Alert1 Vs MobileHelp: Which Medical Device Is Right For You?
Alert1 Vs MobileHelp: Which Medical Device I...
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Overview for the MobileHelp vs Alert1 Comparison
Medical alert systems are life-saving devices that contact a trained medical response team when the user experiences an emergency, like a fall. Some allow users to choose the kind of help they want, whether that’s a paramedic, a locksmith, roadside assistance, or even simply contacting a loved one to check in. Active seniors — or anyone looking for fall protection — often find that a medical alert adds peace of mind so they can continue enjoying their current lifestyle with an added layer of reassurance.
As we age, our risk of falling increases. In fact, one in four people over age 65 experience a fall each year. Max Mayblum, a Certified Senior Advisor, explained that, “One of the dangers of a fall is the subsequent incapacity to call for help.” He added that, “The presence of a medical alert device can bring comfort to caregivers and loved ones alike that the ability to call for help won’t depend on making it to a phone.”
There are dozens of medical alert companies in the market that offer a range of styles, devices, and technology — some even have high-tech protective features, like Bay Alarm Medical’s driving tracker and Aloe Care Health’s Caregiver app. The best medical alert systems meets each user’s specific needs. Some seniors will want a simple home device that helps them feel safe while gardening in the yard or taking a shower. Others will prefer an emergency button they can carry with them while they are out shopping, golfing, or traveling. Alert1 and MobileHelp are two medical care alert brands that have been in the market for decades. For those trying to decide between MobileHelp vs Alert1, we compare these two medical alert systems based on pricing, features, and technology.
| Alert1 Model | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 |
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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 |
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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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| MobileHelp Model | Cost | Up-front fee | Activation fee | Contract | Add-on features |
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| Classic | Cost | $19.95 per month | Up-front fee | $49.95 | Activation fee | No | Contract | Month-to-month | Add-on features | Option to add $10 fall detection |
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| Wired Home | Cost | $24.95 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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| Solo | Cost | $37.95 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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| Duo | Cost | $44.95 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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| Micro | Cost | $29.95 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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| Mobile Duo | Cost | $44.95 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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| Touch Classic | Cost | $54.95 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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Features comparison
| Alert1 Model | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In-The-Home + Fall Detection | Connection | Verizon or AT&T cellular | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | POM5 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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| MobileHelp Model | Connection | Two-way communication | Battery life | Water- resistant? |
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| Classic | Connection | AT&T cellular | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Base station battery lasts up to 30 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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| Wired Home | Connection | Landline | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Base station battery lasts up to 30 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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| Solo | Connection | AT&T cellular; GPS | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Up to 24 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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| Duo | Connection | AT&T cellular; GPS | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Up to 24 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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| Micro | Connection | AT&T cellular; GPS | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Up to 24 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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| Mobile Duo | Connection | AT&T cellular; GPS | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Up to 24 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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| Touch Classic | Connection | WiFi, 4G LTE | Two-way communication | Yes | Battery life | Up to 24 hours; button pendant lasts up to 5 years | Water- resistant? | Yes |
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Fall detection comparison
| Medical Alert System | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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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| MobileHelp Systems | Fall detection | Yes | GPS locator | Yes, GPS is available | Call center and hours | 24/7, Security Industry Association, UL-certified |
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Added Features
| Medical Alert System | ||||||||
| Alert1 | Optional accessories and cost | Wall buttons, $39.95; voice extender, $99; monitored smoke detector, $10 per month; stained glass necklace for pendant, $19.95. |
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| MobileHelp | Optional accessories and cost | Lockbox, $0; Waterproof wall buttons, $2.95 per month. |
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Alert1 Overview
Alert1 has been making medical alert devices for almost 35 years, since founder Paul Graafsma was faced with worry over his own grandmother as she aged with no family living nearby. After researching home emergency systems, he found that there was a need in the market for high quality, yet affordable, medical alert systems for seniors. In order to meet this need, he created Alert1.
Today, Alert1 medical alert systems offer nationwide medical monitoring, assisting seniors with round the clock coverage in more than 190 languages. The medical alert company offers two basic models: the In-the-Home and On-the-Go systems, the latter of which are customizable with GPS and automatic fall detection options. Alert1 offers discounts for members who prepay 10 months ahead, thus earning them the 11th month free. Customers also have the option to pay month-to-month for the full price.
What Are the Costs of Alert1?
