Alert1 Vs Life Alert: Compare Technology And Pricing
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Alert1 Vs Life Alert: Compare Technology And...
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Medical alert systems are monitored by trained professionals, which means that the wearer can immediately summon qualified help when in trouble. Many medical alert companies also give the option to alert neighbors or loved ones, send roadside assistance, or even call a locksmith. Life Alert and Alert1 have been in the medical care alert field for more than 30 years. Today, these two companies offer home and mobile emergency devices, but their service plans, business models, and pricing structures differ. For those comparing Alert1 vs. Life Alert, our experts share this review of the companies’ costs, technical support, and customer service.
Life Alert vs Alert1: An Overview
When it comes to the consequences of falling, they don’t just involve the severity of the fall but also include how quickly one can get help. Seniors older than age 65 are more likely to experience a fall, so those living independently often feel more comfortable having safety measures in place, such as medical alert systems.
Sean O’Brien, Director of Health at Home Technologies at Stanley Healthcare, offered his insights about the psychological benefits of medical alerts. “Medical devices help senior users maintain their autonomy as they age by allowing them to exercise control over their day-to-day life in a controlled capacity,” he said. Customers will get the most value from a device by choosing one that meets their needs and lifestyle.
Medical devices help senior users maintain their autonomy as they age by allowing them to exercise control over their day-to-day life in a controlled capacity.
Life Alert vs Alert1 Comparisons
Cost
Life Alert Model | Cost | Up-front Fee | Activation Fee | Contract | Add-on Features |
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In-Home System | $49.95 per month | No | One-time fee of $96 | 3-year contract | No optional fall detection |
In-Home System + Help Button | $69.95 | No | One-time fee of $96 | 3-year contract | Wall-mounted buttons: $20 per month, each No optional fall detection |
In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System | $89.95 | No | One-time fee of $198 | 3-year contract | Wall-mounted buttons: $20 per month, each No optional fall detection |
Alert1 | |||||
In-The-Home | $28.95 per month | No | No | Month-to-month | Option to add $10 fall detection |
In-The-Home + Fall Detection | $38.95 per month | No | No | Month-to-month | Fall detection included |
On-The-Go | $38.95 per month | No | No | Month-to-month | Option to add $10 fall detection |
On-The-Go + Fall Detection | $48.95 per month | No | No | Month-to-month | Fall detection included; option to add $10 GPS |
On-The-Go + In-The-Home + Fall Detection | $58.95 per month | No | No | Month-to-month | Fall detection included; option to add $10 GPS |
On-The-Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS + Pedometer | $38.95 per month | $179 | No | Month-to-month | No option for fall detection; GPS included; pedometer included |
Life Alert Model |
In-Home System | Cost | $49.95 per month | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | One-time fee of $96 | Contract | 3-year contract | Add-on Features | No optional fall detection |
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In-Home System + Help Button | Cost | $69.95 | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | One-time fee of $96 | Contract | 3-year contract | Add-on Features | Wall-mounted buttons: $20 per month, each No optional fall detection |
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In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System | Cost | $89.95 | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | One-time fee of $198 | Contract | 3-year contract | Add-on Features | Wall-mounted buttons: $20 per month, each No optional fall detection |
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Alert1 | Cost | Up-front Fee | Activation Fee | Contract | Add-on Features |
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In-The-Home | Cost | $28.95 per month | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on Features | Option to add $10 fall detection |
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In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Cost | $38.95 per month | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on Features | Fall detection included |
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On-The-Go | Cost | $38.95 per month | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on Features | Option to add $10 fall detection |
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On-The-Go + Fall Detection | Cost | $48.95 per month | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on Features | Fall detection included; option to add $10 GPS |
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On-The-Go + In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Cost | $58.95 per month | Up-front Fee | No | Activation Fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on Features | Fall detection included; option to add $10 GPS |
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On-The-Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS + Pedometer | Cost | $38.95 per month | Up-front Fee | $179 | Activation Fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on Features | No option for fall detection; GPS included; pedometer included |
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Features
Life Alert Model | Connection | Two-way Communication | Battery Life | Water-resistant? |
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In-Home System | Landline and cellular | Yes | 10 years | Yes |
In-Home System + Help Button | Landline and cellular | Yes | 10 years | Yes |
In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System | Landline, cellular, GPS | Two-way communication in the home system, but not GPS | 10 years | Yes |
