Best Medical Alert Systems Worn as Watches

We ranked the best medical alert system watches based on form, function, and fashion so you can stay safe in style.

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MGMove by Medical Guardian Image
MGMove by Medical Guardian
SecureScore™: 9.1/10
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.
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Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch Image
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
SecureScore™: 9.3/10
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.
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Apple Watch Image
Apple Watch
SecureScore™: 7.6/10
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.
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  • MGMove by Medical Guardian Product Image
    MGMove by Medical Guardian
    SecureScore™: 9.1/10
    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.
    Get Medical Guardian
  • Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch Product Image
    Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
    SecureScore™: 9.3/10
    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.
    Get Bay Alarm Medical
  • Apple Watch Product Image
    Apple Watch
    SecureScore™: 7.6/10
    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.
    View on Amazon
  • Medical alert smartwatches combine mobile medical alert systems with modern aesthetics and advanced functions like GPS tracking.
  • While they may look like smartwatches, medical alert watches lack smartwatch features like voice texting and calling.
  • Expensive? Not really! Get industry-best medical alert watch features for only $39.95 monthly and a one-time device fee from Medical Guardian. More Medical Guardian pricing details here.

List of the Best Medical Alert Watch Devices in 2024

Using the HandsFree Health Watch

If you have a loved one who’s getting a little older, you want to make sure they’re safe. Safety for seniors means more than just a home security system. It means equipping them with the means to get medical help should they need it. This doesn’t mean they’re incapable of caring for themselves, but let’s face it, as we age, the odds of accidents go up.

If someone you love is getting older, you also know that seniors can be resistant to medical alert systems. None of us wants to admit we’re getting older, but more than that, none of us like change.

Enter the medical alert system smartwatch. Many of the biggest names in the medical alert industry now offer them. They give a nice mix of features that can satisfy you and the senior in your life. While these devices have all the necessary features to keep seniors safe, they don’t look or feel like monitoring devices. They’re sporty enough to masquerade as actual smartwatches, and they have enough built-in tech to help seniors feel like they’re keeping up with the times. Plus, they’re mobile, meaning seniors don’t have to feel like they’re tied down at home. They’re still out, living life to the fullest, but they’re completely protected should they experience a medical emergency.

You don’t want to take a chance when you’re choosing a medical alert system. Lives are literally on the line. So below, we examine three of the best smartwatch options out there on the market. We examine features and response times, and compare prices, so you can pick a device that’s right for you and your loved ones.

Pro Tip: Want a mobile alert system with fall detection and more reliable alerts? Bundle to enjoy huge savings with Bay Alarm’s Mobile 360° package. See all its life-saving protections in our Bay Alarm review.

Expert Examined

From Christopher Norman, a Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with the National Council on Aging (NCOA)

“I’ve had many patients in my care that have had a fear of falling, either as a result of a fall they had experienced, or in one case the anticipation of what COULD happen in the event of a fall. This fear was paralyzing to one woman. Her general health was slowly and measurably deteriorating before she joined our managed long-term care program and was given a medical alert system (MAS) watch. Seemingly satisfied enough with the functionality of the device, she began walking more when she was at our day center. As she walked more, she described to me that her spirits lifted and she felt motivated to do more, eventually contacting a neighbor to start a walking club with her. She graduated from using a rolling walker for balance to walking independently and doing more things for herself around the house. She lost weight and her mobility increased even further. The MAS certainly played a role in increasing her confidence.”

Medical Alert Watch Stats

Watches Tested 12
Top Feature GPS Location Tracking
Test Duration 7-10 days
Equipment Cost $49.95+
Monthly cost $24.99+

Now, here are some of the best medical alert systems worn as watches.

