The 7 best medical alert necklaces of 2024, as reviewed by a doctor | Fortune Recommends Health (2024)

Medical alert necklaces are a lifeline for users ( 1 ), offering a sense of security and peace of mind to users and their family members. However, the market is flooded with medical alert systems , each offering unique features and services. Choosing the best medical alert necklace for you or your loved one’s needs requires careful consideration.

Finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming, but it’s an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of those who depend on these devices ( 2 , 3 ). We tested over 30 medical alert necklaces and systems, evaluating their reliability, response time, pricing, and options such as GPS tracking or fall detection. We narrowed the field to help save you valuable time in finding the best medical alert necklace.

“Medical alert devices provide quick access to help in an emergency, reduce the risk of falls, and provide peace of mind. However, some may not be effective if the wearer is unconscious or unable to press the button, and they may not work in all areas.” -Dr. Raj Dasgupta

Our picks for the best medical alert necklace in 2024

• Best affordable: MobileHelp Classic
• Best battery life: Medical Guardian MGMini
• Most stylish: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home
• Best with fall detection: LifeFone VIPx
• Best with GPS: ADT On-the-Go
• Best at-home: GetSafe
• Fastest response: Medical Care Alert HOME Medical Alert System

Best affordable medical alert necklace: MobileHelp Classic

Why we like MobileHelp Classic as the best for affordability

MobileHelp Classic is an at-home system that provides everything you need to feel protected in your home for a low monthly rate starting at $29.95 and no equipment costs. During promotions, you can even get your system for as low as $19.95 per month. You may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as a free lock box (a $29.95 value). The lock box can be placed outside your home to allow emergency responders to enter your home during an emergency.

The MobileHelp Classic comes with a base unit plus a button that can be attached to a lightweight lavaliere and worn around the neck. The button is waterproof, so you can wear it while showering. When we tested it, we found the response times to calls to be on par with competitors—within about 30 seconds—and operators to be friendly and helpful.

While the Classic is a great value ( 4 ) when it comes to monthly subscription costs, some additional fees may increase the overall cost. For example, you will be charged an additional monthly fee if you add fall detection ($10 a month), additional buttons and pendants (up to $5 a month), or the protection plan ($7 a month) to your service.

Plus, when you sign up for your service, the MobileHelp Classic requires a one-time $49.95 processing fee.

What customers are saying

Customers find MobileHealth’s service reliable. They appreciate that operators are real people who are friendly and responsive to needs, whether it’s alerting family members or emergency services.

Specs

Why we like Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home for style

Bay Alarm Medical has been in the personal emergency response business for nearly 80 years. One concern the company has heard repeatedly is that customers don’t like to wear medical alert call buttons because of the way they look ( 5 ). Call buttons are not the trendiest fashion statement, but they are an important safety feature. So, Bay Alarm Medical created the Bella Charm. These small, handcrafted charms fit onto the standard call button used with the Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home system to transform them into stylish pieces of handcrafted jewelry.

The charms come in four different designs: Gemma (tan with light brown spots), Marella (leopard), Stella (black with gold, blue, and green flakes), and Marina (blue, pink, and purple). Each is about two inches in diameter and weighs less than two ounces. Like the call buttons, the charms are waterproof, so you don’t have to take them off before entering the shower or bathtub. These fashionable add-ons cost a one-time fee of $25 each.

Beyond aesthetics, the Home SOS system comes in either a landline or cellular connection option. The landline option is less expensive ($24.95 a month) and may be optimal if you live in an area with poor cellular service. If you choose the cellular option ($29.95 a month), you will get 4G LTE connectivity without needing to be an existing customer of a cellular provider. All billing will be through Bay Alarm Medical.

The SOS Home unit comes with a base unit and a call button wristband or lavaliere. We tested the call button three times. Each time, we were connected with an operator in under a minute. However, we did experience a connection issue that was ultimately resolved by troubleshooting with a technician by phone. The issue took about 30 minutes to resolve, but we were told this issue is quite rare. Overall, operators and technicians were friendly and helpful.