The entry level service plan, the In-the-Home system, costs $28.95 per month. Users can add home fall detection for an extra $10 per month, and tack on GPS for an additional $10 per month. Alert1 offers a medical alert smartwatch with GPS technology for $38.95 per month, plus a one-time equipment fee of $179.95. The On-the-Go device is $38.95 per month for portable, lightweight protection. To add fall detection to the mobile device, users pay another $10 monthly fee. For $58.95 per month, users get the premier On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection medical alert.
Pros
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Users who prepay 10 months ahead get the 11th month free.
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Website features straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
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Cellular service includes both AT&T and Verizon, so users can choose the coverage that is strongest in their area.
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Current members receive a discount on a second button for a spouse.
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Automatic fall detection can be added to most products for an additional $10 per month.
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No long-term contracts are required, and users can cancel anytime.
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One of few medical alert companies that makes an emergency smartwatch,
Cons
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No free trial.
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Automatic fall detection is not available with the On-the-Go Wrist Watch.
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Fall detection is an additional $10 monthly fee.
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Discounts are only available when users prepay.
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In-home range is only 600 feet.
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No caregiver app.
Different Plans and Models of Alert1
The Alert1 In-the-Home system is the company’s most basic service plan, which includes a home base and wearable pendant. Users choose between a button clipped around their wrist or a lanyard that is worn on the neck. The system offers protection through cellular coverage, tracking the user up to 600 feet from the home base. Seniors simply push the help button to be connected to the certified professionals as the response center, who evaluate the situation to send the appropriate help, whether that’s a first responder or simply a loved one. For those paying month-to-month, this system costs $28.95.
For an additional $10 per month, users can add automatic fall detection to their home-based protection device. This technology can sense falls using motion sensors. Even in a situation where your loved one is unconscious, unable to push the button, or unable to verbalize their need for assistance, automatic fall detection alerts the response center that help is needed. Note that fall detection has a range of just 400 feet, compared to the regular system’s coverage of 600 feet. Customers can also add on GPS tracking for more comprehensive coverage.
This portable system works well with the mobile lifestyles of active seniors. For those who want peace of mind while they are out shopping, golfing, or taking a walk, the On-the-Go system uses Verizon or AT&T networks to offer uninterrupted coverage. This all-in-one device is also lightweight, so it’s comfortable to wear as a pendant or belt clip, or tucked into a pocket. In case of an emergency, users press the button, and GPS technology can send help to your exact location anywhere within the United States. The On-the-Go emergency device is $38.95 per month.
By combining GPS technology with automatic fall detection, users can get the ultimate protection of any Alert1 system. If fall detection is triggered, the system’s GPS tracker sends the location to the UL-listed command center, which summons EMTs directly to you — even if you’re unable to call for help yourself. Alert1 members pay $48.95 per month for this service plan.
For users who want the flexibility of a device that monitors them both within the home and while they are out on errands, this package includes all the essentials: GPS tracking, automatic fall detection, an in-home base unit and a portable base unit. Users can transition their equipment from use at home, like showering, to use while out they are on errands, golfing, or even traveling. This system is $58.95 and includes fall detection in both the at-home and mobile medical alert pendants.
For active seniors who want protection without the noticeable appearance of wearing a medical alert device, the wrist watch provides discrete coverage. This straightforward watch keeps the wearer covered while they are going about their daily activities. In an emergency, the customer can summon help by pushing the SOS button, which activates two-way communication via the built-in speaker. Outside of an emergency, the watch offers additional useful features, like a pedometer for step counting, as well as a weather app.
The On-the-Go Wrist Watch is the only Alert1 device that requires an equipment fee. The watch is a one-time cost of $179, and the cost of monitoring is $38.95 per month.
See our full Alert1 Medical Alert System Review.
MobileHelp Overview
MobileHelp is based in the United States and has its headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida. This leading medical alert company partners with Rapid Response call centers, which support both medical alert and home security brands. From call centers that cover both coasts — it has offices in New York and California — MobileHelp offers uninterrupted, 24/7 monitoring.
The response centers are UL-certified, while individual MobileHelp operators each have Security Industry Association Certification and six weeks of rigorous training. The response center also has access to emergency translation services, allowing users to communicate with callers in more than 240 languages.
The MobileHelp product line offers medical alert devices from basic landline devices to hybrid packages, merging home and mobile features into a single equipment system. Its wearable buttons operate on cellular, landline, and Wi-Fi coverage. The company is known for being a budget-friendly brand that makes safety affordable: It offers a 30-day free trial, dual pendants for spouses, discounts included with bundling and price guarantees.
