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Lifeline

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4.1

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: May 21st, 2025

Lifeline, formerly Philips Lifeline, is a #1-rated medical alert service dedicated to helping individuals maintain their independence while ensuring safety and peace of mind. Designed with both simplicity and reliability in mind, Lifeline’s systems offer essential features such as fall detection, waterproof devices, and long-lasting batteries. With flexible connection options, including landline and cellular, and a variety of alert packages to choose from, Lifeline makes it easy for users to find a solution that fits their lifestyle. Whether at home or on the go, Lifeline provides dependable support when it matters most.

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The Good

  • Medical Alert Products for Every Lifestyle
  • Automatic Fall Detection Technology
  • No Hidden Fees
  • No Long-Term Contracts
  • 24/7 Lifeline Response Center
  • Personalized Response Plans
  • Lifeline Mobile App

Medical Alert Products for Every Lifestyle

Lifeline offers a comprehensive suite of medical alert products tailored to support individuals seeking safety and independence, whether at home or on the move. Lifeline systems are designed for simplicity, reliability, and rapid emergency response, providing peace of mind for users and their families.

Lifeline Home Systems

For in-home protection, Lifeline's HomeSafe system connects users to 24/7 assistance through a wearable help button, available as a pendant or wristband. This system can operate via landline or cellular connection, ensuring flexibility based on the user's home setup. An optional AutoAlert feature adds automatic fall detection, which can summon help even if the user is unable to press the button.

Lifeline Mobile Systems

For those leading active lifestyles, the On the Go and On the Go Mini devices provide mobile protection with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi locating technologies. These lightweight, water-resistant pendants offer two-way voice communication and automatic fall detection, ensuring users can receive help wherever they are.

Lifeline Smartwatch

The Lifeline Smartwatch combines safety with health monitoring features, including a GPS-enabled help button, heart rate monitoring, and step tracking. This device caters to users who desire a discreet and multifunctional wearable that supports both their safety and wellness goals.

Automatic Fall Detection Technology

Lifeline's automatic fall detection technology, known as AutoAlert, is engineered to provide immediate assistance in the event of a fall, especially when the user is unable to press the help button. This feature is integrated into specific Lifeline devices, including the HomeSafe with AutoAlert and On the Go systems.

AutoAlert utilizes a combination of advanced sensors — such as accelerometers and barometric pressure sensors — to monitor for sudden changes in movement and orientation that are indicative of a fall. These sensors feed data into a finely tuned algorithm designed to distinguish between everyday activities and actual falls, thereby minimizing false alarms. In the event of a detected fall, the system automatically connects the user to Lifeline’s 24/7 Response Center without the need for manual activation. 

While AutoAlert is highly effective, it's important to note that no fall detection system can identify 100 percent of falls. Therefore, if the user is able, they should always press the help button when in need.

No Hidden Fees

Lifeline is transparent about its pricing structure, aiming to minimize unexpected charges for its users. The company doesn’t charge any hidden fees, such as a service cancellation fee. However, there are standard costs associated with Lifeline’s services that potential customers should be aware of, including equipment fees, monthly service fees, and service add-on fees.

No Long-Term Contracts

Lifeline doesn’t require a long-term contract for medical alert service, allowing people to try the service risk-free and adjust their subscription based on evolving circumstances, ensuring they only pay for what they truly need. Without being locked into a lengthy agreement, Lifeline customers can cancel service at any time without facing penalties or cancellation fees. This is especially valuable for seniors or individuals with changing health needs, caregivers seeking temporary support, or those who may be uncertain about their long-term plans.

24/7 Lifeline Response Center

All Lifeline devices are supported by a North America-based response center, staffed 24/7 by trained care specialists. When a help button is activated or a fall is detected, these professionals assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate assistance, whether it's a family member, neighbor, or emergency services.

Personalized Response Plans

Lifeline’s personalized response plans use a detailed Personal Care Plan to deliver emergency assistance tailored to each user’s needs. This plan, created during device/service setup, includes medical information, emergency contacts, and home access instructions. When help is needed, Trained Care Specialists access this plan to quickly coordinate the appropriate response — whether contacting a caregiver, family member, or emergency services. Users can list up to three responders and three notification contacts, and the My Lifeline mobile app makes it easy to keep this information up to date.