Alert1 | ||||
In-The-Home | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Yes | POM7 has 24-hour backup battery; | Yes |
In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Yes | POM7 has 24-hour backup battery button battery lasts 5 years | Yes |
On-The-Go | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Yes | Rechargeable Kelsi battery lasts up to 30 days; button battery lasts 5 years | Yes |
On-The-Go + Fall Detection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Yes | Rechargeable Kelsi Pro battery lasts up to 5 days; button battery lasts 5 years | Yes |
On-The-Go + In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Yes | Rechargeable PAX Plus battery lasts up to 24 hours; button battery lasts 5 years | Yes |
On-The-Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS + Pedometer | GPS | Yes | Fully charges after 2–3 hours | Yes |
Life Alert Model |
In-Home System | Connection | Landline and cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | 10 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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In-Home System + Help Button | Connection | Landline and cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | 10 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System | Connection | Landline, cellular, GPS | Two-way Communication | Two-way communication in the home system, but not GPS | Battery Life | 10 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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Alert1 | Connection | Two-way Communication | Battery Life | Water-resistant? |
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In-The-Home | Connection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | POM7 has 24-hour backup battery; | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Connection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | POM7 has 24-hour backup battery button battery lasts 5 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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On-The-Go | Connection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | Rechargeable Kelsi battery lasts up to 30 days; button battery lasts 5 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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On-The-Go + Fall Detection | Connection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | Rechargeable Kelsi Pro battery lasts up to 5 days; button battery lasts 5 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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On-The-Go + In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Connection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | Rechargeable PAX Plus battery lasts up to 24 hours; button battery lasts 5 years | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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On-The-Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS + Pedometer | Connection | GPS | Two-way Communication | Yes | Battery Life | Fully charges after 2–3 hours | Water-resistant? | Yes |
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Fall Detection
Medical Alert System | Fall Detection | GPS Locator | Call Center and Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Life Alert Systems | No | Yes, GPS is available | 24/7, TMA-Five Diamond Certified response center |
Alert1 Systems | Yes, available in all except watch | Yes, GPS is available | 24/7, TMA-Five Diamond Certified response center |
Medical Alert System |
Life Alert Systems | Fall Detection | No | GPS Locator | Yes, GPS is available | Call Center and Hours | 24/7, TMA-Five Diamond Certified response center |
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Alert1 Systems | Fall Detection | Yes, available in all except watch | GPS Locator | Yes, GPS is available | Call Center and Hours | 24/7, TMA-Five Diamond Certified response center |
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Extras
Medical Alert System | Optional Accessories and Cost |
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Life Alert | Wall-mounted buttons: $20 per month, each |
Alert1 | Wall buttons, $39.95; voice extender, $99; medication reminder and organizer, $149.95; monitored smoke detector, $10 per month; jeweled necklace for pendant, $19.95 |
Medical Alert System |
Life Alert | Optional Accessories and Cost | Wall-mounted buttons: $20 per month, each |
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Alert1 | Optional Accessories and Cost | Wall buttons, $39.95; voice extender, $99; medication reminder and organizer, $149.95; monitored smoke detector, $10 per month; jeweled necklace for pendant, $19.95 |
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Alert1 Overview
Nearly 35 years ago, Paul Graafsma founded Alert1 when his grandmother lived alone. After worrying about her safety, he began researching medical alert companies. Ultimately, this research was the catalyst to start his own company, to meet the needs of both caregivers and their loved ones. The Pennsylvania-based company now serves all 50 states in more than 190 languages.
After more than three decades in the medical alert field, Alert1 has kept up with the latest fall protection technology. It has designed two lines of medical alert systems, the In-the-Home and On-the-Go systems. An Alert1 customer can customize their emergency system by choosing the type of model, how they wear it, and adding wall-mounted buttons, voice extenders, and monitored smoke detectors. This company is known for comprehensive service plans that are also affordable, even integrating regular discounts into its packages. Members who pay 10 months in advance get their 11th month free.
Who Is Alert1 For?
Alert1 designs its products to support those aging in place. People who have an increased risk of falling or other serious medical concerns due to age, medication side effects, or previous falls should consider whether Alert1 medical alert systems are a good fit. This brand is known for affordable, hyper-customizable medical alert systems.
