LifeStation vs Life Alert
You've likely heard of Life Alert and its catchy ad campaign: "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" Although Life Alert is a pioneer of the medical alert system industry, it's not necessarily the best option for everyone. Specifically in comparison to LifeStation, an affordable medical alert option with more than four decades of experience, Life Alert is quite different.
Both LifeStation and Life Alert have a large customer base with years of experience in the industry. However, the two medical alert providers differ in many areas, including monthly cost, upfront fees, range/distance from the base unit, contract requirements, customer reviews, and more.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between LifeStation vs Life Alert and to determine which option is best for you.
Both LifeStation and Life Alert have a large customer base with years of experience in the industry. However, the two medical alert providers differ in many areas, including monthly cost, upfront fees, range/distance from the base unit, contract requirements, customer reviews, and more.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between LifeStation vs Life Alert and to determine which option is best for you.
Overview
LifeStation
Monthly Monitoring Price
$22.95 - $43.95
Equipment Fee
None
Activation Fee
None
Contract Length
None
Warranty Length
N/A
Maximum Range from Base Station
600 ft
Time in Business
47 Years
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
Ratings
LifeStation
Overall Score
6.6
of 10
Review Score
4.5
Value for Money
4.5
Quality of Product or Service
4.4
Company Trustworthiness
4.6
Likely to Recommend
8.1
of 10
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
Reviews
LifeStation
Number of Reviews
2,504
Review Breakdown
4.5
1
star
3%
2
star
2%
3
star
6%
4
star
20%
5
star
68%
Reviews
Life Alert
Number of Reviews
696
Review Breakdown
4.9
1
star
18%
2
star
2%
3
star
1%
4
star
4%
5
star
75%
Reviews for LifeStation
Helpful Favorable Review
5
February 26th, 2020
DETAILS
Verified Customer
Review Source
From what I've experiences, it's quick to answer and I like that it works though I dislike the size. I am always setting it off because I can't wear it around my neck because it is too heavy, so I keep it in my back pocket. It also is a bit expensive.
Helpful Critical Review
Connie Brown
March 22nd, 2024
DETAILS
Customer care sucks! They have hung up on me numerous times when I have called for assistance on this product. I have had this watch 3 months and have yet to get the time set correctly, and there is no answer for emergency assistance...the phone just rings and rings and rings and rings....what a waste of time and effort...not to mention money!! Don't waste your hard earned money or precious time trying to use this useless piece of plastic!
Reviews for Life Alert
Helpful Favorable Review
Barbara Nista
October 28th, 2024
DETAILS
Review Source
Ingrid was awesome!!! She’s professional,personable and very easy to work with. I’m not too savvy when it comes to setting up equipment but she walked me thru it and was very patient with me I hope I never have to use this but I already feel that I made the right decision in getting life alwrt
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.
The Final Word
Monthly Cost (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation's monthly fee starts at $19.95 for the In-Home Landline package. For the In-Home Cellular package, you'll pay a higher monthly fee of $26.95. For LifeStation's most extensive package, Mobile with GPS, you'll pay $34.95 per month. (Note that LifeStation operates on the AT&T cellular network, so for your alert device to work, you need to be in an AT&T coverage area.)
Life Alert's monthly monitoring cost is a much higher price point of $69.99. In addition to having limited package options, Life Alert is also much more expensive than LifeStation. If you're looking for the cheaper monthly price and the versatility of choosing between a landline or cellular package, LifeStation is definitely going to be your best option.
Upfront Fees (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation has Life Alert beat in upfront fees as well. LifeStation has no equipment fee or activation fee, making its upfront cost $0. Life Alert, on the other hand, requires a $96 equipment fee, making its activation cost nearly $100. With a higher upfront cost and monthly monitoring cost, LifeStation is the better medical alert option in regards to pricing.
Money-Back Guarantee (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation medical alert systems have a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide you don't want LifeStation as your medical device provider within 30 days of purchasing its services, you will receive a full refund. This makes LifeStation's services completely risk-free.
Life Alert does not offer a money-back guarantee for its services or equipment, so if you purchase Life Alert and decide its services are not for you, you cannot receive a refund and you will remain locked into the three-year contract even if you opt to stop using the device.
Contract (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation's medical alert services are month-to-month, so you don't have to worry about signing a long-term contract. No required contract in addition to a money-back guarantee can provide peace of mind to consumers that they won't have buyer's remorse with LifeStation.
With most medical alert companies on par with LifeStation and not requiring a long-term contract, Life Alert is not the most appealing option. Life Alert requires a lengthy three-year contract for its services. The majority of medical alert providers offer month-to-month plans, so it's concerning that Life Alert requires customers to sign into such a lengthy contract. Life Alert consumer reviews also note contract and cancellation issues as a couple of the most frustrating issues about the company.
Online Ordering (Winner: LifeStation)
Nowadays, the convenience of online ordering is the preference for many. LifeStation offers online ordering for all of its products and medical alert packages, making it simple for consumers to browse LifeStation's offerings and make an order as quickly as they'd like. Life Alert, however, does not offer online ordering. You also have to request a brochure over the phone to receive any information regarding package details and pricing. This makes the buying process a bit more difficult for potential Life Alert customers, awarding the convenience factor and ease-of-use to LifeStation.
