Medical Guardian Review 2025
Our testers liked Medical Guardian’s fast response times, trusted fall detection, and long battery life.
- Medical Guardian medical alert systems are easy to set up and use, with great customer service and helpful features. It’s our top choice for medical alert systems we’ve tested.
- Medical Guardian devices range from $32–$47 a month, though you can lower your monthly fee by purchasing a quarterly or annual subscription.
- While we like the variety of models to fit many different lifestyles and needs, Medical Guardian can be more expensive with equipment fees and add-on costs.
At NCOA, we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent over 3,000 hours researching medical alert systems to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best medical alert systems, we:
- Put each medical alert system through our rigorous testing process at our in-house lab
- Consulted doctors and licensed adult caregivers who specialize in working with older adults
- Mystery shopped more than 15 brands
- Surveyed over 1,000 medical alert system users
- Tested 35 medical alert systems
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new medical alert systems to continue to share the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations.
Read more about our medical alert system review methodology.
Medical Guardian is our pick for the best medical alert system. It has a unique range of safety features, a large selection of features and prices, and the highest overall score from our firsthand testing.
The company offers five devices: The MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMini, MGMini Lite, and the MGMove. In this Medical Guardian review, we’ll show you how these devices performed in our testing, which features we recommend, and what you should consider when choosing a medical alert system.
Why Medical Guardian is our top pick
We chose Medical Guardian as our “Best Overall” medical alert system because it has one of the fastest average response times, a long battery life, a great mix of helpful features, and various device types and styles. When we evaluated features and tested the devices ourselves, we gave Medical Guardian a score of 9.9/10.
- Fast response times
- Longest in-home device range
- Strong battery life
Comparing Medical Guardian devices
| MG Classic | MGHome Cellular | MGMini | MGMove | MGMini Lite | |
| Device type | At-home | At-home | Mobile | Mobile | Mobile |
| Max. battery life | N/A | N/A | 5 days | 24 hours | 36 hours |
| GPS tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Standout feature | Landline-based, least expensive | LTE-based, syncs with necklace or wristband | Smallest and lightest device | Smartwatch with touch screen | Basic watch |
Medical Guardian pros and cons
Pros
- Clear audio quality
- Long in-home device range
- Strong battery life
- Fast average monitoring center response time
- Multiple models to fit a variety of lifestyles
- Offers two smartwatch options
Cons
- No trial period
- More expensive than other medical alert systems
- All devices require a $150–$200 equipment fee except for the MGClassic
- Our testers had some trouble trying to cancel test calls
Medical Guardian device reviews
MGClassic
The MGClassic is the most affordable and base-level option that Medical Guardian offers. It uses a landline to connect to the monitoring center. The MGClassic comes with a wristband or necklace help button that connects to the in-home base unit. If you’re looking for a reliable, basic, and cost-effective medical alert device and have a landline, the MG Classic could be a good choice.
MGClassic
- Device type: At-home
- Device range: 1,300 feet
- Fall detection available: Yes
- Max. battery life: N/A
- GPS tracking: No
- Caregiver alerts: Yes, for an extra fee
- Connection type: Landline
What’s different about the MGClassic
The MGClassic is the simplest and least expensive model ($36.95/month) Medical Guardian offers. It uses a landline hookup, which can be helpful for those who live in more rural areas without internet or cell service. It’s a basic alert system with a base station that pairs with a help button you can wear as a necklace or watch.
You can add extra features to the MGClassic based on your preferences, such as a wall button ($2.99/month) or fall detection ($10/month). Wall buttons call the monitoring center when you press them. You can place one or more in the home, especially where falls happen more often,1 such as the stairway, bathroom, and bedroom. Just make sure to place them where you could reach them in a fall, lower down on the wall. The MGClassic also has the option to download the free MyGuardian portal and app. You can use the app for billing, managing your care circle, or viewing your system history. Read our medical alert system buyer’s guide to learn more about what features may be important for you.
