When it comes to protecting yourself or your loved ones, it's important that you weigh all of the options available and choose the right medical alert system for your needs. So many options are available, providing plenty of opportunities to find a device that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. To help make this process easier, here is a medical alert product comparison of the most popular brands on the market.
How to Prioritize Medical Alert Device Features
When comparing medical alert systems, it helps to focus on the features that matter most to your comfort, lifestyle, and safety. Start by thinking about your daily routine, health needs, and where you spend your time. Are you mostly homebound, or would you benefit from a system that works anywhere, such as one with GPS tracking?
Keep the following tips in mind:
- Look for features like automatic fall detection to call for help if you or a loved one can't press the button
- Check if the device is waterproof for safe use in the bath or shower, where falls are common
- Consider how you prefer to carry the device — around the neck or on the wrist
Competitive Review of Our Medical Alert Devices
Choosing the right medical alert device is simpler when you know which features are most important to your circumstances. Comparing key features, the level of support each device provides, and affordability will help you weigh the options and find a system that fits your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
Medical Guardian: Empowering Independence
Medical Guardian goes beyond medical emergencies, offering a wide range of devices designed to fit every lifestyle. From stylish wearables to advanced services, it’s more than just a medical alert system — it’s a partner in healthy aging.
The MGMini is the most popular product and comes in a compact, lightweight design with 24/7 emergency monitoring. This wearable medical alert system is ideal for those looking for a discreet and dependable option. Whether at home or on the go, the MGMini ensures you’re never alone when you need help. The device features a large, easy-to-press button for emergencies and comes in four stylish colors. More benefits of this product include:
- Comprehensive support: The device offers protection beyond emergencies with services including post-dispatch check-ins from our wellness team on how you’re doing, fall risk analysis, and step counting on mobile devices.
- Device variety: You can choose from a wide selection of styles, including pendants and watches, with various colors and features. Sleek bracelet and smartwatch options offer a level of style and versatility not typically available from competitors.
- Longest range: Home devices provide the industry's most extensive coverage, ensuring protection even at the farthest distances from your base unit.
- Water-resistant: The device is water-resistant, so it is safe to wear while bathing or showering.
- Fall detection: The MGMini comes with automatic fall detection at an additional price. It is highly accurate and reports very few false alarms.
- Highly rated: The device is consistently ranked as a top choice by customers and reputable sources like The National Council on Aging (NCOA), U.S. News, and SeniorLiving.org.
Premium features on this device come at a slightly higher cost compared to some competitors. Services like fall detection also require extra subscriptions.
MobileHelp: Best for Budget-Friendly Bundles
MobileHelp provides options for individuals or families looking for affordable and flexible devices. It’s particularly appealing for those who want to share a plan.
The MobileHelp Micro is a small and portable medical alert device designed for individuals who want simple, reliable emergency assistance. Offering cellular connectivity and GPS tracking, the Micro keeps users connected and safe wherever they are. It’s a great option for those looking for a no-fuss device for on-the-go safety at an affordable price. It also offers these benefits:
- Bundling options: These options are perfect for couples or roommates with plans that support multiple users at a discount.
- Affordable: Budget-conscious buyers can enjoy lower monthly costs, and with no long-term contracts, customers can cancel at any time.
- Free shipping: This feature is available on all annual plans, making the device even more accessible.
These devices focus more on functionality than aesthetics — they only offer a neck wearable for on-the-go wear. Some of MobileHelp's home device models may not cover as large an area as competitors.
Bay Alarm Medical: Reliable and Affordable
Bay Alarm Medical is another popular choice for those seeking straightforward and affordable medical alert systems. It’s ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and reliability.
The SOS All-In-One 2 by Bay Alarm Medical is an all-in-one device that combines the features of a medical alert system and a home speakerphone. This device offers emergency assistance at the push of a button, and the voice-activated system can call for help when needed. It’s perfect for those looking for a simple, easy-to-use device that provides both safety and convenience:
- Affordable pricing: Access budget-friendly options without compromising on quality, including a 15-day risk-free trial.
- Customizable: Add-ons like fall detection and GPS tracking are available. It also offers a caregiver tracking app for real-time updates.
These devices prioritize reliability and ease of use over sleek or modern styling, focusing on functionality rather than aesthetics. You will also find fewer advanced features, and there are limited options for wellness or lifestyle integrations.
ADT Health: A Trusted Name in Security
ADT Health leverages its decades-long reputation in home security to offer medical alert systems. With its large network and familiar name, it’s a trusted option for many families.
The On-The-Go device from ADT Health is a portable medical alert system that combines GPS tracking and cellular connectivity, ensuring users stay connected to help no matter where they are. Backed by a well-established name in home security for decades, this device benefits from the trusted, professional monitoring services that come with ADT’s reputation:
- Established brand: Trusted name with years of experience in security and emergency response
- 24/7 monitoring: Reliable, always-on support with a professional monitoring team
- Bundle options: Combine medical alert services with existing ADT home security systems
Monthly fees are on the higher side compared to competitors, and there are fewer options for wearable designs. Integrating with home security systems often demands professional installation, and the system's complex design can make troubleshooting issues on your own time-consuming and difficult.
Consumer Cellular: Budget-Friendly With IRIS Ally
The IRIS Ally from Consumer Cellular is a versatile medical alert system that combines emergency assistance with home monitoring. Consumer Cellular, a well-known and trusted name in the cell phone industry, is expanding its expertise into the medical alert space with the IRIS Ally.
This system provides users with a simple, affordable device for medical emergencies, backed by the reliability and customer service that Consumer Cellular has built a reputation for. With cellular connectivity, the IRIS Ally ensures help is always within reach, whether you're at home or on the go. As a major name in cell phone service, Consumer Cellular has high brand awareness, particularly among AARP members, which can provide a sense of security for new users.
You will see these benefits:
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly options on the market, making it ideal for individuals or families on a budget
- Simplicity: Easy-to-use device with no complex installation required
- Two-in-one: Combines medical alert and home monitoring into one system, providing added convenience
While pricing is lower, the lack of annual plans may be a downside for budget-conscious buyers who prefer longer-term savings. The IRIS Ally also has limited features. It lacks advanced wellness features and resources like lifestyle blog content, fall risk analysis, or step counting.
You also only get one basic, functional design without the customization options of some competitors. The medical alert offerings also aren't as prominent on the company's website, making it harder for users to easily find this service. The website can be clunky with slow load speeds and is not as user-friendly as some competitors.
Why Invest in a Medical Alert Device?
Medical alert devices support independence. As people age, the likelihood of accidents and medical issues increases, especially for those living alone or managing a chronic condition. Many older adults want to stay in their homes as long as possible, and a medical alert system gives them the confidence to move freely, knowing help is within reach if they need it. For families and caregivers, it adds a layer of security, knowing their loved one is not alone in an emergency.
Get On-the-Go Systems for You or Your Loved One
Each medical alert device offers different features, price points, and benefits, depending on your needs and lifestyle. By comparing the options, you can find the best system — the one that fits your unique needs. No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is to take steps to protect yourself or your loved ones.
Medical Guardian aims to empower members and their loved ones to live without limits. You will find medical alert devices with a full-scope member portal, tracking activity, setting reminders, and more. With an award-winning customer service team, 24/7 monitoring centers with trained emergency operators, and Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Dual eligible member coverage, you will find the on-the-go system you or your loved one needs.
Explore our options to find the right device for you or your loved one’s lifestyle!
