LifeFone Medical Alert System Cost and Value in 2025
LifeFone offers multiple at-home and on-the-go systems starting at $24.95 per month.
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LifeFone offers six medical alert systems and several add-on services. As an innovator in the medical alert system industry since 1976, LifeFone offers something for everyone. We tested their UL-certified equipment and U.S.-based monitoring services, and we found them reliable and easy to use.
LifeFone offers several systems with prices starting at $24.95 a month if you choose an annual payment plan ($29.95 a month if paid monthly). They also offer flexible payment plans and a transparent online buying experience, which we always appreciate. They may not have the same brand recognition as the Life Alert system we reviewed, but LifeFone’s systems are affordable and approachable compared to many of their competitors. Additionally, they offer top-of-the-line features that keep up with the best medical alert systems in the industry.
Keep reading to learn what we found out when we assessed LifeFone’s pricing in 2025, and see which packages we recommend for the value they provide.
LifeFone at a Glance
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau1
- No up-front activation or equipment fees
- User-friendly systems
- Knowledgeable customer service representatives
- Lifetime product warranty and price guarantee
- No contracts
- Discounts for quarterly and annual payment plans
- Seasonal promotions and discounts
How Does LifeFone Compare to Top Medical Alert Brands?
LifeFone has been a trusted provider of medical alert systems and services for nearly half a century. With lifetime warranties, excellent customer service agents and no contracts, it’s no wonder thousands of older adults choose LifeFone every year. Additionally, LifeFone offers competitive pricing and plenty of discount opportunities. That said, you should always shop around before making a decision. If you’re searching for a medical alert system, check out the best providers we’ve reviewed below.
The Fast Facts: LifeFone’s Equipment and Pricing
| Product | Features | Monthly prices | Quarterly payment plan prices | Annual payment plan prices | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-Home Landline | – Base station and water-resistant help button – Two-way speaker in base station – 1,300-foot range – 32-hour backup battery |
$29.95 | $27.95 per month | $24.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home Cellular | – Base station and water-resistant help button – Uses AT&T’s cellular network – Two-way speaker in base station – 1,300-foot range – 32-hour backup |
$34.95 | $32.95 per month | $30.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go VIP Flex | – Wearable mobile device with water-resistant help button – Up to 5-day battery – Ultra lightweight – GPS tracking – Cellular connection |
$43.95 | $41.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go VIP Active | – All-in-one mobile device – Uses AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network – GPS and Wi-Fi tracking – Up to 5-day battery |
$41.95 | $39.95 per month | $37.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go VIPx | – All-in-one mobile device – GPS and Wi-Fi tracking – Up to 10-day battery – Uses AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network – Available in 3 colors – Optional VIPx Caregiver App |
$43.95 | $41.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active | – GPS and Wi-Fi tracking – Built-in two-way speaker – Vibration feedback – Heart monitor – Step tracker – Weather app |
$47.95 | $45.95 per month | $43.95 per month | $5 per month |
A Closer Look at LifeFone’s Systems and Value
At-Home Landline
LifeFone At-Home (Landline or Cellular) equipment.
The At-Home Landline is LifeFone’s least expensive system. It costs $29.95 per month for a month-to-month plan, $27.95 per month on a quarterly plan or $24.95 per month with an annual plan. These prices are on par with or cheaper than other popular providers, such as Medical Guardian’s pricing. Plus, it costs only $5 to add fall detection, whereas most medical alert systems charge $10 per month for the feature.
Quick Tip: LifeFone’s starting prices are affordable for the industry, but we found a few cheaper options. Bay Alarm Medical’s prices, for instance, start at $24.95 per month even if you don’t sign up for annual billing.
The At-Home Landline package includes a base station and a wearable help pendant or wristband. The base station features a loud and clear two-way speaker, a 32-hour backup battery and an impressive 1,300-foot range. No matter where you are in the house, you can call for help without worrying about a dropped connection. The pendant and wristband are water-resistant, so they are shower-safe (but should not be submerged). You won’t need to rush to the phone during emergencies since the pendant allows you to answer the phone and speak to responders through the base station’s speaker.
At-Home Cellular
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing LifeFone’s wearable pendant.
At-Home Cellular is very similar to the At-Home Landline system, with all of the same features. The main differences are cost and the At-Home Cellular system’s AT&T cellular connection, which means it doesn’t require a landline. It costs $34.95 per month with a month-to-month plan, $32.95 per month with quarterly payments or $30.95 per month with an annual plan.