Testers found the setup process easy for the MGClassic. “The process is really easy and intuitive,” said one tester. “The installation instructions are really clear with numbered steps. When we called the monitoring center for a test call, the speaker was loud and the staff were conversational and friendly.”
The MGClassic is the only Medical Guardian device that doesn’t charge a one-time equipment or activation fee—all other Medical Guardian devices charge at least $150. This is the least expensive Medical Guardian device but the most basic. But if you have a landline and you’re looking for a simple system with no bells and whistles, the MGClassic could be right for you.
MGHome Cellular
The MGHome Cellular is another in-home model offered by Medical Guardian, but instead of a landline connection, it runs on cellular service. Because of this, it also includes Voice Assist technology. The MGHome is $2 more per month than the MGClassic, but the extra features (and the LTE connection) may be worth it.
MGHome Cellular
- Device type: At-home cellular
- Device range: 1,400 feet
- Fall detection available: Yes
- Max. battery life: N/A
- GPS tracking: No
- Caregiver alerts: Yes, for an extra fee
- Connection type: LTE and Wi-Fi
What’s different about the MGHome Cellular
The MGHome Cellular is the upgrade to the MGClassic. It uses a 4G LTE network rather than a landline to connect to cellular service. The MGHome also has Smarti Voice Assist technology, which allows you to self-test or listen to spoken device status reports by pressing a button.
Testers thought the MGHome looked more modern than the MGClassic. “The MGHome looks nicer than the MGClassic,” one tester said. “I look at the MGClassic and it’s obvious it’s a medical alert system. But not the MGHome. It looks more like a normal smart home-connected device.” The MGHome also has a slightly longer device range: 1,400 feet vs. the MGClassic’s 1,300 feet. These two devices have the longest at-home device range we’ve seen in an at-home medical alert device.
One major drawback of the MGHome Cellular is its $149 equipment fee, which the MGClassic doesn’t require.
Setting up and installing the MGHome was easy, just like the MGClassic. “It’s pretty much a plug-and-go setup process,” said one tester. “You just plug it in, and hit the button on the back to turn it on.” Although the process was easy overall, testers rated the experience a 4/5, since the device at first had trouble finding the cellular connection. “The light started blinking amber, which means it’s ‘looking for cellular connectivity’. But it was ultimately able to connect. The audio quality is good and easy to understand,” testers said.
If you’re interested in a reliable at-home device that uses a cellular connection, the MGHome may be worth considering.
MGMini
The MGMini is a versatile on-the-go Medical Guardian device. As the brand’s least expensive model with GPS, we like that it works as an at-home or on-the-go system. While the MGMini is more expensive than Medical Guardian’s in-home systems, it may be worth the extra money for more flexibility.
MGMini
- Device type: GPS mobile
- Max. battery life: 5 days
- GPS tracking: Yes
- Device range: Unlimited
- Connection type: LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi
- Extra features: Hourly GPS location updates
What’s different about the MGMini
MGMini is Medical Guardian’s least expensive GPS device. That means it can go anywhere and stays connected to the cellular network as you move. The MGMini is small, light, discreet, and comes in four colors. The MGMini is designed to be flexible, so you can wear it around your neck, belt loop, or purse. It also has the longest battery life of the Medical Guardian models—up to five days before it needs a charge.
Because the MGMini is a mobile device, it uses GPS technology to pinpoint your location. Once you press the button, you’re connected to the monitoring center using the MGMini’s two-way speaker. We tested the MGMini’s GPS tracking in three different locations: an urban park, a commercial building, and the parking lot of a big box store. Each time our testers pressed the help button, Medical Guardian monitoring center staff was able to verify our location accurately.
Setting up the MGMini was easy with the images provided in the user manual. We rated the set-up experience a 5/5 from taking the instruments out of the package to charging the device. Testers especially appreciated the considerate packaging. “I had no issues unboxing the MGMini. The soft foam cushioning that device and charging cradle were in easily pulled out,” said one tester. “The packaging is simple but thoughtful. The foam packaging is really easy to remove. I think people with dexterity issues will have no problem unboxing this,” said another tester.