What Are the Costs of MobileHelp?
The most affordable MobileHelp system, the Classic, is available for $19.95 per month. The Solo system is $37.95 per month, while adding a second user with the Duo package is $41.95 per month. As for the mobile models, the Mobile Duo costs $44.95 in monthly monitoring fees. The landline product, the Wired Home, is $24.95 per month. The comprehensive MobileHelp Touch Duo service plan is the most expensive of the company’s line at $64.95 per month ($54.95 if bundled). The lightweight Micro mobile device costs $29.95 each month.
Pros
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30-day risk free trial included with all products.
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Free lockbox included, allowing EMTs easy access to a user’s home in an emergency.
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No long-term contracts or cellular products required.
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No equipment fee.
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The Classic system has a range of up to 1,400 feet from its base unit.
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The Touch system features intuitive interface and extra features, like medication reminders.
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FAQ section includes helpful video guides.
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Includes app for caregivers, MobileHelp Connect.
Cons
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Some monthly plans require a one-time $49.95 processing fee.
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Cellular coverage is only available through the AT&T network.
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Automatic fall detection cannot detect 100 percent of falls.
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Fall detection is an additional $10 monthly fee.
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The MobileHelp Smart watch is no longer available for purchase.
Different Plans and Models of MobileHelp
Users looking for the most basic emergency button for their loved ones might prefer the Classic. This system is a base unit and wearable help pendant with an impressive 1,400 foot range, so wearers are covered in larger homes and properties. The help button is also waterproof, making it safe to wear while bathing.
Users summon help by simply pushing the large help button, which the user wears as a lightweight pendant around the neck or as a wristband. This activates a two-way speaker, allowing the user to communicate with the help center and to request a first responder be sent to your home if emergency service is needed. Classic subscribers pay $19.95 in monthly monitoring fees.
Those who live rurally or get poor cell coverage may prefer the Wired Home over the Classic, as it operates on a landline connection. Like the Classic, the Wired version is a base unit paired with a neck or wrist pendant, which activates communication between the two-way speaker in an emergency. However, the Wired Home offers a reduced 600 feet of coverage compared to the Classic’s extensive 1,400 feet. Wired Home users pay a $24.95 monthly monitoring fee.
The Solo system allows the user to transition their equipment from home to mobile use. There’s no landline required, so users are covered by the mobile unit as they leave home for errands, or work in the garage or yard. Wherever they are–on or off the property–users won’t need to worry about range, as they take the base unit with them.
When leaving the home, users bring along a small base device that pairs with their wearable pendant. This way, even when they are away from home, the user can summon help to their exact location using GPS tracking technology, as well as communicate with the operators through the base’s two-way speaker.
The Solo costs $37.95 per month. Many users opt to add monthly $10 fall detection for true peace of mind while enjoying an active lifestyle.
This package includes all the technology offered by the Solo device, but adds a second device for spouses. For seniors aging in place together, the Duo includes two help buttons. Users can easily transition in and out the home while remaining covered due to the system’s GPS technology.
The Duo covers two members of the household for only $7 more than the Solo system, at a total cost of $44.95 per month.
Weighing in at just 52 grams, the Micro is a tiny portable medical alert specifically designed for lightness. In fact, users will hardly notice it as they wear it on daily errands. This on-the-go button packs a high-quality speaker, GPS technology, and LTE connectivity into a lightweight, discrete package. The Micro comes in a sleek black casing and is $29.95 per month.
The Mobile Duo system is named for its dual function: It includes an in-home unit with a wearable pendant and a mobile unit to keep your loved one safe when they are away from home. This emergency device is flexible for use at home and away, as it has all the essentials: GPS tracing, a waterproof button, and optional automatic fall detection.
The Mobile Duo costs $41.95 per month. This package also comes with a free lockbox, which allows first responders to access your home in an emergency without causing any damage to entryways.
The comprehensive MobileHelp Touch is a home base in the form of a high-tech tablet with a touchscreen interface. Users can interact with their device, which gives information like the time and weather, along with offering games, activity tracking, and health reminders. In an emergency, this device connects you to MobileHelp’s trained operators. At the same time, while not in use, it fits seamlessly into the user´s daily life. It even acts as a digital picture frame, displaying a rotating gallery of your chosen images.
