Life Alert Medical Alert System Review 2025
After testing Life Alert's systems, our tech experts found that the company offers reliable medical alert systems with no frills and high monthly rates.
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When it comes to selecting the best medical alert system to meet your needs, you may naturally consider which companies have the best brand recognition. As SeniorLiving.org’s resident tech expert, I’ve reviewed and tested dozens of medical alert systems over the years, yet no brand is as instantly recognizable for me as Life Alert. It comes with a level of familiarity and long-term experience in the industry that many companies simply don’t have. But I wanted to find out if brand familiarity equates to higher quality. For this year’s review, I tested Life Alert’s systems: the standard Master Unit and the add-on Mobile + GPS pendant and Help Button.
I was impressed with Life Alert’s service, but it’s on the pricier side and their systems are a bit old fashioned. It also doesn’t offer customizable systems, unlike other companies we’ve reviewed, such as Medical Guardian and Lively. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of my experience with Life Alert.
Pros About Life Alert
- 24/7 monitoring with excellent response times
- Have their own dispatch center, so they can answer calls immediately
- Pendant batteries that last seven to 10 years
- Founded in 1987 and is well known in the industry
- A+ rating with the BBB,1 Five Diamond-certified,2 and UL certified
Cons About Life Alert
- More expensive monthly service and activation fees than competitors
- No trial period for new customers
- Three-year contract requirement
- Difficult online shopping experience
- No fall detection
- Limited product lineup
How Does Life Alert Compare to Other Medical Alert Systems?
Life Alert is a trusted brand and household name in the medical alert industry. You’ll get around-the-clock monitoring and quick response times during an emergency. Life Alert is much pricier than its competitors, however, and it has the longest contracts we’ve seen. We’d recommend considering more affordable providers with no contracts. Check out our favorite brands that we’ve reviewed below.
Overview of Life Alert
The Buying Experience
When I first browsed Life Alert’s website, I was confused about how to navigate the products. At first glance, it appears that Life Alert offers a Master Unit, a Help Button and a GPS + Mobile device as separate services. There are no prices listed online, and you can’t make an online purchase. The only way I could learn more was by calling Life Alert, which I’d highly recommend for getting answers to any questions.
Here’s a helpful tip I wish I’d known: The phone number listed on the website takes you to a call center that can send you a brochure. It’s not the customer service or sales line, so they won’t answer any questions. After a quick Google search, I found a separate phone number for customer service. You can reach the Life Alert customer-service team at 800-338-9090. When I called, a friendly woman named Esmeralda was able to answer my questions.
Quick Fact: Life Alert is so confident in their service that the company guarantees a refund on monitoring fees if a customer passes away from an emergency situation within their first three years with Life Alert’s system.
I asked for clarification on their product lineup, and she informed me that every Life Alert customer must have the standard Master Unit for service. You can then get the Help Button and GPS + Mobile device as add-ons. I wanted more details on the systems and their pricing, so Esmeralda transferred me to the sales line to get all the details.
Cindy from Life Alert’s sales team cleared up my remaining questions. She informed me that, rather than offering each system separately, Life Alert offers bundle plans: one with all three items ($89.95 per month) and one with a Master Unit and a choice between the Mobile + GPS and the Help Button ($69.95 per month). I decided to order the plan with all three items to get the best deal and better understand Life Alert’s services.
Check out our video review below to learn more about our experience with Life Alert.
Setting Up My System
Medical alert systems are designed for simple setup and use. Typically, you can install them on your own without a problem, but I’d recommend professional installation with Life Alert. Here’s why:
- Your activation fee pays for it anyway. Life Alert’s activation fees for both plans are almost $200, and opting for DIY installation won’t save you any money.
- It’s less stressful for you. Few companies offer professional installation, so I would take advantage of the service. The technician will help you set up your system correctly and find the best place for it in your home.
- A technician may already be on the way. Depending on where you live, Life Alert may have a technician deliver the system to you rather than ship it separately.
I recommend professional installation for Life Alert, but I set up the system myself to get a better feel for the equipment.
