Life Alert has long been synonymous with a medical alert system. It’s often advertised on TV and through leaflets in the mail—and popularized the phrase “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up,” portraying older adults as weak and helpless. Despite Life Alert’s memorable marketing, the brand doesn’t offer the medical alert system features its competitors do, is expensive, and requires long-term contracts for their services. For this and other reasons, which we’ll explain below, NCOA does not recommend Life Alert.

“Although Life Alert is widely known, it might not necessarily be the best fit for you,” said Celina Hawthorne, OTD, an occupational therapist and owner of Grace in Motion Rehab in Nacogdoches, Texas. “When choosing a medical alert system, it’s important to find one that fits your lifestyle, is easy and comfortable to wear, and reliably provides quick communication in an emergency. Think about your daily routines, whether you need coverage outside your home, and if you prefer extra features like automatic fall detection or GPS tracking.”

We’ve put together a list of our top Life Alert alternatives to help you find a more affordable medical alert system with great customer service, desirable features, and no long-term contracts so you can get the best value for your money.

Our Top Pick

Medical Guardian

Best Overall

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• Several model types for different preferences
• Five-Diamond Certified Monitoring Center

• Longest at-home range

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Bay Alarm Medical

Best Customer Service

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• 15-day trial period
• Long battery life

• At-home, on-the-go, and smartwatch options available

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MobileHelp

Best Value

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• No equipment or activation fees
• Low monthly subscription fees

• Plan bundling options 

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Shop these Life Alert Alternatives:

• Medical Guardian: Best Overall
• Bay Alarm Medical: Best Customer Service
• MobileHelp: Best Value

Compare Life Alert to better medical alert system alternatives in 2025

Why we don’t recommend Life Alert

We’ve spent years researching medical alert systems so we can help older adults maintain their independence and feel safe in their homes for as long as possible. Every time we test medical alert systems, Life Alert stands apart from the rest, but not in a good way. 

Here are the top six reasons why we discourage using Life Alert:

1. No pricing transparency

When researching medical alert systems, we usually have no trouble understanding the pricing options. We can easily find monthly subscription fees, equipment or activation fees, package options, warranty and trial period information, and more. 

Life Alert shares none of this information online. To learn about Life Alert’s pricing structure, its activation and setup fees, and any other important details about their devices, you’ll need to call the company directly. 

2. No online transactions

The customer service staff one of our testers spoke with told her they don’t do any online transactions. So getting started with Life Alert takes time. They mail you a paper copy of your contract (more on that later), a HIPPA form for medical information, and any other information they need, and then you sign those papers and mail them back to the company to get started. 

If you’re looking to get started with a device quickly, this is not the best option. 

3. Life Alert is (very) expensive

Life Alert’s monthly subscription rate is double the price of other medical alert brands. Its at-home Micro Voice Pendant System, which includes a home base device and a waterproof necklace with a help button, costs $69 a month. The next most expensive at-home device is Medical Guardian’s MGClassic, which costs $36.95 a month. 

Life Alert charges an extra $20 a month to add a wall button for the shower, making the cost for both devices $89/month. Most brands include the shower button with the home device, or charge a one-time fee to add it on. For example, buying extra wall-mounted help buttons through Bay Alarm costs $35 each, or you can buy four buttons for $130. There are no extra subscription fees. 

To bundle the home device, the shower button, and Life Alert’s mobile device with GPS, it costs another $20 a month, bringing the total monthly costs up to $109.85 if you want an at-home and on the go plan. To compare, MobileHelp’s Home Duo bundle, with the at-home and on the go devices, costs $44.95 a month. If you add an extra waterproof wall-mounted button to your Mobile Help Home Duo bundle, the total cost is $47.94 a month. 

But Life Alert’s high prices aren’t limited to its monthly fees. The brand also charges a one-time $248 activation and setup fee. The next most expensive setup fee for an at-home device is $99.95 for a home device through Medical Alert, costing less than half of Life Alert’s fee.

4. Life Alert doesn’t offer fall detection

Even though Life Alert’s entire marketing campaign is based on the phrase, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up,” the brand does not offer fall detection, a feature you can find in most other medical alert systems and even in the Apple Watch. 