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled Touch costs $54.95 in monthly monitoring fees.
See our full MobileHelp Medical Alert System Review.
Similarities Between Alert1 vs MobileHelp
These two reputable medical alert companies both have strong customer reviews and a line of both mobile and at-home devices. Both companies also feature durable, waterproof medical alert pendants that have ranges of at least 600 feet from the base unit.
Both Alert1 and MobileHelp partner with US-based response centers with rigorous requirements for their operators. Each company also partners with translation services in order to allow their operators to speak to a language-diverse customer base. Alert1’s response operators can communicate with users in 190 different languages, while MobileHelp is able to communicate in 240.
Alert1’s response operators can communicate with users in 190 different languages, while MobileHelp is able to communicate in 240.
Both companies offer monthly payment plans with free cancellation and no long-term contracts. In Alert1 and MobileHelp systems, almost all the devices are compatible with fall detection technology. Like most medical alert systems with fall detection, this technology is an added feature that can be tacked on to a subscription for an extra monthly cost of $10.
Main Differences Between Alert1 vs MobileHelp
These two medical alert companies offer comparable products in a similar price range, ut when comparing Alert1 vs MobileHelp, there are some key differences to keep in mind. The two companies offer a variety of options for payment, which affects how much the packages cost. MobileHelp offers a greater number of payment plans: Customers can pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Alert1 gives users a choice between paying monthly or prepaying 10 months of service in order to get one month free.
In terms of extra payments and hidden fees, both brands are upfront about pricing. Alert1 requires an activation fee on one product: The Classic Home costs $49.95 to set up. The brand also does not typically require equipment fees, but the watch has a one-time cost of $179.
Both systems offer wearable necklace pendants or wristbands. Alert1 also offers optional accessories like voice extenders and wall mounted buttons. For $99, users can purchase a voice extender to ease communication with the homebase in faraway sections of the house. Wall mounted buttons strategically placed throughout the home can act as a safety net in high-risk zones. For those concerned about getting rapid help, lockboxes grant EMTs immediate access to a home with a code, allowing a loved one to get help quicker. Alert1 offers lockboxes for $39, while MobileHelp includes them free with any system.
While MobileHelp’s landline home system has a comparable range to Alert1’s basic system — both cover users up to 600 feet — MobileHelp’s cell-based home device boasts a range of up to 1,400 feet. This makes MobileHelp´s cell-based device one of the widest ranges in the industry, on par with Medical Guardian’s device. Those considering fall detection should also note that Alert1’s fall detection pendant has a range of 400 feet.
Alert1 offers a mobile device in the form of a smart watch, the On-the-Go Wrist Watch. Active seniors who want a medical alert that doesn’t have the look of a typical alert might prefer the discretion of a medical smart watch. It has simple, intuitive features accessible by a touch screen, as well as an SOS button users push on the side of the watch face. MobileHelp formerly offered a similar watch, but it is no longer on the market.
The Touch is MobileHelp’s most high-tech option. This touchscreen tablet is an interactive home base that allows users to speak to the operator in an emergency, but it also provides medication reminders, weather reports, and even allows users to upload a rotating photo gallery for decor.
Alert1 does not have a caregiver app, while MobileHelp does. MobileHelp Connect is a secure app that allows caregivers to stay involved in their loved one’s daily care. This health management app includes location services, event notifications, medication reminders, and vitals and activity tracking. Authorized caregivers can locate the device — and thus the wearers — on a map. They can also check in on the system periodically to make sure that it’s working properly. The user selects the specific caregivers to be notified in case of an emergency.
Key Takeaways
- Alert1 currently sells a medical alert smartwatch, while MobileHelp’s watch is unavailable.
- Both Alert1 and MobileHelp lines include portable and at-home medical alert buttons with a range of cellular and landline options for coverage.
- Each company offers optional automatic fall detection for an additional $10 per month.
- Alert1 features more options for accessories, like voice extenders, smoke alarms, and wall-mounted buttons.
- The MobileHelp Touch is a high-tech tablet that allows users to interface with their device.
- MobileHelp has designed a health management app for caregivers, which is called MobileHelp Connect.
What Customers Are Saying About Both of the Brands and Their Products?
