LifeStation vs. Medical Guardian, Compared and Reviewed by Tech Experts
LifeStation offers simple medical alert systems, while Medical Guardian is known for its sleek devices and large product selection.
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
Key Takeaways
- LifeStation is our top pick for those who want a simple system, along with Alexa users, thanks to its Alexa integration.
- Medical Guardian is best if you’re looking for a more advanced system with lots of add-on services. The company also made our list of the best medical alert systems in 2024.
As you shop for a medical alert system, you’re sure to encounter LifeStation and Medical Guardian systems. Both businesses have strong reputations and long-term histories of offering quality systems and services. You might notice LifeStation has fewer device and service options than Medical Guardian, but don’t make your decision based on that fact alone. There are some key differences between features, devices, and pricing that you’ll need to understand to decide which option is right for you.
Our tech expats have tested medical alert systems from both businesses and have included not only our firsthand experience, but plenty of comparison charts to make it easy to see how these companies stack up. Read on for the must-know details that will help you decide which option is right for you.
A Side-by-Side Look at LifeStation vs. Medical Guardian
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $34.95 to $46.95 per month | $29.95 to $44.95 per month |
| Discounts for quarterly or annual payment plans | Quarterly payments receive free shipping, annual payments receive free shipping and one month free | Annual payments save 16%, get a free lockbox and free shipping |
| Equipment fees | $99.95 activation fee; no equipment fees | No activation fees; equipment fees range from $0 to $199.95 |
| Contracts | No contracts | No contracts |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | Prorated refund available for unused service period for monthly or annual subscriptions |
| Fall-detection cost | $14 per month | $10 per month |
| Mobile app | Integrates with the Alexa app | Yes |
| Water-resistant equipment | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way communication | Yes | Yes |
| In-home range | Up to 600 feet | Up to 1,300 feet |
| Battery life for on-the-go systems | Not specified | Up to five days |
| Cellular connection | AT&T 4G LTE | AT&T or Verizon |
| Language support | Translation services available for Spanish and many other languages | English and Spanish translation service available for other languages |
| Website |
About LifeStation
LifeStation offers a few different systems, including the Sidekick Smart, a smartwatch-style system.
LifeStation has a more than 40-year history of providing medical alert systems and services. The company offers four cellular medical alert system options, as well as a handful of add-ons. These options are more limited than what you’ll find from companies like Medical Guardian, but LifeStation may be ideal for anyone looking for a basic, quality system without tons of choices, which can get overwhelming.
Although features are somewhat limited, one major advantage is that there are no equipment fees, making for easy-to-understand pricing. Additionally, LifeStation’s Find My Loved One feature allows you to send LifeStation a text when you need to locate your loved one. LifeStation responds with the loved one’s location on a map. While this is useful, Medical Guardian offers a mobile app that makes it easier to locate the system at any time without sending a text. The feature also works with Amazon Alexa devices; Medical Guardian doesn’t offer a similar Alexa feature.
Pro Tip: LifeStation is just one medical alert system that features fall protection. Learn about the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
While testing and reviewing LifeStation systems, we found the equipment was easy to set up and we were quickly connected to an operator. In fact, LifeStation’s average response time is 20 seconds, which is on the lower end of the medical alert industry’s average response time of anywhere from 15 to 45 seconds.
We found customer service representatives to be personable, patient, and helpful. Unlike Medical Guardian, LifeStation doesn’t charge any equipment fees. However, the company’s $99.95 activation fee will increase the overall costs. LifeStation also charges $14 for fall detection, while Medical Guardian only charges $10. Overall, LifeStation’s prices are comparable to Medical Guardian.
» Learn More: LifeStation Review
Pros About LifeStation
- Option to locate a user with your phone or Amazon Echo
- No contracts and the ability to cancel service at any time
- 20-second average response time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Smart home-friendly devices
- No equipment fees
Cons About LifeStation
- $99.95 activation fee
- Only four devices available
- No landline option available
- In-home range is only 600 feet
- Limited accessories and options
- Fall detection add-on is $14 per month
About Medical Guardian
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
Medical Guardian offers five different medical alert systems and a variety of add-ons. You’ll have more customization options with Medical Guardian than with LifeStation. Medical Guardian’s subscription prices are reasonable, but the company charges equipment fees that increase the overall costs. While LifeStation doesn’t charge equipment fees, it charges a $99.95 activation fee, so ultimately, these two companies have pretty comparable pricing.