Family members concerned about their aging in place loved ones especially like Alert1’s menu of safety accessories. On top of the basic system, customers can order additional safeguards to outfit their loved one’s home in accessories like monitored smoke alarms, medication organizers, voice extenders and extra wall-mounted buttons. Additionally, users can choose between medical alert necklace and wrist pendants and add technology like GPS and automatic fall detection. Some fashion-conscious users choose Alert1 for the jewelry lanyard options, which allow you to accessorize medical alerts with onyx, stained glass, and pearl.
Those looking for straightforward pricing, no long-term contracts, and no hidden fees will appreciate Alert1’s business model. The company lists all its pricing in an intuitive chart that makes it easy to compare medical alert systems. The plans range from about $20 per month with the prepay discount, to about $60 per month, making Alert1 a match for budget shoppers.
What Are The Costs Of Alert1?
Alert1 systems, which are less expensive than Life Alert, are within a close price range of competitors like Aloe Care Health, Medical Guardian, and Bay Alarm Medical.
The In-the-Home system, Alert1’s basic plan, is $28.95 per month. The In-the-Home + Fall Detection is $38.95 per month, and members can add GPS to their service plan for an additional $10 per month. The Alert1 smartwatch with GPS technology costs a one-time fee of $179.95 and has a $38.95 per month monitoring fee. The company’s On-the-Go device is $38.95 monthly for coverage that moves in and out of the house with you.
If you want to add fall detection for added security, this technology costs an additional $10 per month. For Alert1’s most robust plan, the On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection medical alert system, users pay $58.95 per month.
Pros
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Alert1 offers a high tech, discreet medical alert smartwatch
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Many accessories are available, like wall-mounted buttons, voice extenders, smoke detectors and medicine organizers
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Users can receive a free month of service by paying 10 months upfront
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Current members can order a second pendant for their spouse at a discount
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Website features straightforward pricing with no hidden fees
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Cellular service includes both AT&T and Verizon coverage
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Discounted rates available for spouses or for second person in household
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Automatic fall detection is compatible with most devices
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Users pay month-to-month and can cancel at any time
Cons
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Alert1 does not offer a caregiver app
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Unlike some other medical alert companies, Alert1 does not offer a free trial
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Fall detection costs an additional $10 per month
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In-home range is only 600 feet from the base unit
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Lockbox is $39.95 (but does not have a monthly monitoring fee)
Different Plans And Models Of Alert1
Customers who want a straightforward service plan should go with the In-the-Home Medical Alert; a device designed to keep home a safe place. Users wear a medical alert button around their wrist or neck, which they can push to connect to the 24/7 response center. Trained operators will then assess the situation and send help according to the user’s specific need, whether that be calling a paramedic, neighbor, or a friend to respond and follow up. Members design their own “Circle of Care,” selecting contacts to alert in case of an emergency.
The In-the-Home system uses Verizon or AT&T coverage to track the user, who can roam fully covered up to 600 feet from the base unit. For those paying month-to-month (rather than the discounted prepaid price), the full cost of this plan is $28.95.
For those who want protection even if they are unable to dial for help, medical alert systems with fall detection can add that ability, and peace of mind. This technology is preferred by those individuals with conditions that cause dizziness or fainting, and those who have had previous falls and are at risk of falling again. Users also get automatic home fall detection with their medical device by using a fall detection button, which is a separate device from the pendant. It does have a more limited range of just 400 feet. GPS can also be added to this package for an additional $10 per month.
Some seniors are looking for a personal emergency response system that can keep up with their busy lifestyles. For coverage while running errands, taking strolls, golfing or gardening out of the house, the On-the-Go system uses GPS tracking to monitor the wearer’s safety.
The user wears the lightweight unit around their neck, clipped onto a belt or purse, or in a pocket. Add fall detection and GPS, so you alarm automatically calls for help if it senses a fall and it will pinpoint your location. You’ll stay on the line until help arrives. Members pay $38.95 per month for the On-the-Go Medical Alert.
