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 five 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.
The best medical alert systems for seniors
After considering dozens of providers, we’ve identified five of the best medical alert system companies, each taking a spot on our list for a different reason. Whether you’re looking for the best overall system, the best fall detection options, or a device that doesn’t look like a medical alert system, we’ve found the best of the best to help you narrow down your search.
Our top medical alert system picks include:
- MobileHelp: Top pick for the best medical alert system.
- LifeFone: Best for robust fall detection options.
- Medical Guardian: Best reputation for outstanding customer service.
- Lively: Best tech-forward medical alert system solutions.
- Bay Alarm Medical: Best for sleek, fashion-forward devices.
MobileHelp: Top pick for the best medical alert system
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.
Additional benefits and features available with their systems include:
- Risk-free 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee.
- Free cancellation.
- Free activation.
- Free lockbox.
Although MobileHelp doesn’t have a smartwatch device, they offer several excellent options for in-home and on-the-go devices, including a unique touchscreen medical alert system. The Touch Classic functions like a tablet with additional features like a scrolling picture gallery, games, and medication reminders. It pairs with a traditional emergency button that you wear in and around your home, so all you have to do in an emergency is push the button, and you can communicate with an emergency response agent through the Touch Classic device to get help. If you like the option of a touchscreen tablet device but also want protection outside of the home, you can choose the Touch Duo System.
The Touch Classic and Touch Duo systems are somewhat pricey at $54.95 a month. However, no matter which system you choose, prices can add up since additional services like location capabilities, fall detection, protection plans, accessories, and more all cost extra.
One downside to MobileHelp is that fall detection is not available with its traditional Wired Home System. Also, although fall detection is available on its other systems, it costs an extra $11 per month, which is a bit pricier compared to other providers.
MobileHelp at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Lowest starting price in the industry at just $19.95 per month. | No smartwatch option. |
| Transparent online pricing. | Fall detection not available with the Wired Home System. |
| Spouse monitoring available with some systems at no extra cost. | Some products come with a $49.95 processing fee. |
| Free cancellation and risk-free trial. | Additional services cost extra, so prices can add up fast. |
| No upfront equipment fees. |
Want to learn more about MobileHelp? Check out our in-depth review of MobieHelp’s medical alert systems.
LifeFone: Best for robust fall detection options
LifeFone is among the best medical alert system companies for seniors because it offers functional, reliable systems and goes above and beyond when it comes to fall detection: Every single one of its on-the-go and in-home systems can include fall detection capabilities at a lower cost than other companies. The average industry cost of adding fall detection to your plan is around $10 a month. LifeFone charges only $5 per month for fall detection, making it a great choice for seniors looking to save money while getting the protection they need.
Note that although fall detection is available with all their systems, they do offer a vanity pendant for which fall detection is not available. This wearable device is a jewelry-style pendant that has to be purchased separately and pairs with their at-home systems. It is a good option for those who prefer the look of stylish pendants but not if you or a loved one wants fall protection.
LifeFone offers an industry-leading battery life of up to 10 days on its VIPx system, an all-in-one, on-the-go medical alert system worn around the neck or clipped to a belt. If you’re looking for a more discreet on-the-go option, its VIP Active medical alert system is a small all-in-one emergency button-style pendant with an impressive battery life of up to five days.
LifeFone offers a Caregiver Mobile App that comes with features that are great for caregivers, like timing the first motion of the day and manually ringing lost devices. Unfortunately, it works only with their VIPx system. You can sign up for additional caregiver tools with other systems, but determining which tools are available with each system can be difficult. For example, text-based location services are available only with the VIP Active and Safe Watch Active systems. These services cost extra, too, so the price of a LifeFone medical alert system can add up fast.
LifeFone at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Fall detection available with all medical alert systems. | Some plans can be pricey, and costs for additional services can add up fast. |
| Fall detection costs just $5 per month, one of the lowest prices in the industry. | Equipment must be returned if you cancel service. |
| VIPx has one of the longest-lasting batteries in the industry (up to 10 days). | Caregiver Mobile App available only with the VIPx system. |
| No device fees (equipment rental included in plan). | Caregiver text-based location services available only with VIP Active and Safe Watch Active systems. |
| Average response time of emergency response agents of just 15 seconds. |
Want to learn more about LifeFone? Check out our in-depth review of LifeFone’s medical alert systems.
Medical Guardian: Best reputation for outstanding customer service
Medical Guardian has an excellent lineup of devices, including all-in-one, on-the-go systems and landline and cellular in-home systems. Fall detection is available with all their systems for an extra $10 per month. Even with all their great devices and features, what makes Medical Guardian one of our favorite medical alert system companies is their dedication to the customer experience.
They offer 24/7 emergency monitoring, as you would expect from any medical alert system company, and their monitoring centers are among the best in the industry. They have received multiple awards from third-party organizations, like The Monitoring Association (TMA), and they have also won Best Company’s “Customers Love Us” award and a Silver Stevie Award for Sales and Customer Service.
Medical Guardian’s free MyGuardian app works with all their systems and allows you to easily manage your billing information and create tasks with other members of your Care Circle. They also have a robust catalog of online resources. From a product quiz to figure out which medical alert system is right for you to a risk assessment, FAQ pages, videos, and setup instructions, there’s a wealth of information at your fingertips, whether you’re still deciding on a system or you already have a Medical Guardian alert system.
Although their lineup of in-home and on-the-go systems is solid, especially impressive is their MGMini system. This system comes with the smallest and lightest device on the market. You can wear it as a pendant or clipped to your belt, and it boasts a battery life of five to seven days.
