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|---|---|---|
| Editor's Ratings | ||
| Costs | ||
| Monthly Price Range | $20-$62 | $50-$90 |
| Set-Up Fee | None | $95 and up |
| Contract Required | No | 3 year |
| Shipping Cost | Free with a 10-month subscription. | Free |
| Contracts | Monthly and Annual options | 3-year contract |
| Return Policy | Equipment can be returned at any time | Only in the event of a move to a care facility or death |
| Product Features | ||
| Connection | Landline or Cellular | Landline or Cellular |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes |
| In-Home Range | 600 feet | 800 feet |
| On-the-Go Battery Life | Depends on model | Ten years |
| Water-Resistant Help Button | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 USA-Based Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Add-Ons | ||
| Fall Detection | $10/month | No |
| Spouse Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Wall-Mounted Help Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Lockboxes | Yes | Yes |
| Contact | ||
| Website | View Packages |
*We recommend calling because representatives can sometimes offer special deals or pricing. We make every effort to provide and maintain accurate information on our site. However, the businesses reviewed on our site may periodically change their pricing, equipment, and packages and there may be a lag between the time they make such changes and the time we become aware of such changes. If you identify any outdated or inaccurate information, please contact us here.
Generally, we recommend Alert1 over Life Alert for their month-to-month (no contracts) service agreements and equipment variety. Alert1’s products are also priced at a lower monthly cost and do not require any installation fees.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the number one cause of injury among adults 65 years of age and older. The risk of serious injury increases when a person falls and cannot reach for a phone or a way to call for help. One of the best ways to avoid this kind of danger of being stuck after a fall is to consider buying a medical alert system. There are many options to explore when it comes to these systems, and they range in cost as well as the range of services offered.
Two popular medical alert system companies are Alert1 and Life Alert. Each of these companies operates nationwide and has more than 30 years of experience in the medical alert industry. Alert1 and Life Alert both offer a wide range of services for seniors that could benefit from an added sense of medical and physical security.
FYI: AARP offers a guide to understanding medical alert systems, as well as a list of tips when it comes to approaching mobility issues.
Alert1 is a medical alert system company founded in 1988. Serving all fifty states, Alert1 provides unlimited button presses and talk time, even in the event that a user just wants to have a conversation and doesn’t have an immediate emergency. Alert1 devices have automatic fall detection, and the company does not lock customers into long-term contracts. Alert1 prices are highly affordable.
To learn more about this provider, read my Alert1 review.
| System | Monthly Starting Cost | Connection | For Use | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-the-Home | $19.95 | Landline | at home | Those who are looking for peace of mind around their home. |
| In-the-Home + Fall Detection | $27.95 | Landline | at home | Those who are looking for peace of mind around their home and would like the added feature of fall detection. |
| On-the-Go | $36.95 | Cellular | away from home | Those who are looking for a system that will protect them while they are away from home. |
| On-the-Go + Fall Detection | $44.95 | Cellular | away from home | Those who are looking for a system that will protect them while they are away from home and would like the added feature of fall detection. |
| On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection | $52.95 | Landline + Cellular | at home, in the car, away from home | Those looking for the full package: protection at and away from home with the added feature of fall detection. |
FYI: Costs can vary when it comes to medical alert systems, and it is a good idea to consider when and how insurance coverage for medical alerts works with these systems when exploring your options.
Life Alert is one of the most popular medical alert systems in America. Founded in 1987, Life Alert claims to save a life once every eleven minutes, and they handle over two million calls a year. Providing services for falls in the home, the shower, or even out and about with the GPS feature, Life Alert notifies the appropriate first responders to get help to where it is needed as quickly as possible. They also offer a free lifetime warranty on their products.
Though one of the most recognizable names in medical alert systems, Life Alert does have some drawbacks, such as long contracts and a high cost compared to other similar systems. Life Alert prices start at $50 per month.
To learn more about this company, read my full Life Alert review.
| System | Monthly Starting Cost | Connection | For Use | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Alert Basic | $19.95 | Landline | at home | Those who are looking for peace of mind around their home. |
| Life Alert Basic + Shower Button | $59 | landline or cellular | at home | Those who are looking for peace of mind around their home with added protection from falls in the bathroom. |
| Life Alert Basic with Shower Button + Mobile | $89 | landline or cellular | at home and on the go | Those who are looking for peace of mind around their home with added protection from falls in the bathroom. |
Most Medical Alert Systems function in basically the same way. With the press of a button, users can contact a monitoring center that will immediately send help to their location. Depending on the lifestyle and need of the individual, different levels of services and products are offered by these companies, including buttons for the shower and optional GPS technology for help needed on the go. Life Alert and Alert1 share these qualities as well as some others.
Some other similarities include:
While Alert1 and Life Alert share many similarities in the services they offer, there are some significant differences:
Alert1 and Life Alert provide many of the same basic functions. They both offer wearable pendants, wall-mounted help buttons, and GPS technology for mobile use. Life Alert is one of the most recognizable names in the business, but this brand name comes at a higher cost and a longer commitment, while Alert1 offers similar services for less.
When it came to our tests, it was hard to tell much of a difference between Life Alert and Alert1. Both medical alert systems contacted monitoring agents in a prompt manner, and they addressed our needs accordingly. Since Life Alert costs nearly twice as much as Alert1 (not to mention the required three-year contract), it’s hard to wholeheartedly recommend this provider. Alert1 also has the option of fall detection, which can be a real life-saver.
Additionally, be sure to check out our rundown of the best medical alert systems of 2022.
FYI: Some medical alert systems come with extra features like Bluetooth medical alerts and voice-activated medical alerts. You should be sure to explore your options before making the choice that works best for you.
