Our take
The latest pendant from Philips Lifeline offers all of the features of a complete medical alert system in one single necklace. It has automatic fall detection, two-way voice communication connecting you to the emergency monitoring center, and five different kinds of location technology to help ensure that assistance can always find you. It has cellular connectivity so you don’t need a landline, and it will work any place that cell phone signal can reach.
While it doesn’t have any mobile app to let caretakers track the user’s whereabouts, the device does allow a personalized response plan for alerting your designated emergency contacts. The only downside is that it’s pricier than some others, with a one-time device fee of $99.95 and a $49.95/month professional monitoring fee. On the good side, Philips Lifeline offers month-to-month subscription plans so you won’t get roped into a long-term contract.
Stand-out features include
- All-in-one wearable medical alert system
- 30 day no-questions-asked return policy
- No long-term contract required
- Pendant is three inches tall, and weighs less than two ounces
- Battery lasts 2-3 days between charges
- Waterproof
- Best Overall Medical Alert Provider
Our take
Medical Guardian is our top pick for medical alert providers, because of the flexibility of their packages, reliability of their service, and usability of their equipment. Their mobile device is no exception. This handy all-in-one system includes two-way communication, cellular connectivity, optional fall detection, GPS and Wi-Fi location tracking, and it can be used indoors or outdoors. It comes with a lanyard for easy wearing.
Medical Guardian’s mobile device is part of the Active Guardian package. There is no up-front fee for the device, and monthly monitoring fees start at $39.95.
Stand-out features include
- All-in-one mobile medical alert system
- No long-term fees required
- Option to add additional equipment as desired
- Weighs two ounces
- Up to 5 days of battery life between charges
- Waterproof
Our take
Bay Alarm’s Mobile Button has many features to suit an on-the-go lifestyle. This small device can be worn on a lanyard as a necklace or placed in your pocket. It features two-way communication, cellular connectivity and GPS location tracking to send help on the way at the touch of a button.
For an added charge, caregivers can follow along with your movements on the Bay Alarm mobile app. The Mobile Button gets 72 hours of battery life from a single charge and it’s available as part of Bay Alarm Medical’s On the Go package, which starts at $39.95/mo. Automatic fall detection can be added for an additional $10/mo.
Stand-out features include
- No long-term contract required
- Free monitoring for spouse
- Option for loved ones to use the Bay Alarm mobile app
- Supported in 170 languages
- Up to 72 hours of battery life
- Waterproof
Our take
MobileHelp also offers a cellular device that keeps you connected inside and outside the home. The MobileHelp mobile device is better sized for a pocket or purse, but you can use it with a wearable pendant to page the monitoring center at any time.
MobileHelp’s mobile button is available in its Mobile Help Solo and Mobile Help Duo packages, which start at $37.95/mo. No upfront device fee is required. Discounts available for quarterly, semi-annual or annual contracts.
Note: MobileHelp offers automatic fall detection for an additional monthly fee (requires an additional neck pendant). MobileHelp’s mobile device/base station is not waterproof, but the auto fall alert pendant is.
Stand-out features include
- 30 day risk-free return policy
- No long-term contract required
- Over 24-hour battery life
- Fall detection option
Our take
Designed for the mobile, independent user, ADT Health’s mobile unit is part of its On-the-Go Package, an all-in-one option for anyone who is active outside of the home. With this package, a wireless pocket-sized device replaces both the in-home communicator and the wearable pendant (though you can add on a pendant or wristband if you wish). The mobile device has two-way communication, so you can contact the ADT monitoring center whenever you need it, wherever you are.
The On-the-Go medical alert system has built-in GPS location tracking, which helps first responders find and assist you as quickly as possible. There is no up-front fee for equipment and monitoring starts at $39.99/mo. You can also add on fall detection capabilities for an additional cost.
Stand-out features include
- All-in-one portable medical alert system
- Fall detection option
- Cellular connectivity
- GPS location tracking
FAQs About Medical Alert System Pendants
Medical alert systems make it easier for the elderly and anyone with medical conditions or mobility issues to contact emergency help. Medical alert systems vary, but they all have emergency help or panic buttons that connect the user with a 24/7 professional monitoring center. In the event of an emergency or fall, the user can simply hit the button to be connected with a professional operator. If help is needed, the operator will dispatch local emergency services to the home.
Medical alert companies provide a variety of options to suit a range of lifestyles. The medical alert necklaces and pendants on this page work both outside and inside the home. If you’re looking for a medical alert for someone who spends their time inside, an in-home device package might be a better fit. Many of the best personal medical alert systems offer packages that include necklaces with panic buttons. The buttons on these necklaces only work when you’re in range of the system, which could be anywhere from 300-1,200 feet from the main unit, depending on the manufacturer.
Typically, Medicare does not cover medical alert systems. Some private insurance groups will pay for medical alert devices. It’s also always a good idea to do your research and see if you are eligible for any kind of discount. It doesn’t hurt to ask the salesperson when you call to ask about the plan. In many cases, the salesperson has some leeway to offer discounts.
Yes, as long as your device is charged. Any of the products on this page last two or more days off of one battery charge.
