Lifeline Medical Alert Systems: Pricing and Value in 2025
Lifeline offers simple systems for at-home and on-the-go use starting at $29.95 per month.
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As one of the first companies to offer medical alert systems in America, Lifeline has over 50 years of experience protecting older adults and providing peace of mind to their families. It currently serves more than 7.5 million people.1
When we reviewed Lifeline, we found its offerings quite streamlined and modern. It offers three packages: HomeSafe (which comes in cellular and landline configurations), On the Go mobile, and a smartwatch. We noticed, however, that it costs more (before discounts) than some of the best medical alert systems. Lifeline’s charges are between $2 and $5 more per month than Bay Alarm Medical’s prices and Medical Alert’s monthly rates.
Is Lifeline worth it? To answer that, our medical alert experts spent about 50 hours dissecting and examining Lifeline’s offerings, including personally testing the HomeSafe and On the Go systems. Keep reading to find out our final verdict.
Lifeline equipment
Lifeline at a Glance
✔ Waterproof, wearable pendants
✔ Well-known medical alert system provider
✔ Two-way voice communication
✔ Landline and cellular options
✔ AT&T cellular connectivity
✔ Month-to-month options
✔ 24/7 monitoring with all packages
✔ My Lifeline mobile app
✔ Fall detection available
The Best Affordable Alternatives to Lifeline
With decades of trusted service and extra features such as the My Lifeline mobile app, Lifeline is a great choice for older adults who need a medical alert system. That said, there are several other providers with lower monthly rates and higher-tech systems. Check out our list of the best medical alert watches that offer more functional and affordable devices than the smartwatch from Lifeline.
FYI: With the My Lifeline app, you can directly access assistance, track system usage, update your account, receive alerts, manage your system, update your contact list, check your battery status and more.
The Fast Facts: Lifeline Equipment and Pricing
At first glance, you’ll probably notice in the chart below that Lifeline tacks on many extra fees for activation, equipment, shipping and installation. But here’s the good news: If you give Lifeline a call, the representatives may waive some of these fees (typically shipping and activation).
| Lifeline product | Monthly price | Fall detection | Shipping and setup fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomeSafe | Landline: $29.95 Cellular: $39.95 |
$15 per month | Shipping: $29.95 Setup: $99.95 |
| On the Go | Standard: $44.95 Mini: $49.95 (Cellular only) |
$15 per month | Shipping: $29.95 Setup: $99.95 |
| Smartwatch | $39.95 | $15 per month | Shipping: $29.95 Installation: $99 (optional) Device fee: $159 |
A Closer Look at Lifeline Systems and Value
Lifeline HomeSafe system
HomeSafe
HomeSafe is Lifeline’s lowest-priced option, starting at $29.95 on a month-to-month plan for the landline model. It costs the same as entry-level LifeFone systems and less than LifeStation models, so it’s fairly priced for the industry.
The system comes in both a landline and cellular model. Since the cellular option costs $39.95 per month, we’d recommend going with the landline model to save $10 every month, as the cellular system doesn’t add much extra value. The exception is if your home doesn’t have a landline, in which case paying the extra $10 per month makes more sense than setting up a landline connection you probably won’t have other uses for.
You can also add fall detection to the system for $15 per month. That’s on the pricier side, since fall detection from companies such as Bay Alarm Medical is around $5 less per month. To compare a few more affordable fall-detection options, head to our latest ADT Health review and Medical Guardian review. Also check out our list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
Did You Know? All Lifeline systems come with access to the My Lifeline mobile app at no extra cost. The app lets family members and caregivers monitor the status of the user’s devices, create a personalized care plan for emergencies and share notes and information with other family members.
On the Go
On the Go is a great option if you want a device that offers protection anywhere you go. It has a battery life of up to four days on a single charge. The system comes in a standard and mini version for those who want more discreet protection. Priced between $44.95 and $49.95 per month, it’s up to $10 more than the cellular HomeSafe system. Unlike the HomeSafe models, On the Go is an all-in-one wearable system that you can use both on the go and in the house, so it’s more versatile for a better price.
As long as you’re in an area with reliable AT&T service, you’re set.2 On the Go has location-tracking technology, and you can add fall detection for $15 per month. The pendant, which can be worn as a necklace, also comes with a built-in two-way speaker and a help button for quick and easy communication.
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing On the Go
For those who frequently spend time outside the home, this is the Lifeline system we’d recommend. If you're on a tight budget, however, there are more affordable mobile systems to consider. The Bay Alarm Medical on-the-go system we reviewed and the MobileHelp packages we tested, for example, offer similar features for around $5 to $15 less per month than Lifeline. Keep in mind, however, that other mobile systems may not be all-in-one systems or as lightweight as Lifeline’s On the Go.
Did You Know? Lifeline’s 200-person team of trained care specialists responds to an average of 18,000 incoming calls per day. The response center supports over 140 languages.3
Smartwatch
Lifeline Smartwatch
Lifeline’s newest system, the Smartwatch, costs $39.95 per month, plus a $159 device fee. Subscribers can save a few bucks per month by paying annually or quarterly. You also get free shipping and a free lockbox if you choose annual payments.