Master Unit Setup
To set up my Master Unit, I plugged it into the wall and put on my pendant. I placed the base unit in the kitchen, a central location in my home. To make a test call, I pressed the large, yellow-and-white button labeled “Help” in red letters on the base unit. A robotic voice informed me that the dispatch center was being called and to stand by. After about two minutes I was connected to a Life Alert dispatcher. The dispatcher asked if I needed help, and I told them I was running a test using the two-way talk feature.
I noticed that Life Alert’s speaker is very loud, which is excellent if you have hearing loss or you’re connecting to the base unit from another room. There’s also a small, gray Cancel button at the top of the base unit, so you can cancel the call in case of a false alarm.
Next, I tested the pendant by walking across the house into the living room and pressing the gray Help Button. I could hear the base unit firing up to make a call, and I was connected again to a dispatcher in around two minutes. All of the operators I spoke with were incredibly helpful and attentive. Customer reviews commend Life Alert’s operators for staying on the line with them until help arrives.
Compared to most medical alert systems, Life Alert’s average two-minute response times are pretty slow. From all of my medical alert tests, I’ve found that the industry average for connecting with a live operator is about 15 to 45 seconds. Still, many Life Alert customer testimonials mention that first responders arrived quickly after a fall. If you’re looking for a system with faster response times, check out our Bay Alarm Medical review. The company has average response times of around 15 seconds, and their monitoring fees are cheaper too.
Mobile + GPS Setup
I tested my GPS unit while running errands and found that it worked easily all over town! There’s no setup involved, so all I had to do was put on the necklace strap and press the Help Button (also the only button) on the pendant, and I was connected to the response center. I then used the two-way speaker to communicate with the dispatcher.
Help Button Setup
I decided to place my Help Button next to the shower in the bathroom. To set it up, I removed the adhesive’s covering and attached the button to the wall. It stuck with no problem. I pressed the red button and was connected to a Life Alert dispatcher, just like with the Master Unit.
Contracts and Warranty
When I asked Cindy, the sales rep, if Life Alert offers a product warranty, she told me the company would cover any defective equipment and provide new batteries for the Master Unit if needed. She also informed me that they have several protection plans you can add to your monthly service, but she would not divulge what all of them were.
The minimum contract length for Life Alert is three years, which is not as convenient as some competitors we’ve reviewed, such as ADT Health, that offer contract-free options. Additionally, the only way to cancel Life Alert’s contract is if the customer passes away or moves into assisted living. After the three-year agreement, however, month-to-month payments are possible.
Life Alert Systems at a Glance
| Systems | Master Unit |
|---|---|
| Add-on equipment | Mobile + GPS
Help Button |
| Monthly rates | $69.95 to $89.95 |
| Activation fees | $197 |
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Contracts | 3 years |
| Waterproof equipment | Yes |
| Fall detection | No |
| Battery life | Up to 10 years |
*In some cases, the Master Unit can be purchased alone at a $49.95 per month.
Life Alert System and Product Details
Life Alert System
Before you start shopping, it’s important to understand how Life Alert’s product lineup works, because it’s different from most medical alert companies. Life Alert offers one main system: the Master Unit. The other pieces of equipment it offers — the Life Alert + Mobile GPS pendant and the Help Button — can’t be purchased as stand-alone systems. They have to be purchased as add-on services with the Master Unit.
From our Aloe Care Health review and Medical Alert review, you’ll notice that other companies offer mobile systems that you can purchase separately from their in-home base units. Life Alert encourages customers to buy what I call a double- or triple-play bundle that includes the Master Unit, the GPS pendant, and/or the Help Button. You’ll need to work with a sales agent if you want to purchase the Master Unit on its own, since it’s offered only on a case-by-case basis.
Life Alert’s Master Unit
Cost
Depending on which bundle you select, you’ll pay $69.95 to $89.95 per month. You’ll also pay a $197 activation fee, which is pretty steep. LifeFone, for comparison’s sake, doesn’t charge activation or equipment fees. Life Alert’s Master Unit isn’t typically sold without one or both of the company’s add-ons. If you work with a sales agent and are approved to purchase it on its own, however, the price is $49.95 per month. If you’re new to medical alert systems, know that Life Alert’s prices are high compared to other providers. Visit our Medical Guardian pricing page and our Bay Alarm Medical cost page to compare Life Alert’s pricing to other leading companies’ prices.