Testers did have a small issue with the MGMini: They wish you could cancel a test call to the monitoring center. Many medical alert systems have this feature. Call cancellation is helpful if you accidentally press the button and don’t want to take the time to talk to the monitoring center. Still, our testers reported that monitoring center staff were helpful and understanding when they made repeated test calls.
Testers also thought the device’s design was lacking: “It’s not discreet and very clearly not jewelry,” said one tester. “This is definitely more of a functional rather than fashionable device,” said another tester.
But when it came to function, testers said they appreciated the strong, clear audio from the MGMini’s speaker. Our tester found it helpful that, after pressing the help button, the system walks a person through what’s happening. The device stated when it initiated the call, when the call was in progress, and when it connected to the operator.
If you’re looking for an accurate GPS device, the MGMini may work for you.
MGMove
The MGMove is Medical Guardian’s only smartwatch. For active users, it includes apps for tracking your steps, monitoring the weather, and more. It’s the most advanced Medical Guardian device and the only one with a touchscreen.
MGMove
- Device type: GPS smartwatch
- Max. battery life: 24 hours
- GPS tracking: Yes
- Device range: Unlimited
- Connection type: LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi
- Extra features: Weather, step, and activity tracking
What’s different about the MGMove
As Medical Guardian’s only smartwatch, the MGMove offers tracking unavailable in other devices. Of course it has an alert button you can use if you need help. But it also displays the time, tracks weather, steps, and your location.
You don’t need a smartphone to use the MGMove. But if you want to communicate with others through the watch, you’ll need to pay an extra $5 per month for the Social Circle Apps. These apps let you send text messages, send your location to caregivers, and set reminders.
Our tester liked how quickly the watch charged and the ease of the initial set-up process. Testing the device went smoothly. “When I pressed my watch's face, a bubble indicating testing mode popped up. It was very easy and intuitive,” one tester reported. One of the main bubbles on the watch face is “Test.” It makes doing the recommended testing a quick and painless process. We think this will encourage users to test on a regular basis.
Testers loved the sleek look of the MGMove. “This is a very discreet device,” one tester said. “It’s really similar in size to the Apple Watch, and it really just looks like a normal (slightly bigger) smartwatch.” Another tester agreed: “This is as close to a regular smartwatch as you can get while still including the medical alert features.”
All Medical Guardian devices successfully connected to the monitoring center, but the MGMove was the quickest. The average response time for all Medical Guardian devices was 29 seconds, while the average for the MGMove was 20 seconds. Any average response time under 60 seconds passes our test.
Testers said the MGMove connected even faster if you use the touchscreen. “The device connects way faster if you press the help button on the touchscreen versus the button on the side of the watch.”
Overall, testers were very pleased with the MGMove. It earned top marks in design, setup, and performance (monitoring center staff were able to correctly identify the device’s location during GPS testing).
The biggest drawback is the price: At $42.95 per month, the MGMove is the second most expensive Medical Guardian device (behind the MGMini Lite). It also comes with the highest one-time equipment fee: $200.
But if you’re looking for a sleek, discreet smartwatch with bonus features that connects to a medical alert monitoring center, the MGMove may be right for you.
MGMini Lite
The MGMini Lite, a GPS watch, is the most expensive of Medical Guardian's line-up at $46.95 monthly. But it’s also the brand’s smallest and lightest GPS device, with the second longest battery life at 36 hours. Like all Medical Guardian devices, you can add fall detection for $10 monthly.
MGMini Lite
- Device type: GPS watch
- Max. battery life: 36 hours
- GPS tracking: Yes
- Device range: Unlimited
- Connection type: LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi
- Extra features: Step and activity tracking through the app
What’s different about the MGMini Lite
The MGMini Lite is Medical Guardian’s smallest and lightest on-the-go device—it weighs only about one ounce (the MGMove weighs two ounces). It weighs about the same as one average pencil.