What customers are saying

Customers appreciate the monitoring service and that it can contact family members instead of or in addition to medical services. They find the monthly service fee well worth the cost for the peace of mind it gives both the user and their loved ones.

“Activation went smoothly. They provided all the details, got everything set up for me, and answered all my concerns, which is nice as we have never used something like this. They even did a live test with us, so my mom knew what to do and expect during an emergency. I was hesitant at first to get something like this, but their customer service eased my mind.”

— Wayne, Amazon

“This was my first time shopping for a system for my elderly parent. The instructions that were provided in the product description are what sold me. It showed me the steps of setting up the system BEFORE I even needed to purchase. This to me is important, things that are overly complicated or extra steps that I wasn’t aware of can be a huge turn-off. We got it set up and activated (very easy) and my dad has been using it for a few days now with no issues. Thank you Bay Alarm Medical!”

— Linda, Amazon

Specs

Best medical alert necklace with fall detection: LifeFone VIPx

Why we like LifeFone VIPx for fall detection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ( 6 ), roughly 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year. Of those, 32,000 are fatal, and millions more result in injuries. Thus, fall detection is a crucial feature for seniors who are prone to falls, as any delay in medical attention can have detrimental results ( 7 , 8 ).

Several medical alert systems offer fall-detection features. We chose LifeFone VIPx as the best for fall detection because it rapidly detects when a wearer falls and connects them with the call center in less than a minute.

Our product testers tested the system three times and found it detected falls within three to four seconds and connected us to an operator at the call center within roughly 40 seconds. In comparison, it took 55-60 seconds or more to connect with an operator with other medical alert systems.

Another bonus with LifeFone VIPx is that its fall detection service ($5 a month) is at least half the monthly cost of other medical alert companies. That discount may not seem so pronounced when you consider the brand’s higher monthly subscription cost of $41.95, compared to other companies that are as low as $29.95 a month. But for the extra cost, you do get a lot of standard services, such as a call button that connects to a call center 24/7.

Thanks to nationwide cellular service either through AT&T, Verizon or with LifeFone’s cellular service, the LifeFone VIPx surrounds you with protection whether you are in your house or out on the town. The lightweight device is also water resistant, so you can wear it in the shower or bath. (Coincidentally, most falls occur in the bathroom.) No matter where you are when you push the call button, the system’s advanced location technology (powered by cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS technology) finds your location quickly.

What customers are saying

On Trustpilot, LifeFone has 4.7 stars based on 932 reviews. Users found the fall detection to be sensitive and worth the additional cost. They also like how quickly operators respond when the button is pushed and that emergency contacts also get notified when the wearer needs assistance.

“Thankful my mom was able to push the button after falling off the edge of her bed. They called immediately, she pushed it four times and the company called dispatch and all family members. They were able to get mom out of the house and to the ER with efficiency.”

— Lori, Trustpilot

Specs

Best medical alert necklace with GPS: ADT On-the-Go

Why we like ADT On-The-Go for GPS capabilities

As part of its medical alert system lineup, ADT offers two home units plus its GPS-enabled On-The-Go system. The medical alert necklace works within AT&T’s nationwide cellular network and uses GPS technology to pinpoint a user’s location.

This can be a valuable feature in medical alert systems, enabling emergency services to quickly locate the medical alert user in the event of an emergency. It can also be beneficial for loved ones who are prone to wandering or getting lost.

Calls made from the On-The-Go device go directly to the ADT Health call center. The operators are senior-sensitivity-trained to cater to the needs of the aging and those with health-related concerns. During testing, we were especially impressed with ADT’s On-The-Go’s rapid response rate of under 30 seconds.

We also like that ADT Health’s On-The-Go system comes with a Premium Protect Plan, which includes a lifetime warranty at no additional cost. Most competitors charge for this option. Equipment and shipping are also free. However, the company doesn’t offer a free trial period like other medical alert companies do.

What customers are saying

This system has 4.6 stars based on 16 reviews on Amazon. Customers like how the GPS option can locate their loved ones when needed. They also have added confidence in owning a medical alert system from a reputable company like ADT.