Note that canceling service can be a hassle. If you cancel during the initial 90 days, you won’t receive a refund because signing up requires a minimum 90-day commitment. Cancellations can take up to 30 days or even longer if you have to return a rented system. If you are returning a system, you’ll be charged a restocking fee when you cancel your service, too.
Medical Guardian at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Multiple-award-winning customer service. | 90-day minimum commitment with no free trial period. |
| Fall detection available on every system. | Some freebies, like one free month, available only with an annual subscription. |
| Spouse coverage available with in-home systems with purchase of an additional pendant for just $2.99 per month. | Canceling can be a hassle, especially with the MGClassic system, which requires a restocking fee. |
| Free MyGuardian app works with all their systems. | The cost of extras, like fall detection and protection plans, can add up fast. |
| Extensive online catalog of resources that include FAQ pages, videos, quizzes, and more. |
Want to learn more about Medical Guardian? Check out our in-depth review of Medical Guardian’s medical alert systems.
Lively: Best tech-forward medical alert system solutions
Lively, formerly known as GreatCall, has been a Best Buy Health Inc. company since 2018. Although they offer their own on-the-go medical alert device called Lively Mobile2, you can also utilize their emergency response services with technology you might already own, making it our top choice for tech-forward medical alert systems.
Lively emergency response services are available with the Apple Watch. You’ll get the kind of 24/7 emergency service you would expect from other medical alert systems, but instead of purchasing a dedicated medical alert device, you download an app on your existing Apple Watch to have access to emergency response services.
Lively offers emergency response services on Alexa devices, too. If you already have an Echo or another Alexa device or like the idea of a hands-free way to call for help without wearing a separate device, all you have to do is say, “Alexa, call for help,” and you’ll be connected to an emergency response agent.
Lively is also known for its line of Jitterbug cell phones. These flip phones and smartphones designed specifically for older adults feature an emergency button for quick and easy assistance from Lively’s services in the event of an emergency.
Lively is a good choice for tech-savvy seniors who don’t like the idea of wearing a traditional medical alert system. They also offer additional services, like Nurse On-Call and Care Advocate, which can connect you with registered nurses and give you access to support with making lifestyle changes and estate planning, among other services.
Their tech-forward focus can come with some problems, though. If you opt for the Apple Watch or Alexa services, you must buy those devices separately and pay for separate cellular or Wi-Fi services. In addition, fall detection is not available with Alexa. Although fall detection is technically available with your Apple Watch, the service is through Apple, not Lively. If your watch detects a fall, it will call emergency services directly, not Lively’s emergency response agents. Setting up Lively services on an Apple Watch or Alexa device involves many steps and can be difficult. You may decide that a traditional medical alert system is right for you if you aren’t the most tech-savvy person.
Lively at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Service available with Apple Watch and Alexa devices. | No traditional in-home medical alert system options. |
| Lively phones and devices available for those without the above technology. | Lively Mobile2 device has a short 24-hour battery life. |
| Additional services, like Nurse On-Call and Care Advocate, are available. | Fall detection not available with Alexa; no direct fall protection for the Apple Watch. |
| No long-term contracts or cancellation fees. | Setting up and maintaining service on the Apple Watch and Alexa can be a hassle. |
Want to learn more about Lively? Check out our in-depth review of Lively’s medical alert systems.
Bay Alarm Medical: Best for sleek, fashion-forward devices
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.
Both their SOS Home and SOS All-In-One systems utilize traditional help buttons, but you aren’t stuck wearing an ugly button. You can choose a colorful Bella Band to turn your button into a stylish bracelet. If you would rather wear the button as a pendant, you can choose from four Bella Charms that clip over the button, making your emergency button look like a fashionable piece of jewelry instead of a medical alert system button.
Bay Alarm Medical is also an excellent overall choice even if you aren’t interested in vanity devices. They have both in-home and on-the-go systems, with their sleek-looking SOS Mobile device measuring just 1.3 inches by 2.7 inches. They have a great app, too. It includes location tracking and battery monitoring, which can give caregivers peace of mind.
The biggest downside to Bay Alarm Medical is that their Bella Bands and Bella Charms are not compatible with fall detection devices. If you want fall detection, you’ll have to wear their dedicated fall detection pendant with the SOS Home or SOS All-In-One systems. Also, since the Bella accessories work only with traditional emergency buttons, there is no stylish upgrade option for their systems that don’t use those buttons.
The app isn’t available for all systems, either. Location tracking and battery monitoring are only available if you have an SOS Mobile or All-In-One device.
Bay Alarm Medical at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Wearable buttons look stylish with Bella Charms and Bella Bands. | Bella Charms and Bella Bands not compatible with fall detection pendants. |
| Smartwatch available without the need for a separate cellular contract. | App capabilities, like location tracking, not available with all systems. |
| Risk-free 30-day trial. | Equipment fees apply for some systems. |
| Free spouse monitoring available with the SOS Home system. |
Want to learn more about Bay Alarm Medical? Check out our in-depth review of Bay Alarm Medical’s alert systems.
Now that we’ve gone over our picks for the best medical alert systems, let’s talk a little bit more about what medical alert systems are, how they work, and what kinds of features you want to look for in order to find the right system for you and your family.
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:
- 93% of seniors feel safer when using a medical alert system.
- Every year, one in four seniors over 65 will fall, with 38% needing help from someone else to get back up.
- 86% of respondents in one survey said a medical alert device “saved them or the person they cared for from an emergency incident.”
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.
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.
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.