At just $5 more than the landline system, you’ll have the freedom to place the base unit anywhere in your home since you won’t need to connect to a phone jack. It’s also convenient for homes that no longer have a landline, and it could be more reliable if there’s good AT&T coverage in your area. We recommend the system over the At-Home Landline system, because cellular is generally more reliable.
The At-Home Cellular system may not be best for areas where AT&T’s coverage is sparse. We’d also recommend the landline unit if you’re on a tight budget, because of its cheaper monthly fees.
At-Home & On-the-Go VIP Flex
Charging LifeFone's VIP Flex system.
If you’re looking for a discreet system you can wear all day, LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go Voice-in-Pendant (VIP) Flex system is a great choice. It’s priced at $43.95 per month. Prices drop to $41.95 monthly for a quarterly plan and as low as $39.95 with an annual plan. This system is around the same price as the MGMini Lite from Medical Guardian, and the two systems are nearly identical.
VIP Flex is a small mobile device with advanced GPS and Wi-Fi tracking. It has a five-day battery life, so you’ll be covered 24/7 if you charge the device once or twice a week. You can wear the system on your wrist as a watch or around your neck. It’s the smallest LifeFone system, making it a great choice for those who want a less obvious and bulky system. You can choose between an AT&T and Verizon connection with this system.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS VIP Active
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS VIP Active
LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go VIP Active system offers all-in-one protection. The package costs $41.95 per month for a month-to-month plan, with prices decreasing with quarterly and annual plans. Fall detection is available for an additional $5 per month.
The VIP Active is similar to the VIP Flex. It allows you to transition from staying home to running errands without changing help buttons. The pendant is equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi technology, a two-way speaker, optional fall detection and a battery that lasts up to five days. Whether you’re gardening in the backyard, taking a road trip or heading out to the store, you won’t have to worry about a dead battery.
Thanks to GPS technology, help can be sent to your exact location at all times. Unlike the VIP Flex, however, the system runs only on AT&T’s network, so we recommend the VIP Flex if AT&T coverage is sparse in your location. VIP Active offers an optional location service that would allow caregivers to find older adults in their care through a text message. That’s a great addition to the GPS technology and something the VIP Flex doesn’t offer.
ADT offers a system similar to VIP Active for about $40 per month, plus an additional $11 per month for fall detection. That’s on the high side for that feature. Like some other medical alert companies, such as Lifeline and MobileHelp, ADT doesn’t offer a discount for annual payments and offers only a free lockbox instead; otherwise, the lockbox is $29.99. Unlike with LifeFone, we also had to pay a one-time $99 activation fee when we reviewed ADT’s medical alert system. Overall, LifeFone’s VIP Active system is more affordable.
At-Home & On-the-Go VIPx
At-Home & On-the-Go VIPx
Like the VIP Flex, the VIPx is an all-in-one device that can run on either AT&T or Verizon and has advanced location tracking with GPS and Wi-Fi technology. The similarities end there. The VIPx is small and lightweight 一 just 1.3 ounces and about the size of a car key fob. In addition, it comes in your choice of black, white or silver.
The battery life of this discreet device is longer than the VIP Active. At up to 10 days, it also beats most of the competition. It has a few additional features too. It offers optional fall detection for $5 per month and the VIPx Caregiver App for $8 monthly. At $43.95 per month with a monthly plan, this is one of LifeFone’s most expensive systems, but it’s also among the most advanced and comprehensive.
Using the LifeFone mobile app
Current Deal: For a limited time, LifeFone is offering one free month, free shipping and a free lock box with its annual plans.
At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active
At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active
A recent offering, the Safe Watch Active joins a growing list of smartwatch medical alert systems. Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical have similar products, but the Safe Watch Active stands out. It comes with fall-detection capabilities built in (you can activate it for an additional $5 a month), which many comparable watches don’t. That’s a huge step forward. The Safe Watch Active also offers sophisticated technology, such as activity tracking, GPS location, an appealing design and reliable performance — all with no equipment fee. That’s pretty much unheard of. Other medical alert smartwatches usually cost $150 to $200 up-front.
FYI: What are the best smartwatch medical alert options in 2025? Check out our guide to the best medical alert watches for active seniors.
