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Cellular medical alert systems are the latest technology in medical alert devices. See which ones we picked as our favorite.
Updated July 28, 2022
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Just as cellular phones have brought vast changes to telecommunications, cellular medical alert systems have innovated security systems for older adults. With at-home alert systems, both landline and cellular options are typically offered. Cellular systems tend to run about $5 to $10 more per month but sometimes offer features that landline systems don’t, like optional fall detection. In addition, fewer households use landlines these days, so a cellular option is a must-have.
The use of medical alerts’ cellular technology really comes into play with their on-the-go systems. For many older adults, the thought of being able to access immediate emergency assistance at the push of a button –– regardless of whether they’re in the grocery store, at church, or visiting a friend in another state –– gives them the confidence to remain active as they age.
Aloe Care Health Mobile System
With cellular systems, aging adults have the flexibility to choose the type of device they want to carry or wear, and medical alert companies have increased their offerings accordingly. In fact, two of our favorite providers recently added new devices to their catalog of products. Medical Guardian introduced a new smartwatch, the MGMove, and Bay Alarm Medical stepped it up with a new traditional mobile device, the SOS Mobile.
And now, on to our top four cellular medical alert systems.
Bay Alarm Medical is an affordably priced cellular medical alert system that offers 24/7 protection for use around the home and while out and about. Bay Alarm uses AT&T Cellular for all of its five cellular packages: one at-home, two on-the-go, and two hybrid. We have selected Bay Alarm Medical as the best overall cellular device because of its variety of options, long at-home range, and price point.
Because of its cellular connection, Bay Alarm Medical has been able to branch out and develop unique on-the-go options. Its SOS Mobile was introduced in 2022, one of the newest products in the medical alert industry. It allows users to choose an AT&T or Verizon connection, depending on signal strength in their area of residence. In addition, the SOS Mobile offers advanced location detection, optional location detection for caregivers, and optional fall detection. For those who are social and active but living with a chronic condition and/or are prone to fall, the SOS Mobile is a great choice within the Bay Medical array of systems.
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
In addition to its traditional GPS help button, Bay Alarm offers the SOS Smartwatch. This medical alert enables an older adult to roam as far as their AT&T connection will take them while still having the security of 24/7 monitoring available.
After reviewing Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch, it became clear that the watch is great for the older adult who wants something with an appearance that is fashion-forward, discreet or techy. It also offers advanced location detection, two-way talk, and a step tracker. However, as is true of most smartwatch medical alerts, the SOS Smartwatch does not offer fall detection.
What we really love about Bay Alarm is that even though they offer cellular products with advanced features and variety, they manage to keep their prices low. Monthly Bay Alarm Medical prices for on-the-go systems start at just $29.95. Keep in mind that both on-the-go systems come with an equipment fee between $79 and $159.
Bay Alarm Medical Wrist Pendant
Bay Alarm’s cellular at-home system also enables an older loved one to wander a short distance, perhaps to the mailbox or garden. However, with a 1,000-foot range, they might extend their reach to their neighbor’s yard. The monthly price for this system starts at $29.95 and includes optional fall detection and two-way talk.
Medical Guardian made our list of Best Cellular Medical Alert systems because of their high-quality mobile devices. Their systems operate with either AT&T or Verizon cellular service, depending on the product you choose. You will pay a few dollars more each month as two of their products have equipment fees, and their monthly fees range from $39.95 to $44.95; however, you will be getting high functionality from a company that has been around since 2005.
Like most medical alert providers, Medical Guardian offers a cellular at-home system, the Home 2.0, and with a stellar range of 1,400 feet, it gets the job done. However its starting monthly price is $34.95, which is a few dollars more than most other systems. See our Medical Guardian pricing guide for more details.
As impressive are Medical Guardian’s three on-the-go options and multitude of accessories. We have discovered that Medical Guardian has created three unique cellular devices, ensuring that nearly everyone who needs a good cellular system can find a good fit. While distinct, all of the devices have two-way talk, location detection, and optional fall detection. All three also have the same starting monthly fee of $39.95.
