Life Alert vs Medical Alert
Life Alert and Medical Alert are a couple of the largest, most well-known providers of personal emergency response systems in the industry. Both companies offer on-the-go and at-home medical alert systems, so consumers can customize their plans to best fit their lifestyles.
Although Life Alert and Medical Alert have their similarities, such as industry experience, medical alert battery life, and lifetime equipment warranty, there are key differences to be aware of if you want peace of mind that the company you choose is the best option for you or your loved one.
When comparing monthly cost, upfront fees, contract requirements, customer satisfaction, and other company offerings, Medical Alert has Life Alert beat. Keep reading to explore the mentioned differences.
Although Life Alert and Medical Alert have their similarities, such as industry experience, medical alert battery life, and lifetime equipment warranty, there are key differences to be aware of if you want peace of mind that the company you choose is the best option for you or your loved one.
When comparing monthly cost, upfront fees, contract requirements, customer satisfaction, and other company offerings, Medical Alert has Life Alert beat. Keep reading to explore the mentioned differences.
Overview
Life Alert
Monthly Monitoring Price
$49.95 - $89.95
Equipment Fee
None
Activation Fee
$95
Contract Length
36 Months
Warranty Length
Lifetime
Maximum Range from Base Station
1000 ft
Time in Business
37 Years
Medical Alert
Monthly Monitoring Price
$19.95 - $42.95
Equipment Fee
None
Activation Fee
None
Contract Length
None
Warranty Length
Lifetime
Maximum Range from Base Station
Up to 800 ft*
Time in Business
20 Years
Ratings
Life Alert
Overall Score
6.9
of 10
Review Score
4.9
Value for Money
3.9
Quality of Product or Service
4.0
Company Trustworthiness
3.9
Likely to Recommend
7.3
of 10
Medical Alert
Overall Score
7.9
of 10
Review Score
4.2
Value for Money
4.0
Quality of Product or Service
4.2
Company Trustworthiness
4.2
Likely to Recommend
7.8
of 10
Reviews
Life Alert
Number of Reviews
729
Review Breakdown
4.9
1
star
17%
2
star
2%
3
star
1%
4
star
4%
5
star
76%
Reviews
Medical Alert
Number of Reviews
2,216
Review Breakdown
4.2
1
star
6%
2
star
4%
3
star
11%
4
star
19%
5
star
61%
Reviews for Life Alert
Helpful Favorable Review
Marcia J Treinis
November 18th, 2024
Review Source
The service agents were absolutely excellent. When I thought I had a question, they answered it before I even asked. Where do you get that kind of service not that I ever had. I think the life alert. Family were making it easier for me to service. My needs. Thank you very much Marcia J T.
Helpful Critical Review
R. G.
June 7th, 2024
Review Source
I did not like the quality of the microphone from the pendant or help button , and I did not like that they wanted to charge me $46 for a replacement wristband because I accidentally cut the elastic on The Wristband too short.
Reviews for Medical Alert
Helpful Favorable Review
Elaine Johnson
November 6th, 2024
DETAILS
Verified Customer
Review Source
The representatives are friendly and knowledgeable. The 3 star rating is based on the worrisome calls repeated daily to try and get me to add more features. The message is very condescending in that they are asking to update my credit card ASAP. Although I've called several time asking to stop calling, I still get the calls.
Helpful Critical Review
Richard
October 9th, 2024
Verified Customer
Review Source
I completed a review explaining what the problem was and that I wanted to return the equipment and get a refund The fall function only works when being worn. When I wore it different angles and lengths the cord ended up rubbing into my leaving an open wound.
The Final Word
Monthly Cost (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert's monthly fee ranges from $18.29–$32.04 (annual), $19.95–$34.95 (semi-annual), or $22.95–$37.99 (month-to-month), depending on which plan you choose. Paying annually will give you the biggest savings. We'll use the month-to-month prices to explain additional Medical Alert package details. You can add an automatic fall detection pendant to any of Medical Alert's plans for an additional $10 per month.
The At-Home Landline package costs $22.95 per month and includes a waterproof emergency button pendant or bracelet and a base unit with two-way audio. The At-Home No Landline package costs $32.95 per month and includes a waterproof emergency button pendant or bracelet and a base unit with two-way communication, but it does not include a landline. The system is wirelessly connected to Medical Alert's emergency response operators.
Medical Alert's On-the-Go package is $37.95 per month and includes a newly designed help button for the wrist or a necklace button. You also receive GPS location services and a handheld device with a carrying case.
Life Alert's price point is quite a bit more expensive at $69.99 per month. Life Alert is also not transparent about its pricing and doesn't include any information regarding its package options or pricing on its website.