Fall detection uses accelerometer sensors to determine if a person fell based on their speed and positioning. If you are considered a fall risk due to a history of falls, visual problems, reduced muscle strength, or a number of other reasons, choosing a medical alert device with fall detection can be a wise move, offering an extra layer of protection. 

When one of our testers spoke to Life Alert about this feature, the customer service staff told her, “Life Alert invented fall detection.” He also told her “fall detection doesn’t work, it’s a gimmick,” and “it drains the device’s battery.”

While it’s true that fall detection isn’t 100% accurate, it’s close. A research study conducted in 2020 found fall detection devices to have an average accuracy rate of 93%. 

If Life Alert did invent fall detection, they don’t appear to have patented it, as our scouring of patent records failed to show any patents owned by Life Alert.

5. Life Alert requires a contract

Most medical alert systems we’ve researched don’t require a contract. All of the brands on our list of the best medical alert systems offer no-contract subscriptions. But Life Alert requires its users to sign a 36-month “membership agreement.” When our tester asked for more details about the contract or membership agreement, her Life Alert customer service rep told her she could back out of the agreement within a week of signing it. Otherwise, she needs to prove the primary user had died or moved to a full-time care facility.

When our tester pushed to find out about cancellation fees if she needed to cancel the contract for another reason, the customer service employee told her she just needed to “call him directly” and he would take care of it. He never fully answered her question. Unfortunately, Life Alert won’t send you the contract to review without first receiving credit card information, so we’re still unclear on the terms. 

6. We experienced predatory sales tactics

You cannot receive concrete information on pricing or details about Life Alert without calling directly. Once you’re on the phone, the initial customer service representative will not transfer you to someone who can answer your questions without first receiving your name, address, and phone number. 

When our tester made it clear they didn’t want a brochure, they received one anyway. When one of our testers spoke with customer service, the representative made a number of false or misleading claims, including:

• CLAIM: Life Alert is the only doctor-recommended service 
  • TRUTH: While it’s difficult to confirm this claim, Stephen Yeh, MD, a board certified emergency physician in Charlotte, North Carolina, recommends medical alert system shoppers consider “Cost, ease-of-use, and fall detection” when purchasing a device. Two of those three factors remove Life Alert from being a top pick for doctors.
• CLAIM: Life Alert is the only device compatible with pacemakers and heart monitors
  • TRUTH: This is false. The majority of medical alert systems are safe for use by those with pacemakers.
• CLAIM: Life Alert calls emergency services directly, bypassing 911
  • TRUTH: This is false. We contacted emergency services, who informed us they only receive dispatch calls from 911. 
• CLAIM: Life Alert has no short-term members 
  • TRUTH: This is true, but most likely due to its required three-year contract. 

Along with Life Alert’s wobbly relationship with the truth, the sales team is persistent. One of our testers received 12 calls and six texts from Life Alert in the month following her mystery shopping call. Another tester had to block their number within a few days to stop the calls from coming.

There are many more medical alert systems on the market offering similar (or better) features at a much lower price, with fair sales and contractual practices. To help you find a better device, we’ve recommended three brands below that have done well in our firsthand testing. 

To learn more about researching and purchasing a medical alert system, see our medical alert buyer’s guide. 

How Life Alert falls short

• No fall detection
• Highest monthly fees on the market
• Charges $248 installation fee even though the at-home setup can be done by yourself like any other system
• Hard (and sometimes impossible) to cancel your contract
• Restrictive three-year contract
• Aggressive and predatory sales practices

How Life Alert stands out

• Long 10-year battery life for help buttons (industry average is five years)
• “Concierge” service—we haven’t tested this so we don’t know if it’s valuable

Our reviews of the top Life Alert alternatives

Medical Guardian: Best Overall

We chose Medical Guardian as “Best Life Alert Alternative Overall” for its ease of use, range of product offerings for different lifestyles, and its high value for the features. 

Medical Guardian

Best Overall

(800) 313-1191

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• Avg. response time: 29 seconds

• Max. in-home device range: 1,400 feet

Medical Guardian features

• Max. battery life: Five days
• Fall detection: Yes, $10 extra/month
• GPS tracking: Yes
• App available: Yes
• Contract required: No

(800) 313-1191

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Why we chose Medical Guardian as Best Overall

We like that Medical Guardian offers a range of different devices. The MGMini is a lightweight, compact mobile system typically worn as a necklace or on a belt loop, making it easy to carry and travel with. The MGClassic and MGHome Cellular are the base-level in-home systems. Lastly, the MGMiniLite and MGMove are smartwatches worn on the wrist with sizing similar to an Apple watch. 