This service plan features all the elements of the On-the-Go Medical Alert but adds fall detection for an extra level of precaution. If the internal motion sensors detect a fall, the device alarms, sending the user’s GPS location to the monitoring center. Even if the wearer cannot respond to the operator’s communication, the command center will send help. Alert1 members pay $48.95 per month for the mobile device, plus fall detection.
Alert1’s premier package is the On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection Medical Alert. This comprehensive, flexible service safeguards users while they are both in and out of the home. Whether they are showering in a slippery bathroom or are out for a round of golf, customers have the support of an at-home button, a portable device, and an additional fall detection unit. This system costs $58.95 per month and is the most robust fall protection system Alert1 designs.
Whether users are drawn to the medical alert smartwatch for its utility or its subtlety, the On-the-Go Wrist Watch offers more than the traditional timepiece. Active seniors often prefer medical smartwatches because they provide peace of mind without feeling clunky or getting in the way. Alert1’s model is also senior-friendly, designed with a simple touchscreen interface that users tap to access features like the time, a pedometer, and current weather conditions.
What sets it apart from conventional smartwatches is the SOS button strategically placed on the side of the watch face. In an emergency—such as a fall, a lockout, or a roadside breakdown—the user simply presses the button to initiate two-way communication via the built-in speaker. Unlike the Apple Watch, which contacts 911 when the emergency button is activated, the Alert1 watch is monitored, so operators can discern the right response to varying scenarios.
The On-the-Go Wrist Watch is the only Alert1 device that requires an equipment fee, which is a one-time cost of $179. The monitoring fee is an additional $38.95 per month.
See our full Alert1 Medical Alert System Review.
Life Alert Overview
You may know Life Alert from its television commercials, which is famous for having popularized the phrase “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” This medical alert company has been in the field for over three decades. Currently, it employs 600 people to answer an estimated 2 million calls per year. From its California-based offices, Life Alert works to keep seniors safe and comfortable as they age in place.
Who Is Life Alert For?
People in the market for a medical alert system may worry that it won’t always be possible for them to dial a phone number for help in case of an emergency. For example, a prospective Life Alert customer could be someone who lives alone, a senior trying to reassure their loved ones of their well-being, or those with high-risk conditions like vision issues, difficulties with balance, or proneness to fainting.
Life Alert customers value brand recognition. This medical alert company has been in the field for decades and can claim millions of phone calls per year. While some might appreciate the company’s history of experience, its web presence definitely could use some modernization. For example, on the Life Alert website, there is no information on the available models or pricing. To buy the products, you must call a toll-free phone number—they simply aren’t available for purchase online.
A Life Alert customer isn’t going to choose the most affordable medical alert package on the market and doesn’t mind signing up for a long-term, three-year contract. They want a simple personal emergency response system and aren’t dissuaded by the lack of fall detection technology.
What Are The Costs Of Life Alert?
The Life Alert entry-level device is its In-Home System, which is priced at $49.95 per month. The step up option, the In-Home System + Help Button, costs $69.95 for monthly monitoring. It should be noted that Life Alert requires a one-time $96 activation fee to initiate each of these plans.
The In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System is the most comprehensive Life Alert service. It costs $89.95 per month, and the one-time activation fee is $198.
Pros
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Response center is TMA-Five Diamond certified
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Life Alert home pendants have a 7-year battery life; mobile pendants and help buttons have a 10-year battery life
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Backup battery lasts 72 hours
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A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
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More than three decades in the medical alert field
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Call center responds to an emergency every 11 minutes
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Better Business Bureau customer reviews rate Life Alert at 3.6 stars
Cons
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Devices are not enabled with fall detection technology
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To get information on products, prospective customers must call a toll-free number
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Purchase of Life Alert devices is only possible over the phone, and sales tactics are fairly aggressive
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Range is only 800 feet from the base station, compared to 1,400 feet with Medical Guardian and MobileHelp brands
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Pricing and models are not available in print or online; only over the phone
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Three-year contract required, which cannot be terminated earlier except in cases of death or a move to assisted living
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No caregiver app
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More expensive than many competitors, including Alert1 products
Different Plans And Models Of Life Alert
The In-Home System is Life Alert’s basic service plan. Users receive a pendant that pairs with a base unit that has an 800-foot range. The system can operate on cell coverage, but it is compatible with landlines for those who have poor cell phone service in their area. This system also has a waterproof help button that can be used in the shower, which is known to be a high-slip area of the home.
