Best Life Alert Alternatives IN 2024

If you or a loved one needs assistance in case of a medical emergency, there are several top-rated alternatives to Life Alert medical systems available on the market today.

Best Overall

Medical Guardian

5.0

  • Provides a wide range of medical alert packages
  • Smorgasbord of premium add-ons

Read Reviews

Best for user-friendly features

ADT

4.7

  • Established brand name
  • No-nonsense medical alert systems with easy-to-use buttons and interface

Read Reviews

Best for Fall Detection

Medical Alert

4.6

  • Fall detection can be incorporated into the mobile medical alert system
  • Powerful caregiver app with a wide array of features

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Best for the Budget

Personal emergency response system

Bay Alarm

4.7

  • Medical alert system that fits the budget
  • Highly rated medical alert system provider

Read Reviews

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Life Alert is considered one of the most popular medical alert systems. While it is reliable and can provide the security and assurance many senior adults seek in case of emergency, it leaves a lot to be desired. The price alone is enough for potential customers to look for alternatives, and we are not talking about just the subscription. 

Many who need medical alert systems are taking the practical approach nowadays. This is only reasonable especially since these alternatives to Life Alert proved that they can deliver the same level of efficiency, if not better. The only issue is that picking the best alternative can be overwhelming, and that’s what our professionals are here for. 

For individuals who are not familiar with medical alert systems and the technical jargon associated with them, the fear is always choosing the wrong medical alert system. This can be worrisome with how important this is especially to the well-being of seniors. It can spell the difference between life and death in emergency situations. 

This is the reason why our professionals dedicated time and effort to studying and vetting the different medical alert systems. We want to ensure that consumers can only get the best and most suited for their needs.


Do Life Alert Medical System Alternatives Work?

Yes, Life Alert medical system alternatives can be just as effective at providing emergency assistance when needed. However, it’s important to research and choose a reputable brand with reliable customer support to ensure that the system works properly.


What’s the Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems in 2024

  1. Medical Guardian: Best Overall
  2. ADT: Best for user-friendly features
  3. Medical Alert: Best for Fall Detection
  4. Bay Alarm: Best for the Budget

Reviews: The Best Life Alert Alternatives in 2024

Here listed are the top 5 best medical alert systems that serve as good alternatives for Life Alert this 2023. They do not just do the job, but they also bring added value to the customers with their quality equipment and superb monitoring. Customers can never go wrong with these top picks.

1. Medical Guardian : Best Overall

Best Overall

Medical Guardian

Our Rating:

5.0

Why choose it?

  • Best value for money.
  • Premium add-ons.
  • 24/7 monitoring and immediate response.
  • No hidden charges.

Medical Guardian embodies everything great in medical alert systems. It may not be the cheapest on this list, but it is guaranteed to give customers the best value for their money. 

Medical Guardian doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the equipment they offer. These are top-notch but are still easy to use which suits senior adult users. There are packages for both stay-at-home and active customers alike, with the at-home medical alert device having a range of 1300 ft to 1400 ft. This is more than what most medical alert systems offer! Plus, the at-home device even has a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours.

The mobile medical alert system of Medical Guardian is also not something to be overlooked. Customers can go for up to 7 days without charging the device and the location tracker is spot on. If customers prefer a sleek and stylish option, they can have the MGMove smartwatch too. It blends in like any other fitness smartwatch which keeps it away from prying eyes.

Premium add-ons, Caregiver app, and fall detection – all these are available with Medical Guardian too. Its system is manned by professionals 24/7 and they respond fast. 

Prices start at $30/mo, not including add-ons. Equipment fees can cost as much as $145 but customers can also choose packages where no equipment fee is required. But the best part is Medical Guardian does not subject its customers to lengthy contracts and they offer risk-free trials.

PROS

  • Provides a wide range of medical alert packages.
  • Smorgasbord of premium add-ons. 
  • Sleek yet lowkey smartwatch for an on-the-go device.
  • Spot-on GPS tracker.
  • Exceptionally wide reach. 
  • Long battery life.
  • No lengthy contracts. 
  • Risk-free trial.
  • Fast response time in case of emergency.

