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The $200 smartwatch from Medical Guardian, the MGMove, offers GPS tracking, two-way audio, and an intuitive app for caregivers.
Updated November 23, 2025
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The MGMove by Medical Guardian is our favorite alert system smartwatch. It comes with impressive caregiver features, an easy-to-read touchscreen, step tracking, and even two-way talk with the monitoring center.
The SOS Smartwatch by Bay Alarm Medical is one of the top options on the market. It costs $179 and comes with AI fall detection technology and activity tracking. The watch is also water resistant, making it perfect for more active seniors.
The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches on the market. Apple is well-known for producing some of the best technology available and the Apple Watch is no exception. It features a variety of features that make it great for everyday use.
The best medical alert watches and smartwatches offer many benefits for older adults. You can monitor your heart rate, track your sleep, and log physical activities. Some of these devices can even detect falls and send help to your location via the built-in GPS. This provides another layer of protection similar to in-home medical alert systems.
Our team of experts tested multiple smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, and the best medical alert system providers around today. The MGMove by Medical Guardian and SOS Smartwatch from Bay Alarm Medical took the top spots. We also think the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 are excellent alternatives. Here are the results from our testing.
Our team tested smartwatches with medical alerting capabilities
From Christopher Norman, a Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
| System |
Medical Guardian
|
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
|
Apple Watch
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking |
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
| SecureScore™ | 9.1 | 9.3 | 7.6 | 7.2 |
| Average battery life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Water-resistance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Average response time | 23 seconds | 21 seconds | N/A | N/A |
| Cost | $199 + $39.95 monthly fee | $199.95 + $42.95 monthly fee | $399 + monthly cellular plan fees | $239.99 + monthly cellular plan fees |
We find the best way to compare and rank medical alert smartwatches is to test them ourselves. That way, we can fully grasp how each option would work in different scenarios and see their features in action.
Our team of experts tested a total of eight smartwatches with medical alerting functions within a span of 12 weeks. The team involved in this review include:
We wore them all day, tested every function and feature, and ran medical emergency simulations to see how they would perform. We tested them both at home and while on the move. We also consulted with nurses, caregivers, and seniors for additional insight, giving them a chance to test drive each product. Our team used the following criteria to identify the best four watches:
Between our comprehensive review process and our expertise in senior safety, we’re confident our recommendations below will provide you the information and insight you need to pick the best medical alert smartwatch for you or an aging loved one.
MGMove’s features such as cellular connectivity, GPS, and large touch screen are some of the reasons it's in our top spot. You don’t need to carry around a smartphone to use it, and the real-time location data helps emergency responders find you wherever you are. It’s also rated IP67, which means you can wear it in the shower.1
| Average response time | 23 seconds |
| GPS accuracy | Excellent |
| Average battery life | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging time | 2 hours for a full charge |
| Fall detection costs | $10 per month |
| Fall detection accuracy | Excellent |
| Connectivity | Cellular and Wi-Fi |
| Recommended for | Homebound older adults with remote carers |
Medical Guardian’s prices are usually higher than other medical alert systems, and the MGMove is no different. It’s worth it, though. We paid $199.95 for the MGMove and $42.95 per month to access Medical Guardian’s TMA Five Diamond Certified monitoring center.2 This plan also includes the caregiver app, a feature LifeStation’s Sidekick Smart lacks. Fall detection is an extra $10 per month and for $5 more per month, you can use the Messages and Reminders apps. Here’s a full breakdown:
| MGMove | |
|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $199.99 |
| Monthly Cost | $42.95 |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month |
| Other Extras Monthly Cost | Lockbox $2.95
Protection Plan $6.99 Carer Alerts $2.99 Support Circle Apps $5 |
From Our Experts: Accidental falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65. According to a recent study, it happens to 1 in 4 older adults.3 That’s why we always recommend paying for automatic fall detection for help during these accidents. See our list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
We’re fans of MGMove’s big red emergency button, which is designed to reduce false alarms. If you hold it for five seconds, the device connects you to Medical Guardian’s monitoring center. During our MGMove testing, we got through to a person in about 23 seconds on average.
