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We ranked the best medical alert system watches based on form, function, and fashion so you can stay safe in style.
Updated April 16, 2025
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If, as they say, age is just a number, why should any of us want to grow old before we’re ready. OK, so some of us need a little extra help from time to time – that’s true no matter what age you might be. And there’s certainly no shame in signing up for an emergency medical alert system if you feel like you might need that extra help. Clunky, in-home systems have a way of adding years to our lives, though. They tie us to our homes, limiting our mobility. They remind us, just by sitting on our bedside tables, that we’re growing older.
Life doesn’t have to be like that anymore, though. These days, you can purchase a medical alert system in smartwatch form. You get the same help in the event of an emergency, but you can go anywhere in the world, do anything you want with your days and nights. And instead of being constantly reminded that you need an alert system, you have a sporty, high-tech device on your wrist reminding you just how young you still are.
The question is, which smartwatch is right for you? As usual, we have the answers. Reviewing safety and security equipment is kind of our thing. We’ve put together this list of our three favorite devices, the ones we think offer the most value for the money. Don’t worry – we don’t just focus on the good aspects of these smartwatches. We tell you exactly what to expect from Medical Guardian's MGMove, Bay Medical’s SOS Smart Watch, and the Apple Watch, so you can decide for yourself which one is right for you.
From Christopher Norman, a Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
| 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.
Sure, the MGMove is stylish, with its minimalist design, slim profile (just 1.25 inches across), and contemporary rounded face. This Medical Guardian device’s most important features, though, have to do with its core functions. The MGMove provides a direct connection to Medical Guardian monitoring centers 24/7. Two-way talk means you’re never out of touch. One touch of the MGMove’s emergency button and help is on the scene. This smartwatch also includes GPS and location tracking, so caregivers can always locate you through their mobile devices. Plus, it’s reasonably priced at just $199.99. You won’t find many other medical alert devices that offer this much freedom at such an affordable price.
The MGMove is not an Apple Watch, but is smart enough to handle some basic smart functions. There’s a weather app and a step tracker. We especially liked the reminder app, which sent us alerts when we needed to take our medications and let us know about upcoming doctors’ appointments. And, like any other smartwatch, the MGMove features two-way texting and voice chat, perfect whether you need to contact a caregiver or you’re simply looking to stay in contact with friends and family.
And let’s face it – the Apple Watch isn’t exactly designed as an emergency alert device the way the MGMove is. When you buy the watch, you’re also buying a monitoring plan that provides you with access to emergency help 24/7, no matter where you go. In addition, there’s something to be said about the MGMove’s relative simplicity. We didn’t worry about getting lost trying to find the help button. Everything on the watch is laid out simply and intuitively so you have access to what you need without having to fidget with a lot of extra screens.
Monitoring costs $42.95 a month, but that includes access to all the apps and features. Note, too, that the device only runs for about 24 hours on a single charge. It was easy enough to plug it in each night so we were ready to go every morning. Want more details? Check out 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.
| 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 |
Like the MGMove, Bay Alarm Medica’s SOS Smartwatch provides reliable emergency help in an attractive, discreet package that allows seniors the freedom to go where they choose. While the SOS doesn’t include quite as many features as the MGMove, it does come with a weather app and a step tracker. There’s a help button for emergencies and a Vial of Life feature that stores all your medical information in case you’re unable to communicate with emergency personnel. Plus, Bay Alarm monitoring is $3 a month cheaper than Medical Guaridian’s.
The SOS Smartwatch looks an awful lot like the MGMove. That is to say, it’s modern and sporty. You also get to choose between a variety of watch faces. And while the SOS doesn’t include quite as many features as the MGMove, it’s far more than an alert button that looks like a watch. In addition to keeping you safe 24/7, for instance, the SOS lets you check the weather and track your steps, and its AI is smart enough to provide more accurate data as it learns how you move.
Looking at the Bay Alarm Medical smartwatch
We were particularly impressed with the SOS’s water resistance. This watch is actually rated IP67, which means it can endure submersion in up to a foot of water for up to 30 minutes. Most seniors don’t need that level of protection, but it’s nice to know you can leave this device on when you’re showering, doing the dishes, or going for a quick swim.
