Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023

Best Medical Alert Systems Ratings of 2023

• Best for an Active Lifestyle: Medical Guardian
• Best At-Home System: MobileHelp
• Best Pricing Options: Bay Alarm Medical
• Best for Customer-Friendly Practices: ADT Health
• Best Mobile System: LifeFone
• Best for Those With Memory Loss: HandsFree Health
• Best for Mobility Challenges: Aloe Care Health
• Best for custom Safety Accessories: Alert1
• Best Service Availability: Medical Alert
• No Wearable Device Required: GetSafe
• Best for Couples or Roommates: One Call Alert

Medical Alert Research Breakdown

The AgingInPlace.org team extensively researched and tested numerous medical alert systems. We selected only the best medical alert companies to help you choose the right system for you or your loved one. Our content is medically reviewed and unbiased to help you choose the right medical alert system for you or your loved one. An AginginPlace.org survey of 1,000 people revealed that more than 94% of medical alert device users or their caregivers were satisfied with their device.

From more than 1,000 hours of research, we chose 11 of the top brands that we believe are the best medical alert systems. We did the following throughout our research process:

• Consulted with geriatricians and adult caregivers
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed medical alert system users twice
• Tested various medical alert systems
• Interviewed experts in the medical and aging adult fields
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties, such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

We grade each medical alert company against a 1–10 rating scale and score them according to the following categories:

• Essential features
• Product functionality
• Add-on features
• Customer service
• Purchasing process

Features and criteria within each of these five categories are assigned point values. The more points a brand receives for each criteria, the higher they score in the overall category.

See our full explanation of our research methodology for a breakdown of criteria in each category and our scoring system.

Top Medical Alert Systems

What Is a Medical Alert System?

Medical alert systems are devices that help protect older adults or people with limited mobility when they are in or outside their homes. In case of an emergency, such as a fall, burn, or accidental overdose, the systems connect the user to a 24/7 monitoring center via a button, pull string, voice command or wearable device.

These systems can allow you to continue living your best life in your home and give your loved ones peace of mind knowing you’re always one call away from receiving help.

Many models now offer features beyond basic monitoring, like fall detection, GPS location monitoring, medication and appointment reminders, and even motion sensors to monitor your loved one’s activity level for all-around safety promotion and care.

How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?

Medical alert systems are connected to a 24/7 emergency monitoring center. Users can contact the monitoring center with the push of a button, their voice, or if the sensors detect a fall. When a monitoring center agent is contacted, they’ll dispatch emergency services—or a loved one—to the user’s home, depending on the severity of the situation or the person’s saved device settings. Most companies offer at-home and mobile systems.

At-home medical alert systems protect you or your loved one primarily inside the home or around the yard. The at-home base station connects to a monitoring center via landline or cellular service and may offer coverage ranging from 200 feet (Aloe Care Health) to 1,400 feet (Medical Guardian and LifeFone, among others) from the base station.

Mobile medical alert systems protect you or your loved one either at home or on the go with a wearable device that connects to the monitoring center via cellular service. Mobile medical alert systems are typically available in button, pendant, or even smartwatch styles and offer protection anywhere outside of the home.

Most medical alert systems are easy to set up and don’t need to be professionally installed. Many companies refer to this easy installation as “plug and play.” You’re able to plug in, test, and use your system right away. Many companies offer video tutorials and step-by-step instructions to help you set up and test your system yourself. If your device includes fall detection, most systems will include specific instructions for testing this feature.

Types of Medical Alert Systems

Your medical alert system package will include at least two or more pieces of equipment. Let’s break down the most common ones.

In-Home

The at-home base unit is the main equipment of at-home medical alert systems. It’s also called a base station. The base unit connects to the monitoring center via landline or cellular network. Most at-home base units have an emergency button and two-way speakers. At-home systems also include a help button. 

The help button connects to the at-home base unit and can be worn as a pendant or bracelet. When you wear your help button, you’re connected to your base unit as long as you stay within its connection range.