  • 1 MGMove by Medical Guardian - Best Features for Caregivers

    MGMove by Medical Guardian Product Image
    SecureScore™ 9.1
    Customer Service
    9.0
    Value
    9.0
    Equipment
    9.2
    Features & Technology
    9.0
    Ease Of Use
    9.2
    SecureScore™
    9.1

    Medical Guardian’s MGMove resembles Samsung’s line of Galaxy smart watches. It includes core safety features such as connectivity with a monitoring center, two-way talk, GPS location detection, and caregiver location tracking. Yet it’s also fashionable, with a rounded face that’s 1.25 inches in diameter, and it looks like serious tech even though it’s more straightforward to use than a Samsung smartwatch. Fashion doesn’t come cheap though. You’ll pay $199.95 for the MGMove, and that’s before you factor in monthly monitoring fees.

    • Portable; multiple ways to wear
    • TMA Five Diamond Certified monitoring based in the U.S.
    • GPS-ready and water-resistant
    • At-home and on-the-go solution in one
    • Customer portal for activity tracking and communication

    • Somewhat high equipment fees
    • Response times could be more consistent
    • Fall detection is an add-on feature with extra fees
    • Bright light can be disruptive at night
    • Long charging time

    Confession time: we’re getting older. We’re part of Gen X, and while we’re not to the point of retirement for a few years, we can see it coming. We can’t speak for baby boomers, but we like our tech, and we don’t see that changing. Doesn’t matter if we’re retired. We’ll still be playing Ms. PacMan, Super Mario Brothers, MineCraft, and Fortnite. We’ll just have more time to play.

    Medical Guardian has us covered. The company’s new MGMove improves on its previous smartwatch offerings. It’s designed to keep seniors safe without sacrificing access to technology. Appearances aside, this is not a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch, but it does come with some nice tech features like a weather app and a step tracker. There’s a Reminder app for keeping track of medication and medical appointments. And there’s two-way texting and voice chat, so seniors can stay in contact with friends and family.

    All of this comes in a sporty package. The watch features a rounded face that’s 1.25 inches in diameter, and it looks like serious tech while being easier to use than most smartwatches.

    Be aware that the battery life is short at just 24 hours, but that’s typical with these devices. As long as your loved one charges it every night before they go to bed, they’ll be good to go all day long. Monitoring costs $39.95 a month, but that includes access to all the apps and features. You can get the full rundown on what this smartwatch can do by reading through our review of the Medical Guardian MGMove.

    Pro Tip: While the MGMove isn’t currently on sale, new users can get 50 percent off an MGMini, MGMini Lite, or MGHome Cellular device. The company will also throw in a free month of service and a lock box.


    Expert Examined
    From Christopher Norman, a Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
    “In my experience as a nurse practitioner working with people with memory loss (and their families), there have been several instances where GPS tracking has prevented harm or been life-saving. All of these instances involve people who wander. One evening, one person living in an urban setting had made their way to an on-ramp to a local highway and was walking near the guardrail when a concerned family member “pinged” the location, determined where the person was, called the local police to give them the exact location, and within 15 minutes the wandering person was safely brought back home.”

    Connectivity Landline, cellular, and Wi-fi
    Fall Detection $10/month
    In-home Range Up to 1,400 feet
    Battery Backup Up to 32 hours
    GPS Option Yes
    Money-back Guarantee None
  • 2 Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch - Best Water Resistant Smartwatch

    Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch Product Image
    SecureScore™ 9.3
    Customer Service
    9.2
    Value
    9.0
    Equipment
    9.5
    Features & Technology
    9.3
    Ease Of Use
    9.6
    SecureScore™
    9.3

    The Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch is the top-rated medical alert smartwatch from the seller. It has the basic functions of a smartwatch, such as telling you the time and weather, but most importantly, it works like most other emergency alert systems. If you have an accident, you can quickly and efficiently get in contact with the company’s monitoring agents to get the help you need.

    This Smartwatch is ideal for those who are always on the go. It’s perfectly suited for those with a more active lifestyle, considering it’s water resistant and uses AI fall detection technology that learns and adapts to the wearer’s movements.

    We also like that it’s more affordable than the MGMove. Just keep in mind that while it uses some advanced technology, it doesn’t have a ton of features to play with. You can track your steps and check the weather, but you won’t be able to set reminders, send messages, or two-way talk with your caregivers. Still, for the price, we think it’s worth every penny.