Although it doesn’t have a touchscreen like the MGMove, the MGMini Lite’s battery lasts 36 hours (12 hours longer than the MGMove), and its watch face is a half-inch thinner.
Testers liked the discreet profile but docked points for the MGMini Lite’s lack of a screen. “As a watch, it's comfortable to wear. It has a soft rubber band that fits well,” said one tester. “I like that the watch face is low profile, so it wouldn’t cause issues with a sleeve. It’s less bulky. But I don’t like that it doesn’t tell you the time.”
Testers thought the MGMini Lite’s setup was a breeze. “The simplicity of the device makes setting it up very easy and quick,” a tester said. There’s only one button on the MGMini Lite, so there’s no confusion as to what to press. You can’t use a testing mode—during testing, you will press the help button just as you would during an actual emergency. They also liked how clear the audio came through: “This actually had some of the best audio quality I heard—very clear and not tinny at all.”
Despite the great performance (the MGMini Lite passed the GPS test with flying colors), testers thought the design was indiscreet. “It’s not bulky, but it clearly looks like a medical alert device,” said one tester. “You wouldn’t want to wear a watch with it.”
Like the MGMove, the MGMini Lite can track your location, steps, and other activities in the app. You can add fall detection for an extra monthly cost, which can provide extra peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a simple GPS watch with a long battery life and don’t mind paying a little extra, the MGMini Lite is worth a look.
How much do Medical Guardian devices cost?
Medical Guardian’s starting cost for their devices ranges between $36–$47 a month, depending on the system.
| MG Classic | MGHome Cellular | MGMini | MGMove | MGMini Lite | |
| Starting monthly cost | $36.95 | $38.95 | $39.95 | $42.95 | $46.95 |
| One-time equipment fees | $0 | $149.95 | $149.95 | $199.95 | $149.95 |
But Medical Guardian also charges one-time equipment fees. You also can purchase any of the extra options below:
- Fall detection: $10 a month extra.
- Wireless Wall Button: $2.99 a month, or $5.00 a month for the voice-activated wall button.
- MG Protection Plan: $6.99 a month which covers beyond manufacturer defects.
- Lockbox: A locked box on the outside of your home containing a spare key to emergency services can get in. It costs $2.99 a month, but it’s free if you pay for an annual subscription.
- Caregiver alerts: When you press the help button or your fall detection device registers a fall, your caregivers get a text alert. It costs $2.99 a month extra.
How to save money on Medical Guardian devices
You can save money on Medical Guardian alert systems by choosing annual plans instead of monthly subscriptions. Most companies offer discounts for upfront payments. For instance, the MGClassic alert system costs $36.95 for a monthly subscription. But if you pay in full—$395.40—it works out to $32.95 a month, saving you $48 a year.
“Look into discounts through community organizations, veterans' groups, senior centers, or local agencies on aging to also help lower medical alert system costs,” said Celina Hawthorne, OTR, OTD, OTA, a doctor of physical therapy and founder and director of Grace in Motion Rehab in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Medical Guardian and other medical alert systems aren’t typically covered under Medicare or Medicaid. Some private insurance does provide full or partial coverage, including some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. You also may be able to pay for a medical alert system with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
Medical Guardian accessories and options
Medical Guardian offers a range of accessories and services for an additional monthly fee. These options can customize your system to better suit your needs. Some of Medical Guardian’s optional services and devices include:
- Fall detection: A fall detection necklace can detect a fall and alert the monitoring center if you are unable to push the button for help.
- Caregiver alerts: Medical Guardian's alert system, On-Guard, can also reach out to your emergency contacts in real time, 24/7. This caregiver feature is available through the app.
- Protection plan: Medical Guardian includes a one-year manufacturer warranty covering product defects. Users can purchase a monthly protection plan for an extra fee. This covers you if your devices are misplaced, damaged, or stolen.