“I bought this unit for my 89-year-old father who is continuing to fall more and more. I was shocked when I got a call the afternoon after I set it up. Sure enough he had fallen in his room and the folks at the care home were able to get him up. That night it went off again and he had fallen in the bathroom. For the fall detection the overall price is something like 45 bucks a month. Worth its weight in gold at this point being able to get help quickly to him. It’s a company that’s been running here in America for decades and they have a solid product with solid service. What else can you ask for?”

— Dallas, Amazon

“Great customer service by ADT representative!”

— Loven, Amazon

Specs

Best at-home system package: GetSafe

Why we like GetSafe for the at-home system

In addition to offering wearable medical alert buttons for $25, GetSafe essentially outfits your home with passive medical alert devices instead. Users alert the call center either by voice, the push of a button, or with a pull cord.

GetSafe offers three at-home monitoring packages:

• Starter, which comes with a cellular-powered base unit and one voice-activated wall unit
• Standard, which comes with the base unit, two voice-activated wall units, and a standard wall button
• Select, which includes the base unit, three voice-activated wall buttons, and two standard wall buttons.

Mobile GPS and fall detection are available with any plan, though you may need to pay additional equipment fees of up to $99 and/or monitoring fees as low as $10/month.

If you prefer to purchase a wearable button necklace, the cost of monitoring is included in your home package. During testing, we had to press and hold the button for a second or two before it alerted the call center.

Additionally, responses were much slower than average. While we could connect with operators from other companies within 30 seconds, it took up to 74 seconds for us to connect with operators from GetSafe.

What customers are saying

On Trustpilot, GetSafe has 46 reviews, with 81% of them being five stars. Users and family members find operators to be responsive and friendly and customer service to be detailed in their product and service descriptions.

“This would be the third year I’ve been with GetSafe and for what I’m covered for and the price I pay I’m well pleased, hopefully we never have to claim but hopefully if we do the claim will go without problem.”

— Russell, Trustpilot

“They are very descriptive in their product presentation and answer questions clearly. The customer representatives are always helpful. If you have any questions, you can contact them for ideas and help.”

— Enes, Trustpilot

Specs

Medical alert necklace with the fastest response time: Medical Care Alert HOME Medical Alert System

Why we like Medical Care Alert HOME Medical Alert System for response time

A rapid response to an emergency or distress call can make a lifesaving difference. It is one of the most important features that medical alert users and their family members look for when choosing a device, and it’s one of the primary features we looked for when choosing the best medical alert necklaces.

Medical Care Alert’s in-home system (which is called HOME Medical Alert System and comes with an optional pendant) is our top pick for the fastest response, not just to calls made through the help button, but also for fall detection.

We tested both features several times. For the call button, we were put through to the call center within nine seconds. Falls were detected within two seconds, and we were put through to an operator about 16 seconds later. These are among the most impressive response times we’ve seen in a medical alert system.

The Medical Care Alert HOME system comes with a base unit with a two-way speaker and a shower-safe button with your choice of a wrist or necklace pendant. The system connects either by landline or cellular network. For people who want a more discreet medical alert necklace, Medical Care Alert offers a decorative silver or antique gold pendant holder on a 24-inch chain for an additional one-time fee of $49.95.

Overall, we found the setup and installation of the Medical Care Alert In-Home system to be simple and straightforward. Customer service was also friendly and helpful.

What customers are saying

Customers say the Medical Care Alert employees are friendly, knowledgeable, and fast to respond when a user pushes the button. They also like that the system comes with a lock box and allows them to create emergency contact lists.

“Easy setup and the test we had to do went well. Gives peace of mind that my elderly mother has options to get help when she is home alone.”

— Dorothy, TrustSpot

“Excellent so far. Peace of mind and security for my 93-year-old father-in-law.”