During an emergency, you’ll press the button on your pendant or bracelet. If slippery areas like your shower or the garage are worrisome for you, wearable, water-resistant pendants can provide added confidence knowing that you can connect to help if an emergent event takes place. Many at-home pendants include optional fall detection for an additional fee.“Before pursuing the fall detection feature, have a good understanding about the types of falls most likely to be detected with the device,” said Christopher Norman, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Gerontologist, and Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse at PACE CNY. “A sudden drop from a standing position, such as tripping over something, may register the fall differently than a lower velocity fall like falling from a chair. Both scenarios may result in a situation where a person may not be able to independently get up from the floor.”

Mobile

A mobile medical alert system can be used both in and outside of your home by connecting to the monitoring center via cellular service. These systems are small (about the size of a pager), lightweight, and are designed to be worn around your neck or clipped to clothing. Many are water-resistant and have a multiple-day battery life—perfect if you enjoy a more on-the-go lifestyle. 

You can reach the monitoring center with the push of a button or if fall detection is activated. Most mobile systems include GPS tracking and a two-way speaker enabling the use to speak with a monitoring center agent during an emergency.

When the mobile device is charging on your mobile base station, it can also function as an at-home medical alert system.

Wearable Medical Alert Systems

Watches are the newest wearable medical alert technology. These smartwatches don’t need to be Bluetooth connected to a smartphone and are simple to operate. This option is even more discreet than a standard mobile medical alert system since it also functions as a watch.

Medical alert smartwatches feature a help button and two-way speaker in case of an emergency. Many watches also include a pedometer, heart rate monitor, and GPS capabilities. Fall detection isn’t typically available with smartwatches because common arm movements are more likely to be falsely registered as a fall. 

Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, Alert1, and HandsFree Health offer smartwatch options.

Features of Medical Alert Systems

Automatic Fall Detection

Fall detection doesn’t prevent falls, but it helps shorten your “lie time,” which is the length of time that passes between when a fall occurs and when emergency response arrives. A longer lie time can result in more severe injuries and lengthen your recovery time in the hospital.

If you’ve fallen before, the risk of falling again doubles according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fall prevention is crucial for anyone with heart conditions or hearing and/or vision loss, but most older adults can benefit from this safety feature.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking, which shares your location with a monitoring center agent so they can dispatch help to your exact location, is available with most mobile systems. Your loved ones can easily access location tracking on a caregiver portal or app. They’ll be able to see if you’ve arrived at a destination safely, and be able check in with you throughout the day.

If you’re shopping around for a medical alert system for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, GPS tracking is a crucial feature to look out for since one of the most common symptoms of dementia is wandering.

Caregiver App

Many medical alert companies include a mobile app to help keep important caregiver information in one place. Most apps allow caregivers and loved ones to:

• Receive notifications if the monitoring center has been contacted
• Access GPS tracking
• Set up medication and appointment reminders, and input medication changes if alterations are made during a physician appointment
• Monitor air quality and temperature

The mobile app may be free or cost an additional monthly fee depending on the company.

Medication Reminders

Medication and appointment reminders can be set by a caregiver and will alert you when it’s time to take your medication or refill it. More advanced medication reminders can even let you know your exact dosage.

Wall Buttons

You can extend your medical alert system’s coverage throughout your home with wall-mounted buttons. Some brands, like GetSafe and Medical Guardian, offer voice-activated wall buttons so you don’t need to be right by the button to contact the monitoring center. Additional wall buttons are great if you have a larger home or want to add coverage to high-traffic areas, like stairs, doorways, or slippery rooms, such as the shower, kitchen, or garage.

Battery Life

Your at-home base station has a backup battery to keep your system running in case the power goes out. This backup battery typically has a 32- to 36-hour battery life. HandsFree Health’s WellBe Smart Speaker has the lowest backup battery life at eight hours. 

The battery life for mobile systems and medical alert smartwatches refers to how long the device can run on a full charge before it needs to be recharged. Most smartwatch batteries last up to 24 hours.

