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Life Alert vs Medical Guardian: Which is Right for You?

Last Updated: January 27, 2022


Life Alert

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Medical Guardian

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Overview

Medical Guardian and Life Alert are two of the best known names in the medical alert industry. Medical alert systems are typically wearable devices designed for older adults—especially those who live alone—and others at high risk of falling. If a user experiences an emergency, they simply push the emergency button rather than scrambling to dial 911. The device’s two-way speaker connects the senior to the trained operator, while a GPS tracking system confirms location. Because one in four people over 65 experience a fall, a wearable alert system can give users peace of mind as they age at home.

Seniors and caregivers want to be sure that they’ve chosen the right life-saving technology for their lifestyle and needs. Medical Guardian and Life Alert offer the same basic services, with big differences in the details. Our editors at Aging in Place are experts in the best medical alert systems. Here, we compare Life Alert vs. Medical Guardian in terms of technology, pricing, and policies to help you determine which medical alert company you should choose to keep your household safe.

Life Alert Overview

Life Alert, the brand that popularized the phrase “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” has been in the medical alert business for more than 30 years. The company handles more than 2 million calls per year and employs over 600 people from their California-based headquarters. Its mission is to keep seniors comfortable and independent in their homes with a personal emergency response system.

Who Is Life Alert Ideal for?

senior man falling down the stairs

Life Alert, and other personal emergency response systems, protect seniors and others at risk of falling or experiencing a medical emergency. Conditions that make people more likely to fall include vision issues, foot pain, the use of some medicines, and difficulties with walking or balance.

A person who chooses Life Alert over competitors wants a recognizable name with many years in the business. The Life Alert customer isn’t a budget shopper dissuaded by a long-term contract or high cost of monthly monitoring or activation fees. They want a simple, straightforward help button, and aren’t shopping for automatic fall detection since Life Alert products do not feature this technology. Users are content to do their shopping over the phone, as Life Alert products cannot be purchased online or in stores.

What Are the Costs of Life Alert?

Life Alert’s basic In-Home System is $49.95 per month while the In-Home System + Help Button costs $69.95 for monthly monitoring. Both systems require an additional one-time $96 activation fee. The In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System costs $89.95 per month, with an increased one-time activation fee of $198. For those comparing systems, most medical alert companies do not charge activation fees. But those who do, like Philips Lifeline, charge far less at $50 per device.

Pros and Cons of Life Alert

Pros

  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
  • More than 30 years in the medical care alert business.
  • Millions of calls answered per year, adding up to one about every 11 minutes.
  • Response center is TMA Five Diamond certified.
  • The pendant has a 10-year battery life.

Cons

  • Prospective customers must call a toll-free number to request a brochure for information.
  • Life Alert will only release customers from their three-year contract if the intended user passes away or moves into assisted living.
  • No automatic fall detection devices, even as an added feature.
  • More expensive than many competitors, including Medical Guardian.
  • Outdated purchasing where customers cannot buy devices or see pricing through the website, only by telephone request for a brochure.
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Life Alert Plans and Models

In-Home System

In-Home System
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The In-Home System is Life Alert’s starter package, which includes a wearable help button and a base unit that can operate with either landline or cellular service. Users can roam within 800 feet of the base unit and stay covered. In an emergency, the customer presses the bright red emergency help button to connect with Life Alert’s TMA-Five Diamond Certified call center.

This starting package is $49.95 per month, with a one-time $96 activation fee.

In-Home System + Help Button

In-Home System + Help Button
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The In-Home System + Help Button offers all the same features of the starter package, but adds one wall-mounted help button that users can place strategically in a high-risk area of the home. Many users choose to mount this button in the bathroom or stairway. This system costs about $20 more than the starter package at $69.95 per month, with that same one-time activation fee of $96.

In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System

In-Home System + Help Button + GPS System
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The premier Life Alert package adds a mobile medical alert system, so users can wear their emergency button both at home and on the go. Users wear the lightweight, portable pendant when they leave the house, so their range of protection extends beyond 800 feet. This is a fit for individuals who want coverage while running errands or traveling.

Unfortunately, the GPS pendant does not include a two-way speaker, so users can only summon for help but not communicate with their operator like they can with the In-Home System. For mobile tracking services and at-home coverage, this Life Alert package is about $89.95 per month, with a one-time $198 activation fee.

