Best Medical Alert Systems

Medical Guardian has a wide range of equipment options designed to suit all lifestyles, and its straightforward purchase process is helped along by representatives available online or over the phone. All its devices are monitored and can connect you to a dispatch center that can get you the help you need 24/7.

You can select from in-home, mobile and smartwatch devices. The Home 2.0 has a range of 1,400 feet — one of the largest we’ve seen on a home-based system.

Bay Alarm Medical has the most affordable mobile plan of our picks, plus one of our favorite medical alert mobile apps — and it's one of our top systems with GPS.

The SOS Smartwatch, featured above, is a modern alternative to a traditional system, but it still features a physical help button that dispatches local emergency services to your location. It comes with built-in GPS and a 4G LTE SIM card.

You may be familiar with ADT as a home security company. Its medical alert systems are monitored, and reps undergo senior sensitivity training to better communicate with older adults during an emergency.

ADT's medical alert equipment options are similar to what other top brands offer. All packages come with a pendant or wristband, two-way voice communication features and free battery replacements. What sets it apart is its professional monitoring experience.

Medical Alert offers highly rated emergency equipment, and its Five Diamond, UL-certified monitoring center provides translation services for 140 languages.

Through the company’s Medical Alert Connect mobile app, a caregiver can keep an eye on their medical alert device’s status, update the contact list and test their system. Caregivers can monitor more than one profile and contact support directly through the app as well.

Lifeline offers devices designed to be used at home or on the go. With a personalized care plan, you can choose who responds when you call for help. On average, it takes 21 seconds for users to connect to the response center.

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; Philips 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.

If you or someone you love has an increased risk of needing emergency help, getting a medical alert system (sometimes called a personal emergency response system) may be worth the cost.

Medical alert devices are often used by those at risk of serious falls (such as older people and those with injuries) or with medical conditions that can leave them unable to call for help when it’s needed.

Medical alert systems aren’t just for older people.

A medical alert system may be especially helpful if the intended user:

• Lives alone or spends a great deal of time alone (older adults are more isolated than ever)
• Has difficulty using a telephone
• Has any form of dementia

About 25% of people age 65 or older fall every year, and roughly 10% of falls result in serious injuries. To determine your or your loved one’s fall risk, try answering a few questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many medical alert devices also offer additional health or safety features that many people benefit from, including GPS tracking, medication reminders, weather notifications and caregiver aids. If any of these options appeal to you, be sure to keep them in mind as you shop for a medical alert device.

There are many excellent medical alert systems available, so it’s worth taking some time to figure out which system is best for your budget, preferences and lifestyle.

1. Think about who’s going to use the system

As you shop for a medical alert system, make sure it’s functional for the person who will be using it most, whether that’s you or your loved one. Think about:

• How the intended user behaves during emergencies
• How familiar they are with technology
• How likely they are to consistently use the system
• How appearance-conscious they are
• Whether they spend most of their time at home or on the go

All of these factors can make a difference as you pick the right medical alert system for your situation. You don’t have to know exactly what you want from your device at this stage, but the point is that you keep the intended user in mind as you shop."

For example, the most common type of medical alert system includes a simple push-button pendant worn around the neck or on the wrist, which many people who aren't tech-savvy find easy to use.

The point is that you keep the intended user in mind as you shop.”

If fashion or an active lifestyle is a priority, a medical alert smartwatch might be the right choice. These watches can offer the same response times as home-based systems while being discreet and easy to wear.

They’re also a good choice for those with dementia because authorized caregivers and first responders can potentially track the wearer via GPS if they wander. However, you should keep in mind that these devices may be more complicated for some people to use.

2. Decide if you want professional monitoring services

Medical alert systems either operate without monitoring or with monitoring. Here’s how they differ:

• Unmonitored systems: When triggered, an unmonitored system dials a preprogrammed contact — typically a loved one or 911. These systems are sometimes referred to as no-monthly-fee medical alert systems because they don’t require a service contract to function.
• Monitored systems: A monitored system connects to a live dispatch center when triggered. The operator calls a caregiver, friend, family member or 911, depending on the user’s needs. Many centers provide help in multiple languages, and some include daily wellness checks and activity tracking. Most top companies are UL-certified or part of The Monitoring Association’s Five Diamond Designation program.

Both monitored and unmonitored systems should include a panic button or an emergency call button, and many offer automatic fall detection.

Because monitored medical alert systems can offer tailored responses and additional services, they’re often a better option if you aren’t sure it’s time for assisted living but still want some extra sense of security.

3. Consider your budget and how you want to pay

Total medical alert costs vary based on the system you choose, how you customize that system, what kind of connection you need (landline or cellular) and whether you pay for ongoing monitoring.

• Unmonitored systems generally cost a few hundred dollars upfront. You own the equipment, and there's no recurring monthly fee.
• Monitoring systems have a recurring fee, usually between $20 and $60 per month, and some companies offer packages with free equipment if you have an active monitoring subscription. New customers often get a price break if they enroll in a monitoring contract with a yearly payment plan.