Medical Guardian also has an optional app to review past calls and battery status and create reminders for appointments or medication dosages. The app also features a caregiver portal for those who want to stay connected to care partners. With 14% of the population caring for older adults in the United States (about 37 million people), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this feature can be necessary for many.²

Our testing experience with Medical Guardian

One of our testers was impressed with how fast the device charged and how easy the setup was. “There was care put into making the unboxing process easy for someone with dexterity issues,” one tester noted. “The entire package is just two pieces so it’s really easy to open and set up.” 

Testers said using the “testing mode” was intuitive and easy to navigate. But our users had some difficulty being able to cancel test calls. “Testing was easy and successful, but there should be a way to cancel a test without having to go through the whole process,” reported one tester.

When you need help, an immediate response from a monitoring center staffer is essential. “Getting timely help is critical because the quicker you receive care after an emergency—like a fall or sudden illness—the better your chances of avoiding serious complications or long-term disability,” explained Hawthorne, the occupational therapist in Texas. At 29 seconds, Medical Guardian had the fastest average response time of all brands we tested. 

Across all models, Medical Guardian received positive feedback from our testers about the sound quality when connecting with the monitoring company. 

Comparing Medical Guardian models

The Medical Guardian customer experience

• Warranty: Medical Guardian offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, and will replace the device if there are defects, but won’t cover wear and tear or damages. 
• Customer service: If you need more assistance, you can visit the Medical Guardian customer support page to fill out an online contact form, call, or send an email.
• Phone: 800-313-1191, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET (Technical support only)
• Email: info@medicalguardian.com

The Medical Guardian website also has a chat feature found in the lower right-hand corner of the website to answer your questions or provide resources. 

Bay Alarm Medical: Best Customer Service

We chose Bay Alarm Medical as the Life Alert alternative with the “Best Customer Service” because of its friendly, personable, and professional customer service representatives and monitoring center staff. We also appreciate the number of languages Bay Alarm Medical supports—about 170. 

Bay Alarm Medical

Best Customer Service

(877) 522-9633

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• Average response time: 51 seconds

• Max. in-home device range: 1,000 feet

Bay Alarm Medical features

• Max. battery life: Three days
• Fall detection: Yes, $10/month extra
• GPS tracking: Yes
• App available: Yes
• Contract required: No

(877) 522-9633

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Why we chose Bay Alarm Medical as Best Customer Service

Bay Alarm Medical offers both in-home and on-the-go systems and has been a long-time maker of medical alert systems with excellent customer service. We tested Bay Alarm's models: SOS Smartwatch, SOS Mobile, and In-Home Premium. We used the chat feature to ask questions about Bay Alarm Medical’s devices and warranty, and the representative was prompt and friendly with their responses. 

Its monitoring center had quick response times (average time of 51 seconds), and staff was helpful and kind every time we called the monitoring center for test calls. Testers said the monitoring center staff put them at ease by answering the phone by first saying their name and confirming the name of the tester. “They're very cheerful and kind. I like how they tell me their name and say mine,” a tester said. This is the only medical alert company we’ve tested that always answers the phone by saying their name and verifying the name of the user. 

The in-home device isn’t as discreet as other models we tested, such as the MGHome Cellular from Medical Guardian, but Bay Alarm’s systems are lower in monthly cost. We also appreciated that Bay Alarm Medical provides customer support for more than 170 languages, significantly more than other companies.⁴

Our testing experience with Bay Alarm Medical

Setting up the Bay Alarm At-Home system was seamless, and our tester was able to connect the device to the network without any concerns. Our testers had positive experiences with the monitoring center. It was an easy and pleasant experience, notes one tester. “The staff sounded cheerful and ready to help. The device is loud and screeches a little when the call first connects, so it was hard to sometimes catch their name. They ask if I need help, and that part of their sentence can be heard clearly.” We’ve found some other brands have staffers who aren’t as personable, but our tester for the SOS All-In-One model said the staff answered the test call identifying themselves by name each time and were efficient but thoughtful in their responses. 