Equipment
The Master Unit is ideal for older adults who spend most of their time around the house. My system came with a base unit with an emergency button, a two-way speaker and the company’s new Micro Voice Pendant.
The new pendant is smaller and lighter than previous versions, is completely waterproof and has a built-in two-way speaker to communicate with agents in an emergency. The Micro can be worn as a necklace or wristband, and it works within 1,000 feet of the base unit. Another big plus: The Micro Voice Pendant doesn’t need daily charging like most voice pendants. It runs on replaceable batteries that can last up to 10 years depending on use.
If you press the pendant’s help button and the unit is too far away to pick up your voice, Life Alert’s dispatcher will call you by phone. If no one answers, the company will automatically dispatch paramedics to your home. The Master Unit also has a three-day backup battery in case of a power outage.
Service and Monitoring
I really like that the Master Unit doesn’t require setup through a landline or traditional cellular service. The representative I spoke with told me that Life Alert has their own line that operates independently from landlines and cellular networks, which is excellent for homes with poor cell reception.
Add-on Features and Accessories
Unlike Lifeline's products or LifeFone’s equipment, Life Alert does not offer add-ons such as lockboxes or stylish accessories for pendants, but it does offer two add-on pieces of equipment. Just remember that although the Life Alert Mobile + GPS pendant and Help Button seem like they should be stand-alone systems, they should be treated as accessories to the Master Unit.
Life Alert Mobile + GPS
Life Alert Mobile + GPS
Life Alert’s Mobile + GPS device is perfect for someone who’s always on the move and enjoys an independent lifestyle. Because the company uses multiple cellular networks, the device will work wherever GSM cell phones do, which means you can wear it while running errands, visiting friends and family, or on a road trip. Life Alert’s dispatchers will be able to send help straight to your location no matter where you are, thanks to GPS technology.
Did You Know? The use of a personal emergency response system (PERS) for medical problems reduced risk for falls among wearers.3
The pendant is waterproof, so you can wear it in the shower, tub or swimming pool. Like the Micro Voice Pendant, the Mobile + GPS pendant is small and lightweight with a built-in two-way speaker, so you can wear it as a necklace, clip it to a belt or place it inside a purse or pocket. The pendant’s batteries last up to 10 years. Yes, you heard me right: You won’t have to charge or replace the batteries for an entire decade. That’s the longest-lasting battery life I’ve seen for an on-the-go GPS unit. Mobile systems from other companies we’ve reviewed, including LifeStation, last only around five days before needing a charge. MobileHelp’s wearable device needs to be charged almost daily.
Life Alert Help Button
Life Alert Help Button
Hands down, this is my favorite Life Alert product. The Help Button is great for places where a fall may happen, like in the bedroom, near the stairs or in the bathroom. The large, red, waterproof button features a two-way speaker, so you can install it in the shower or tub without any issues. Because of its permanent adhesive, you can place the Help Button anywhere in the house, and it makes the perfect supplement to the Master Unit.
Several companies offer help buttons, but I haven’t seen many with a built-in two-way speaker. Plus, the battery lasts for a full 10 years, so you won’t have to worry about a dead battery during an emergency.
Compare Life Alert to Other Providers
Life Alert vs. the Competition
Although Life Alert has the best name recognition of any medical alert system, it also leads the pack in cost, with monthly fees higher than most other companies. Life Alert devices are not the most high-tech, either, but evidently they’re modernizing their systems with the recent introduction of the Micro Voice Pendant. We also love the sturdy Help Buttons that come equipped with two-way speakers. Being able to easily communicate with emergency-response operators is an incredibly big plus in emergency situations.
Despite some recent innovations, the higher-than-average cost is one of LifeAlert’s weak points. I’ve tested other systems, such as the MobileHelp system we reviewed, that offer similar technology at significantly lower prices. MobileHelp systems start at $24.95. The LifeFone systems we reviewed also start monitoring costs at $24.95 per month and don’t charge activation fees, unlike Life Alert, which charges nearly $200 to activate its systems.