Water-Resistant Pendants

Many wall buttons and wearable pendants are water-resistant for protection in slippery areas that are more prone to falls, like the shower, kitchen, and garage. Water-resistant means the device still works if it’s splashed with water, but it shouldn’t be fully submerged.

Activity Monitoring

Activity monitoring isn’t a common feature included in many medical alert systems. Aloe Care Health is the only brand in this list that offers motion sensors. This is an excellent feature to check in on your loved one’s activity level at home to make sure they’re comfortably moving around. You’ll get an alert if your loved one’s movement patterns change or stop. 

LifeFone has an activity check-in service that’s more low-tech. You will be reminded daily through the base station to check in with a monitoring center agent by pressing the base station button. This feature is $6 per month. 

The WellBe Smart Speaker and Smartwatch have Bluetooth capabilities that connect to other smart devices in the house, such as window and door sensors. You can receive alerts on your own smart device if your loved one is attempting to leave their home. 

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 60% of those with dementia wander or may get lost in a once-familiar location, so this feature is valuable even for a caregiver who is in the same house as a user but may be in a different room or out in the yard when help is needed.

Home Temperature Monitoring

Some at-home base stations monitor the indoor temperature level to make sure you or your loved one’s home is always a safe, comfortable environment. If the temperature level is dangerously high or low, the base station automatically contacts the emergency monitoring center and emergency responders are sent to the home. 

Medical alert system models with home temperature monitoring: 

• LifeFone At-Home Landline and Cellular 
• ADT Health Medical Alert Basic and Medical Alert Plus 
• Aloe Care Health Essentials, Essentials Plus, and Total Care

Spouse or Roommate Monitoring

Some companies let you cover two people in the same home under one 24/7 monitoring fee. You can purchase another pendant or help button for a monthly or one-time fee. MobileHelp and One Call Alert take this a step further by offering a subscription with two mobile systems for the price of one.

Wellness Checks

LifeFone is the only company on this list to offer a daily wellness check-in ($19 per month). A monitoring center agent will call at the same time each day to check in to make sure your loved one is doing well. They can also remind them to take their medication or any other reminders. A well-structured support system can offer you the same care if this feature isn’t available on the device of your choice.

Multilingual Support

Many medical alert monitoring centers provide multilingual services, but it’s sometimes difficult to tell on a company’s website if multilingual support is available. Medical Alert offers multilingual support in more than 140 languages, and Alert1 has support in over 190 languages.

How Much Does a Medical Alert System Cost?

While the average monthly cost for medical alert systems is $20–$60 per month, there’s no one-size-fits-all price. The cost of your medical system will depend on your:

• Model type
• Additional fees
• Add-on features
• Payment schedule (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually)

Compare Medical Alert Systems Monthly and Annual Costs

You may be able to lower your monthly monitoring fee if you choose an annual payment plan. You’ll pay for the annual subscription upfront, but you’ll save $30–$40 per year compared to if you paid month-by-month. 

Not all medical alert companies offer an annual plan discount.

Upfront Fees

The monthly monitoring fee is the base cost of your medical alert system. Most companies charge activation, equipment, and/or shipping fees when you order your system.

Activation Fee: Some companies have a one-time “activation fee” or “processing fee” that may cover the purchase of the device or is an additional charge for setting up the equipment. 

Equipment Fee: This is a one-time payment on top of your monthly cost. The equipment fee is charged separately if you’re purchasing the medical alert system, and it’s bundled into your monthly costs if you’re renting it. Many mobile systems and smartwatches have an equipment fee, so you’ll own the equipment even if you cancel your subscription. 

Shipping Fee: Your shipping cost may be a flat rate or can be based on your location. Many companies offer free shipping with annual, semi-annual, and/or quarterly payment plans, or as an introductory offer. Shipping costs typically aren’t displayed on a company’s site until you’ve almost finished the checkout process.

