MobileHelp vs Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian’s on-the-go wearables are compact and discreet, while MobileHelp’s systems are smartly designed for two-person households.
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MobileHelp and Medical Guardian are two of the nation’s largest, most reputable medical alert system companies. Our senior tech experts have tested multiple systems from both companies. We’ve found that each offers at-home and mobile systems with fast call center response times. Both companies rank among our top picks for medical alert providers, so you’ll be in good hands no matter which one you choose.
There are, however, differences between the two. In general, MobileHelp’s systems are best for households with spouses or roommates, while Medical Guardian has cost-effective, easy-to-operate systems that include discreet wearables. Below we’ll get into the advantages and drawbacks of both providers, along with our experience using each company’s systems, so you can choose the one that’s right for you or your loved ones.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
Getting to Know Medical Guardian and MobileHelp
| MobileHelp | Pros | Cons |
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| Medical Guardian | Pros | Cons |
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MobileHelp
MobileHelp has been in operation since 2006. The company builds medical alert systems for its own customers, plus manufactures systems for other U.S. providers. That indicates that MobileHelp’s equipment is high quality and reliable.1 The company currently offers a range of six affordable systems, including systems designed for two users.
MobileHelp’s monitoring centers are managed and maintained by its partner, Affiliated Monitoring. The centers are based in New Jersey and Texas. According to the company, call center response times average 11 seconds. Read our full MobileHelp review for more details.
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian has been serving seniors since 2005. Over 200,000 older adults across the country currently subscribe to one of Medical Guardian’s alert systems. The company is known for its highly trained operators, cutting-edge technology, and sleek systems. Medical Guardian is UL-listed, plus it has ESA Security certifications and its call centers are TMA Five Diamond certified. The designation ensures that Medical Guardian’s call centers meet high-quality standards that include a commitment to random inspections by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), high levels of customer service, and ongoing job-related education for call center employees.
Check out our Medical Guardian review to learn more about our experience with the provider.
How Much Do MobileHelp and Medical Guardian Cost?
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| Rates starting at | $24.95 per month | $29.95 per month* |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Money-back guarantee? | No | No |
| Fall detection | $11 per month | $10 per month |
| Up-front fees | Processing fees for monthly subscriptions | One-time equipment fees for some systems |
| Cancellation fees | No | No |
| Website |
MobileHelp Pricing
MobileHelp is a budget-friendly provider. Their systems are rented, not purchased, so there’s no up-front equipment fee. Each system can be rented on an annual, quarterly, or monthly basis. The annual package provides savings, but it requires a large, up-front output. The Home Duo bundle, for example, has an annual up-front cost of $686.
MobileHelp’s monthly cost starts at $24.95, and its rates are typically around $5 to $10 less per month than comparable products from Medical Guardian. MobileHelp is known for its two-for-the-price-of-one systems, which are popular with couples and roommates. Many providers require multiple users to pay for two separate systems, which can be very pricey. We appreciate that MobileHelp’s Duo systems come at one low monthly rate. Overall, MobileHelp’s prices are affordable. The provider is our pick for seniors on a tight budget or those who want a system for two users.
Did You Know? Data indicates that for most falls, push buttons on medical alerts are not manually activated by the wearer. The reasons why may include forgetfulness or medical trauma. It’s one reason automatic fall detection is so important.
Medical Guardian Pricing
MobileHelp stands out as a more budget-friendly option, but Medical Guardian is known for its exceptional customer service and high-tech systems. Rates start at $29.95 per month with a monthly payment plan and range up to $44.95 per month. Medical Guardian’s prices are reasonable, but they are a bit higher than MobileHelp’s prices when you factor in up-front equipment costs, which can run as high as $149.95. We recommend choosing an annual payment option if it works for your budget, since you’ll receive a discount on monthly rates. For couples or roommates, you can add extra help buttons for $2.99 per month to most systems.
All of Medical Guardian’s systems have up-front equipment fees. Unlike MobileHelp, however, you will not be charged additional processing fees if you choose a monthly subscription. Although it’s higher than some other systems, Medical Guardian’s pricing is transparent. If you’re looking for a more advanced or customizable system, Medical Guardian is worth the cost.
Comparing Medical Alert Systems and Features
For a simple side-by-side comparison, the chart below covers all of the important features offered by MobileHelp and Medical Guardian. We’ll then take a look at the types of systems each provider offers.
| Features & systems | MobileHelp | Medical Guardian |
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| At-home systems |
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| On-the-go systems |
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| Hybrid systems | Home Duo Bundle | None |
| In-home range | Up to 1,400 feet | Up to 1,400 feet |
| Battery life | Up to 1 day | Up to 5 days (for some systems) |
| Cellular connection through | AT&T | AT&T or Verizon |
| Two-way communication | Yes | Yes |
| GPS options | Yes | Yes |
| Water-resistant equipment | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 monitoring included | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic fall detection available | Yes | Yes |
| Unique offerings | Touch-screen system (MobileHelp Touch); two-in-one (Duo systems) | Smartwatch system (MGMove); discreet mobile system (Mini Guardian); advanced location detection (GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE) |
MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems
MobileHelp currently offers a lineup of six medical alert systems, ranging from basic in-home systems to on-the-go GPS units. All of MobileHelp’s packages come with 24/7 professional monitoring included at no extra cost, so you’ll be covered around the clock. To connect with the monitoring center, we just pressed the help button on our pendant, bracelet, or base unit. Then we were connected to an operator in less than a minute.