This home medical alert system is $49.95 per month and costs $96 to activate.
The In-Home System + Help Button shares the exact components of the starter plan with one addition: a wall-mounted help button. This extra equipment can be placed in areas like the stairs or bathroom for added peace of mind. This Life Alert plan costs about $20 more than the In-Home system at $69.95 per month. As you budget for your medical alert, keep in mind the one-time activation fee of $96.
The next level upgrade to your In-Home System + Help Button adds GPS technology, so the wearer can transition their emergency system out of the home. The GPS tracks users as they run errands, making it a good match for seniors who live busy lifestyles or want coverage while they are out driving.
Note that the GPS pendant does not include a two-way speaker. While away from home, you can use your mobile device to alert the response center. However, it is important to note that you cannot give details about your specific scenario or the type of help needed. This top-tier Life Alert package is about $89.95 per month and requires a one-time $198 activation fee.
See our full Life Alert Medical Alert System Review.
Similarities between Alert1 vs Life Alert
When deciding between Life Alert vs Alert1 medical alerts, you’ll notice that the companies have overlapping qualities. For example, both are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and have strong customer reviews on third-party consumer report sites.
Also, each company offers a basic in-home model and a GPS device for errands and travel. These systems are monitored by certified, U.S.-based monitoring centers. Trained professionals speak to the user through the device’s internal microphone and speaker, and they even stay on the line until help arrives. This two-way communication device is available in all Alert1 and Life Alert units, except the Life Alert mobile device. This means that a mobile user can only trigger the alarm but not describe the emergency.
Trained professionals speak to the user through the device’s internal microphone and speaker, and they even stay on the line until help arrives.
All the medical alerts listed in this review are splash-resistant, making them safe for use in the shower or bath. Life Alert and Alert1 also offer wall-mounted help buttons that can help make showering—an activity that causes concern for many seniors—a safer experience, as they can more easily summon help if a slip occurs.
Main Differences between Alert1 vs Life Alert
One of the main differences when comparing Alert1 vs Life Alert is price. Alert1 products sell in the range of about $20 to $60, and the company offers discounts to users who prepay 10 months. Life Alert products hover between about $50 and $90, with no obvious increase in quality. Prospective shoppers will also find a difference in how these prices are advertised. Alert1’s pricing structure is listed online, and it’s easy to compare its models and prices. In contrast, Life Alert sells its devices strictly over the phone and does not list prices online or in its brochure.
Another notable difference is the contract. While Alert1 doesn’t offer a risk-free trial, it promises month-to-month service with no penalties for cancellations. On the other hand, Life Alert is one of few medical alert companies that requires a long-term contract of its subscribers. The only way to terminate the three-year contract is if the subscriber has passed or moved into assisted living, in which case the burden of proof is on the user or their loved one.
Finally, these emergency devices differ in terms of technology. Life Alert products cannot be outfitted with fall detection, even at an extra cost. Alert1 products are compatible with fall detection technology—aside from the smartwatch—for users who fear falling or losing consciousness and cannot activate their help button. While no fall detection is 100 percent accurate and can trigger occasional false alarms, those who live alone often add this feature. Alert1 also gives a range of helpful medical accessories, like smartwatches, medication organizers, and monitored smoke alarms.
Key Takeaways
- Alert1 and Life Alert offer medical alert devices in mobile and in-home styles.
- Life Alert service plans are more expensive than Alert1 plans for similar technology.
- Both companies’ pendants are senior-friendly with large help buttons and lightweight, wearable designs.
- Alert1 offers an option for automatic fall detection in almost all its plans.
- Life Alert does not offer a fall detection option.
- Alert1 lists all products, add-ons, and accessories on its website, along with corresponding prices.
- The Life Alert website does not include products or pricing, and users must call for more details and to make a purchase.
- Financially savvy shoppers can earn a discount on Alert1 products by paying for 10 months upfront.
- Alert1 shoppers can add accessories like lockboxes, smoke alarms, medication organizers and even jeweled lanyards for their pendants.
What Are Customers Saying about Both of the Brands and Their Products?