Our testers preferred to wear their devices on their belt loop or in their purse or pocket. According to one tester, “If you're wearing it as a necklace, the lanyard is thick and not that pretty, and it's obvious it's a medical alert system.”

Comparing Bay Alarm Medical models

The Bay Alarm Medical customer experience

• Warranty and trial period: Bay Alarm Medical offers a 15-day risk-free trial period for all medical alert devices and includes a standard warranty for the base station, protecting it from issues occurring from “normal wear and tear” or manufacturing defects. An optional monthly protection fee of $2.95–$4.95, depending on the device, can be canceled anytime and covers one free replacement per year.
• Customer service: If you need more assistance, you can visit the Bay Alarm Medical customer support page to fill out an online contact form, call, or send an email.
• Phone: 877-522-9633, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT.
• Email: cs@bayalarmmedical.com

The Bay Alarm Medical website also has a chat feature, which we found to be responsive and helpful. Once you send a message, a real-life support person will respond within 15–30 seconds to answer your questions or provide support. 

MobileHelp: Best Value

We chose MobileHelp as the Life Alert alternative with the “Best Value” for its home models, offered at a monthly fee of $24.95. There are no activation or equipment fees, and the company offers discounts periodically. If you pay annually, you also can receive a free lockbox, which helps if emergency services need to enter your home. 

MobileHelp

Best Value

(877) 827-6207

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• Avg. response time: 49 seconds

• Max. in-home device range: 600 feet

MobileHelp features

• Max. battery life: 24 hours
• Fall detection: Yes, $11 extra/month
• GPS tracking: Yes
• App available: Yes
• Contract required: Yes, three-month agreement

(877) 827-6207

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Why we chose MobileHelp as Best Value

MobileHelp offers three devices: The MobileHelp Classic, the MobileHelp Micro, and MobileHelp Solo. The Classic has models for both landline and cellular base stations. The company doesn’t offer a smartwatch option, but you can wear the alert button as a necklace or on the wrist. MobileHelp also offers the ability to bundle devices to save money—you can bundle an at-home and GPS device for $44.95 per month, or bundle two GPS devices together for $49.95.

MobileHelp medical alert system devices are one of the more affordable alert systems on the market. With no start-up or equipment fees, you only pay for monthly monitoring. And if you choose to pay annually, the company also provides a free lockbox. MobileHelp monthly pricing starts at $24.95. This is a good value, considering there are plenty of models to choose from, all of which performed well in our testing. 

Our testing experience with MobileHelp

We tested the Classic and Solo devices and found the user manual contained helpful pictures to follow along during the setup process. One tester had difficulty connecting the Classic model to the network and had to call customer service. They got the device up and running after the customer service representative installed an update to the device. 

During testing for the Classic model, our reviewer reported the sound quality had some static and was softer, but the Solo was clear and easy to understand. 

Our tester thought the Solo wasn’t the most comfortable to wear. “The device itself is heavy on my chest and bounces a bit as I walk. If I jog or make more sudden movements, the device swings back and forth and hits my chest.” Still, a necklace can bring more peace of mind if you use fall detection. Studies show wearing a fall detection device around the neck at chest level provides the greatest level of accuracy.³ And the lanyard is adjustable, so positioning the device higher on the neck could help it feel steadier.

Comparing MobileHelp models

The MobileHelp customer experience

• Warranty and trial period: MobileHelp offers a lifetime warranty on its devices, and the equipment is included as long as you’re actively subscribed to a service plan. There is a protection plan available for $6.99 a month, which allows you to get a replacement device and two necklaces a year. 
• Customer service: If you need more assistance, you can visit the MobileHelp customer support page to fill out an online contact form or call.
• Phone: 877-827-6207, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
• Chat: Available on the MobileHelp website, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Frequently asked questions

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org 

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts About Falls. May 9, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/ 
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month with BLS Data. Nov. 30, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/blog/2023/celebrating-national-family-caregivers-month-with-bls-data.htm
3. 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
4. Bay Alarm Medical. Language Line Services. Found on the internet at https://www.bayalarmmedical.com/medical-alert-system/languages/