1
Best Overall
9.9
Exceptional
Best for adults living independently

Has GPS and fall detection options
Devices are shower safe
Olympics Sale! 75% off the MGMini Lite
2
Most Popular
9.8
Exceptional
Many at-home and on-the-go options
No equipment or activation fees
Annual plans with 1 Free Month & 50% Off Fall Detection
3
Easiest to Use
9.4
Excellent
Fall detection can be added to every device
No long term contracts
30 hours of backup battery power
4
Best Two-for-One Deal
8.8
Very Good
Water-resistant systems
GPS-enabled with two-way communication
Offers two medical alert systems for one monitoring fee
30 day trial period
5
Longest Battery Life
9.6
Excellent
10-day battery life
User-friendly system setup and testing
No cancellation fees or long-term contracts

Our Best Overall Medical Alert Necklace

1
Best Overall
9.9
Exceptional
Best for adults living independently

GPS and fall detection options
Devices are shower safe
Olympics Sale! 75% off the MGMini Lite
Our Top Pick

Best Medical Alert Necklaces: Key Takeaways

Medical alert systems can provide an extra measure of safety for older adults and anyone who lives alone or has a medical condition. While most medical alert companies provide both in-home units and on-the-go devices, not all of them offer medical alert necklaces. If you’re active or simply like to have your hands free while wearing your medical alert, a medical alert necklace could be just what you’re looking for.

Medical alert necklaces, also known as medical alert pendants, feature a help button that allows you to connect with your in-home base unit or mobile unit so you can call for help in an emergency. Each system has different features, so it’s important to first identify your needs and choose one that’s best for you. We’ve researched and tested medical alert systems and necklaces to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing a medical alert system

The best medical alert system for you will depend on your situation and lifestyle. Thinking about your budget and the factors most important to you in a device can help you narrow down the options.

Considerations when shopping for a medical alert system

Device Type

We recommend an at-home system if you spend most of your time at home and are accompanied by a caregiver when outside your home.

A mobile system may be better if you’re more independent and enjoy on-the-go activities outside your home without a caregiver.

Connection

If your area has poor cellular service, a medical alert system with a landline connection may be the right choice. Remember that you must have an active landline connection for the system to connect to the monitoring center.

Range

Most at-home systems with a cellular connection have a longer connection range than a landline system. If you have a large home or yard and prefer an at-home system, an at-home system with a cellular connection may be the best option.

Battery life

Lengthy battery life is important if you’re often away from home. Do you find yourself regularly away from home for hours at a time? An on-the-go device with a longer multi-day battery life may be important.

Fall detection

Are you or the person you’re buying a medical alert system for at risk of falling, or have you fallen in the past? If so, you may want a wearable device with fall detection.

Water-resistance

Water-resistant help buttons and mobile devices can be safely taken into the shower but cannot be submerged in water, such as while swimming or taking a bath. Waterproof devices can be fully submerged in water.

Cost of medical alert systems

Medical alert system plans often cost between $20-30 monthly, Some devices also charge activation fees, and one-time equipment fees, which can range from $50-350.

Insurance coverage for your medical alert system depends on your individual insurance plan. Many private insurance plans do not cover medical alert systems, but some long-term care insurance plans and Medicaid might, depending on your state. Call your provider to learn more about insurance coverage for medical alert devices.

While most medical alert systems have a monthly fee to cover the cost of 24/7 monitoring and emergency response services, there are alternatives. Some companies may offer quarterly or annual payment plans, which could result in overall savings. A few models on the market don’t require a monthly fee, but these typically do not include professional monitoring services. Instead, they function as personal alarms that notify pre-selected contacts or 911 in the event of an emergency.

Learn more about common medical alert system features.

Research from 2021 and 2023 shows that fall detection devices are more accurate when worn around the neck than on the wrist. Remember this when considering wrist-based fall detection devices like the Medical Guardian MGMove Smartwatch or the LifeFone At-Home and On-the-Go Safe Watch Active. In the event of a false fall detection alarm, the company will verify whether you need assistance. [5]Javier González-Cañete, Francisco and Casilari, Eduardo. A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Sensors. March 23, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/6/2254 [6]Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983

If fall detection is a feature you’re interested in, see our best medical alert systems with fall detection review.

In our Reviews Team survey of 1,000 medical alert system users, automatic fall detection was the top feature our survey respondents wanted with their medical alert system, with 60% of respondents indicating that this feature was important to them. Automatic fall detection was followed by a mobile app for caregivers and GPS location tracking, with 55% and 53% of respondents indicating this feature was important, respectively. [1]