FYI: We dug a bit deeper into Bay Alarm’s IP67 claim. It seems to be true, but that 30-minute time limit is pretty firm. Users report some technical issues after the watch has been submerged longer than that.
The thing about smartwatches is you have to buy the equipment. Bay Alarm offers in-home system devices for free. However, the company runs frequent sales on its equipment. Right now, for example, the SOS is on sale for $139, a full $60 off the normal retail price. As with any medical alert system, you pay a monthly fee for monitoring. Bay Alarm charges $39.95 a month to smartwatch users. You can also add fall detection for $10 a month.
You can learn more about the watch and the provider in our Bay Alarm Medical Review 2025.
| Connectivity | 4G LTE SIM card |
|---|---|
| Fall Detection | $10/month |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hours |
| GPS Location Tracking | Yes |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30-days |
Of course, if you’re looking for a smartwatch with the most technology and features, you’re not going to do better than the Apple Watch. This isn’t just the gold standard in medical alert smartwatches; it’s the gold standard in smartwatches. At the same time, it can absolutely serve as a medical alert device. It turns out, Apple offers dozens of apps designed to monitor users’ health and welfare, including an Emergency SOS system.
Of course, you can probably guess the main downside. A true smartwatch costs a smartwatch price. And Apple prices its products high. It’s also worth noting that some seniors may find Apple’s many functions overwhelming. Apps can make life more convenient, but put a couple of dozens on your smartwatch and they can also make life more confusing.
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.
We were impressed with the Apple Watch. I mean…obviously. You’re not going to find a smartwatch, let alone a medical smartwatch, with as many functions. The Apple smartwatch actually is a viable medical device alternative that’s every bit as effective at protecting seniors as the MGMove or the SOS smartwatch. OK, so there are thousands of apps available from the App Store, apps that will do everything from identifying stars in the night sky to ordering a Big Mac.
Somewhere amongst all of those, you can also download dozens of apps specifically designed to provide medical assistance on demand. For instance, there’s an Emergency SOS system. One touch puts you in contact with caregivers and, if you need them, emergency responders. With added equipment, the Apple Watch can monitor your heart rate. There are apps that help you maintain a healthy diet and apps that tell you which parts of town are safest. These watches even offer fall detection If they detect a fall followed by no movement, they send you an alert. If you don’t respond, they tap your wrist and sound an alarm. If you still don’t respond, they call emergency services.
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.
Of course, these devices aren’t cheap. The most recent version of the Apple Watch — the Ultra — costs $800. Older iterations are available, mostly from third-party retailers. In fact, you can sometimes find one for as little as $200, though that means sacrificing all the latest and greatest features. There’s a steep learning curve with these devices as well. We have trouble navigating ours, and we’re in our early 50s. The most important downside to the Apple Watch, though, is its lack of emergency response. Ultimately, this isn’t a medical alert system, and you’re not monitored 24/7 the way you are with true 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.
While medical alert watches are a unique type of medical alert system, they’re still medical alert systems. It can be useful, then to understand exactly what a medical alert system is and how it operates.
Systems operate 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).
In-home systems work well for seniors who live alone since they usually provide emergency aid when a person isn’t able to communicate with an alert monitoring center. Normally, they include a base unit that is placed in a central location in the home. This unit acts as the system’s central nervous system – everything else runs through it. You can use it to talk directly to professional healthcare monitors, but often it provides backup options such as fall detection that allow monitors to respond even if they don’t hear from you directly.
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
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
Like any security device, or indeed any product of any sort, no medical alert smartwatch is going to work for everyone. If you’re looking for the most technologically advanced watch, the Apple Watch is the winner hands down. There’s no denying it comes with some pretty significant downsides, though. It’s far more expensive than the other options and it can be overwhelming to any user, let alone someone who might not be used to its level of technology. If you’re looking for a straight-ahead medical alert device that’s sporty and gives you the freedom to go anywhere at an affordable price, we’d recommend Medical Guardian’s MGMove. Undoubtedly, some seniors will find a better mixture of features with Bay Alarm’s SOS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
