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Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024 for Seniors to Stay Safe and Independent

Medical alert systems are a great way for older adults to maintain independence while staying safe in the home. Many seniors want to remain independent at home as they age, but it can become increasingly difficult over time. Although hiring in-home assistance from a home care or home health care agency can ensure your loved one’s well-being and safety, a great tool to age in place safely is a medical alert system.
Over the years, medical alert systems have changed a lot, with dozens of brands and new devices and features that make living independently safer for seniors.
Which medical alert system is best for you? Our team has conducted in-depth research and compiled a list of the twenty-one best medical alert systems in different categories so you can choose the features that matter to you most and select the medical alert system that best suits your preferences and needs.  
Let’s jump right in and explore our picks for the best medical alert systems available today.

By ElderLife Financial Team | Updated August 9th, 2024

Editorial Note: When you click on a link we may earn a commission which does not affect our evaluation.

Top Expert Picks for Medical Alert Systems

We read all the reviews, so you don’t have to. We’ve sifted through all the reviews and consulted the experts to bring you the top picks.

91
Expert Score

MobileHelp

  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month.
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost.
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial.
See All Offers
800-992-0616
89
Expert Score

Bay Alarm Medical

  • Smartwatch available without the need for a separate cellular contract.
  • Free spouse monitoring available with the SOS Home system.
  • Wearable buttons look stylish with Bella Charms and Bella Bands.
See All Offers
877-2258-1178
89
Expert Score

Medical Guardian

  • Fall detection available on every system.
  • Free MyGuardian app works with all their systems.
  • Spouse coverage available with in-home systems with purchase of an additional pendant for just $2.99 per month.
See All Offers
800-668-9200
85
Expert Score

Medical Alert

  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month.
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost.
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial.
See All Offers
800-800-2537​

Inside this Guide

Why You Can Trust Our Top Picks

Trust our top picks because we aggregate hundreds of reviews from experts across the web. We don’t just analyze one expert’s advice; we summarize insights from all the experts, ensuring you get the most reliable and well-rounded recommendations. Carefully compare them to the features you need to find the ideal one for you and your family. With thorough research, you can ensure that the device provides peace of mind and safety.

Here are three reasons why you can trust our research when we utilize aggregated sources to compare all available data and reviews

Comprehensive Analysis

By aggregating data and reviews from multiple sources, we ensure that our research reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This reduces the risk of bias and provides a more accurate and complete picture of the subject.

Cross-Verification

Aggregating data allows us to cross-verify information from different sources. If multiple sources consistently present the same findings, it strengthens the credibility of the research and minimizes the likelihood of errors or misinformation.

Balanced Perspective

Using aggregated sources helps us present a balanced and nuanced view of the topic. We consider various opinions and data points, enabling us to highlight both strengths and weaknesses, which leads to more informed and trustworthy conclusions.

All the Best Medical Alert Systems

What to look for in a medical alert system

There are many excellent medical alert systems out there. Knowing exactly what to look for in a medical alert system can help you choose the one that’s best for you.
Here are a few things you’ll want to think about when comparing medical alert systems:

  • Whether you need fall detection.
  • Whether you want protection inside or outside your home.
  • If having an app with additional services, like GPS capabilities for caregivers, is important.
  • If you want to wear your device around your neck, on your wrist, or clipped to a belt.
  • If having a stylish or tech-friendly button is important to you.

Cost is also a consideration, but balancing cost with the functionality you need is important. For example, there’s no point in paying for a less-expensive medical alert system that doesn’t have fall detection if the primary reason you’re purchasing the system is to get help in the event of a fall.
Want to learn more about what to look for in a medical alert system? Check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.

Best Medical Alert Systems Side-by-Side

Hide products you’re not interested in to see the ones you want side-by-side

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91
Expert Score

MobileHelp

MobileHelp
See All Offers
(800) 992-0616

Pricing

$19.95
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

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What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

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89
Expert Score

Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical
See All Offers
(877) 258-1178

Pricing

$19.95
Month
Key Features
  • At-home device range: 1,000 feet
  • Connection type: Landline, AT&T cellular
  • Fall detection: Additional $10 per month
Pros & Cons
  • Wearable buttons look stylish with Bella Charms and Bella Bands.
  • Smartwatch available without the need for a separate cellular contract.
  • Risk-free 30-day trial. Risk-free 30-day trial.
  • Free spouse monitoring available with the SOS Home system.
  • Bella Charms and Bella Bands not compatible with fall detection pendants.
  • App capabilities, like location tracking, not available with all systems.
  • Equipment fees apply for some systems.
More Details

Wearing a medical alert system can bring peace of mind, but that’s only if you actually wear the device. For many seniors, wearing an obvious emergency pendant or a bulky on-the-go device that looks like a medical alert system isn’t appealing. If you don’t like how your device looks, you’re less likely to wear it, and there’s no point in having the device if you don’t. Bay Alarm Medical offers some sleek-looking medical alert system options and accessories that don’t look like medical alert systems. That’s why Bay Alarm Medical tops our list of companies offering stylish device options.