CONS

  • Not as cheap as other medical alert systems on the list. 
  • Most add-ons come at an additional price. 
  • Customer protection comes at an added cost. 

Top Review

I recently purchased a Medical Guardian medical alert system for my mother and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The device is reliable, easy to use, and features various features that help keep my mom safe. The customer service was also absolutely fantastic – they answered every question I had quickly, professionally, and in an extremely helpful manner.

2. ADT : Best for user-friendly features

Best for user-friendly features

ADT

Our Rating:

4.7

Why choose it?

  • Proven and tested medical alert system provider.
  • Durable medical alert devices.
  • Price-lock guarantee.
  • Free replacement batteries.

ADT may be widely recognized because of its home security systems, but it doesn’t lag behind when it comes to providing medical alert systems as well. Why would it, when its services are already proven and tested, having been in the industry for over 150 years? It only continuously showed prowess by keeping on top of the competition over the years.

ADT prides itself on providing straightforward medical alert systems. These may not look a lot when put side-by-side with others, but these systems are durable, long-lasting, and user-friendly. They don’t come with a complicated interface and confusing buttons which may delay the call for emergency services, especially among old-school seniors, during an emergency.

The price of ADT medical alert systems ranges between $30/mo to $40/mo. Fall detection is available at an additional $10/mo. This is pretty standard across different medical alert systems. Add-ons also have their corresponding costs starting at $3/mo for a waterproof wall emergency button. Temperature monitoring is included in the upgraded at-home package of ADT while the mobile package includes a two-way audio communication feature. 

Customers won’t have to think about equipment fees and hidden charges with ADT. They even provide replacement batteries that prove to be money-saving. Aside from great deals, there is also a price-lock guarantee on the ADT medical alert systems.

PROS

  • Established brand name.
  • No-nonsense medical alert systems with easy-to-use buttons and interface. 
  • Absence of hidden fees.
  • Zero equipment fee.
  • Replacement batteries at no additional cost.
  • Price lock guarantee.

CONS

  • There are only 3 available medical alert packages to choose from.
  • The range for at-home systems can be improved.
  • Additional cost for fall detection. 

Top Review

I chose to purchase the ADT medical alert system for my parent and am so glad that I did. The customer service was top-notch, helping us pick out the right device and plan for our needs. The response time for emergency situations is incredibly swift and reliable – giving us the peace of mind we seek in knowing that our loved one can get help with a single button press.

3. Medical Alert : Best for Fall Detection

Best for Fall Detection

Medical Alert

Our Rating:

4.6

Why choose it?

  • Programmable automatic fall detection.
  • Powerful app.
  • Risk-free trial.
  • Great discounts.

Medical Alert also competes in the top picks for the best Life Alert alternative with both the at-home and mobile systems it offers. But what makes it stand out is its programmable fall detection which does not anymore require customers that are always on the go to wear an additional device. This is very convenient, especially among individuals who prefer to keep private their use of medical alert devices.

With Medical Alert, calling for help is made even easier because its mobile device enables two-way audio communication with the monitoring center. This is open 24/7 and the response time of professionals guarantees that someone will be at the customers’ doorsteps within minutes of the call.

Connecting with loved ones and family members is also made possible by the free smartphone app of Medical Alert. This allows them to monitor the well-being of the user every now and then without being too intrusive. They also get alerts during an emergency.

Customers can get Medical Alert packages as low as $28/mo. This can get discounted when customers choose an annual plan over a monthly plan. There is also a programming fee of $79 that needs to be covered one time for any Medical Alert systems. Nevertheless, customers are entitled to a 30-day risk-free trial with this provider. 

PROS

  • Fall detection can be incorporated into the mobile medical alert system.
  • Powerful caregiver app with a wide array of features.
  • Two-way audio communication that enables seamless connection.
  • Great perks and discounts.
  • No long-term contract.
  • 30-day trial period available.