Lifeline Mobile App

Lifeline's My Lifeline mobile app enhances the functionality of its medical alert systems by providing real-time connectivity and management tools for both users and caregivers. Available for download on both iOS and Android devices, the app offers a range of features designed to improve safety and communication. Some of these features include the following:

  • Real-time notifications — caregivers and family members can receive instant alerts about emergencies
  • System monitoring — users can monitor device battery status and location
  • Multiple user management — caregivers can manage and monitor multiple device user profiles
  • Care notes — device users and caregivers can send health updates and photos

The My Lifeline app is included at no additional cost with Lifeline's medical alert services. It is designed to be user-friendly, with straightforward installation and setup processes. Once the user's account is created, the app automatically syncs with their system, providing seamless access to all features.

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The Bad

  • No Five Diamond Certification
  • High Activation Fees
  • Expensive Fall Detection Monitoring Costs

No Five Diamond Certification

The Five Diamond Certification is a recognition awarded by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) to medical alert monitoring centers that meet the highest standards of service quality, reliability, and operational excellence. This certification, while not required, ensures that the monitoring center adheres to rigorous criteria, including fast response times, well-trained staff, redundant systems to avoid downtime, and strict protocols for emergency handling.

Lifeline’s monitoring centers aren’t Five Diamond certified. While this may not directly affect monitoring services and response times, Lifeline’s monitoring centers may not meet Five Diamond quality standards, which could potentially impact response times.

High Activation Fees

Compared to other medical alert providers in the industry, Lifeline charges a higher activation fee of $99.95. This fee is charged to set up each device; however, it’s only a one-time fee and then you’ll only be responsible for paying your monthly service fee.

Expensive Fall Detection Monitoring Costs

Automatic fall detection is included with some, but not all, Lifeline devices. If you want to add fall detection to your Lifeline device, you will be charged an additional $15 per month, on top of your existing monthly service bill. Compared to other medical alert providers in the industry, this add-on fee is high.

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The Bottom Line

Lifeline stands out in the medical alert industry by combining simplicity, reliability, and a broad range of products designed to fit various lifestyles. Whether users need in-home protection with the HomeSafe system, mobile safety on the go with GPS-enabled devices, or health monitoring through a smartwatch, Lifeline offers flexible solutions with features like automatic fall detection, waterproof devices, and long-lasting batteries. All Lifeline services are supported by a 24/7 North America-based response center staffed by trained care specialists who use personalized response plans to tailor emergency assistance to each user's medical needs and contacts. Additionally, Lifeline provides a user-friendly mobile app that allows caregivers to receive real-time alerts, monitor devices, and manage multiple users, enhancing communication and peace of mind.

What truly sets Lifeline apart is its transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts, allowing users to adjust or cancel services without penalty. This flexibility, combined with comprehensive personalized care and advanced technology like AutoAlert fall detection, positions Lifeline as a trusted choice for individuals seeking dependable emergency support. However, some drawbacks include higher activation fees and additional costs for fall detection monitoring, as well as the absence of a Five Diamond Certification for Lifeline monitoring centers, which could impact service quality compared to providers with this accreditation. Nonetheless, Lifeline’s commitment to tailored safety and ease of use makes it a leading option in the market.

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Call our recommended rep over at Lifeline below.

1-(800) 208-7510
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Lifeline Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Lifeline systems cost?

Lifeline systems start at $27.95/mo. Prices vary depending on the system, rate plan and add-ons selected.

Who should wear a Lifeline system?

A Lifeline system is ideal for anyone who would like peace of mind by getting a 24-hour response in case of a medical emergency, fire or break-in by simply having a help button. It is especially helpful for older adults or seniors who live alone and as shown by studies are more likely to suffer a fall at home. A Lifeline system can also be used as a panic button. Our systems are available with fall detection, which alerts a response specialist in the event of a fall even if you are unable to press your help button.

What types of Lifeline systems are available?

We have options for different lifestyles. Our HomeSafe system works with a landline or cellular connection and provides coverage in and around the house up to 800 ft. Our On the Go and Smartwatch systems include GPS location services so that you can get help wherever you are—at home or on the go. All our Lifeline systems are available with fall detection technology that adds a layer of protection in the event of a fall where you cannot call out for help.

How do Lifeline systems work?

That depends on what kind of emergency you’re having. If it’s a minor situation, Lifeline can contact somebody (such as a neighbor or loved one) on your contact list and have them go to you. For serious emergencies, our response coordinators will immediately dispatch an ambulance, or contact the police or fire station, depending on what you need.

Can I use a Lifeline system if I don't speak English?

Calls to our Response Center are automatically routed to someone whose skills match your needs. Many Trained Care Specialists speak Spanish and they can quickly access over 140 foreign languages via our interpreter service.