The MGMove has a built-in speaker and mic for two-way talk with monitoring agents. We think it’s suitable for older adults who are at home, but might be an issue if you’re out and about regularly. We found the volume too soft in crowded areas like shopping centers and parks. In our experience testing Medical Guardian products, the monitoring center will still send help even if they can’t hear you. They’ll find you using the built-in GPS.
The GPS feature is also handy for caregivers. They can use the MyMedicalGuardian app to locate you. We wish the location data were updated in real-time. Currently, it’s updated hourly, probably to preserve battery life. If you prefer real-time tracking, check out our next pick.
The SOS Smartwatch and MGMove’s hardware are identical, but they offer very different features. For example, the SOS Smartwatch doesn’t include message or reminder apps. Bay Alarm packages are also usually on sale and the monthly fees are cheaper. That’s why the SOS Smartwatch is our budget-friendly pick.
| Average response time | 21 seconds |
| GPS accuracy | Excellent |
| Average battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| Charging time | 2 hours for a full charge |
| Fall detection costs | $10 per month |
| Fall detection accuracy | Excellent |
| Connectivity | Cellular and Wi-Fi |
| Recommended for | Active older adults who exercise outside or travel regularly |
With our years of experience buying and testing Bay Alarm products, we know it offers discounts more often than Medical Guardian. We got our SOS Smartwatch for just $159 (20-percent off). We could have even chosen a bundle option. For $64.95 a month and $199 upfront (cost of the smartwatch), you’ll get the SOS Smartwatch for on-the-go protection and a cellular-based in-home system. Here’s the breakdown.
| SOS Smartwatch | |
|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | $199 |
| Monthly Cost | Starting at $39.95 |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month |
| Add-Ons | Lockbox $30
Extra Charger $49 Extra Vial of Life Kit 48 |
Since it has the same hardware as MGMove, our SOS Smartwatch experience was similar. It is easy to call for help, and two-way audio is available on the watch itself. We found the tracking just as accurate as the MGMove, except the SOS Smartwatch offers carers real-time tracking instead of hourly updates.
Our tester checking out the SOS button on the side of the Bay Alarm medical alert smartwatch
In our testing, we found Bay Alarm’s response time was faster than Medical Guardian, averaging 21 seconds (including the 5-second button hold to trigger the alarm) compared to 24 seconds. We think the SOS Smartwatch is a better option for older adults with medical conditions that require rapid attention. Plus, when we bought our SOS Smartwatch, we got to choose whether to use the AT&T or Verizon network.
Fall Detection Test: MGMove detected nine while the SOS Smartwatch detected eight of the 10 simulated falls. Based on these results, we think the MGMove is better for older adults with a history of falls. See more Bay Alarm vs. Medical Guardian comparisons here.
The Apple Watch has an SOS button and fall detection, but we still wouldn’t call it a medical alert smartwatch. It still makes the list because of the high-quality apps and excellent fitness tools that are beneficial for older adults. You can download apps and access features that help improve your sleep, monitor your heart rate, and promote independent living.4
| Average response time | N/A |
| GPS accuracy | Excellent |
| Average battery life | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging time | 2 hours for a full charge |
| Fall detection costs | N/A |
| Fall detection accuracy | Average |
| Connectivity | Cellular and Wi-Fi |
| Recommended for | Older adults needing exercise motivation and basic health monitoring |
Checking out the Apple Watch as a potential medical alert smartwatch
Apple Watches are more expensive than MGMove and SOS Smartwatch. The cheapest model, the Apple Watch SE, starts at $249. We recommend spending an extra $50 for the GPS and cellular connectivity version. The Apple Watch 10 you see above is the model we tested. It’s $499 for the GPS + Cellular model, double the price of the MGMove and SOS Smartwatch. On the plus side, you don’t have to pay a monitoring fee. Here’s an overview of Apple Watch prices:
| Apple Watch | |
|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | Starting at $249 |
| Monthly Cost | $10 to $15 per month depending on the carrier. May require a one-off activation fee. |
| Fall Detection | N/A |
Money-Saving Tip: If you’re already an iPhone user, you don’t need the GPS + Cellular model. The cheaper GPS model will do. Connect it to your iPhone and you’d be able to use the Emergency SOS function.