Testing out MobileHelp's wearable help button
Seniors who just want coverage at home will have a choice of a cellular or landline system. Whether you live in an area with spotty cellular coverage or you prefer a cellular connection, you’ll be covered.
All of MobileHelp’s on-the-go offerings come equipped with GPS technology and an AT&T cellular connection, so you’ll be able to call for help wherever you go. We tested our MobileHelp systems on walks and while running errands, and we never had issues connecting to the monitoring center.
One of our favorite MobileHelp systems is the Mobile Duo, which comes with two mobile GPS units so it’s perfect for two active users. Like Bay Alarm Medical, another high-quality medical alert system provider, MobileHelp sticks to the basics, including all the essential features to keep users protected.
Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems
Similar to MobileHelp, Medical Guardian offers a diverse selection of medical alert systems, with five options to choose from. The at-home systems include cellular and landline options, and the on-the-go systems have pendants and wrist-worn devices. All Medical Guardian subscriptions come with access to their 24/7 emergency-response center. All our experiences with Medical Guardian’s response team were very positive. Response agents were efficient, kind, and helpful whenever we made a test call or had a question.
Quick Tip: Both providers offer essential add-ons, such as fall detection and lockboxes, but Medical Guardian offers a few unique extras, including jewelry pendants and voice-activated wall buttons. If extras are important to you, it’s something to consider.
Medical Guardian’s MGMove is a sleek smartwatch alert system. It looks like a high-tech smartwatch, and it’s perfect for active users. When we tested the system, we loved how easy it was to use. It also pairs with Medical Guardian’s mobile app, which caregivers and loved ones can use to track the system, send messages and reminders to the watch, and receive notifications during an emergency.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMove
We tried the MGMini Lite, one of Medical Guardian's lightest and smallest systems. It was so light that we often forgot we were wearing it! We found it super simple to set up and charge. The device audibly notified us when it was fully powered on and ready for use. We liked that the system came with an EMT card to fill out and put on the fridge. It asks for information including emergency contacts, allergies, illnesses, surgeries, health insurance details, blood type, medications, and power of attorney and living will information that first responders may need.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Medical Guardian’s alert systems offer modern, high-tech solutions to seniors, which is what most sets it apart from MobileHelp. We appreciate that Medical Guardian strives to reduce the stigma associated with the appearance and use of medical alert systems, which discourages many seniors from using them.
Interested in one of Medical Guardian’s in-home solutions? Watch our video review below.
Comparing the Fine Print
Now that we’ve covered price and important features, let’s take a look at the fine print. From extra perks to contracts to risk-free trials, it’s important to consider all of the granular details for both providers.
You’ll be happy to know that neither MobileHelp nor Medical Guardian have long-term contracts, so you can say goodbye to hefty cancellation fees or paying for service you don’t want. Medical Guardian does not charge activation fees, unlike MobileHelp. Neither brand offers a free trial but both will refund your money within 14 days of purchase, if you change your mind and return your equipment during that time frame.
MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian: Which Is Right for Me?
MobileHelp and Medical Guardian both offer a wide variety of medical alert systems that will be suitable for many seniors. Below are the types of seniors we highly recommend each provider for.
We’d recommend MobileHelp for:
- Couples or spouses who want indoor and outdoor protect
- Seniors looking for affordable systems
- Older adults who don’t need lots of extra bells and whistles
Medical Guardian is a great option for:
- Older adults who want discreet mobile options with high-tech features
- Those looking for sleek equipment
- Users who want a smartwatch system
- Seniors with a flexible budget
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Compared MobileHelp and Medical Guardian
Testing out the MGMini Lite
Our senior tech experts spent over 100 hours researching and testing systems from both brands. We evaluated every part of the process, from unboxing to system setup and daily use. We also received feedback from older adults to learn what they valued most about each brand, along with what could be improved upon. Based on our hands-on experience, we broke down our evaluation into the following categories:
- Cost and value: We considered all costs associated with both brands, including monthly rates, equipment fees, add-ons, hidden fees, and seasonal promotions. Then we determined value based on the price and what the systems have to offer.
- Customer service: We spoke with each company’s customer-service team multiple times to get all our questions answered before ordering our systems. We were particularly interested in the care and patience shown to customers.
- Ease of use: Our team considered how easy and quick it was to use both systems. We took note of anything that was confusing or difficult. We found that both brands offer easy-to-use systems with clear instructions.
- Discretion: When it comes to wearing a medical alert system, discretion is very important for many users. We give high marks to Medical Guardian for their easy-to-hide indoor systems and their sleek mobile systems and smartwatch.
- Response times: We conducted 10 test calls for systems from both brands and noted average response times. Our team also tested fall detection accuracy by simulating 10 test falls with each brand’s fall-detection pendant.
The Final Verdict on MobileHelp vs. Medical Guardian
Given our firsthand experience with MobileHelp and Medical Guardian, we’re confident recommending both to seniors. Choosing between the two companies comes down to your needs, budget, and lifestyle. For those who are on a tight budget and aren’t too concerned about having the latest high-tech features, we’d highly recommend MobileHelp. It’s also a great option for couples or roommates who need monitoring for two users.
On the flip side, Medical Guardian is our pick for those who want a sleek, high-tech medical alert system and are willing to pay the price that comes with it. If one of these providers piques your interest or you just want more information, check out our detailed MobileHelp review and Medical Guardian review.
MobileHelp. (2020). Emergency Monitoring.
AARP. (2021). How to Choose a Medical Alert System.