The Better Business Bureau has rated Life Alert and Alert 1 with A+ ratings. Alert1 has earned 4.3 of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs, a site that allows users to share ratings and personally review products. On the same site, Life Alert has about one-third the number of user reviews but has earned a 4.9 with those users. We scoured third-party consumer report sites to get a sense of user experiences with the products, including when the products work, when they don’t, and how each company fares regarding member care and technical support. Listed below are just a few of the various reviews we found online for your reference.
“My dad recently fell again and pushed the button. You were quick to respond and my sister was there in minutes. I am in another state right now, and I received a voicemail stating what happened and that all was fine. We all feel much better since my dad is wearing the Alert1.”
LINDA, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.ORG)
“Alert1 fall alerts worked beautifully for my mother when she fell and could not get back up. I purchased this for her several weeks before she entered the nursing home through my email and my credit card. I had to email them my power of attorney to try to cancel this – still no instructions on how to return equipment. I will contact Better Business Bureau next.”
THRESA, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.ORG)
“I was called immediately when my mother fell. EMS was already on the route to her house and Alert1 kept both my sister and I informed as she was speaking to emergency personnel.”
JAN, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM BESTCOMPANY.COM)
“I have fallen 15 times in the last 2 and a half years. I’ve forgotten how many times I’ve called for assistance from you wonderful people. You’ve been truly angels for me.”
ISABELLE, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG)
“On the phone with my son when he noticed a change in speech. He is in NY, he told me to hit the Life Alert button. Last thing I remember was falling out of my chair. I was told I was found in my backyard, unresponsive. I had stopped breathing and a temperature of 107. I was intubated then transported. My brain was swelling due to lack of oxygen. You people saved my life. Response was in minutes. Thank you.”
D, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.ORG)
“My 83 2022 old mother used Life Alert service/equipment for little over a year, she moved with her son (my brother) where a constant care and monitoring is available, we tried to cancel the contract, Life Alert demanded that we keep paying for another 6 months before they terminate the contract, that’s not only taking advantage that’s extortion. Never again.”
NORA, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG)
Bottom Line
We prefer Alert1 to Life Alert for several reasons, beginning with Alert1´s intuitive online shopping and straightforward catalog of devices and plans. When you compare the Alert1 vs Life Alert websites, you’ll see that Alert1 advertises its prices and service plans openly, while Life Alert requires prospective shoppers to speak with sales representatives before disclosing any specific information about its systems.
Alert1 also offers a more flexible subscription. Shoppers can buy products online, choose from a menu of accessories, add extra features like fall detection, and—most importantly—cancel anytime. Unfortunately, Life Alert requires customers to sign a three-year contract, which they can cancel only in case of death or if they are moving to an assisted living situation. Alert1 is also budget-friendly. Its systems are modestly priced, and the company offers significant discounts to customers who pay ahead. For a similar product to Life Alert, Alert1 members pay a fraction of the price and no activation fee, whereas Life Alert charges activation fees of $96 to $189.
Some users are intrigued by how a medical alert caregiver app can help them manage a long-distance loved one. These shoppers should check out brands like Aloe Care Health, Bay Alarm Medical, and MobileHelp. Caregiver apps often ease the health management of an aging loved one by offering features like medication reminders, updates on vitals, task delegation and driving alerts. Some options, like the Lifefone and Medical Guardian apps, also give live information about the device, such as current battery life, so you can rest assured that your family member’s pendant is charged and ready to function in case of an emergency.
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve collectively spent more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. To make our picks, we:
- Engaged in ongoing independent research
- Consulted with geriatricians and adult caregivers
- Mystery shopped the brands
- Surveyed 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
How We Reviewed Alert1 and Life Alert Medical Alert Systems
We reviewed Alert1 and Life Alert Medical Alert Systems based on the following criteria:
- Price of installation and monthly service
- Warranties, contracts, and whether there were any hidden fees
- Reliability of monitoring center
- Comfort and wearability of mobile devices
- In-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
- Company reputation
- Special features, such as automatic fall detection, smartphone apps for family members, and location tracking
WRITTEN BY
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Jenny is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in NYC with a passion for working with aging adults and their family members. Prior to her clinical training at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, she worked in business and medical research at Harvard Business School and Massachusetts General Hospital. As a Caregiving Coach at Givers, Jenny helps family members manage the financial, emotional, and educational stresses of caring for their loved ones who are aging in place.
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