    • Everything from the design to the user interface is easy to use.
    • The SOS Smartwatch has an accurate GPS system.
    • Bay Alarm Medical monitoring provides a fast response time.
    • You don’t need a smartphone to use the device.

    • The automatic fall detection plan costs an extra $10 per month.
    • The SOS Smartwatch has a battery life of only 16 hours, which is less than most competitors.
    • The Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch does not offer a caregiver tracking app.

    The SOS Smartwatch looks identical to the latest MGMove and also offers many of the same features. Unlike other companies that offer smartwatches, this is more than just a button you can wear as a watch. This wearable lets you check the weather, track your steps, set step goals, and has several watch faces to choose from.

    Looking at the Bay Alarm Medical smartwatch

    Looking at the Bay Alarm Medical smartwatch

    The watch is also water resistant and has a water-resistant rating of IP67. That’s just a fancy way of saying it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. That makes things like showering, going for a quick swim, or doing the dishes a breeze.

    FYI: Keep in mind that while 30 minutes should be the threshold, most users report some technical issues if they’ve had the watch fully submerged for that long or even a minute more. So, to be safe, we recommend not going over that time limit.

    One of the more important aspects of the watch is the ability to add fall detection. Because the SOS Smartwatch has built-in fall detection, you can add it at any point for just an extra $10 per month. This price is a bit lower than the industry standard of $15 per month. Something unique about this watch is that it uses AI technology that learns movements the more you wear it to improve accuracy.

    Unlike some other devices, you are required to buy the equipment. Currently, Bay Alarm has the watch on sale for $149, or $179 normally. Both options are still cheaper than the MGMove, which costs $199.95. Of course, you’ll only pay that once and then the device is yours to keep forever – unless you decide to return it for a full refund within their return window. The SOS Smartwatch also requires you to pay $39.95 per month – or $49.95 with fall detection – for ongoing service.

    You can learn more about the watch and the provider in our Bay Alarm Medical Review 2024.

    Connectivity 4G LTE SIM card
    Fall Detection $10/month
    Battery Life Up to 16 hours
    GPS Location Tracking Yes
    Money-back Guarantee 30-days
  • 3 Apple Watch - Best for iPhone Users

    Apple Watch Product Image
    SecureScore™ 7.6
    Customer Service
    7.2
    Value
    7.3
    Equipment
    7.6
    Features & Technology
    7.0
    Ease Of Use
    8.8
    SecureScore™
    7.6

    The Apple Watch remains the smartwatch gold standard. That’s true no matter who you are–young or old. As it turns out, though, it offers some special features that make it particularly useful for seniors. And, since it doesn’t have the stigma of being a piece of medical equipment, it’s easy to get even your most stubborn loved ones to wear it. These watches are also compatible with a ton of smart home and security systems, which can help if you’re taking care of an elderly parent at your place.

    FYI: See our list of the best security systems that work with Apple for more on how the industry-leading brand can help you stay safe in your home.

    Although not designed specifically as a medical alert device, the Apple Watch can be used as one. The emergency SOS Alert feature, for example, allows seniors to connect with the press of a button to family members, caregivers, or emergency responders in case of an emergency. Emergency SOS can also send your current location to emergency responders. In addition, the Apple Watch has a heart monitor and sends both high and low heart rate notifications.

    The watch even offers fall detection though users have to enable this feature. If the watch detects a fall followed by no movement, it sends the wearer an alert. If the wearer doesn’t respond, Apple Watch taps their wrist, sounds an alarm, and calls emergency services.

    The watch is waterproof, which is a major plus (for more on waterproof devices, read our review of the Best Waterproof Medical Alert Systems) and it can also monitor for blood oxygen levels as well as irregular heartbeats.

    Of course, because the Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can be used as a medical alert device, rather than the other way around, it also offers features you’re not going to find with any other devices on this list– the ability to make calls, for instance, to text, and to surf the web. If the senior in your life is tech savvy, you really can’t underestimate the value of those functions.