- Lockbox: A lockbox allows emergency services to be able to enter the code given by the monitoring company when you need help. It lets emergency workers into the home without breaking down your door or breaking a window if you can’t get to the door.
The Medical Guardian user experience
Overall, the setup process was straightforward and mostly intuitive for our testers. We liked the fact that some models had images within the user manual. The devices were easy to use, and we found the monitoring center operators responsive and friendly.
The battery life differs in each device. In the on-the-go systems, the battery life ranged from 24 hours in the MGMove to up to five days in the MGMini before they needed to be recharged. The MGMove smartwatch is intuitive, with simple bubbles on the watch face that you can use to call for help, test the device, or use the apps.
The MGMini, MGMini Lite, and MGMove all used GPS for location tracking. The home devices offer a range of 1,300—1,400, depending on if you choose the landline or the cellular system.
Medical Guardian’s customer service and warranty
- Warranty and trial period: Medical Guardian’s one-year manufacturer’s warranty will replace your device if it’s defective. The warranty doesn’t cover spills, drops, or normal wear and tear damage. Medical Guardian doesn’t offer a free trial period.
- Returns: You can cancel your service anytime with no cancellation fees. If you cancel an annual plan, the company will prorate your refund for the months you didn’t use, with a possible restocking fee. You’ll need to return any unpurchased equipment back to Medical Guardian when you’re no longer using the service.
- Customer service: 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 8 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
- Chat: Found in the lower right hand corner of the website to answer your questions or provide resources. It’s automated, so you can’t directly chat with a live person right away.
Are Medical Guardian devices right for you?
You can choose from five Medical Guardian devices. Each device is worn differently and offers its own features. Think about your lifestyle: Do you like to be at home? Are you searching for a basic device where you can call for help where it’s needed most? Or are you looking for a device that blends in seamlessly as you’re out and about, at the gym or shopping?
You’ll also want to consider your budget and any special concerns you may have. Do you have health conditions that could increase your risk for a fall? Are you comfortable with technology? Considering these factors will help you choose the right option for your needs.
Before purchasing a medical alert system like Medical Guardian, ask yourself:
- How much do I want to spend on a medical alert system?
- Am I more of a homebody or do I like to be on the go?
- What features are important to me?
- What features would my loved ones find important?
- How much technology do I want to have?
- What type of signal coverage do I have in my home or area?
If you’re buying a medical alert for someone you care for, see our guide for how to talk about medical alert systems.
Frequently asked questions
Depending on the system, you’ll pay between $36–$47 a month for a Medical Guardian subscription. The subscription pays for 24/7 professional monitoring. You’ll also have to pay an equipment fee of $150–$200 for all the devices except for the MGClassic.
Medical Guardian has been around since 2005 and is our top choice for best medical alert systems. The brand offers many devices to choose from, so you have options to find one with features that fit your lifestyle.
If you need help, such as after a fall, you can press your help button on your Medical Guardian device, alerting the monitoring center, which is staffed 24/7. A professionally trained staff member will speak with you through the device to determine the level of help you need. Then, they will contact the appropriate help for you.
If you choose a fall detection device, it can automatically detect your fall and call for help. If you cannot communicate with the monitoring center, they will send out help to ensure you’re safe.
Medicare doesn’t cover Medical Guardian or any medical alert devices. But you may be able to get some coverage with private insurance, including Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
Medical Guardian can be worth it for peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know help will come if needed during an emergency such as a fall. It’s a little more expensive than other medical alert brands such as MobileHelp. Medical Guardian costs less than other brands, like Life Alert, which has a high cost and questionable practices. Medical Guardian provides a range of devices from home systems to on-the-go watches.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org
Sources
- Moreland, B. L., et al. A Descriptive Analysis of Location of Older Adult Falls That Resulted in Emergency Department Visits in the United States. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Aug. 7, 2020. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8669898/