Mobile Guardian
The Mobile 2.0 is a high-functioning option with the added benefit of a lightweight, waterproof help button that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck. When we reviewed the system, we learned of its 350-foot range of protection between the mobile device and the help button. The equipment cost for the Mobile 2.0 is $124.95.
For those who want cellular protection in a more discreet form, the Mini Guardian is a flat device that measures 1 ½” x 1”, which is about the dimensions of a raffle ticket and weighs only 1.3 oz. That’s what we call discreet! It also comes in three colors and has a five-day battery life. It has an equipment fee of $149.95.
And then there is the MGMove, a cellular-based smartwatch that Medical Guardian recently added to its lineup. This watch is for active seniors who want to monitor fitness and activity. It includes a step tracker, weather app, and location and activity tracker for caregivers. It also offers optional apps for a chat feature and medication/appointment reminders. The equipment cost is $199.95. If you are wondering if this might be the right cellular system for you, read more in our Medical Guardian review.
As far as cellular medical alert devices go, Lively can lay claim to top-of-the-line equipment. At the same time, their prices (especially for the phones) come at a good value, considering that you will be getting a multifunctional device. All of their devices are on the go but could be used in the home just as easily. Lively, which was formerly known as Great Call, is powered by the Verizon Cellular Network.
When most people think about cellular devices, cellphones are what usually come to mind. Lively takes it a step further by offering a cell phone and medical alert system wrapped into one. Of their four systems, two are cell phones, the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2. The Jitterbug Smart3 is a Samsung Android phone with 16 GB of storage and a 5 ½-inch screen. Other features include voice dialing/texting, a 13 MP camera, Brain Games, video chat, and mobile internet access.
The Jitterbug Flip2 is a folding mobile phone, also made by Samsung. It’s easy to use and has a simple large-print menu and big keypad buttons, with a red emergency help button at the bottom of the number pad. Added perks, designed especially for older adults, include dialing and texting by voice, an 8 MP camera, Brain Games for mental sharpness, and a reading light with a magnifier.
Added to this are the safety features on both phones that we have come to expect in a medical alert system: access to a 24/7 monitoring center, location detection, optional fall detection through the addition of the Lively Wearable2 (a help button that can be worn as a watch or neck pendant), and a caregiver’s app.
Take note that the Lively Wearable2 has been discontinued. However, while it no longer can be ordered from their website, you may still be able to find one in retail stores that carry Lively products.
Lively Necklace
Given that these high-functioning devices serve as both smartphones adapted for older adults and medical alert devices, Lively prices are much lower than you would expect. The equipment fee is only $149.99 for the Jitterbug Smart3 and $99.99 for the Jitterbug Flip2. Monthly fees start as low as $19.99, which beat (by far) the majority of on-the-go cellular systems. Want to learn more? Read our hands-on Lively tests and review.
Cellular technology has ushered in many on-the-go systems that provide a variety of options to choose from, including advanced features. Aloe Care Health is one of the few that has innovated at-home cellular systems. Its centerpiece is the Smart Hub, which provides optimum communication between caregivers and their loved ones. Aloe Care Health uses AT&T 4G LTE.
As the name suggests, the Smart Hub is Aloe Care Health’s at-home central command. It works in conjunction with a caregiver app. Together these two pieces enable everyone in “the care circle” to easily communicate with each other about things like transportation to doctors’ appointments, prescription refills, and changes in your loved one’s health. Caregivers connect through the app on their phone and the older adult communicates (both to caregivers and the monitoring center) through the Hub itself.
The Aloe Care Health Smart Hub
After performing a complete analysis of Aloe Care Health, we discovered that their system allows caregivers to receive real-time feedback on their phones from the Hub. For instance, through its motion sensors, you can determine if your loved one is up and moving around. Or through its air quality and temperature sensors, you can find out if their environment is healthy.
Other Aloe Care Health smart devices like smoke detectors, water leak sensors, and stove monitors can be purchased to help keep your loved one safe while aging in place. Any of these products can also be integrated into the caregiver’s app, allowing for central control by all caregivers. These advanced features, which provide peace of mind, would not have been possible without cellular technology.