    The Apple Watch is an impressive device, but it’s not perfect, especially if you’re using it as a medical alert system. One of the areas we worry about most is battery life. The Apple Watch’s battery lasts around 18 hours. That makes sense, given how many functions this smartwatch can perform. Frankly, it’s nothing short of amazing that it can last for 18 hours. The standard for medical alert watches, though, is 24 hours, enough time to get a senior through the day. The worst that happens if you’re an average Apple Watch user and the battery goes out? You can’t text your friends. The worst that happens if you’re a senior and your alert system goes out is a serious medical emergency.

    FYI: It’s extremely important to note that Apple Watches are not monitored by medical professionals. The wearer won’t have the assistance of a trained associate available, and vital health information will not be immediately available to emergency personnel.

    Another drawback is the cost. The most recent version of the Apple Watch — the Ultra — costs  $800. Older iterations are available, though, mostly from third-party retailers. If you don’t need the latest and the greatest, you can pick one up for around $200.

    • Stylish and functional
    • Walkie-talkie app
    • Siri voice recognition included
    • Streams Apple Music and Apple Podcasts
    • Apple Pay available
    • ECG app

    • The Apple Watch is expensive
    • You must have an Apple smartphone to fully use the Apple Watch

    While determining if the Apple Watch is a good fit for you, keep in mind that it was not designed as a medical alert system. It is a smartwatch with some medical alert system capabilities. It enables older adults to press an emergency help button, but it does not connect to a 24/7 monitoring center. It includes fall detection, but because it is worn on the wrist, it might not operate the way you expect. You might save on monthly monitoring fees, but you will also pay a hefty price upfront. Still, if you are techy, style conscious or an active senior, the Apple Watch might just be the right fit.

An Overview of Medical Alert Systems

Need an alert system for someone who rarely leaves their home or yard? We’ve tried out plenty of those. Want a device that wears like a smartwatch? We’ve tested those too, as you can see from our list above. Don’t want to fuss with multiple contraptions or new technology? Yep, we’ve seen products for these folks, as well.

Medical alert systems enable older adults to maintain their independence and age safely in place. If this is your first time learning about these devices, you will probably be amazed to see the variety of products for differing tastes and needs. To help you make sense of the variety, our buyer's guide to medical alert systems is a great resource.

FYI: Maybe you’ve heard these systems referred to as Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). Different name; same around-the-clock protection for seniors.

How Medical Alert Systems Work

A medical alert system operates either via landline connection or a cellular connection. Most companies that sell medical alert systems offer one or more of three types of systems: in-home, mobile, and hybrid. Of course, smartwatch alert systems are hybrid; they can be used at home and on-the-go, and they are powered via a cellular signal (no landline required).

The in-home system is especially important for seniors who live alone. This type of system usually includes a base unit that should be placed in a central location in the house. The base unit is like the central nervous system; everything else runs through it. It might feel a little weird at first, but if you end up choosing one of these, you will be talking to a response center associate through this box-like communicator.

The Smart Hub, or base unit, from Aloe Care Health’s At-Home System

The Smart Hub, or base unit, from Aloe Care Health’s At-Home System

Many systems include a help button that you or your loved one will wear around the neck or wrist. Some, but not all, systems also include help buttons that can be placed in different locations around the house, usually in spots that are high risk for falls such as the bottom of the staircase. If you or your loved one is wearing a smartwatch style alert system, you won’t have to worry about reaching a wall-mounted button, as help is right there on your wrist!

We think the mobile systems offer lots of value and peace of mind for seniors who are on the go. They come in various forms. Some are help buttons worn around the neck. Others are smartwatches, as noted, or help buttons that can be attached to a belt. And some are specifically made for cars.

Now, imagine that you are having a medical emergency, perhaps a fall or symptoms of a heart attack. You push a help button either on a button placed in your home or on your smartwatch. You often can communicate directly through this button. If the button does not include two-way talk, you can speak through the base unit.