CONS

  • Programming fee is required for all packages.
  • Limited medical alert packages available.
  • Fall detection for the at-home system comes with an additional cost. 

Top Review

I recently got a Medical Alert system for my grandparent and it has been an absolute game changer! It comes with several great features such as fall detection, two-way audio communication, and a powerful caregiver app. On top of that, there are no long-term contracts or hidden fees – and even a 30-day trial period available – which makes trying it out risk-free. They offer some great discounts which made the plan we chose even more affordable.

4. Bay Alarm : Best for the Budget

Best for the Budget

Personal emergency response system

Bay Alarm

Our Rating:

4.7

Why choose it?

  • No extra monthly fees for an additional user.
  • Medical alert systems that give customers the bang for the buck.
  • Rated A+ at the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Price lock guarantee.

Bay Alarm medical alert system is another preferred alternative for Life Alert. It has everything Life Alert can offer and its medical alert packages are not as expensive. As a testament to the great products and services it offers, it has gained only high ratings on reputable platforms. It was even rated A+ by Better Business Bureau (BBB) which is not an easy rating to receive. 

For only $25/mo, customers can already have a basic Bay Alarm setup in their homes. This already comes with the base unit and a wearable emergency call button. Even if customers add the optional fall detection device at $10/mo, this basic medical alert device still doesn’t come close to the cheapest package of Life Alert. 

Mobile medical alert systems are also available with Bay Alarm. What is exceptional about these is their embedded location tracker which allows users to be located easily during emergencies. The smartwatch even has a step tracker for fitness enthusiasts. 

Discounts are available for bundle purchases with Bay Alarm. There is also no additional monthly cost in adding a spouse or a roommate to an existing plan aside from the one-time fee for equipment. Bay Alarm offers a price lock guarantee and a 30-day trial which provides security, especially for new users.

PROS

  • Medical alert system that fits the budget.
  • Highly rated medical alert system provider.
  • Aesthetically pleasing mobile smartwatch.
  • Location tracker for mobile devices.
  • Bundles come with great discounts.
  • No additional monthly fees for adding another user to the existing plan.
  • Price lock guarantee.
  • Risk-free trial for 30 days.

CONS

  • Limited selection for add-ons. 
  • Equipment fee of $35.
  • Fall detection comes at a cost.

Top Review

The mobile device itself is aesthetically pleasing and comes with a reliable location tracker, making it great peace of mind knowing they will always be safe. They offer several great bundles at surprisingly affordable prices – with no additional monthly fees when we added our second user. They provide a price lock guarantee and a 30-day risk-free trial period which makes testing out the product worry free.

5. LifeFone : Best for full coverage

Best Straightforward System

Lifefone

LifeFone

Our Rating:

4.6

Why choose it?

  • Wide coverage with both at-home and mobile medical alert systems.
  • Free temperature sensor.
  • Price lock guarantee.
  • Inexpensive fall detection feature.

Customers who prefer to stay at home for long periods may opt to get LifeFone instead of Life Alert. This is one of the medical alert systems we’ve tested that incorporates a wide range of cover when it comes to at-home systems. This is helpful because customers will not anymore need to shift to wearable help buttons when they are just stepping out in their backyard or the vicinity of their home. 

At up to 1,300 ft range, it easily eliminates any blind spots enabling customers to call for help anywhere in their house. This applies to an at-home system with either a landline or cellular connection. 

The mobile system of LifeFone has also proven reliable and efficient with its battery life that can last for more than 2 weeks. Since it supports both AT&T and Verizon, customers have more chances of full coverage. 

While extra features are applicable only for upgraded packages with other medical alert system companies, with LifeFone, customers can already get temperature sensors on their basic plans. Add-ons include a location tracker and fall detection, among others. Fall detection is significantly cheaper with LifeFone at only $5/mo. 

LifeFone offers a price lock guarantee to its customers. There is also a lot of savings to be gained with its referral programs and provision of replacement batteries.