Our main concern was Apple Watch’s performance in a medical emergency. Instead of going to a monitoring center like Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm, the watch calls 911 directly. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but response quality can vary.
Not paying extra for fall detection is a bonus, though in our tests the Apple Watch detected just six out of ten falls. While we wouldn’t recommend it as a medical alert smartwatch, we recommend the Apple Watch for active older adults who want to stay fit, while having easy access to 911 just in case.
Like the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 isn’t technically a medical alert watch. We still think it’s a reliable alternative, especially with its 44-millimeter bright screen that’s perfect for anyone with vision issues. The device even has accessibility features like text-to-speech, sound recognition, and a high-contrast interface.
| Average response time | N/A |
| GPS accuracy | Excellent |
| Average battery life | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging time | 2 hours for a full charge |
| Fall detection costs | N/A |
| Fall detection accuracy | Average |
| Connectivity | Cellular and Wi-Fi |
| Recommended for | Older adults needing larger screens and accessibility features |
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 comes in a range of styles and colors.
Samsung Galaxy watches are an affordable alternative to Apple Watches, but they’re still more expensive than medical alert watches. If you don’t need the 44 mm screen, you can save $30 and opt for the 40 mm option. You’ll also have to decide if you want to rely solely on Wi-Fi or pay extra for 4G LTE. We recommend adding the cellular option if you spend a lot of time out of the house. This makes it easier to call for help and stay connected to loved ones no matter where you are. Here’s an overview of the prices.
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | |
|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | Starting at $239.99 |
| Monthly Cost | $10 to $15 per month depending on the carrier. May require a one-off activation fee. |
| Fall Detection | N/A |
We’ve always been familiar with Apple devices so making the switch to a Samsung device took some adjusting. In some ways we found it easier, like choosing apps, sending texts, and checking health monitoring features. In other ways it was harder. For example, the voice assistant spoke so quickly for us that it was hard to keep up.
As a medical alert watch, it’s less impressive than the MGMove and SOS Smartwatch. The screen is ideal for anyone who has vision issues or prefers larger fonts. We even like that it can tell you the time via vibrations. As for fall detection, the Galaxy Watch 7 won’t contact emergency services by default. It only sends a text message to preselected emergency contacts. Your other alternative is manually swiping right on the SOS icon, but this isn’t helpful if you’re unconscious.
Money Saving Tip: If you already have a smartphone plan, you can connect the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 to your phone via Bluetooth to use its cellular connection without paying extra for data.
While they both sit on your wrist, medical alert watches and smartwatches are not the same. Both include a lot of the same features, like access to emergency responders, GPS tracking, and fall detection. However, smartwatches are often more complex and are not explicitly designed to support you in an emergency.
Before you make your choice, you should understand the differences. For example, where do emergency calls go and who has access to location data? Let’s highlight the pros and cons of medical alert watches and smartwatches to make your decision easier.
Medical alert watches can come with useful features such as weather apps
We prefer medical alert watches over traditional medical alert systems. During our testing, our friends didn’t even know we had a medical alert watch on our wrist. Traditional medical alert systems are often bulky and clunky to use. In an emergency, a medical alert watch makes it easy to contact monitoring centers for assistance or request help even if you don’t know your exact location.
Beyond style, most medical alert smartwatches offer bonus features like activity and fitness tracking. You can use them to track your daily steps or monitor your heart rate to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
Smartwatches are not designed to be medical alert devices. Several models offer health features, like heart rate monitoring, pulse checks, and fall detection. You can even use smartwatches to call 911.