*For annual, semi-annual, and/or quarterly payment plans

Cost of Additional Features

Fall detection may be an extra $5–$10 per month and is available for at-home and mobile systems. At-home fall detection is available through a specific lanyard that connects to the base station. If you opt for fall detection with your mobile system, it will be built into the device—no extra equipment is needed. Some companies include fall detection for free with certain models. 

GPS tracking technology is included with most mobile systems. Some companies charge an additional $5–$9 per month or may limit the number of times you can check your loved one’s location. 

Lockboxes may be available for a one-time fee ($25–$40), monthly charge ($3–$4 per month), or will be free with your subscription. A free lockbox included with your medical alert system is a frequent deal companies offer throughout the year. You may also receive a free lockbox with quarterly or annual payment plans.

Wall buttons are a common add-on accessory. They typically are $2.95–$3.95 each per month or a $30–$40 one-time payment. Push buttons are less expensive and more standard, but voice-activated buttons can cover even more range if you’re too far to push the button or aren’t wearing your help button. 

Extra pendants are sometimes included for free with annual subscriptions or other special payment plans. Not all companies offer an extra pendant, but those that do usually charge about $2–$4 per month or a one-time fee of $30–$40. 

Medication reminders are sometimes available for $5–$10 per month. Alert1 offers a medication reminder and organizer for a one-time payment of $149.95.

Warranties, Paid Protection Plans, and Other Policies

*Alert1’s protection plan is charged as an annual, semiannual, or quarterly payment

Manufacturer warranties cover product defects due to manufacturing or mechanical issues, such as faulty parts or incorrect assembly. These warranties don’t cover the cost if you’ve damaged or lost the equipment. 

Manufacturer warranties are usually included with most medical alert systems, but you’ll pay out of pocket if you damage or lose your system.

Protection plans cover your equipment from damages beyond a manufacturer’s warranty. Typical protection plans will typically replace your equipment if it’s lost, damaged, or stolen, but perks will vary from company to company. A protection plan can usually be added to your subscription for about $3–$8 per month. 

Money-back guarantees are available with all medical alert systems in this review. Most companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you’ll get a full refund if you cancel your subscription within 30 days after receiving your equipment. 

Price-lock guarantees are available with some brands to make sure your medical alert subscription payments don’t go up—even if the company increases the price. You’ll be “locked” into the original price you paid when you first bought your system.

How to Choose a Medical Alert System

Just because your neighbor or cousin recommends a certain medical alert system doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your loved one, the medical alert system should match the actual user’s lifestyle and needs. An in-person evaluation with an older adult-specialized healthcare professional can provide invaluable insight when choosing the best medical alert for you.

Most companies offer at-home and mobile equipment options that follow three standard options. Harvard Medical School breaks these options down into three levels: 

1. At-home base station paired with a wearable button with a short range and limited features
2. At-home base station paired with a wearable button that includes fall detection and other special features
3. A mobile device worn around your neck or placed in your pocket or purse that is powered by cellular technology for protection on the go 

Max Mayblum, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and the founder and CEO of Givers, stated, “Medical alert device shoppers should consider three pillars of preparedness: usability, coverage, and adherence. The device you select should be simple to operate, work in all parts of the home, and likely to actually be used by the loved one.”

With this in mind, useful features may include cellular connectivity (eliminating the need for Wi-Fi), passive monitoring (for ease of use and increased adherence), and long battery life to limit the reliance on charging.

Medical Alert System Effects on Everyday Life

AgingInPlace.org Study Data

AgingInPlace.org surveyed 1,000 medical alert system users and caregivers in 2022. We wanted to learn firsthand what leads someone to purchase a medical alert system, preferred features and improvements, and how using a medical alert system affects the user or caregiver’s daily routine.

The top reason respondents purchased a medical alert system was out of precaution, but a significant fall and medical event were both the second most popular reason.

An overwhelming 90.8% of respondents felt more confident performing daily activities knowing their medical alert device will provide them with immediate assistance.

*Pricing is accurate as of December 14, 2022.