Medical Guardian Overview

Medical Guardian is the Philadelphia-based producer of one of the most popular medical alert brands. The founder, Geoff Gross, started Medical Guardian when his own grandmother experienced a few falls at home. Today, the company helps caregivers keep a close eye on their loved ones through six monitored systems and the MyGuardian caregiver app.

Who Is Medical Guardian Ideal for?

The company markets its products toward those with medical conditions that increase the potential for falls. Medical Guardian customers might be those whose medical conditions or memory loss make them less likely to push a button for help, as customers can opt for automatic fall detection. For those whose medical conditions cause them to lose consciousness, fall detection offers an extra layer of security.

The company offers month-to-month contracts for customers and caregivers who need flexibility. While Life Alert offers all specific product information in brochures and toll-free phone calls, Medical Guardian shoppers will appreciate that relevant information is listed freely on its website. The brand’s intuitive website and checkout system makes it easy to compare devices and add on customized features.

What Are the Costs of Medical Guardian?

The Classic Guardian has a monthly monitoring fee of $29.95. The Home 2.0 has a $34.95 monthly fee. The Mobile2 is $49.95 per month. The Active Guardian costs $44.95 per month.

Only two Medical Guardian products have additional equipment fees. The Freedom Guardian smartwatch is $179.99 up front, with monthly fees of $44.95. The Mini Guardian is $39.95 per month with a one-time equipment fee of $124.95.

Pros and Cons of Medical Guardian

Some of Bay Alarm Medical’s pros and cons to consider are:

Pros

  • Website clearly lists systems, packages, and pricing for easy price comparisons and online ordering.
  • Lockbox allows first responders easy entry into the home in case of medical emergency.
  • Response center is TMA Five Diamond Certified
  • Customers can cancel their plans any time and pay month-to-month.
  • Free activation and installation for Medical Guardian products.
  • Other than Freedom Guardian and Mini Guardian, there are no equipment fees.
  • Farthest reaching range in the medical alert market: 1,300 to 1,400 feet from the base.

Cons

  • While user contracts are month-to-month, they do require a three-month minimum.
  • Automatic fall detection is an extra $10 monthly fee with most systems.
  • Damaged equipment could result in a $350 fee.
  • For the lowest price, users must pay their yearly fee up front.
  • Some devices require recharging every few days.
  • No risk-free trial.
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Medical Guardian Plans and Models

Classic Guardian

Classic Guardian
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Medical Guardian’s base model, the Classic Guardian, is known for its impressive radius. Although it’s an at-home model, users can wander away from the base up to 1,300 feet. This system is suited for those with large properties or who spend time outside their home.

This at-home system is a simple push button that users wear as a pendant around their neck or wrist. In an emergency, the button connects users to the trained medical response team, who can evaluate the situation and decide what response is appropriate; if it’s a false alarm, the operator will confirm there’s no problem. The Classic Guardian operates via landline, making it suited to those with poor cell coverage. This system starts at $29.95 per month. To outfit your device with automatic fall detection, you’ll have to pay an extra $10 per month.

Home 2.0

Home 2.0
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The Medical Guardian Home 2.0 system is the level up from the Classic Guardian. Users get another 100 feet of protection for a total radius of 1,400 feet from the base unit, or about four football fields. This at-home package also tacks on an extra 32-hour backup battery in case of power outage.

The Home 2.0 help button pendant is interchangeable between the necklace and wristband, and comes in white and black to match the user’s color preference. This system is customizable: You can loop in caregivers through the MyGuardian app, add fall detection, order an additional button for your spouse, and include wall-mounted buttons. The Home 2.0 starts at $34.95 per month, but increases with these added customizations.

Mobile 2.0

Mobile 2.0
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The Mobile 2.0 weighs just 1.7 ounces, making it one of the most lightweight portable devices. This feature is important, as many users want a mobile device that fits seamlessly into their more active lifestyles.

As users go about running errands or traveling, they continue wearing their pendant around their neck or wrist, monitoring their movement in case first responders must be summoned. The compact Mobile 2.0—which clips onto a belt, purse, or pendant—uses GPS, WiFi, and 4G LTE to monitor the user without interruption. Bluetooth medical alert systems like Mobile 2.0 allow caregivers to receive updates through the MyGuardian App.

The battery life is three to five days, and the device is waterproof for use in the shower, a high-risk area. Users pay $39.95 per month for this mobile monitoring device.

Active Guardian

Active Guardian
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The Active Guardian is another in Medical Guardian’s line of lightweight, mobile devices that users wear while going about their errands, driving around town, or traveling. The amplified two-way speaker offers extra clarity, so users can better hear and be heard by the monitoring operator. The user wears the button as a necklace or around the wrist, which connects to the Active Guardian base device.

