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Philips Lifeline

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3.7

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 26th, 2024

As a psychologist and gerontologist, Andrew S. Dibner founded Lifeline Systems in 1974 to give elderly persons a viable solution to getting emergency medical help. The company initially sold its services to commercial entities, such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and has since transitioned to selling directly to consumers.

Today, Philips Lifeline remains one of the top medical alert services in the United States, having served over seven million customers.

The company's medical alert service doesn't require any long-term contracts, and multiple medical alert plans are available. Read our Philips Lifeline review below to see the pros and cons of the medical alert company. 

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The Good

  • Fall Detection Available
  • No Long-Term Contracts
  • Variety of Medical Alert Packages
  • Worry-Free Batteries
  • Waterproof Devices
  • Choice of Landline or Cellular Connection
  • Easy Installation and Optional Installation Assistance

Fall Detection Available

Philips Lifeline's fall detection feature, AutoAlert, uses smart sensors to identify a fall and automatically send an alert to Philips Lifeline if a fall is detected. This means customers don't have to worry about pushing their medical alert button themselves, especially if when they fall, they are unable to move.

Philips Lifeline's monitoring center will notify family members and emergency responders immediately and will send help without the customer having to do anything. There is also two-way communication in the medical alert pendant, so you can speak to the emergency operators directly if desired.

No Long-Term Contracts

Philips Lifeline does not require customers to sign any long-term contracts for its products and services. This can provide peace of mind for people who want the freedom to cancel their medical alert services if need be.

Variety of Medical Alert Packages

Philips Lifeline offers in-home and on-the-go medical alert systems. The on-the-go GoSafe system includes mobile solutions with six locating technologies, including GPS and Wi-Fi, to help locate the medical alert customer simply and quickly. Philips Lifeline's alert pendant, base station, and other equipment for all of its offered packages are rigorously-tested, medical-grade, and FDA-listed. Package details are below:

HomeSafe Standard

  • Activation fee
  • Free equipment
  • Pendant or wristband
  • At-home coverage
  • In-home communicator with two-way voice communication
  • Landline or wireless connection
  • 24/7 access to help
  • Month-to-month billing
  • Personalized response plan

HomeSafe with AutoAlert

  • Everything included in HomeSafe Standard Plan
  • Pendant only
  • AutoAlert fall detection

GoSafe 2

  • Everything included in HomeSafe with AutoAlert Plan
  • Free activation
  • Equipment fee
  • Coverage for at-home and on-the-go

Worry-Free Batteries

The emergency button has a lengthy rechargeable battery life. The communicator unit has up to 30 hours of battery backup, which gives you access to help even during power outages. Philips Lifeline automatically replaces the battery for the HomeSafe products when needed. The GoSafe products have a year warranty, but the user is responsible for replacing the battery when needed.

Waterproof Devices 

Philips’ medical alert devices are water-resistant and work in the bath or shower where falls are common. This gives customers extra protection and makes it so they don't have to worry about taking the medical alert device on and off. 

Choice of Landline or Cellular Connection

In the medical alert industry, it's common for companies to offer plans that include either a landline connection or a cellular connection; most often you can't choose a plan and then decide whether or not you want it to be cellular- or landline-based. Philips Lifeline allows customers to choose which one they'd prefer. Keep in mind the cellular versions of the medical alert plans are more expensive, and you'll still pay an activation fee regardless for both options. 

Easy Installation and Optional Installation Assistance

Philips Lifeline comes with an easy step-by-step voice-guided installation process. Upon request, Philips Lifeline can send a skilled technician to your home to ensure that everything is installed properly and that the system is securely connected to the monitoring center. This is a unique offering within the industry, as most companies don't offer professional installation as part of their medical alert services.

The technician will call you to schedule a two-hour time slot that works with your schedule. Be aware that the optional installation help does require a one-time installation fee. However, you can also have the equipment mailed to you so you can set it up yourself for no additional cost.