» Learn More: Medical Guardian Review
Medical Guardian’s add-ons and accessories make this company stand out. For example, its OnGuard alerts will notify everyone on your care list via email or text when an emergency occurs. Based on our experience with Medical Guardian, the website is easy to understand and navigate. Medical Guardian’s customer service representatives are friendly and helpful. We’re also big fans of the company’s mobile app, which lets you track your system, view its status, receive real-time alerts, and more. We could easily see where our device was at any time with just a few taps.
Checking our system's location in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app
Pros About Medical Guardian
- Systems include home, on-the-go, and smartwatch options
- Both landline and cellular services are available
- U.S.-based monitoring services
- Fall detection available
- Many add-on accessories
- Online member portal and mobile app allows for easy device management
- No contracts, so you can cancel your service at any time
Cons About Medical Guardian
- No money-back guarantee
- Equipment fees for many systems
Comparing LifeFone and Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems
LifeStation
| System | Price | Equipment fee | Connection | Designed for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Home Medical Alert System | $34.95 per month | None | Wireless | In home | Seniors who spend lots of time at home |
| Sidekick Mobile Medical Alert | $39.95 per month | None | Wireless | On the go | Active older persons who want a pendant-style system |
| Sidekick Smart Wearable Alert | $46.95 per month | None | Wireless | On the go | Active older adults who want a smartwatch system |
| Luxury | $46.95 per month | None | Wireless | On the go | Those who want a more discrete, fashionable system |
Medical Guardian
| System | Price | Equipment fee | Connection | Designed for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGClassic | $29.95 per month | None | Landline | In home | Those who spend lots of time at home and don’t have reliable cellular service |
| MGHome Cellular | $37.95 per month | $149.95 | Cellular | In home | Those who spend lots of time at home |
| MGMini Lite | $44.95 per month | $149.95 | Cellular | On the go | Seniors who want a slim, simple watch |
| MGMini | $39.95 per month | $149.95 | Cellular | On the go | Older adults who want a slim, stylish, wearable device they can take anywhere |
| MGMove | $39.95 per month | $199.95 | Cellular | On the go | Active seniors who want a smartwatch device |
Pro Tip: Medical Guardian offers a quality medical alert smartwatch that’s ideal for active seniors. Explore the best medical alert smartwatches to learn more.
Add-On Features and Equipment
In addition to the base services and equipment, LifeStation and Medical Guardian offer several add-ons.
LifeStation
- A lockbox, which gives first responders to family members access to a key, costs $2.95 per month.
- A fall detection pendant detects if you’ve fallen and signals the monitoring station. It costs $14 per month.
- A protection plan helps cover the cost of lost or damaged equipment and costs $47 per month.
Medical Guardian
- Fall detection is available as an add-on for $10 per month.
- OnGuard alerts will inform everyone on your caregiver list when an emergency occurs. This optional service costs $2.99 per month.
- A wall-mounted or voice-activated wall-mounted button is available for your home, allowing you to call the monitoring center in an emergency. Prices range from $2.99 to $4.99 per month
- A lock box gives emergency responders and family members emergency access to your home without having to break in. It costs $2.99 per month, though it is free with some packages.
Our Final Thoughts on LifeStation vs. Medical Guardian
LifeStation and Medical Guardian are both known for providing quality medical alert systems. While you’ll have fewer options with LifeStation, that can be a benefit if you’re looking for your first system and don’t want to deal with lots of add-ons. Medical Guardian, on the other hand, gives you more options, so you can build the system to suit your needs. Both suppliers offer quality systems with 24-hour monitoring and two-way voice communication, so they can be ideal for seniors whether they’re at home or on the go.
LifeStation is best for:
- Those who want a simple system
- Those who don’t want a landline system
- Those who don’t want to pay equipment fees
- Those who want to connect their system with Amazon Alexa
Medical Guardian is best for:
- Those who want high-tech options
- Those who want lots of customization or add-ons
- Those who want a landline system
>> Keep Comparing: Medical Care Alert vs. Medical Guardian