Active Guardian’s seven-day battery life makes it a favorite of caregivers who worry about their loved one’s ability to regularly charge this life-saving device. Caregivers also enjoy access to the MyGuardian portal and app, where selected contacts receive updates, chat with customer care, manage billing, and can even message one another to delegate tasks or add appointments. The Active Guardian is available for $44.95 per month.

Mini Guardian

Mini Guardian
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Like Medical Guardian’s other two on-the-go devices, the Mini Guardian protects through triangulation using 4G LTE, WiFi, and cellular coverage to pinpoint your exact location. It differs from the other mobile devices in that it’s an all-in-one device. The Mini contains the necessary technology to keep you safe in a single discrete device. The two-way speaker, help button, and tracking system exist within one lightweight pendant.

The Mini Guardian features high-definition and noise-cancellation technology to streamline communication, and packs a lot of go into its small package. The device’s long-lasting battery can run up to five days on a single charge. The Mini Guardian costs $39.95 per month, but customers should note that this is one of the rare Medical Guardian devices that includes an equipment fee, which is $124.95.

Freedom Guardian 2.0

Freedom Guardian 2.0
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The Freedom Guardian 2.0 is different from traditional smartwatches by virtue of its straightforward, senior-friendly design. The Freedom Guardian tracks users as they go about their day wearing a discreet medical alert that just looks like a tech-savvy accessory. However, in an emergency, it becomes a link to the 24/7 response center by pressing and holding the red help button.

In addition to emergency monitoring, Freedom Guardian wearers can also access weather reports, medication management, appointment reminders, and heart rate monitors. The watch battery lasts 48 hours on a two-hour charge, so users don’t ever have to leave the house without it. The Freedom Guardian one-time equipment fee is $179.95, and the monthly monitoring is $44.95.

Similarities Between Life Alert and Medical Guardian

Both Life Alert and Medical Guardian have a range of systems that include home and mobile medical alert devices. The two companies offer water-resistant, wearable buttons that users press to open two-way communication with a trained professional. When the wearer activates the help button, the customer reaches a 24/7 response center where operators evaluate the situation and summon EMTs when needed. Each company partners with a TMA-Five Diamond Certified response center.

Main Differences

The differences between Medical Guardian and Life Alert begin even before you make your purchase. When browsing online, you’ll notice that Medical Guardian’s web presence is more modern than Life Alert’s. Medical Guardian shoppers can view the packages, details, and prices—as well as purchase Medical Guardian products online. Life Alert info must be requested and ordered by calling a toll-free phone number.

While you can use Medical Guardian products on a month-to-month basis, Life Alert requires a three-year contract that can only be cancelled in the event of death or a move to assisted living. Medical Guardian does not offer a risk-free trial, but their services can be cancelled anytime after the first three months.

Medical Guardian offers six emergency alert systems compared to Life Alert’s three. Medical Guardian offers optional automatic fall detection for an extra cost, while no Life Alert products include fall technology. The Life Alert system also has a smaller range from pendant to base: 800 feet compared to Medical Guardian’s range of 1,300-1,400 feet. On the other hand, Life Alert leads in battery life. Its batteries last for 10 years, while Medical Guardian products need to be recharged every two to seven days, depending on the product.

Life Alert offers systems at a higher price point than Medical Guardian, and requires activation fees. The most basic Life Alert system, the In-Home System, is $49.95 per month, with an extra $96 installation fee. The comparable Medical Alert model, the Classic Guardian, is $29.95 per month with no equipment or activation fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Millions of people over age 65 fall each year, so many seniors and their caregivers choose a medical alert system for peace of mind.
  • Medical Guardian and Life Alert are two of the most popular companies in the medical alert field.
  • Both systems have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
  • Both companies partner with 24/7 response centers that are TMA-Five Diamond Certified.
  • Medical Guardian offers six at-home and mobile devices, and each can be equipped with automatic fall detection, where motion sensors detect when help is needed.
  • Life Alert offers three systems, with customizable features like wall buttons—but no fall detection is available.
  • Life Alert customers must sign a three-year contact; the only clause for cancellation is death or moving into assisted living.
  • Medical Guardian is month-to-month, but requires a three-month minimum and charges a $50 restocking fee.