Wearing the One Call Alert Fall Detection Wristband

Wearing the One Call Alert Fall Detection Wristband

A trained response center associate will respond to you, usually in 30 seconds or less, and ask you a few questions to assess the situation. If you are unable to speak, the associate will call 911 and your predetermined contacts. The response center also has your medical history and contact information on file, so they are able to quickly provide EMS important information.

Still not sure if this is something you want or need? Most companies offer a trial period of 30 days. And we definitely recommend having some sort of medical alert coverage as you or your loved one ages.

Medical Alert’s On-the-Go System

Medical Alert’s On-the-Go System

Features of Medical Alert Smart Watch Systems

Before selecting a medical alert smartwatch system, it is important to know what features are available. Here are some of the most important features of medical alert watches.

24/7 Emergency Response

Unfortunately, medical emergencies happen without warning, and often in the middle of the night. So having access to emergency responders at the push of a button is absolutely priceless. 24/7 emergency response isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Look for this essential feature in your alert watch, and don’t even consider a device without it.

2-Way Voice

Communication is key in times of crisis. If you experience a medical emergency, having a smartwatch with two-way voice makes all the difference. This feature connects you directly with emergency personnel, allowing you to talk and listen via your device or base station. Responders can gather the full story, and then take the best course of action to assist you.

Cellular Monitoring

Medical alert watches with cellular monitoring deliver on-the-go coverage. That’s right, visit the grocery store, the driving range, or heck, travel to another state. Cellular monitoring has you covered. Alert watches with this technology use cell towers (just like a cell phone), so you can go forth knowing that help is literally close at-hand. Active seniors love this feature.

Extended Battery Life

Hold a charge for days! Medical alert watches with extended battery life are incredibly popular among active seniors. And for good reason. This feature allows you to go days — sometimes even weeks — without having to charge your smartwatch. Choose extended battery life on your alert watch, and keep moving with one less thing to think about.

Fall Detection

Nearly all alert watches offer fall detection as an upgrade. And it’s worth every penny. The moment this feature detects a fall, it sends an automatic alert to the monitoring center. The emergency personnel then jumps into action, contacting a caregiver or first responders, depending on the situation. And to think all of this is built into a sleek and stylish watch.

GPS Location Tracking

Another feature for the active senior, GPS comes built-into many medical alert watches. And it’s powerful. Anywhere you go — whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store, the community center, or hiking nearby trails — GPS will track your alert watch and keep you covered on-the-go. If an emergency occurs, the monitoring center can identify your exact location for a caregiver or first responders.

Nationwide Coverage

Medical alert watches combine form and function — and now far-flung adventures! OK, even if you’re not up for adventures, you can still travel anywhere in the U.S. with Nationwide Coverage. This feature comes with most mobile alert smartwatch systems. So long as you choose cellular coverage, you’ll have the freedom to roam as you wish.

Easy Set-Up

Let’s face it, a frustrating setup process ruins all the fun. That’s why medical alert watches offer Easy Setup. And by “easy,” we mean plug-and-play and you’re off to the races... in a matter of minutes. Companies are eliminating any chance of overwhelm. It’s never been easier for a senior to purchase, activate, and begin using a smartwatch alert system.

Mobile Monitoring

Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime, for anyone. So Mobile Monitoring is a must-have smartwatch alert feature — especially if you’re an active senior who leaves home frequently. These alert systems are powered by Wi-Fi or cellular signal, and they are downright reliable. Get on-the-go protection with a Mobile Monitoring alert watch.

Jenny-Wisneiwski
Written By
Jenny Wisniewski
Medical Alert System Expert

After earning a degree in journalism, Jenny Wisniewski spent much of her professional life in education; however, she returned to writing in earnest in the senior care space, acting as caregiver to her mother. She has hand-tested the industry’s top medical alert systems, writing nearly 50 in-depth articles that help seniors age safely in place. Jenny also covers caregiving, Medicare, assisted living, memory care, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Previously, she’s written for national publications such as Country Magazine and Sierra Magazine. Jenny holds dual bachelor’s degrees in English/Journalism and Political Science from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She currently resides in Milwaukee, WI.