience with setup. You can purchase each device separately or buy the WellBe Medical Alert Plus packages, which will help you save money by bundling devices.

A medical alert system is an at-home and mobile emergency response device that allows you to alert caregivers and emergency services when you need help. Some also give caregivers the option of remotely monitoring a loved one. 

At-home alert systems include a base unit that connects to a monitoring center. These wearable and wall-mounted devices have a button that users push in case of an emergency. The button sends a signal to a monitoring center that can call for help. 

Mobile devices can be worn as a necklace or wristband, clipped to clothing, placed in a pocket or worn as a smartwatch. Similar to at-home systems, mobile medical alert devices use a cellular network and built-in GPS to track your location. When the monitoring center is notified, emergency services can be directed to you through this service.

How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?

Medical alert systems have a home or base unit that stays in one location. In general, these are plug-in devices. Most medical alert systems come with a wearable button for your neck or wrist. In an emergency, you push this button to activate the system. This puts you in touch with a call center dispatcher who can assess the situation and seek emergency services immediately if you need them. 

Many medical alert systems also come with fall detection, which automatically calls for help without having to push the button. Medical alert systems also have a mobile option with GPS that allows you to continue coverage and protection when outside of the home.

How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System for You

The best medical alert system is one you will use. That said, there are some important features to consider when evaluating providers:

• Mobility (at-home or on-the-go): If you are housebound, an at-home device will suffice. But if you go outdoors or leave the house, opt for a system with both at-home and on-the-go capabilities. 
• Monitoring: If you want 24/7 monitoring, you need a system that offers a round-the-clock dispatching center. Take some time to research each monitoring center. Consider response times and certifications. The gold standard in monitoring center certifications is the TMA Five Diamond Certification.  
• Automatic Fall Detection: Automatic fall detection gives you peace of mind that the dispatch center will be alerted even if you don’t activate the button. Not all medical alert systems have this feature, so make sure to read the fine print. Additionally, some companies include this in the cost of the monthly fee, while others charge a $5–$10 monthly fee for this feature. 
• Budget: Have a budget in mind before you research medical alert systems. Look at equipment fees, activation fees and monthly fees. Several companies do not require any fees other than the monthly monitoring fee. 

Ease of Use: Depending on how tech-savvy you are, consider setup and daily use. Some medical alert systems are more complex and come with several features you may not need if it makes operating the system too complicated.

How Much Do Medical Alert Systems Cost?

The cost of a medical alert system varies depending on the features and monthly fees. Some companies require a one-time activation fee or equipment fees, while others only charge a monthly monitoring fee. It’s important to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line so that you’re not surprised by any hidden costs. 

To make it easier to compare costs, consult the table below that summarizes the 10 medical alert systems included in this review.

Saving money is always a good thing when making a major purchase. Once you narrow your search or decide on a medical alert system, consider the following tips to save you money:

• AARP members should check the brand’s benefits section. Some medical alert systems offer discounts on the monthly fees to AARP members. 
• Look at all add-on services that require monthly or one-time fees, such as fall detection. If this is a feature you need, remember to factor in the additional cost or choose a medical alert system that does not charge extra. 
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better price. When talking to customer service, ask about discounts or fees that can be waived. Let them know you want to go with their product, but can’t afford the total price. They may waive equipment or activate fees. 
• Avoid long-term contracts. There are plenty of medical alert systems that do not require any contracts. Make sure to ask about any contracts or terms of service before agreeing to a plan.

Payment Assistance for Seniors 

Many seniors are on a fixed income and affording a costly medical alert system might seem like a stretch. The good news is there are some payment assistance programs you may be able to access. Here are some options to consider:

• Health insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Discounts for club members — for example, AARP, AAA or Costco 
• Veterans benefits
• Contact your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
• Ask about discounts directly from the company 

Who Would Benefit from a Medical Alert System? 

Any senior who desires to age in place or remain independent can benefit from a medical alert system. It’s also a beneficial tool for anyone with dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, diabetes, low blood pressure, heart disease, seizures, vertigo or any other medical or chronic health condition that may affect your balance and mobility. 

Additionally, some seniors use medical alert systems when recovering at home after surgery.

Tips for Caregivers

If you’re a caregiver helping a friend, family member or loved one choose a medical alert system, you may be asked to help interpret contracts, explain features and make the final decision. Here are some tips to consider:

• Check for monthly and long-term contracts
• Ask about monthly monitoring fees
• Determine the best button options (wearable and wall-mounted)
• Find out if there are trial periods or return policies
• Make sure the system is compatible with the home environment (landline or cell service)
• Get referrals from friends, elder support services or a doctor
• Look for medical alert systems that have a reliable caregiver app
• Ask about monitoring response times 
• Read online reviews

Criteria for Choosing the Best Medical Alert Systems

We determined the best medical alert systems based on the following criteria:

• Price of installation and monthly service
• Warranties, contracts, and (whether the company has any) hidden fees
• Monitoring center reliability
• Comfort and wearability of mobile devices
• At-home range of equipment
• Water resistance of wearable devices
• Battery life and recharging requirements
• Ease of installation and use
• Expert opinion
• Customer service accessibility and performance
• Customer satisfaction reviews on trusted sites like BBB and Trustpilot
• Company reputation
• Special features such as automatic fall detection, smartphone apps for family members, and location tracking

The Bottom Line on the Best Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems help seniors live at home longer and with better peace of mind. Finding the right system to fit your needs and budget is critical to the success of using one of these devices. 

That said, there are several medical alert systems that stand out as top performers. Medical Guardian is an excellent choice for seniors who want a generous at-home button range, waterproof wearable pendants and several button options including wrist, neck, wall-mounted and voice-activated wall-mounted. For those who are looking for top-notch customer support, Bay Alarm Medical might be a good choice. And if hands-free features top your list of must-haves, then GetSafe is a great medical alert system to try.