Lifeline Reviews
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About Lifeline
Lifeline, formerly known as Philips Lifeline, offers medical alert systems with professional monitoring. The company was founded in 1974 and was acquired by Connect America in 2021. Currently, Lifeline specializes in wearable help buttons that can be worn as a wristband or pendant. Typical monitoring fees range from $29.95 to $58.95 per month.
- Waterproof equipment
- Caregiver tools
- Fall detection available
- GPS capabilities
- Upfront fees
- Limited equipment options
- No free trial period
Featured Reviews
Lifeline medical alert systems

On-the-Go
$39.95 per month
All-in-one unit comes with GPS technologies, a charging cradle and a power cord. New customers pay a one-time $99.95 programming fee upfront.

On the Go Mini
$44.95 per month
The smallest and most lightweight system includes an advanced GPS locator, two-way voice communication and optional fall detection.

Smartwatch
$34.95 per month
Features a built-in help button, integrated GPS location tracking, heart rate monitor and step tracking.

HomeSafe with AutoAlert
$44.95 to $58.95 per month
System includes a two-way voice communication speaker and a pendant. Runs on landline or cellular connections. New users pay an upfront $79 programming fee.

HomeSafe Standard (Cellular)
$43.95 per month
System includes a two-way voice communication speaker and a help button wristband. New customers pay an upfront $79 programming fee.

HomeSafe Standard (Landline)
$27.95 per month
System includes a two-way voice communication speaker and a help button wristband. New customers pay an upfront $79 programming fee.
How does Lifeline work?
Lifeline’s medical alert systems can be used inside or away from home. In an emergency, simply press the help button to contact a response center. Once alerted, a trained specialist briefly discusses the situation with you and reaches out to either emergency services or a personal contact. Lifeline will follow up to confirm that help has arrived.
The monitoring centers are based in the U.S. and Canada and have an average response time of 20 seconds, according to Lifeline. They have backup systems to keep emergency responders connected even during power outages, cellular disruptions and natural disasters.
Other notable company features include:
- 24/7/365 response center: Lifeline's fully staffed, multilingual Response Center is always ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Uninterrupted support: Unlike a cell phone, you wear your help button on you at all times, so help is always just a button press away.
- Fall detection technology: Available on all Lifeline systems, fall detection technology connects seniors to help quickly after a fall, even if they can’t press their button.
- Included mobile app: Subscribers and caregivers can directly access assistance, track system usage and make account updates with Lifeline’s mobile app.
AARP discount
AARP members qualify for a discount.
- 15% off their monthly service
- Free shipping
- Free activation
Lifeline medical alert costs
With Lifeline, you don’t actually own the system — it must be returned when your contract ends or you cancel service. But there are still upfront costs to consider, even though you don’t technically pay for the equipment.
| Monthly monitoring fee | Upfront programming fee | Shipping fee | Installation (optional) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeSafe Standard (Landline) | $29.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| HomeSafe Standard (Cellular) | $43.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Landline) | $44.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Cellular) | $58.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| On-the-Go mobile system | $49.95 | $99.95 | $29.95 | $99 |
How does Lifeline compare?
Compare Lifeline to similarly rated medical alert companies.
| Company | Monitoring fees | Equipment cost | Activation fee | Fall detection | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Lifeline | Learn More | $34.95 to $44.95 | $99.95 to $159 | $79 to $99.95 | $15 per month |
![]() ADT Medical Alert | Get Pricing | $31.99 to $41.99 | $0 (excludes add-ons) | $99 | $33 per quarter |
![]() Medical Guardian | Get Pricing | $27.95 to $42.95 | $0 | $0 | $10 per month |
![]() Life Alert | Get Pricing | $49.95-$69 | $0 | $198 |
Lifeline FAQ
How reliable is Lifeline’s fall detection?
Lifeline uses AutoAlert automatic fall detection technology, which incorporates accelerometers, barometric sensors and an algorithm that can detect false alarms. (It’s worth pointing out that no fall detection technology catches 100% of falls, but Lifeline reports that AutoAlert detects 95% of “many types of falls” and triggers fewer false alarms.) Fall detection comes with two of the three Lifeline systems.
» COMPARE: Best medical alerts with fall detection
What languages do Lifeline operators speak?
Lifeline hires operators that speak English and Spanish, and they also have access to real-time translation services in 140 languages.
Does Medicare cover Lifeline?
Original Medicare does not generally cover medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans might.
What is Lifeline’s return policy?
You can cancel your monitoring subscription at any time. You have to call or email and return all the equipment. However, if you’ve activated your product or don’t have the original packaging, expect to pay a $50 restocking fee.
Is Lifeline a good medical alert company?
We like that Lifeline’s systems are designed to be used at home or on the go, and with a personalized care plan, you can choose who responds when you call for help. Overall, Lifeline has mostly positive reviews on our site.
“I recommend Lifeline to anyone who is disabled or who might be sick and in need of help. I have fallen a lot, and I wouldn't be without it,” a reviewer in Virginia told us. Another in California said Lifeline is “wonderful” and “the most reliable.”
But it’s worth mentioning that a reviewer in Texas doesn’t think the devices are easy to wear — devices are “too heavy. It’s clumsy and hits everything and then it calls the company and I have to stop wherever I am and what I’m doing for no reason.” A reviewer in Vermont also noted that the batteries don’t last long enough.
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- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
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Lifeline Company Information
- Company Name:
- Lifeline
- Company Type:
- Public
- Ticker Symbol:
- PHG
- Year Founded:
- 1974
- Formerly Named:
- Lifeline Systems
- Address:
- 111 Lawrence Street
- City:
- Framingham
- State/Province:
- MA
- Postal Code:
- 01702
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.lifeline.com
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