I also wish Life Alert offered a free trial period for their products, like the LifeStation system we tested or the Bay Alarm Medical system we reviewed. LifeStation’s devices work within a shorter range (600 feet) than Life Alert though; Life Alert’s new Micro Voice Pendant works within 1,000 feet of the base unit. A company with a much broader range is MobileHelp, which says their devices work up to 1,400 feet from the base unit.
Overall, Life Alert offers solid protection from a venerable company. But if you have particular priorities, another company may be a better fit. If you’re looking for a company that does not require a long-term contract, for example, check out our Medical Guardian review. If you would like a system designed for couples, check out MobileHelp’s packages.
The Bottom Line on Life Alert
I appreciate Life Alert’s long-term experience and trusted name. As for the company’s equipment, I’m a big fan of the 10-year battery life for the Help Button and Mobile + GPS unit, which is longer than most other medical alert systems I’ve tested. I found the systems to be simple and reliable, even for the most technology-averse seniors.
Life Alert has its drawbacks though. Their systems are about $30 to $40 more expensive than the competition, and they require long-term contracts. If you’re looking for a more flexible, budget-friendly option, you may want to consider other top medical alert providers. Life Alert’s systems are also very old-fashioned; they’re not sleek or discreet. You may, however, find that the price is worth it for the high-quality products and peace of mind that comes with the brand.
Our Methodology
Our team of senior tech experts spent over 100 hours evaluating Life Alert’s medical alert systems. We considered a list of criteria, including device durability, price, the buying experience, accuracy and overall value in order to give readers insights based on our hands-on evaluation of Life Alert’s products. We also asked older adults for feedback on the systems. We then used all our research and personal experience with the products to give Life Alert a rating out of five. You can check out our medical alert system page for more details on our review process, and below are more details about the categories considered in our review.
- Price: Older adults have a range of budgets, so we look for reliable options for emergency alert systems that fit every budget.
- Value: Key in our review process is considering whether a system’s price justifies its overall value, and that includes each basic system and optional add-ons.
- Emergency response times: We test each system for average response times, accuracy in detecting falls, and how helpful and courteous response agents are.
- Ease of use: We thoroughly test every button and function to see whether they’re intuitive and work like they’re supposed to.
- Purchasing experience: We consider the ease of finding product details and purchasing information on a company’s website and speak with customer-service representatives to find out if they’re helpful and provide accurate information.
- Equipment: We test each piece of equipment to gauge whether it appears to be high quality, durable and reliable. That includes testing alert buttons in the home, mobile devices away from home and fall-detection features.
- Features and add-ons: We know older adults will want to know whether optional features, such as jewel pendants, fall detection and caregiver apps, are useful and worth the price. We try as many as possible to make sure optional features justify additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does Life Alert cost per month?
Life Alert costs up to $89.95 per month, depending on the package you choose. There is also a one-time shipping and installation fee of $197 for every package.
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What is the return policy for Life Alert?
A customer-service representative informed me that you can return your system only within the first couple of business days before getting locked into a contract. Some locations, however, send out a technician who will bring the contract with them. If a technician delivers the system, there is no return window.
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Does Life Alert have contracts?
Yes. The minimum contract length for Life Alert is three years. After three years, a month-to-month option is available.
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Who does the emergency button call?
When you press the emergency button, an alert is sent to Life Alert’s monitoring center. An operator will then speak with you and connect you to the proper emergency services.
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Is Life Alert waterproof?
The Life Alert pendant and the Help Button are waterproof, so they’re perfect for use in the shower and tub.
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Does Life Alert offer fall detection?
At the moment, Life Alert does not offer fall detection. The company feels that the technology is not reliable and that it raises a lot of false alarms.
Better Business Bureau (BBB). (2025). Business Profile: Life Alert Emergency Response Inc.
The Monitoring Association (TMA). (2025). Five Diamond Monitoring Centers.
National Library of Medicine. (2024). Factors Associated With Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Subgroup Analysis From a Telemergency Service.