Star Rating

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2.6

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73 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

27%

4 grade

12%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

10%

1 grade

51%

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Lori Bermani Salem, MA

What I like best about the Company is that this Lifeline has a GPS. I have reached out to the high end executives to the point of absolutely no communication. In Dec. of 2019, I got Lifeline Philips pendant. That was 7 months ago. I got a serious allergic reaction to the plastic that slid under my nightgown one night about 7 days after getting the device. My chest blew up into red blistering hives ,and the plastic like bead that is attached to the necklace also blew up the side of my neck with a huge red hive. I ended up ordering little pouch bags made of cotton to keep my pendant in. Is there anyone out there that can actually call me, communicate with me ? All I can say is your Customer Service is the worst. Don't invest a dime into this Company !!!!

5 years ago

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cclouca Monterey, CA

I am a paying subscriber for approximately two years. I have discontinued my service due to their lack of response to my request to relocate my in-home unit and provide me with a wrist alert bracelet which would replace my pendant. I had a recent fall this weekend and due to a neck injury, I am unable to wear my pendant. I contacted Phillips Lifeline to help me with my request, but I was informed because I subscribed with a local service league, I had to contact them for my service needs. I explained the local service league didn’t have the installers schedule, therefore they could not help me with an appointment. Would Phillips help me instead? The answer was, no. I pay my monthly fee faithfully for a service aide which didn’t help when I needed it. I find Phillips lack of response unacceptable. I am trying to remedy my situation before I fall again. To add insult to my issue they are charging me for the full month of December and my service is ending tomorrow December 5th. Buyer beware!!! Basically, medical alert systems are the same. It’s “customer service “ I need to focus on.

7 years ago

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Ana Southborough, MA

I have subscribed to Lifeline for my 89 year old father. In a few months, I have received two calls from Philips, saying that the service is to be stopped because the funding discountinued. The first time I got the call I felt totally lost as I do not understand why the patient has to deal with the funding issue and it was only one month after the subscription. I called the insurance anyway to resolve it. Today I have received the same call again that is only three months after the last one. Do other subscribers who are in need of the service get threatened from time to time that the service will stop due to funding? Isn't Philips' job to renew the funding with the insurance company when needed? It is simply too much for the patient to deal with the funding renewal every three months. Philips should have a policy and system in place to resolve the funding issue. It is not the patuents' job! Do other subscribers experience the same problem? Also, I just realized now that there is a fall feature with the Lifeline that was never presented to me. My father did have a fall at home. I just learnt about it from reading other subscribers' reviews, which actually made me concerned about the dependability of the Lifeline.

7 years ago

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Anne Bloomingdale, NJ

My mother was on lifeline for years. In July of 2013 I left her alone for an hour to take my sister to the bus station and stop at the store. When I returned my mother was gone and a note was left on the door that the local ambulance squad had taken her to the hospital. hospital. When I walked in I was shocked to find the carpet satuated with blood. Apparently she had gotten up right after I left, fell and struck her had head on a brass planter and. She was unconscious for some time and then woke up and called the ambulance company herself, even though her lifeline pendant was on. It never registered her fall. Unfortunately, because I was not with her when she arrived at the hospital, a CAT scan was done with dye and her kidneys shut down due to the dye. She fitted, at home, for weeks later with her five daughters with her .I will never forgive myself for leaving her that day. My ·Question is, when did the new feature start and why can they not have the patients medical issues somehow connected with the device? It would have made the difference between life and deat. Her kidneys could not tolerate the dye and she had required dialysis twice before. Unfortunately this time her kidneys could not recover.and the doctors never accessed her hospital records. Had the done so, she would still be here. I'm considering Lifeline for myself, I have MS and fall frequently. I also have other medical issues. I w would feel better off I knew whatever hospital I was taken to could see access my records via a database accessed through Lifeline.

10 years ago

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Robin Campiglia Watsonville, CA

They took 2 payments in one month - last July. Not able to contact their billing dept at all. There is no number and the customer reps cannot connect to it. I have called several times to leave a message and they do not return the call. I recently switched to auto payments and now the account is 2 months behind. But like I said there is no way to communicate with billing and the customer reps have no info to give. I am thinking about changing companies

9 years ago

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Nancy Benedict Austin, TX

Philips lifeline request by mail a payment for 129.00 dollars which I was glad to pay for them, their company without authorization use my checking account to withdrawal 33.00 dollars per month,Just recently for the amount of checking my account notice they charge me for the month of february twice 33.00 dollar x two.please be aware.

6 years ago

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Irene B. Hembree

Have called customer service three times trying to get the backup battery service, it's been out over a month. Each call was promised a service call but no one has replied.

8 years ago