Medical Alert has cheaper prices and allows for more flexibility with its plans.
Upfront Fees (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert does not have an equipment fee or activation fee, making its services completely free upfront other than the monthly cost. Life Alert, however, requires a $96 equipment fee.
With Life Alert's high monthly monitoring cost and expensive upfront fee, Medical Alert is the cheaper medical alert option.
Special Promotions (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers free shipping (annual plans only), a free month of service (annual plans only), and a 30-day money-back guarantee (all packages eligible). Life Alert promotions are limited, as no promotions are listed on its website other than a free first aid kit when you order.
Contract (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert does not require a contract with its services, although you can receive a discount if you pay semi-annually or annually.
Life Alert requires a three-year contract, typically unheard of in the medical alert industry. The majority of medical alert companies are similar to Medical Alert and do not require any sort of long-term contract.
It's concerning that Life Alert has such a lengthy contract, and its company reviews note this as one of the most frustrating details about its services.
Online Ordering (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers online ordering for all of its products, making the purchasing process quick and easy.
Life Alert does not offer online ordering, and its website is outdated and offers little information.
Equipment Warranty (Winner: Medical Alert and Life Alert)
Both Life Alert and Medical Alert offer lifetime warranties on their equipment. This is on par with other medical alert providers. However, many companies have warranty limitations, so be sure to double-check that Life Alert and Medical Alert cover your desired equipment under warranty before purchasing.
Battery Life (Winner: Medical Alert and Life Alert)
Medical Alert's and Life Alert's backup battery life for their at-home medical alert system both last 72 hours. Many medical alert providers only have backup batteries that last 24 hours or less.
Range/Distance from Base Station (Winner: Life Alert)
Medical Alert's range/distance from the base station is 600 feet, while Life Alert's is 800 feet. Although not a huge difference, Life Alert is the company to go with if you're looking for the longer range.
Automatic Fall Detection (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers fall detection for all of its medical alert systems for $10 extra per month. Life Alert, however, does not have fall detection capabilities for any of its products. If you're looking for peace of mind that a fall will be detected without having to manually press the panic button, we suggest choosing Medical Alert.
Safety Certification (Winner: Medical Alert and Life Alert)
Life Alert and Medical Alert are both UL Accredited and Five Diamond Certified. This means that both of their monitoring centers are complete with a fully trained and licensed staff to assist you or your loved one in an emergency situation.
Mobile App (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers a Caregiver App that allows you to check on your loved one who is using the medical alert device. The app has location monitoring, communication capabilities, alert notifications, and additional resources.
Life Alert does not have its own mobile app, making Medical Alert's services more convenient for consumers looking to stay on top of their loved one's status at all times.
Customer Reviews (Winner: Medical Alert)
Consumer reviews are a great indication of whether you can trust a company and its services to be satisfactory. Unfortunately, Life Alert has more than 100 reviews, and 80 percent of those reviews are one-star. Customers mainly complain about poor customer service and cancellation issues because of the required three-year contract.
Medical Alert reviews are quite the opposite; with more than 1,000 reviews, the majority of Medical Alert's reviews are five-star. Customers highlight exceptional customer service, quality equipment, and quick response times.
If you're looking for a trusted company with a satisfied customer base, Medical Alert is the best choice.
Life Alert vs Medical Alert: Which is the better option?
Medical Alert's monthly fee ranges from $18.29–$32.04 (annual), $19.95–$34.95 (semi-annual), or $22.95–$37.99 (month-to-month), depending on which plan you choose. Paying annually will give you the biggest savings. We'll use the month-to-month prices to explain additional Medical Alert package details. You can add an automatic fall detection pendant to any of Medical Alert's plans for an additional $10 per month.
The At-Home Landline package costs $22.95 per month and includes a waterproof emergency button pendant or bracelet and a base unit with two-way audio. The At-Home No Landline package costs $32.95 per month and includes a waterproof emergency button pendant or bracelet and a base unit with two-way communication, but it does not include a landline. The system is wirelessly connected to Medical Alert's emergency response operators.
Medical Alert's On-the-Go package is $37.95 per month and includes a newly designed help button for the wrist or a necklace button. You also receive GPS location services and a handheld device with a carrying case.
Life Alert's price point is quite a bit more expensive at $69.99 per month. Life Alert is also not transparent about its pricing and doesn't include any information regarding its package options or pricing on its website.
Medical Alert has cheaper prices and allows for more flexibility with its plans.
Upfront Fees (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert does not have an equipment fee or activation fee, making its services completely free upfront other than the monthly cost. Life Alert, however, requires a $96 equipment fee.
