Medical Guardian vs. Lifeline

Medical Guardian vs. Lifeline: Comparing Costs and Commitments

Medical Guardian and Lifeline Medical Alert Systems

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian offers a wide range of products and services to meet seniors’ needs inside and outside the home. With both basic solutions and high-tech systems, you’ll find that Medical Guardian offers more variety than Lifeline.

When testing Medical Guardian devices, we found that the equipment was sleek and easy to set up. Whenever we contacted the company’s 24/7 monitoring center, the agents were prompt and responded in less than a minute. All the agents we spoke with were kind and patient, and addressed us by name.

Medical Guardian also offers MyGuardian, a mobile app for caregivers. We found that the app has a lot of useful information, including the system’s current location, battery levels, connectivity information and history, and alert history. We could easily track our system through the app, whether we were at home or running errands.

Checking our system's location in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app

We’ll take a closer look at Medical Guardian’s systems below.

MGClassic

Our editor Taylor Shuman's grandma testing out MGClassic

MGClassic has a traditional landline connection with a monthly cost of $32.95. This is perfect for seniors with unreliable cell service or those who want a simple at-home system. It offers a coverage range up to 1,300 feet and includes a water-resistant wearable pendant. That means you can call for help anywhere in the home. This is one of Medical Guardian’s “lower-tech” systems. We found it simple to use, and its loud two-way speaker made it easy to communicate during a test call.

MGHome Cellular

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system

A step up from MGClassic, MGHome Cellular starts at $37.95 per month with a $149.95 one-time equipment fee. The main difference with this system is that it uses AT&T’s cellular network instead of a phone line, and the base station is a bit sleeker than MGClassic. We were impressed with the equipment, since most at-home systems, including Lifeline’s, are a bit of an eyesore. MGHome Cellular also offers an impressive coverage area of up to 1,400 feet.

We could also send reminders from the mobile app to the system. The reminders played audibly, which is great for appointments and medication reminders.

Setting reminders in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app

MGMini

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini system

MGMini is a discreet, all-in-one system priced at $39.95 per month. It also has a one-time equipment fee of $149.95. The mobile system comes in several colors for all you fashion-forward seniors. Every package includes a charging cradle, lanyard, and belt clip. As a bonus, it weighs only 1.3 ounces! We wore the MGMini out and about and found it sleek, lightweight, and barely noticeable. We recommend the MGMini for minimalists.

MGMini Lite

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite

This cellular system comes with a simple watch featuring a built-in help button. The watch can be worn for long periods with up to 36 hours of battery life. It is also water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower in case of slips or falls. MGMini Lite is excellent for older adults who like to go out and about daily. The watch has features like step tracking and calendar reminders (for an additional fee). We found the watch’s design sleek, and it looks like a smartwatch without a screen. Monthly rates start at $44.95, along with a one-time $149.95 equipment fee.

MGMove

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMove

MGMove, a smartwatch alert system, is Medical Guardian’s most high-tech system. Priced at $39.95 per month with a one-time $199.95 equipment fee, MGMove is an excellent choice for active users. We could track our daily steps, send (and receive) messages to loved ones, and take our protection wherever we went. Plus, it looks similar to popular nonmedical smartwatches, so it’s a very discreet option. The watch sets Medical Guardian apart from Lifeline’s more traditional systems.

For more details on Medical Guardian’s pricing, review our Medical Guardian pricing page.

Lifeline Products and Services

Lifeline Equipment

Lifeline’s product lineup consists of three options: the landline- or cellular-based HomeSafe systems, the On the Go mobile device with cellular connectivity and GPS technology, and a smartwatch. All three have a one-time $99.95 setup fee, which we don’t love. For comparison, Medical Guardian doesn’t charge any setup fees.

The company’s systems are more traditional and simplistic than Medical Guardian’s, so they’re best for people who don’t need extra, high-tech features or customizable options.

HomeSafe

Lifeline HomeSafe Standard

This entry-level in-home system works on a landline or cellular connection. It comes with a HomeSafe base unit that provides direct communication with a trained care specialist and a help button that can be worn around the neck or wrist (and worn in the bath or shower). The landline system costs $29.95 per month, while the cellular starts at $39.95 per month. Both systems offer access to the Lifeline Cares app and a personalized care plan.

For comparison, HomeSafe Standard is similar to Medical Guardian’s MGClassic in price and features. It is very clunky, however, and it hasn’t had an update in several years. We found the system reliable, but it stuck out like a sore thumb on our counter. Lifeline has an 800-foot connection range, which is longer than some competitors but falls short compared to Medical Guardian’ 1,400-foot range.

On The Go

Lifeline On the Go

On the Go is an all-in-one wearable help button equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi tracking and a built-in two-way communicator, so there’s no base unit needed. The device works with the Lifeline Cares app and personalized care team services. When we pushed the button on the mobile pendant, we were connected to Lifeline's 24/7 response center in just 15 seconds.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I’ve found that the average response times for medical alert systems range from 15 to 45 seconds. Lifeline and Medical Guardian response times both fall well within that range. Every second counts in an emergency, so this is essential.