Equipment Warranty (Winner: LifeStation and Life Alert)
Life Alert and LifeStation medical alert systems have a lifetime warranty. Especially since Life Alert's and LifeStation's wearable emergency pendants have two-way communication installed, it's important the equipment is always functioning properly. The monitoring centers that respond to a triggered pendant utilize the two-way communication to assure you that emergency responders are on the way and to help you through the process. With a lifetime warranty, you'll never have to worry about sacrificing your safety because your medical alert device isn't functioning properly. Both medical alert companies will replace defective equipment free of charge.
Range/Distance from Base Station (Winner: LifeStation)
If you're looking for a medical alert system that will give you more freedom in your everyday life with a farther range, LifeStation is the best option. LifeStation has a 1,000-foot range from the base station, while Life alert has an 800-foot range. That extra 200 feet can give medical alert wearers more freedom in the distance they can travel away from the medical alert base station, while still being protected in the case of a fall or another emergency.
Automatic Fall Detection (Winner: LifeStation)
One of the biggest appeals to medical alert systems is the wearable fall detection pendant. With automatic fall detection, the medical alert device will trigger help if it senses a fall, so users don't have to manually press the emergency button in order to call for help. This provides great peace of mind for medical alert customers and their families knowing they'll have protection.
LifeStation offers automatic fall detection with all of its packages. Life Alert, however, does not offer fall detection, making it one of the few medical alert providers that do not offer this feature, even with its expensive prices and long-term contract.
If you're looking for a medical alert system that has fall detection and could potentially save you or your loved one's life in an emergency, we recommend choosing LifeStation.
Safety Certification (Winner: LifeStation and Life Alert)
Both LifeStation's and Life Alert's medical monitoring centers are UL-listed and Five Diamond Certified. These certifications require strict training protocols among the monitoring center staff. Having reliable responders is important if you want peace of mind that you or your loved one is safe and protected with the chosen medical alert service.
LifeStation and Life Alert are both good choices if you want well-trained medical alert professionals.
Website (Winner: LifeStation)
With an outdated design, poor ease of use, and little provided information, Life Alert's website is not a great resource for its visitors. Being a company operating in the technological age, potential customers expect more from a company's website, especially since a poor website means they will need to call Life Alert directly if they want any detailed information regarding its services. Many consumers like to compare their options with the information provided on a company's website so they don't have to spend time calling multiple companies before narrowing their choices down. Life Alert also has two websites with different information and contact numbers, which makes it confusing to decide which one to use.
LifeStation has a detailed website with information about offered alert systems, prices, equipment, and much more. The website is straight forward and allows you to research the company and its offerings with ease. If you're looking for a medical alert company that has useful online resources and doesn't require you to call a customer service representative to get more information, LifeSation is the better option when compared to Life Alert.
Customer Reviews (Winner: LifeStation)
The majority of Life Alert reviews on BestCompany.com are one-star reviews, with most customers complaining about poor customer service and cancellation issues.
LifeStation medical alert reviews are in the thousands, and the majority of them are four- and five-star reviews. LifeStation customers note quick response times, easy-to-use and quality equipment, and great customer service. If you want a medical alert service that has a satisfied customer base, we recommend LifeStation over Life Alert.
LifeStation vs Life Alert: Which is the Better Option?
Although LifeStation and Life Alert are similar in their lifetime equipment warranties, certified monitoring centers, and company experience, LifeStation has better offerings with a lower monthly monitoring fee, no activation fee or equipment fee, no contract requirement, fall detection capabilities, a longer alert device range, a money-back guarantee, an easy-to-use website with online ordering, and positive reviews.
When comparing LifeStation vs. Life Alert, we recommend choosing LifeStation for your medical alert needs.
LifeStation's monthly fee starts at $19.95 for the In-Home Landline package. For the In-Home Cellular package, you'll pay a higher monthly fee of $26.95. For LifeStation's most extensive package, Mobile with GPS, you'll pay $34.95 per month. (Note that LifeStation operates on the AT&T cellular network, so for your alert device to work, you need to be in an AT&T coverage area.)
Life Alert's monthly monitoring cost is a much higher price point of $69.99. In addition to having limited package options, Life Alert is also much more expensive than LifeStation. If you're looking for the cheaper monthly price and the versatility of choosing between a landline or cellular package, LifeStation is definitely going to be your best option.
Upfront Fees (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation has Life Alert beat in upfront fees as well. LifeStation has no equipment fee or activation fee, making its upfront cost $0. Life Alert, on the other hand, requires a $96 equipment fee, making its activation cost nearly $100. With a higher upfront cost and monthly monitoring cost, LifeStation is the better medical alert option in regards to pricing.
Money-Back Guarantee (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation medical alert systems have a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide you don't want LifeStation as your medical device provider within 30 days of purchasing its services, you will receive a full refund. This makes LifeStation's services completely risk-free.