What Customers Are Saying About Life Alert

Life Alert has an A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Its customer reviews vary widely; Life Alert has received 1.9 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot, but 4.9 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs. User reviews across third-party platforms are mixed, with some complaints about the cancellation process, contract, and customer support. We’ve curated a selection of reviews to give readers a sense of the varied experiences of customers.

“I fell in my driveway after returning from the hospital for a broken foot and ankle. I was on crutches and lost my balance. I had my GPS device and pressed the Life Alert button. I got a fast response and the rescue squad was promptly there and got me into the house. They even moved some furniture so I could get about even easier! That was above and beyond. Through the whole event the Life Alert person stayed on the phone with me with encouraging words until I was safe inside. Thank you!!” – Verified customer review, consumeraffairs.com.

“My father passed last week. My mother had signed a contract for the both of them at $49.95 a month each. I just called to ask Dad to be dropped from the account, which is on a month-to-month contract. I was told that the only way to remove Dad was to present a copy of the death certificate or an obituary (Mom doesn’t want one), a letter, and his equipment. We can wait weeks for a certificate, during which time Life Alert will continue billing for him. Once Dad is taken off, mother’s bill will be $89.90 a month; they offered only a discount of $10 for taking Dad off. I had to disturb my mom THREE times to even be able to cancel the service, which is what she told the man to do the FIRST time I had to disturb her. I am furious that my 82-year-old mother had to deal with these people. HORRIBLE customer service. This was my seventh call for mom, and every other company was extremely helpful. Not so Life Alert. I’m so angry they just put my mother through this.” – Verified customer review, trustpilot.com.

“The sales person is very good and tells you that if your mother can no longer use the service because she dies or is incapacitate that the contract ends. But when that happens and you call Life Alert they put you through three switchboards and then tell you that they need a letter from a doctor! Outrageous. As if things aren’t hard enough caring for an elderly family member with dementia who can no longer live independently!” – Verified customer review, bbb.org.

What Customers Are Saying About Medical Guardian

Like Life Alert, Medical Guardian also has an A+ rating from the BBB. Customer reviews are also mixed, with 1.22 stars from the BBB and 4.2 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs. Customer experiences reflect some frustrations with the technology, as well as positive experiences with the devices. We’ve noticed that representatives from Medical Guardian responded to most negative reviews, which may speak to the company’s level of customer service. Each Medical Guardian review below is from a verified customer.

“The device worked very well for my mother. The choice of a necklace or a wristband was very nice to have. It allowed her to stay independent much longer because if she fell, help would be on the way immediately. They always called me at home to notify me that her device had been activated. Peace of mind… priceless.” – Verified customer review, consumeraffairs.com.

So far the first time the button was activated by accident, they responded quickly and it appeared to be working great. A few times the battery was low and they did email one of us about it. However, they did not follow the order of notification that we requested and they did not email all of us as they said they would. Recently the unit’s battery went completely dead and NO ONE received an email so I am a little concerned about whether we can rely on them if an actual emergency occurs. – Verified customer review, trustpilot.com.

“I cannot say enough good things about Medical Guardian. My mother recently received a system in Dec 2018. This past week, she suffered a stroke while at her home, alone. Activating her necklace pendant, she had emergency personnel in her home within 7 minutes, and was transported and receiving emergency stroke protocol within 25 minutes. This is monumental in time! Without them, she would not have been so lucky! Great staff answering her call. Very professional, and reassuring! I highly recommend them!” – Verified customer review, bbb.org.

How We Wrote Life Alert vs. Medical Guardian Comparison

  • We reviewed both Life Alert and Medical Guardian based on the following criteria:
  • Price of installation and monthly service
  • Warranties, contracts, and (whether it has any) hidden fees
  • Reliability of monitoring center
  • Comfort and wearability of mobile devices
  • In-home range of equipment
  • Water resistance of wearable devices
  • Battery life and recharging requirements
  • Ease of installation and use
  • Expert opinion
  • Customer service accessibility and performance
  • Customer satisfaction reviews
  • Company reputation
  • Special features such as automatic fall detection, smartphone apps for family members, and location tracking

Our Comparisons of Medical Alert Systems

Resources

Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. June 26, 2019.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safe-use-medicines-older-adults

Facts About Falls. Center for Disease Control. August 6, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html

Older people are more likely to live alone in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world. Pew Research Center. March 10, 2020.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/03/10/older-people-are-more-likely-to-live-alone-in-the-u-s-than-elsewhere-in-the-world/

Falls: Key Facts. World Health Organization. April 26, 2021.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls

Author: Hannah Sherk