Prices start at $49.95 per month. The system also comes in a mini version for $49.95 a month. You can add fall detection for an additional $15 per month. For comparison, Medical Guardian offers fall detection for $10 per month (and doesn’t charge activation or setup fees). Medical Guardian’s comparable mobile units are also around $5 to $10 cheaper per month.
Unlike Medical Guardian, Lifeline has a 30-day, full-refund guarantee on all systems.

Smartwatch

Lifeline Smartwatch

The Lifeline Smartwatch has a built-in help button to connect you to a trained care specialist. It features GPS location tracking, a waterproof design, a heart-rate monitor, and step tracking. Starting at $39.95 per month plus a $159 device fee, it has the same monthly fees as Medical Guardian’s MGMove watch, while its equipment fees are about $40 less. We found the Lifeline Smartwatch sleek and discreet, and it looks pretty similar to an Apple Watch.

If you’d like more information on this provider’s pricing and value, check out our Lifeline pricing page.

Add-On Features and Equipment

By now, you’ve probably noticed that Medical Guardian is known for extra bells and whistles, while Lifeline keeps things simple. This trend applies to their add-on features as well. Lifeline provides all of the essential add-ons, like a communicator extender for larger homes and key lockboxes for easy EMS access. Medical Guardian offers similar add-ons along with a few extras, including wall help buttons, alert notifications for caregivers, and voice-activated help buttons.

For those who don’t want to tack on a lot of extra monthly fees, Lifeline will be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re all about the add-ons, Medical Guardian is the better pick.

Similarities Between Medical Guardian and Lifeline

Now that we’ve covered the significant differences between Medical Guardian and Lifeline, let’s take a look at what they have in common:

• Monthly rates: Medical Guardian’s rates start at $32.95, while Lifeline’s rates start at $27.95 per month for their basic systems.
• Connection options: There are landline-based and AT&T cellular-based systems with both companies. Whether you live in a major city with reliable cell service or a rural area, you’ll be set. A few of Medical Guardian’s systems also run on Verizon’s cellular network for additional options.
• 24/7 monitoring: Medical Guardian and Lifeline both include professional 24/7 monitoring with all of their packages for round-the-clock support.
• Fall detection: Medical Guardian offers automatic fall detection as an add-on, while Lifeline includes the feature with its On the Go systems for people more at risk of a fall.
• Mobile app: Both providers offer a companion mobile app that is compatible with select devices and features.
• Mobile GPS options: Both companies offer mobile options that are usable away from home; however, Medical Guardian has a broader selection.

Our Methodology: How We Tested and Reviewed Medical Guardian and Lifeline

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system

Our tech experts spent over 100 hours testing systems from Medical Guardian and Lifeline. We tested everything from setup and daily use to caregiver features. Below is a glimpse into our testing approach.

1. We thoroughly evaluated Medical Guardian and Lifeline by exploring their websites and connecting with customer-service representatives by phone and chat. We evaluated the company’s prices and value, including monthly rates, extra fees, and any seasonal promotions.
2. We ordered systems from both companies. Once we received them, we set them up in our homes and evaluated the setup and activation process.
3. Once our systems were running, we evaluated all aspects of daily use, including coverage range, speaker volume, signal strength, waterproof equipment, and more. We used the systems at home, on walks, and while running errands.
4. We conducted 10 test calls to each company’s urgent-response center to find average response times. We simulated 10 falls while wearing each company’s fall-detection pendant to evaluate accuracy and average response times.
5. Our team used the companies’ caregiver apps, assessing ease of use and helpful features.

After our hands-on testing, we used the following criteria to evaluate each provider:

• Ease of setup and daily use: We evaluated how simple or difficult it is to install and use the devices.
• Monitoring services: We checked the quality and reliability of 24/7 monitoring services. We evaluated, for example, how fast operators responded, how they handled different emergency situations, and whether multiple languages were spoken.
• Wearability: We examined the durability, weight, and appearance of each device. We also tested how water-resistant the systems were if taken into the bath or shower.
• Return and warranty: We carefully reviewed the company’s return policy, warranties, contracts, free-trial periods, and any other guarantees to understand the value and protection for senior consumers.

Final Thoughts on Medical Guardian vs. Lifeline

Medical Guardian and Lifeline offer reliable medical alert systems, 24/7 protection, and options for at-home and on-the-go use. In our book, you’ll be in good hands with either provider. If you need more help deciding, Medical Guardian is our pick for the latest high-tech features, sleek equipment, and a diverse product lineup. Lifeline is best for seniors who want a more basic system with all of the essential features. Lifeline systems are also a great option if you’re looking for a provider with long-term industry experience. Still not sure? Visit this year’s Lifeline review and our hands-on Medical Guardian review for details.

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