Using the Safe Watch Active, however, comes at a higher-than-average monthly cost of $47.95. That’s slightly more expensive than the MGMove smartwatch from Medical Guardian, which costs $42.95 per month. It also has a $199.95 equipment fee. If the long-term cost is less of a factor in your buying decision, the Safe Watch Active is a sporty-looking option that provides solid safety and security in a design that’s worlds away from the clunky emergency alert pendants of the past.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
LifeFone offers several add-on services and accessories for their alert systems. We’ll take a look below.
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Assurance caregiver tool | – Allows user to set check-in time – If user doesn’t check in within 15 minutes of predetermined time, the agent will follow emergency instructions |
$6 per month |
| Daily check-cn call | – Allows user to set check-in call time – If user doesn't respond to check-in within 15 minutes, the agent will follow emergency instructions – Can also be used for medication reminders |
$19 per month |
| VIPx® Caregiver App | – Check first motion of the day – Location tracking – View button-press history – Step tracking |
$8 per month |
| Protection plan | – Protects you from loss, theft or damage – Includes $6 deductible for standard pendant and $29 deductible for base station or voice-in-pendant |
$5 per month |
| Automatic fall detection | – Either embedded in mobile all-in-one device or used through a separate help pendant – Fall is automatically detected and alert sent to monitoring center |
$5 per month |
| Vanity pendant | – Fashionable option for at-home medical alert pendant – Does not include fall detection |
$49.95 |
| Lockboxes | – Three options – Keep keys in lockbox with secret combination – LifeFone agent will give combination to EMTs for easy access into the home during emergency |
$29.95 to $39.95 |
| Wall-mounted help button | – Easily mounted with Velcro – Put anywhere a fall is likely |
$39.95 |
How to Get the Best Deal With LifeFone
Here are some ways to make sure you get the best deal with LifeFone.
- Referral program: For every customer you refer to LifeFone, you and your referral will both receive a free month of service.
- Advance payment: Save money by opting for an annual or quarterly plan. It may cost more up front, but the monthly breakdown can save you up to $5 per month (that’s $60 a year).
- Watch for specials: There are frequent special offers for quarterly and annual plans, such as free shipping and a free month of service.
- AARP membership discount: AARP members can receive a discount on their LifeFone service.
- Veteran discount: LifeFone offers a discount for U.S. veterans. The offer cannot be combined with the AARP membership discount.
Compare LifeFone to Other Providers
Is LifeFone Right for Me?
We’d recommend LifeFone if:
- You live an active lifestyle: Medical alert systems aren’t just for homebodies! In the U.S., more than 3 million seniors own a medical device,2 and they’re not all staying home. Cellular-based systems, such as LifeFone’s VIP Active, are a great way for older adults to have help available wherever they go.
- You’re more at risk of a fall: Each year, more than 1 in 4 adults ages 65 or older fall, resulting in 3 million admissions to the emergency room for fall injuries.3 LifeFone offers automatic fall detection for $5 per month, so seniors can be prepared if they fall.
- You are budget-conscious: LifeFone offers plenty of affordable services; a choice of monthly, quarterly or annual payment plans; and no equipment or activation fees.
- You want add-ons: The company offers many different accessories and tools, from vanity pendants to medication reminders to check-in calls. Just be wary: Accessory prices can add up quickly.
LifeFone vs. the Competition
LifeFone was a top runner-up in our review of the best emergency medical systems for older adults. Their devices, safety features and prices are similar to our overall top picks, Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical.
>> Learn More: Bay Alarm Medical Review.
LifeFone vs. Life Alert
We prefer LifeFone over Life Alert for most seniors. Although Life Alert probably has the best name recognition in the medical alert market, they require three-year contracts that can be very difficult to cancel even after the term. Their at-home units also have a much shorter range from the base unit than LifeFone, as well as higher monthly fees.
LifeFone vs. Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian’s Mini Guardian and MGMove may be more appealing than LifeFone’s VIP systems for active seniors who are often out and about. Medical Guardian’s devices had notably accurate location tracking in our tests, and we also love the company’s caregiver app. Medical Guardian is also generally less expensive, except that it charges an equipment fee for the MGMove smart watch. If those features are enticing, check out our Medical Guardian review.
FYI: If you want more details on how LifeFone compares to Medical Guardian, check out our Medical Guardian vs. LifeFone comparison, where we put the two medical alert brands head to head.
LifeFone vs. Aloe Care Health
Aloe Care Health is one of the pricier medical alert systems on the market, but it beats LifeFone (and most other medical alert systems) in terms of technology. It has high-tech devices that can monitor air quality and improve call quality for older adults who are hard of hearing. It even has an app for caregivers. If you’re interested in those features, check out our Aloe Care Health review. For affordable and approachable medical alert monitoring, however, our recommendation still goes to LifeFone.