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The Bad

  • Range/Distance Limitations
  • Expensive Pricing
  • Activation Fee
  • Equipment Fee
  • Delayed Shipping
  • Negative Reviews
  • Missing Certifications

Range/Distance Limitations

Philips Lifeline doesn’t have a specific range from the base station for its products. The range of the base unit to the help button varies depending on the specifications of the house itself. The company also warns the range in and around your home must be tested.

The mobile Philips Lifeline system has coverage anywhere with AT&T service, but the range varies depending on cell tower coverage in that particular area. However, this is to be expected with most medical alert devices.

Expensive Pricing

Philips Lifeline pricing is on the higher-end when compared to other medical alert providers. For example, Medical Guardian, the #1 rated medical alert company on the market, has a landline-based medical alert system that is around $30 per month with no activation fee or equipment fee. Philips Lifeline, on the other hand, has a comparable landline package with a $60 monthly cost and a $50 activation fee. Although Philips Lifeline's package includes fall detection, Medical Guardian offers automatic fall detection for only $10 extra per month. Philips Lifeline is still significantly more expensive. 

Activation Fee

For all of Philips Lifeline's at-home medical alert systems, a $50 activation fee is required. Activation fees aren't uncommon, but many top-rated medical alert companies don't charge an activation fee, regardless if you choose a mobile or home-based system. 

If you opt for Philips Lifeline's GoSafe 2 mobile plan, you won't have to pay an activation fee; however, you will need to pay a one-time equipment fee. 

Equipment Fee 

As noted in the previous paragraph, Philips Lifeline charges an equipment fee if you purchase its mobile plan, GoSafe 2. Competing medical alert companies don't charge equipment fees unless it's for high-tech equipment, such as a medical alert smartwatch. It's definitely disappointing Philips Lifeline charges nearly $100 just for a mobile medical alert help button, especially when the majority of medical alert companies on the market don't charge for this type of equipment. 

Delayed Shipping

Philips Lifeline GoSafe 2 mobile plan takes 6–8 weeks to ship. This is quite the delay and could be inconvenient if you're looking to have medical alert protection as soon as possible. The at-home plans ship quicker, closer to 2–5 days

Negative Reviews

More than half of Philips Lifeline reviews are 1 or 2 stars. This is disappointing and alarming when you want to trust the medical alert company you choose has happy customers. Given its low star rating, that doesn't seem to be the case with Philips Lifeline. 

Missing Certifications

Philips Lifeline notes on its website that its response center has a professionally trained staff, but it does not state if the response center is CSAA Five Diamond Certified or if its staff has specific certifications.

A CSAA Five Diamond Certification means a company is nationally approved with security excellence. To be certified, companies are randomly inspected to ensure they are meeting industry standards for customer service, security, and safety. Without this certification, it's difficult to trust Philips Lifeline has a high-performing response center, especially since the majority of highly rated medical alert companies have this certification.

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The Bottom Line

Unlike many medical alert companies, Philips Lifeline pricing includes an activation fee for its landline packages and an equipment fee for its mobile medical alert service. Philips Lifeline's monthly cost is also more expensive than medical alert providers who are providing similar services, and quite often, more medical alert features for less.

Although the equipment is easy to install, Philips Lifeline does offer customers the option for professional installation for an additional fee. 

With affordable pricing and customer reviews being such an important factor when choosing a medical alert provider, we cannot confidently recommend Philips Lifeline since the medical alert service has high pricing and negative customer feedback. 

We suggest looking into other top-rated companies before making your purchasing decision. Many companies on the market include cheaper monthly prices, no activation or equipment fees, and higher quality products with better customer feedback.  

Read Philips Lifeline reviews below to learn more about the customer experience. 

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Star Rating

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2.7

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69 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

29%

4 grade

13%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

10%

1 grade

48%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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BJS Winter Haven, FL

I have a necklace that does not require a base unit. Communication is through the necklace. This gives me freedom around my home or anywhere in the country where there is cell phone service. I had an incident a few months ago where I passed out. Help was called; my contact was called and I was transported to the hospital. Customer service has been great.