With Life Alert's high monthly monitoring cost and expensive upfront fee, Medical Alert is the cheaper medical alert option.
Special Promotions (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers free shipping (annual plans only), a free month of service (annual plans only), and a 30-day money-back guarantee (all packages eligible). Life Alert promotions are limited, as no promotions are listed on its website other than a free first aid kit when you order.
Contract (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert does not require a contract with its services, although you can receive a discount if you pay semi-annually or annually.
Life Alert requires a three-year contract, typically unheard of in the medical alert industry. The majority of medical alert companies are similar to Medical Alert and do not require any sort of long-term contract.
It's concerning that Life Alert has such a lengthy contract, and its company reviews note this as one of the most frustrating details about its services.
Online Ordering (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers online ordering for all of its products, making the purchasing process quick and easy.
Life Alert does not offer online ordering, and its website is outdated and offers little information.
Equipment Warranty (Winner: Medical Alert and Life Alert)
Both Life Alert and Medical Alert offer lifetime warranties on their equipment. This is on par with other medical alert providers. However, many companies have warranty limitations, so be sure to double-check that Life Alert and Medical Alert cover your desired equipment under warranty before purchasing.
Battery Life (Winner: Medical Alert and Life Alert)
Medical Alert's and Life Alert's backup battery life for their at-home medical alert system both last 72 hours. Many medical alert providers only have backup batteries that last 24 hours or less.
Range/Distance from Base Station (Winner: Life Alert)
Medical Alert's range/distance from the base station is 600 feet, while Life Alert's is 800 feet. Although not a huge difference, Life Alert is the company to go with if you're looking for the longer range.
Automatic Fall Detection (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers fall detection for all of its medical alert systems for $10 extra per month. Life Alert, however, does not have fall detection capabilities for any of its products. If you're looking for peace of mind that a fall will be detected without having to manually press the panic button, we suggest choosing Medical Alert.
Safety Certification (Winner: Medical Alert and Life Alert)
Life Alert and Medical Alert are both UL Accredited and Five Diamond Certified. This means that both of their monitoring centers are complete with a fully trained and licensed staff to assist you or your loved one in an emergency situation.
Mobile App (Winner: Medical Alert)
Medical Alert offers a Caregiver App that allows you to check on your loved one who is using the medical alert device. The app has location monitoring, communication capabilities, alert notifications, and additional resources.
Life Alert does not have its own mobile app, making Medical Alert's services more convenient for consumers looking to stay on top of their loved one's status at all times.
Customer Reviews (Winner: Medical Alert)
Consumer reviews are a great indication of whether you can trust a company and its services to be satisfactory. Unfortunately, Life Alert has more than 100 reviews, and 80 percent of those reviews are one-star. Customers mainly complain about poor customer service and cancellation issues because of the required three-year contract.
Medical Alert reviews are quite the opposite; with more than 1,000 reviews, the majority of Medical Alert's reviews are five-star. Customers highlight exceptional customer service, quality equipment, and quick response times.
If you're looking for a trusted company with a satisfied customer base, Medical Alert is the best choice.
Life Alert vs Medical Alert: Which is the better option?
Although Life Alert and Medical alert have a similar equipment warranty, backup battery life, and safety certification, Medical Alert still comes out on top for a number of reasons.
With cheaper monthly fees, no equipment fee or activation fee, no long-term contract, and special promotions for its customers, Medical Alert is the more affordable medical alert provider. In addition, Medical Alert has automatic fall detection available for all of its medical alert systems as well as a mobile app for you to check in on your loved one who is using the alert device. Life Alert provides neither of those, making its technology less advanced. Also offering a robust website with online ordering, Medical Alert is more transparent about its prices and offerings when compared to Life Alert.
Finally, the majority of Medical Alert reviews are positive and highlight the company as a trusted medical resource, while Life Alert has almost all negative reviews that note the company as a dissatisfactory service.
When comparing Life Alert vs. Medical Alert, we definitely recommend Medical Alert.
With cheaper monthly fees, no equipment fee or activation fee, no long-term contract, and special promotions for its customers, Medical Alert is the more affordable medical alert provider. In addition, Medical Alert has automatic fall detection available for all of its medical alert systems as well as a mobile app for you to check in on your loved one who is using the alert device. Life Alert provides neither of those, making its technology less advanced. Also offering a robust website with online ordering, Medical Alert is more transparent about its prices and offerings when compared to Life Alert.
Finally, the majority of Medical Alert reviews are positive and highlight the company as a trusted medical resource, while Life Alert has almost all negative reviews that note the company as a dissatisfactory service.
When comparing Life Alert vs. Medical Alert, we definitely recommend Medical Alert.