Aloe Care Health Check-in Call
Although we liked what we saw, Aloe Care Health prices could put a small dent in your wallet. The company offers three packages, and the monthly fees start at $29.95, which is reasonable for an at-home system. However, the cost of the equipment begins at $149.99 and runs as high as $299.99 for a hybrid system.
Though their mobile device seems more of an addition to their headliner, the Smart Hub, it is a reasonably priced on-the-go option. For $24.99 per month, the device includes location detection, two-way talk, and access to the caregiver’s app. Most mobile systems run between $29.99 and $39.99 per month, so this is a real bargain. Better yet, fall detection, typically $5-$10 per month with other systems, is included in Aloe Care’s monthly price. The system does include a one-time equipment fee of $99.99.
A benefit of all the medical alert systems we tested was that customers could use the medical alert company’s cellular service rather than their own. This means there was no need to pay extra for a cellular plan; the cost is included in your monthly fees. And you can travel as near or as far as the cellular service provides coverage.
Still not sure which service suits you? Take a brief quiz on how to choose the right medical alert system and get matched with the system that suits you best.
With at-home systems, it is important to determine if the area in which you live is covered by your provider’s cellular service. With on-the-go systems, it is important to remember that coverage could be spotty depending on where you travel. Luckily, in recent years, these areas have become fewer and farther between. Learn more about the best mobile medical alert systems.
Pro Tip: Some providers sell their equipment while others rent their equipment. If you rent the equipment, the cost is absorbed in your monthly fee, and this is typically the only cost you will be required to pay. If buying the equipment, you will have a one-time equipment fee along with monthly fees. For further explanation, read our Medical Alert Systems Buying Guide.
Before choosing a cellular medical alert device, make sure it has the features that you need and want. Here are some of the most common features of medical alert systems.
The cellular medical alert systems on our list each come stacked with 24/7 emergency response. This is a must-have feature that ensures reliable help at the push of a button. But remember, not all monitoring centers are created equal. Look for one that provides adequate training to its associates. A TMA Five Diamond certification designates the best of the best in monitoring centers. And the faster the response time, the safer you’ll be.
No landline? No problem. Medical alert systems are powered by the same cellular technology that powers your cell phone — so you’re free to roam with peace of mind. In the case of at-home systems, this could be the backyard or garage. In the case of on-the-go systems, this might mean across town or across the country. Wireless connectivity is especially helpful for active seniors. Keep moving; you’re covered.
Falls happen: at grocery stores, at the community center, and other places away from home. So it’s wise to get fall detection with your cellular alert system. The sensors detect a fall and automatically contact the response team on your behalf. This is important because sometimes a fall can render you unconscious or unable to communicate. While it’s normally offered as a paid upgrade, it’s worth it. We’re talking $10 per month for priceless peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a simple setup, then cellular alert systems are your perfect match. In fact, some cellular devices can be up and running in less than five minutes flat. This feature is particularly attractive as there’s no fuss, no headaches, and no problems. Directions are often provided in quick setup guides and reinforced through voice prompts. But often, it is just plug and play! Easy setup is a fantastic feature for the DIY crowd.
Battery life matters, especially with cellular medical alert systems. Most on-the-go devices have a 24-hour battery life and need to be recharged daily. This is not such a bad thing because it forces you to get into the daily habit of placing your device in the charger. Some devices have longer battery lives of five to seven days. We have even seen one with a 30-day battery! But extended battery lives on mobile alert devices are the exception, not the rule.
With nationwide coverage, most cellular alert systems will work (almost) anywhere you go in the United States. Remember, you will be using your medical alert provider’s service, not your own. However, before purchasing an at-home system, it is a good idea to check the coverage of the provider’s cellular service in your area. You don’t want to risk dropping calls with the monitoring center during an emergency.
Get on-the-go monitoring with GPS location services. GPS location detection tracks your whereabouts whether you’re at home, out for a walk, at the library, or hitting the trails. Help is always close at hand. Many systems are now providing access to location detection to caregivers through an app that works in conjunction with the medical alert system. If you are concerned about an older loved one, you can check their whereabouts quickly and easily.