Price is a significant factor in comparing medical alert companies, especially if you’re on a fixed budget. (About half of seniors rely on Social Security for the majority of their income, according to recent poverty statistics.) However, price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. Your medical alert system needs to work reliably and be convenient enough that it’s ready to help when you or your loved one needs it most.

4. Think about where you’ll need it

Before you buy a system, think about whether you want the option to use the device outside your home. Most medical alert systems fall into one of two broad categories:

• Home-based: Traditional, home-based systems come with a help button that wirelessly connects to a base station. Base stations can run on landline or cellular connections, and help buttons typically have an operating range of 300 to 1,400 feet from the base station. Even if the intended user doesn’t leave home much, it’s a good idea to pick a system with enough range to cover their property, yard included.
• Mobile: On-the-go medical alert systems are designed for more active lifestyles that take users away from home. They usually come with built-in GPS or geofencing features that help emergency services locate the user if something bad happens while they’re out and about. However, the batteries have to be charged regularly, and mobile devices typically run on a cellular connection, so you should make sure the service is supported where you live.

In general, mobile systems have more impressive technology, but they also come with a higher price tag than traditional home-based systems. The extra cost is often worth it if you spend a lot of time out in the neighborhood, frequently run errands or make trips to visit with friends, though.

5. Compare devices and features

As a general rule — a home-based medical alert system comes with a base unit and a help button that you wear around your neck or on your wrist, but mobile systems and smartwatches are self-contained and work without a base station.

No matter which type of system you choose, it’s good to have a help button that can get wet — many accidents happen in or around the shower. Luckily, most medical alert companies manufacture waterproof or water-resistant devices.

Medical alert systems can offer a variety of features and capabilities beyond their basic functions, though. While you likely won’t need or want all of these features, it’s helpful to know what’s out there so that you don’t miss out on something that you would’ve wanted. Here are some additional features, equipment and factors to consider:

6. Read the fine print

It’s important to read the fine print before opting into any monitoring contract — some companies charge high cancellation fees if you terminate services early. You should also look for a company that offers a price-lock guarantee to ensure the system stays affordable.

Here are some other terms to look for:

• Contract requirement: Most systems require a monitoring agreement. Keep an eye out for long-term contracts that are hard to cancel. Our top picks have month-to-month options.
• Free trial period: It’s great if you can try the system out in your home for at least a month before you commit. Otherwise, you might get stuck with a system that doesn’t really work for you.
• Service network: If you're getting a cellular system, make sure it runs on a network you know to be reliable in your area. For instance, you might live in a neighborhood where AT&T or Verizon is preferable.
• Warranty: A good manufacturer’s warranty means that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacements.

7. Compare your options and choose

Once you’ve done your research and you know what you want from a medical alert system, there’s little left to do other than weigh your options and pick one. As with any important purchase, it’s a good idea to read reviews and ask the right questions before buying, though.

We have a more detailed article on medical alert system costs that you might want to read before you buy, but the short version is that costs vary and can include:

A medical alert system can be a smart investment for anyone who lives alone.

• Equipment fees that usually range up to $300 (if they’re not waived as part of your monitoring contract)
• Monthly monitoring fees that start at about $20 to $60 per month without add-ons (like fall detection, which usually costs about $10 more per month)
• Activation fees of up to $200, if applicable
• Installation fees of up to $100, if applicable

Even though these costs may seem high, a medical alert system is often a smart investment, especially if it can delay a move to a long-term care facility.

Many older people prefer aging in place to other senior living options, and products like medical alerts, walk-in bathtubs, hearing aids, bed rails and other items can make their homes safer and more accessible. The cost of aging in place is also relatively affordable compared with the cost of assisted living, which averages around $4,300 per month.

You can learn more about elder care planning (like the difference between assisted and independent living) by checking out our other buyers guides and resources.

Compare our top picks across the U.S. to help you find the best medical alert provider in your city:

• Bakersfield
• Baltimore
• Boise
• Buffalo
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Colorado Springs
• Corpus Christi
• Denver
• Detroit
• Fort Myers
• Green Bay
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City
• Lafayette
• Lansing
• Las Vegas
• Lexington
• Milwaukee
• Missoula
• Nashville
• Omaha
• Phoenix
• San Diego
• Santa Barbara
• Tallahassee
• Tampa
• Tucson
• Waco
• West Palm Beach

To choose our picks, we started with a list of 23 medical alert companies. To narrow the list, we first considered overall satisfaction ratings and eliminated companies with below 3.5 stars. With 16 companies left, we decided to dig a little deeper.

Medical alert companies had to have at least twice as many 5-star reviews as 1-star reviews over the last year (Jan. 10, 2021, through Jan. 10, 2022) to stay on the list. In total, we analyzed 1,344 reviews from this time period.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team then graded the remaining companies on online reputation, equipment selection and price transparency and calculated the results to rank the top five. We gave preference to companies with a secured website and wide availability.

To recap, our picks for the best medical alert systems are:

• Medical Guardian
• Bay Alarm Medical
• ADT Medical Alert
• Medical Alert
• Lifeline

Are you trying to purchase a medical alert system for a loved one but haven’t spoken to them about it? Watch this video for tips on how to approach the topic of senior medical alert devices.