Life Alert does not offer a money-back guarantee for its services or equipment, so if you purchase Life Alert and decide its services are not for you, you cannot receive a refund and you will remain locked into the three-year contract even if you opt to stop using the device.
Contract (Winner: LifeStation)
LifeStation's medical alert services are month-to-month, so you don't have to worry about signing a long-term contract. No required contract in addition to a money-back guarantee can provide peace of mind to consumers that they won't have buyer's remorse with LifeStation.
With most medical alert companies on par with LifeStation and not requiring a long-term contract, Life Alert is not the most appealing option. Life Alert requires a lengthy three-year contract for its services. The majority of medical alert providers offer month-to-month plans, so it's concerning that Life Alert requires customers to sign into such a lengthy contract. Life Alert consumer reviews also note contract and cancellation issues as a couple of the most frustrating issues about the company.
Online Ordering (Winner: LifeStation)
Nowadays, the convenience of online ordering is the preference for many. LifeStation offers online ordering for all of its products and medical alert packages, making it simple for consumers to browse LifeStation's offerings and make an order as quickly as they'd like. Life Alert, however, does not offer online ordering. You also have to request a brochure over the phone to receive any information regarding package details and pricing. This makes the buying process a bit more difficult for potential Life Alert customers, awarding the convenience factor and ease-of-use to LifeStation.
Equipment Warranty (Winner: LifeStation and Life Alert)
Life Alert and LifeStation medical alert systems have a lifetime warranty. Especially since Life Alert's and LifeStation's wearable emergency pendants have two-way communication installed, it's important the equipment is always functioning properly. The monitoring centers that respond to a triggered pendant utilize the two-way communication to assure you that emergency responders are on the way and to help you through the process. With a lifetime warranty, you'll never have to worry about sacrificing your safety because your medical alert device isn't functioning properly. Both medical alert companies will replace defective equipment free of charge.
Range/Distance from Base Station (Winner: LifeStation)
If you're looking for a medical alert system that will give you more freedom in your everyday life with a farther range, LifeStation is the best option. LifeStation has a 1,000-foot range from the base station, while Life alert has an 800-foot range. That extra 200 feet can give medical alert wearers more freedom in the distance they can travel away from the medical alert base station, while still being protected in the case of a fall or another emergency.
Automatic Fall Detection (Winner: LifeStation)
One of the biggest appeals to medical alert systems is the wearable fall detection pendant. With automatic fall detection, the medical alert device will trigger help if it senses a fall, so users don't have to manually press the emergency button in order to call for help. This provides great peace of mind for medical alert customers and their families knowing they'll have protection.
LifeStation offers automatic fall detection with all of its packages. Life Alert, however, does not offer fall detection, making it one of the few medical alert providers that do not offer this feature, even with its expensive prices and long-term contract.
If you're looking for a medical alert system that has fall detection and could potentially save you or your loved one's life in an emergency, we recommend choosing LifeStation.
Safety Certification (Winner: LifeStation and Life Alert)
Both LifeStation's and Life Alert's medical monitoring centers are UL-listed and Five Diamond Certified. These certifications require strict training protocols among the monitoring center staff. Having reliable responders is important if you want peace of mind that you or your loved one is safe and protected with the chosen medical alert service.
LifeStation and Life Alert are both good choices if you want well-trained medical alert professionals.
Website (Winner: LifeStation)
With an outdated design, poor ease of use, and little provided information, Life Alert's website is not a great resource for its visitors. Being a company operating in the technological age, potential customers expect more from a company's website, especially since a poor website means they will need to call Life Alert directly if they want any detailed information regarding its services. Many consumers like to compare their options with the information provided on a company's website so they don't have to spend time calling multiple companies before narrowing their choices down. Life Alert also has two websites with different information and contact numbers, which makes it confusing to decide which one to use.
LifeStation has a detailed website with information about offered alert systems, prices, equipment, and much more. The website is straight forward and allows you to research the company and its offerings with ease. If you're looking for a medical alert company that has useful online resources and doesn't require you to call a customer service representative to get more information, LifeSation is the better option when compared to Life Alert.
Customer Reviews (Winner: LifeStation)
The majority of Life Alert reviews on BestCompany.com are one-star reviews, with most customers complaining about poor customer service and cancellation issues.
LifeStation medical alert reviews are in the thousands, and the majority of them are four- and five-star reviews. LifeStation customers note quick response times, easy-to-use and quality equipment, and great customer service. If you want a medical alert service that has a satisfied customer base, we recommend LifeStation over Life Alert.
LifeStation vs Life Alert: Which is the Better Option?
Although LifeStation and Life Alert are similar in their lifetime equipment warranties, certified monitoring centers, and company experience, LifeStation has better offerings with a lower monthly monitoring fee, no activation fee or equipment fee, no contract requirement, fall detection capabilities, a longer alert device range, a money-back guarantee, an easy-to-use website with online ordering, and positive reviews.
When comparing LifeStation vs. Life Alert, we recommend choosing LifeStation for your medical alert needs.