4 years ago

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Donald Cox Burbank, CA

After my wife passed away, my daughters said they wanted me to have someone to contact me if I needed help. They investigated Philips Lifeline, and decided it was the very best....so, we called and purchased the unit that will allow me to go anywhere in the United States and have the coverage. When I went to Florida, for my Granddaughter's wedding, I notified Lifeline to let them know I was in Florida (I live in California). Since my daughters were at the wedding, I had a Responder there, in case they needed to contact Lifeline. THIS IS THE BEST INSURANCE ANYONE TO RECEIVE! I feel I am totally covered for any mishap I may have. I had to wait for my unit to receive, but it was really worth it. I recently discussed this with my sister (who lives alone in another town), and she is going to subscribe foe this service. I anyone lives alone it is the best insurance for that person and their family. I would recommend Philips Lifeline to everyone.

5 years ago

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L. Hanko Yulee, FL

My mother has had Life Line for over 15 years. She has used it twice with immediate results. Every month, central monitoring contacts her to check the system out and see if she is OK, then they call me (as primary contact) to report her status. She is 94, lucid and healthy but with a mobility problem. She loves her Life Lock service, and so do I.

6 years ago

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Donna Downing

I was referred to Lifeline by the owner of a company providing at-home services. I did my own research, an decided to go with Lifeline. That was four years ago. I have needed it a few times. I needed help from a few falls. I bumped it in the super market, and I got a prompt call asking if I needed help. I wish there were a way to merge the Medic Alert information and Lifeline.

6 years ago

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B C MD

First tried a different company and didn't like the type of pendant that didn't look strong, but worst tried testing it a couple of times and the response took too long and at the third time they kept me on hold. Needless to say, I switched companies immediately and tried Philips Lifeline. Very satisfied so far. Has been using them for over a year. Can use them in Puerto Rico and they connect with the landline and my cell network there. I life in Texas. As far as service very prompt and responsive. By the way, used them before for mother in law. I like they have the GPS to locate and the fall detection feature. Will likely recommend.

6 years ago

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Loretta Jiran Bay Shore, NY

My mother and my Aunt have the service and is fast and reliable. My Aunt at 94 is still Mobil so she has the GoSafe and has used it away from her home with great communication and fast service. It's comforting fir us to know our mother and aunt have a strong health care company like philips to help them when they need it and we aren't available.

6 years ago

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Dortha Headrick Moscow, ID

I have been well satisfied with my unit. Had numerous trips to ER since purchase which came to me thru a local nursing home center. Actually get check-in calls when my necklace was too active during the night when I got up for a bathroom visit so it is a good unit for me. Works well in my area as far as I know and very well for me at any rate. They came one day and even told me my battery needed changing and they changed the necklace more than once too. I NOW do not need a land line for it tho still have one which I wouldn't let go of for any reason. Highly recommend my Phillip's unit. Local ambulance came several times when called since I got the unit.

6 years ago

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Susan Baker

No problems. Only one emergency. Great service!

6 years ago

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Doris L Schuetz

I upgraded my service to the GPS option. I've fallen several times and it called me no matter where I was. I live in IL and was in Phoenix by myself staying in a hotel. I fell on the ceramic floor in the bathroom. I was able to get up and knew I didn't have any injuries so I didn't push the call button. In a matter of a few minutes I heard a voice clearly say my name and then said "Doris, you fell didn't you." Yes I did. I was shocked with the speed in which they called me. I was in Phoenix with my home base in IL and the person calling me was in Boston. That is the service I hoped for and they delivered. I would not be without my GPS system. I can't say enough about Phillips Lifeline.