— Bryce, TrustSpot

Specs

How we test medical alert systems

We use a combination of hands-on testing and insights from healthcare professionals to bring you our evaluation of the best medical alert necklaces. We pay particular attention to emergency response time and effectiveness, ease of use, and value for the money. Medical alert necklaces may be one of the most important purchases you make, and we want to help you make the best decision for your needs.Read our full medical alert systems testing methodology for more information on each factor.

Reliability and response—40%

A swift, accurate response matters most in an emergency. We test for each device’s ability to provide a dependable, swift response just when you need it.

• Response time
• Signal range
• Battery life
• Water resistance
• Fall detection

Ease of use and accessibility—30%

A medical alert necklace is only useful if you can easily use it, especially during emergencies. We test these products on how user-friendly and accessible they are, paying special attention to users with disabilities and limited technological proficiency.

• Wearability
• Voice clarity and volume
• Setup and use
• Accessibility features

Value—20%

Value doesn’t just mean price—it also includes factors like quality, reliability, and any additional features offered. Beyond the base price, we also consider subscription fees, add-on services, and price transparency to provide a full financial picture.

• Initial cost vs. ongoing fees
• Contract flexibility
• Included features vs. add-ons
• Insurance

Customer experience—10%

Customer interactions are always important, but they’re particularly crucial when purchasing an emergency device. We consider the interactions and support users receive because they directly correlate to your ability to trust the device in an emergency.

• Shipping
• Warranty
• Customer support

How much do medical alert necklaces cost?

Medical alert necklaces come in various price ranges, though most cost approximately $25. The cost depends on factors like brand, features, and services offered. These pendant-style necklaces are usually a part of a larger in-home medical alert system that signals to a base unit or a single GPS-tracking button that can be used outside the home, independent of a base unit.

Medical alert necklaces usually require a subscription, which typically covers continuous monitoring and support, and can start as low as $20 per month. If you desire extra functionalities such as a waterproof button, fall detection, GPS tracking, or medication reminders, be prepared to pay an additional monthly cost ranging from $30 to $100 or more.

Some medical alert buttons may require a one-time equipment fee of $10 to $25 or more depending on the brand or type of button.

How to choose the best medical alert necklace for you

Choosing the best medical alert necklace for yourself or a loved one is an important decision to ensure safety and peace of mind. Here are some steps to help you make an informed choice:

• Assess your needs . Consider your specific medical conditions, mobility level ( 9 ), and lifestyle. Do you need fall detection, GPS tracking, or medication reminders?
• Research providers . Look for reputable medical alert companies with positive reviews and a track record of reliability. Consider factors such as response time, monitoring center quality, and customer service.
• Compare features and pricing . Compare the features offered by different providers, such as 24/7 monitoring, waterproof devices, and two-way communication. Examine pricing structures, including equipment costs, monthly subscription fees, and any hidden charges.
• Check contract terms . Review the terms and conditions of the service contract carefully, including cancellation policies and any long-term commitments. Look for providers with flexible contract options that suit your needs. Most providers, including all on our list, don’t require long-term contracts and have lenient cancelation policies.
• Inquire about compatibility . If you have specific medical devices or conditions, ask if the medical alert necklace is compatible with them. Ensure that the device can connect to your home’s telephone line or cellular network if needed.
• Consider additional services . Some medical alert providers offer additional services like medication management or caregiver apps. Evaluate if these are valuable to you.
• Test customer support . Consider contacting the customer support of the prospective provider with any questions or concerns to gauge their responsiveness and helpfulness.
• Review warranty and return policies . Understand the warranty coverage for the equipment and inquire about the return policy if you’re not satisfied with the service.

Who should use a medical alert necklace

A medical alert necklace is designed for individuals who may benefit from immediate access to help in the event of a medical emergency, fall, or other critical situations ( 10 ). These groups include:

• Seniors
• Individuals with chronic health conditions
• People recovering from surgery or illness
• People with disabilities

Ultimately, anyone who values the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is just a button press away should consider using a medical alert necklace. These devices offer a lifeline to support and can be a crucial part of a comprehensive safety plan, allowing users to remain in their homes and maintain their quality of life while having the assurance that assistance is readily available when needed.

FAQs