PROS

  • Exceptional features and add-ons.
  • Wide scope for the at-home medical system.
  • Mobile medical alert system supports more than one network.
  • Fall detection costs less than what other companies offer.
  • Free replacement batteries.
  • Money-saving perks.
  • Price lock guarantee.
  • Risk-free trial for 30 days.

CONS

  • Additional costs for add-ons.
  • Caregiver app is not available for all medical alert packages.

Top Review

“As someone who prefers to stay at home for long periods, LifeFone was the perfect solution for me. This medical alert system has a wide range of in-home coverage up to 1,300 ft, so I never have to worry about any blind spots when it comes to my safety. It’s also great that it supports both AT&T and Verizon and has a reliable battery life of more than two weeks.”

How did we arrive on this list?

In determining the best picks for Life Alert alternatives, we based it on the preferences of the customers. Among the factors we took into account are the following:

  1. Price. The system should be reasonably priced. This doesn’t always mean cheap. Instead, this means that it is not hyped or overpriced, and is worth every penny spent. There should also be no hidden charges and transparency in prices is a must. 
  2. Customer-friendly policies. Customers do not want inconvenience for all the purchases they buy. Thus, they look for policies that can provide them satisfaction. After all, it’s not all about good products but the service should be equally good as well. 
  3. Fast response time. The purpose of medical alert systems is to ensure that help can get to the customer as and when they need this the most. As such, the system they will buy must be supported by professionals who can meet this need and who respond lightning-fast. 
  4. Automatic fall detection. Accidents can happen anytime even if you are careful. For senior adults, a slip or a fall can immediately result in a life-and-death situation. This is where the importance of fall detection comes in with medical alert systems because it helps save lives. 
  5. Discounts and promotions. Many customers for medical alert systems are senior adults. They normally rely on a fixed income monthly so discounts and promotions would certainly make medical alert systems more affordable for them.
  6. Reliability. Medical alert systems wouldn’t be as helpful if they don’t have a long battery life and long-range coverage. This will significantly limit the use of the system to the customers since they’d need to be charged frequently or there will be blind spots in some areas of their homes. This is critical since these systems need to be in working condition at all times.
  7. Add-on features. While medical alert systems primarily function as an automatic trigger for help during an emergency, they can provide added value when they have additional helpful features such as two-way communication, medication reminder, GPS tracking, step tracker, and the like.

In conclusion, although Life Alert has proven popular, there are still many other medical alert systems that are just as effective. They are great for their price and do an exceptional job. They even meet the shortcomings of Life Alert which makes them more attractive to customers. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there anything better than Life Alert?

Life Alert has indisputably served the needs of customers in the medical alert industry. However, particularly because of its high costs and binding long-term contracts, other medical alert system brands have proven to be great alternatives. The top picks are included in our list.

Which medical alert does AARP recommend?

AARP does not endorse any brand of medical alert system exclusively. Instead, they highly recommend the use of this system primarily due to the benefits they bring about to the users. 
It should be taken into consideration that different medical alert systems incorporate a variety of features. Customers need to pick the best available option for them depending on their needs.

What is the highest rated medical alert system for seniors?

There are many high-rated medical alert systems in the market. The high ranking was based on their efficiency and the quality of equipment they provide. Life Alert is one of the highest rated ones, but it is not alone. In fact, a lot of the medical alert systems included in our list are great competition. 

Are life alerts covered by Medicare?

Life Alert or other medical alert system brands are not covered by old-school Medicare. However, there are some instances when it can be covered under the Medicare Advantage Plans.

Clifford Ano

Written by

Clifford Ano

More than just a writer; Clifford is a dedicated advocate on a heartfelt mission to reshape how our society treasures its senior citizens. With a heart brimming with compassion and a mind tuned into the needs of the elderly, Clifford pours his words onto the digital canvas to champion a world where respect, care, and dignity are the cornerstones of how we treat our older generation. Through his insightful and touching blog posts, he sheds light on the issues faced by seniors and offers uplifting perspectives on how we can collectively create a more compassionate and nurturing world for them.