The upfront costs are a barrier to smartwatches. Prices start at $250 for a base model, which is significantly more expensive than a lot of affordable medical alert systems we’ve tested. One of the advantages, though, is that you don’t need to pay equipment fees, similar to Life Alert plans. You also don't have ongoing costs like monitoring subscriptions or fall detection add-ons. This is why smartwatches can be a more attractive option.
We recommend medical alert smartwatches for people on the go or older adults who want to stay active. The problem is that not a lot of brands offer this type of device, and some of the ones that do just aren’t equipped to keep you safe. While you’re shopping around, make sure the medical alert smartwatch you buy includes these features.
>> Related: The Best Waterproof Medical Alert Wearables
Our top four medical alert watches all include fall detection. Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical offer the feature as an optional add-on. With Apple and Samsung watches, an alert sounds and a message appears on the screen confirming the fall. If no movement is detected, the watch calls for help.
Fall detection systems use multiple types of sensors to detect sudden changes in movement. For example, accelerometers and gyroscopes can sense sudden acceleration and rotation. Using complex algorithms, the smartwatch analyzes the data to determine if you’ve fallen or are performing a normal everyday activity.
According to research, fall detection sensors on the head, torso, or pelvis have a 95-percent accuracy.5 Other factors that influence the accuracy are the type of sensors used, the velocities of body parts during descent, and the impact severity.
The best medical alert smartwatches offer a great balance between style, function, and safety features. MGMove by Medical Guardian is our top pick because of the company’s fast response time and thoughtfully-designed caregiving app.
As a more affordable option, though, we also recommend the SOS Smartwatch from Bay Alarm. In exchange for more advanced features such as voice messaging and reminders, Bay Alarm offers the watch and monitoring at a lower price than Medical Guardian.
For seniors who want a fitness companion that can connect them to 911 services during emergencies, there’s nothing better than the Apple Watch. If you prefer a smartwatch with a bigger and brighter screen, try the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 instead.
Yes, medical alert smartwatches can function as an at-home medical alert system, provided there’s good cellular coverage. However, we recommend getting a separate medical alert system dedicated for use at home. This allows you to increase your protection, as dedicated systems often come with optional accessories like voice-activated and wall-mounted help buttons.
This depends on the smartwatch, but typically, medical alert smartwatches come with built-in cellular connectivity. This means the cellular cost is already covered by your monitoring fee.
Yes, although you may not need to connect it to a smartphone. Medical alert smartwatches can function as standalone devices. You connect your smartwatch to your phone for things like syncing fitness activity data to an app or receiving text and call notifications.
Medical alert smartwatches cost anywhere from about $100 to $200. While there’s usually no activation fees, a monthly monitoring fee is required. This often ranges from $35 to $60 depending on the package.
Not everyone needs fall detection, but we highly recommend getting it anyway. Falls can happen to anyone, and a wearable like a smartwatch is the perfect device to detect accidental falls.
We recommend the Apple Watch for active, older adults who want to track their fitness. For those with vision issues, we suggest checking out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which has a larger and brighter screen.
No, Medicare doesn’t cover medical alert watches because it’s not considered medically necessary. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer some coverage, but you’ll need to contact your provider to confirm.
Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatches offer the best heart monitoring. It can monitor abnormal values, track blood pressure, and notify caregivers if an issue is detected.
International Electrotechnical Commission. (2025). Ingress Protection (IP) ratings.
https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings
The Monitoring Association. (2025). About TMA.
https://tma.us/about/about-tma/
Center for Disease Control. (2024). Older Adult Falls Data.
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html
Center for Disease Control. (2024). Physical Activity Benefits for Adults 65 or Older.
https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/older-adults.html
National Library of Medicine. (2025). A Decade of Progress in Wearable Sensors for Fall Detection (2015–2024).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11991334