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch is a stylish option for tech-loving seniors who want to get more out of their medical alert system. The smartwatch includes a step tracker as well as the time and weather apps. You can also activate fall detection with the SOS Smartwatch. There’s no need for a separate cellular contract to use its services, which means you don’t even need a cell phone to use it.

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What Experts Say

Bay Alarm Medical offers a range of medical alert systems that cater to various needs, making it a top choice for many users. The SOS All-In-One system, in particular, stands out for its clear and reliable two-way communication, which ensures that users can quickly connect with dispatchers in an emergency. The SOS Smartwatch is another notable product, especially for active seniors, as it provides 24/7 monitoring, GPS tracking, and a straightforward indicator for cellular connection strength….

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89
Expert Score

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian
See All Offers
(800) 668-9200

Pricing

$32.95
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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85
Expert Score

Medical Alert

Medical Alert
See All Offers
(800) 800-2537

Pricing

$39.95
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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84
Expert Score

LifeFone

LifeFone
See All Offers
(800) 331-9198

Pricing

$24.95
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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84
Expert Score

ADT Medical Alert

ADT Medical Alert
See All Offers
(800) 568-1216

Pricing

$34.99
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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83
Expert Score

WellBe Medical Alert PLUS (HandsFreeHealth)

WellBe Medical Alert PLUS (HandsFreeHealth)
See All Offers

Pricing

$39.95
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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82
Expert Score

GetSafe

GetSafe
See All Offers
(888) 799-6255

Pricing

$29.95
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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expand
hide
82
Expert Score

Lively

Lively
See All Offers
(866) 359-5606

Pricing

$24.99
Month
Key Features
  • Free cancellation
  • Free activation
  • Free lockbox
Pros & Cons
  • Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month
  • Transparent online pricing
  • Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost
  • Free cancellation and risk-free trial
  • No upfront equipment fees
  • No smartwatch option
  • Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System
  • Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee
  • Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast
More Details

MobileHelp is our top pick for the best medical alert system. Their modern, reliable devices with fall detection options and an affordable starting price of just $19.95 per month land them at the top of our list for best overall pick for medical alert systems.
Founded in 2006, MobileHelp offers both in-home and on-the-go systems with reliable 24/7 emergency services. Caregivers will appreciate the MobileHelp Connect app, which allows them to use GPS capabilities to locate a loved one up to 30 times per month. You can also use the app for medication reminders and vitals and activity tracking.

What Experts Say

MobileHelp is a highly recommended medical alert system known for its affordability and extensive features, making it an ideal choice for both in-home and remote coverage. It offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with transparent cost structures and no hidden fees for most devices. The company provides a wide range of equipment, including a smart tablet and GPS-enabled units, along with caregiver tools accessible via MobileHelp Connect. Customers appreciate the budget-friendly pac…

Read the Reviews
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Medical Alert Systems Compared

What is a medical alert system?

Medical alert systems are devices designed to provide immediate help in an emergency. Though especially useful for those with medical conditions or physical impairments associated with aging, they can also be used in other nonmedical situations that require urgent attention, like a robbery or power outage.
Medical alert systems have come a long way from their original in-home design. While traditional in-home landline systems are still available, you can also get protection away from home with an on-the-go medical alert system.
Medical alert systems provide peace of mind to seniors and their families. If there’s ever an accident, medical emergency, or other emergency situation, you’ll know help is on the way quickly. 

How do medical alert systems work?

Medical alert systems typically include some kind of wearable device. The device is usually a small button worn around the neck, but you can also find buttons that can be worn around the wrist or clipped to a belt or purse. Whenever you experience an emergency, all you have to do is push the button to connect to emergency response agents.
Their simplicity makes medical alert systems different from other options, like using a cell phone to call for help. Instead of digging your cell phone out of your pocket or finding you’ve left it in your purse across the room, most medical alert systems are meant to be worn at all times. There’s also no need to decide who to call and look up their number. All you have to do is push the button, and you’ll be connected to a trained professional in a 24/7 monitoring center.
When you push the button and connect to a response agent, they can immediately access the information in your file. They can call a friend or family member to come and check on you or relay important medical information to emergency responders before they arrive at your house. 
Medical alert systems include two-way communication, so you can speak directly to the response agent without using your cell phone. Many systems also include other helpful features. A device with fall detection will automatically place an emergency call if it detects changes in your speed or orientation. Some systems also include GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling operators to determine the user’s location, which is great for users with memory challenges who are prone to wandering.

Do you need a medical alert system?

It can be hard to know if you need a medical alert system, but you don’t want to wait until there’s a medical emergency to decide you do. Having this technology before an accident happens is vital, as a fast response time can increase your chances of experiencing a full recovery.

Some helpful statistics to consider when deciding if you need a medical alert system include:

Even if you never push the emergency button, it can provide peace of mind to you and your friends and family. Having a medical alert system is worth every penny if it’s important to you to know that help can be on the way with the push of a button.

Choose a medical alert system that’s right for you

No single medical alert system provider has it all. Each one has its pros and cons. Consider them carefully and compare them to the features you’re looking for in a medical alert system to find the perfect one for you and your family. With the proper research, you can have peace of mind that your or your loved one’s device is keeping them safe.

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