Both brands, MobileHelp and Alert1, have A+ ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). MobileHelp has accumulated 4.72 of 5 stars from BBB customers, while Alert1 has a 1.16-star customer rating on the same site. On Consumer Affairs, MobileHelp boasts a 4.6 of 5 stars, while Alert1 has garnered a 4.3-star rating. Since it is clear that customers have a range of opinions regarding both medical alert companies, we’ve selected several reviews to represent that wide variety in customer experiences. We chose comments that describe everything from customer service to response times, member care, and technical support.
MobileHelp Customer Reviews
“I am glad help is available to my Mother without a phone at home or a cell phone. My 7 siblings and I have peace of mind knowing that Mom has helpful neighbors that look in on her during the day and MobileHelp at night if an emergency arises. She can get help 24/7! We bought a year subscription as a gift to her and her neighbors. They are glad we got it for Mom and are on the call lists. Mom is adjusting to the pendant and wrist band attire.”
JOBY, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM BETTERBUSINESSBUREAU.COM)
“Very satisfied with system. Especially like the GPS unit, makes me feel safe. I had problem with main box after just a few months but customer rep was very helpful and received new unit within few days and is working fine.”
TAMI, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
“I had a false alarm almost every day. All the people in the company tried to help and were very kind, even sent me an older model, which might be less sensitive. Finally, I spoke with someone in technical support who told me I that I should never wear it when I ran with the dogs, or mowed the lawn or did anything active – which was the exact reason why I bought it in the first place. So it was a total waste of everyone’s time, so I returned it.”
ANN, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
“My mom had several falls and she lives alone. MobileHelp gives us confidence that she can continue to be independent, but that we are available when needed. The lady who answered the phone was extremely kind, professional and understanding. Since getting the link Mom has not fallen but we will update if this happens.”
JACKIE, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
Alert1 Customer Reviews
“I am extremely happy with Alert services. My mom has mentioned several times how secure she feels knowing she has this system in her home. Every time my mom has used the alert button, you’ve responded almost immediately. Also, Alert calls me to let me know my mom has pressed the button and is in distress. Thank you.”
DIANE, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
“This was the first time we had pushed the Alert 1 button in response to an actual emergency. It has however been hit many times accidentally. Every time we have hit it accidentally the response time has been outstanding but when there was an actual emergency the response time was very slow. Not sure if this was on your end or the emergency responders (went to wrong house). Alert operator did not appear to be as well-trained and professional as previous operators. Situation turned out ok but the delay in the response time could have been life-threatening.”.
ROGER, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
“The Alert1 has good volume and sensitivity to be heard away from the base station within the house. I doubt you could be heard from outside. It could be made more clear how the fall pendant does not provide voice communication, only the base station. The sensitivity of the fall pendant has been shown to be on the sensitive side, producing about 1 false call per 2 days. However, I would rather they error on the sensitive side than on the insensitive side and miss an actual unfortunate event. I would recommend it to a friend that could use a fall detector.”
ROGER, VERIFIED USER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
Bottom Line
Between MobileHelp vs Alert1, the two companies offer a similar range of personal emergency response systems in a comparable price range. We like that each offers discounts for bundling or prepaying for services, and that fall detection is an option for those who fear that a fall or medical event could prevent their loved one from being able to call for help.
For caregivers looking to monitor their loved one remotely, we like MobileHelp. For those who are concerned about the possibility of a parent or grandparent falling, these devices can help them feel connected — even remotely. This company’s caregiver app, MobileHelp Connect, loops in selected contacts so that they can help in the health management of their family member. The app alerts caregivers to medical events, allows them to program medication reminders, and even notifies users of vitals like their glucose levels.
If caregiver features are important to your medical alert system, you might also consider Aloe Care Health, Medical Guardian, and Lifefone, which are three companies that also use apps to keep caregivers involved in the care of their loved ones. Additionally, Bay Alarm Medical addresses concerns about driving with an in-car system. It combines automatic crash detection with boundary and destination alerts for comprehensive tracking.
Some might find that what Alert1 lacks in a caregiver app, it makes up for in options for customization. The company offers numerous extras, like wall buttons, voice extenders, and monitored smoke alarms, which you can use to outfit your household with additional safety measures.
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 spent collectively more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. To make our picks, here’s what we did:
- 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 MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems
We reviewed the Alert1 and MobileHelps Medical Alert Systems based on the following criteria:
- Price of installation and monthly service
- Warranties, contracts, and (whether it has 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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Alert1 medical alert systems costs fromt $28.95 per month for its basic package to $58.95 for its most comprehensive system. By prepaying 10 months upfront, users can save around $10 on their monthly subscription cost.
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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