LifeFone vs. Medical Alert and MobileHelp
If price is an important factor, Medical Alert offers straightforward devices and emergency alert services for under $30 a month with no long-term contracts and a free trial period. Another affordable option is MobileHelp, with plans starting at $24.95 a month. We especially like MobileHelp’s two-in-one systems, which are a great option for couples. A few caveats with MobileHelp, however, are that the company discontinued its smartwatch option, it works only if you have access to AT&T internet service and there is no free trial period.
>> Further Reading: Review of Medical Alert
Even compared to some of our favorite emergency alert systems, LifeFone holds up as a solid choice for a medical alert device. We were impressed with the company’s clear product and pricing information online, accurate location tracking and industry-leading coverage range from the base units. Our senior tech experts found agents to be helpful and courteous in our test calls, and we appreciate LifeFone’s lifetime warranties and lack of long-term contracts and activation fees.
Our Methodology
Our senior tech experts spent over 50 hours testing and evaluating LifeFone’s products, features and services to provide an accurate and comprehensive guide to the provider. Below are more details about the criteria we consider in our medical alert reviews. To learn more about our review process, head to our medical alert system methodology guide.
- Safety and tech features: Our experts test each safety feature of emergency systems to make sure they work like they’re supposed to. Some of the safety and convenience features we look for include device water-resistance, fall-detection capabilities, location-finder options for caregivers and voice-command features, which could be important for older adults who have problems with dexterity.
- Connection: Because it’s so important that medical alert devices are able to connect with help agents quickly, we thoroughly test and log each system’s average response time. We also note how easy or difficult it is to hear and communicate with agents.
- Price: Emergency alert systems are available to fit most budgets, including simple systems that can quickly connect seniors to help in emergencies and sleek, high-tech wearables. We thoroughly evaluate each company’s up-front and ongoing monthly fees and ask about discounts that may help lower costs.
- Ease of use: Functionality is extremely important in emergency alert systems, so we look for devices and base units with simple, intuitive designs, such as large, easy-to-press help buttons and volume buttons that are easy to control. We also note whether products are lightweight, sturdy and durable, and whether they’re comfortable to use and wear.
- Add-on features: We test as many optional device extras as possible before writing our guides. That includes fall detection, GPS location tracking, device-finder capabilities, health tracking and apps, and location alerts for caregivers.
- Customer service: Our testing process includes several calls to customer service agents to make sure alerts are responded to promptly and courteously and that operators are easy to hear and understand.
- Contracts and terms of service: We do our best to gauge each company’s transparency about their policies, such as whether service contracts are required or whether companies appear to honor lifetime price guarantees and 30-day free trials. That includes inquiring about return policies and battery and parts replacements and repairs.
Conclusion
The number of products and add-on services that LifeFone offers can be overwhelming, but you can build a customized package at a reasonable price with a bit of savvy shopping. Starting at $24.95 monthly with an annual plan, LifeFone offers competitively priced systems. Throw in affordable fall detection, no long-term contracts and a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ll see that LifeFone provides solid value. Be mindful of the add-ons though. They can quickly escalate your monthly costs. Ultimately, when it comes to reliable technology and service at budget-friendly prices, LifeFone is a good way to go.
To learn more about LifeFone, read our LifeFone review or watch our video review below with our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt.
Frequently Asked Questions About LifeFone
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How much does LifeFone cost per month?
Depending on the system and payment plan you choose, prices range from $24.95 per month to $47.95 per month.
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What is LifeFone’s return policy?
LifeFone doesn’t require long-term contracts, so you can cancel your service at any time. If you’ve paid for services in advance that you have not yet used at the time of cancellation, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
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What happens if I push the LifeFone button and I’m not able to communicate with the operator?
If you call for help and the LifeFone operator can’t hear you, they will try to reach you by phone. If they still can’t reach you, they will follow your preset Emergency Care Plan instructions and send the appropriate emergency services.
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Do I need a cell phone plan for LifeFone’s cellular systems?
LifeFone’s cellular systems rely on either AT&T or Verizon’s 4G network, but you won’t need your own cell phone plan. Instead, LifeFone will provide cellular service for you.
Better Business Bureau. (2025). BBB Accreditation LifeFone.
Washington Post. (2019). Considering a medical alert device? Here’s what you should know before buying.
National Council on Aging. (2024). Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.