6 years ago

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Cathy Charlotte, NC

My family used this for our father and it was an awesome product. Dad fell a number of times and within a few seconds Phillips Lifeline was calling his house. They also notified me or my sister. There was never any issue of range and even worked in Dad's back yard. This product worked so well that my husband and I got the same system for his mother in Connecticut. The pendent or wristband is fully waterproof so it can be worn in the shower and never has to come off. When my dad finally had to go into assisted living, Phillips made it easy to return the equipment and stopped the billing immediately.

6 years ago

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Ron Pauluh Dover, TN

After checking the other 'top' three, I don't understand why this one isn't listed as the top #1. There is no advantage to the other three over Philips Lifeline. This is my mothers and she's 94. Already has had five (5) excellent immediate responses. I can see no value in the scores when compared to actual situations. I'd rate it at 10 and that is rated on actual responses not hypothetical situations.

7 years ago

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Marie Ries

This product is pricey but you get what you pay for. I am a retired design engineer & this company has taken care of EVERY little detail from the point of view of manufacture, repair, replacement, call service & customer needs. I have had this for 8 years now.

7 years ago

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Jane Harmon Dallas, TX

I have been blessed to have a Lifeline since the early 80's. Always great service. It is the choice of state Medicaid programs and so many agency providers, for good reason. While I'm comforted that help is not far away, I'm also comforted by Lifeline's measured response. If I knew that I had a button to call 911, but I would land in the hospital as a result, I would probably never press that button! I feel so much better that when I press my Lifeline button, we can discuss my need. Better that my neighbor comes over, opens the door with her key, helps me up, gets my medication or whatever I need, stays with me until the issue is solved, and we're done. Ambulance, fire depot and hospital when necessary, family, friend or neighbor otherwise. Better use of city services, better for me. That makes the Lifeline choice easy.

9 years ago

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Michelle Perry Turlock, CA

My father's health declined rapidly. He still wanted to live alone. As a full-time working mom of 2 small children I can't always check up on him daily. He recently fell and went a full day before we realized anything was wrong. I ordered him a Philips Lifeline AutoAlert to ensure this doesn't happen again. Having the added peace of mind makes it easier for me to have him love alone. He is able to keep his independence in a safe manner.

9 years ago

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Kim Framingham, MA

We use Lifeline for my father-in-law for the past 5 years. It's been great as he is 92 and is very independent. Luckily we haven't had any incidents but my husbands great Aunt has the AutoAlert button and it saved her life. She fell in the basement of her home and it detected her fall and got her the help she needed. Great service!

9 years ago

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Janet Celina, OH

While visiting in FL at the location grand-mother was living, grand-mother used the system to alert of an emergency (she suffered a stroke and was transported to the hospital). The response was fast - the household was still asleep and only realized the emergency when the EMT appeared at the door.

9 years ago

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Vance Horne Brunswick, ME

This device is for my mother and she actually used your services about a year ago for an event where she broke her ankle and hit her head. The response was very prompt and satisfactorily handled. Great device and service.

9 years ago

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Lorraine Brunswick, ME

PhilipsLifeline is the best on the market. They are awesome! Lorraine

9 years ago

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Gene Pike Brandon, FL

We are very pleased with Philips Life Line with Auto Alert.. My mother had a major stroke a few months after having a mini stroke, so we got here one. The reason we got her the Life Line with Auto Alert is because when she had her mini stroke she was not mentally aware enough to push the button to call for help on another brand button. We always felt reassured after getting Auto Alert because if she fell again it would detect the fall and automatically call for help.

9 years ago

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Lorraine Sullivan - user Bangor, ME

I am Pat Hughes, niece of Lorraine Sullivan.I will report what Lorraine says 'I have had lifeline for over 10 years. I feel secure with it and calm knowing that help will arrive if I need it. Gives me peace of mind and I'm not alone. It's always there when I need it. I have never had issues with the people on the other end. They have been nice, concerned, and courteous. You can hear their concern in their voices. It's comfortable to wear and easy and simple to use. Thanks for lifeline.

9 years ago