This is our top pick if you’re looking for a more high-tech, sleek system. It looks just like a standard smartwatch, so no one will know you’re wearing a medical alert system. Plus, it has features such as step tracking and heart monitoring to help you stay on top of your health.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
Compared to other companies, such as Bay Alarm Medical, Lifeline doesn’t offer many accessories. The only add-ons are a lockbox and a protection plan, priced at $2.95 per month and $6.95 per month, respectively. The key lockbox gives first responders access to your home in the event of an emergency. Having a lockbox in place could save you additional costs, since first responders won’t have to damage your door to reach you during an emergency. We wish Lifeline offered more add-on equipment, but it’s perfect for those who just want to keep things simple.
Did You Know? With Care Notes on the My Lifeline app, family, friends and caregivers can stay up to date and share details of recent visits with loved ones. Users can share photos, view reactions, respond to notes and more.
Compare Lifeline to Other Providers
How to Get the Best Deal With Lifeline
Lifeline runs deals throughout the year to help you save. Some deals may not be advertised online, so be sure to call Lifeline’s customer-support line to ask a representative about any ongoing promotions or current deals.
You can do a few other things to get the best value and save the most money on your Lifeline service, including:
- Order your system over the phone: Lifeline adds several extra fees and up-front costs to start your service. That’s pretty standard with most companies, but you can typically get a few of those fees waived if you call to speak with a representative. If you skip this step and go straight to ordering online, you’ll likely be stuck paying the fees.
- Choose self-installation: Medical alert systems are designed to be simple to set up and use, and Lifeline does a great job of ensuring that the setup process for all of their alert systems does just that. The company offers a professional installation option for $99, but there’s typically no need for it. Every package comes with a detailed instruction manual, and customer service can answer any additional questions you may have during setup.
- Go with a landline option for in-home systems: For the HomeSafe system, you can save $10 per month by choosing the landline option instead of cellular. If you have a landline, the connection will be just as — if not more — reliable than the cellular system. The main advantage of the cellular system is that it doesn’t need to be plugged into a phone jack, so you have more freedom in where to set it up. If that flexibility is worth the extra $10 — or if you don’t have a landline — you’ll want to choose the cellular system.
Is Lifeline Right for Me?
Now that you know more about Lifeline, you may wonder if you need a medical alert system. Let’s take a look at the stats. According to the National Council on Aging, 1 in 4 American adults over the age of 65 suffers from a fall every year, and falls are the leading cause of both fatal injuries and nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions fo seniors.4
Having a medical alert system that lets you call for help with the press of a button could save your life. Maybe you’re thinking, “But I have a cell phone and a landline, so I could just call 911.” That’s great, but 80 percent of falls happen in the bathroom,5 where you’re far less likely to be able to reach the phone. Fortunately, all help buttons from Lifeline’s medical alert systems are waterproof, so you can call for help even if you fall in the shower.
Lifeline vs. the Competition
Lifeline has a long reputation, but there are other companies that offer systems with older adults in mind. Below is a brief overview of what some competitors have to offer.
Lifeline vs. Medical Guardian
Lifeline offers only two systems and a smartwatch. Medical Guardian packages, however, include options for three on-the-go systems and two home systems. They also have high-tech products with prices starting at $36.95. The MGMini we reviewed also has the broadest signal range at up to 1,400 feet. Both offer the option for fall detection, but Medical Guardian charges only $10 a month.
Lifeline vs. ADT
ADT is a familiar brand with a strong reputation and a 150-year history. ADT packages offer three systems with add-on features and a price-lock guarantee, but they have a range of only 600 feet. ADT has several U.S.-based emergency-response monitoring centers that are company-owned and operated and monitored 24/7 by professionals trained to support older adults.
Lifeline vs. Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical has been around for almost 80 years. Prices for Bay Alarm Medical start at $24.95, and they offer four systems and a 15-day risk-free trial. Fall detection can be added for $10 a month. The company has 24-hour U.S.-based emergency-response centers and an average response time of 10 to 20 seconds.
Our Methodology
Our senior tech experts spent more than 50 hours testing Lifeline. Our evaluation included looking at product variety, landline and cellular options, landline and mobile units, price, customer service, and more. Here are some of the factors we considered:
- Price and value: Lifeline’s products were evaluated for monthly costs, installation, device fees, monitoring costs and any add-on fees to determine its price and value. We also looked at savings from discounts, promotions, referral programs, and veteran and AARP discounts.
- Customer support: We looked at whether a 24/7 monitoring center was available, as well as ease of contacting customer service and ways to get in touch with them.
- Senior-friendly features: Medical alert systems are made with older adults in mind, so we tested how user-friendly and reliable the systems were. We also looked at ease of access to emergency-response services and fall detection.
- Response times: We measured response times, comparing them to industry averages. We made test calls to Lifeline’s monitoring center and tested the systems at home, on walks and while running errands. Fall detection accuracy was also measured.
Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Lifeline
If you’re looking for a medical alert company with decades of experience, Lifeline is a great option. There’s an added level of reassurance knowing that the company has been serving seniors and their families for nearly 50 years. Plus, their parent company, Philips, is an industry leader in several areas of health technology.
Lifeline’s systems are on the pricier end compared to other companies in the industry. Still, the reliable technology, fall detection options and user-friendly equipment make the price worth it. Plus, they offer a companion mobile app called My Lifeline that lets family members and caregivers check the status of the user’s devices and share notes with other loved ones. Overall, Lifeline systems are simple and reliable, so if you want a system that doesn’t overcomplicate things, they’re a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lifeline
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How much does Lifeline cost per month?
Depending on the package you choose, Lifeline can cost anywhere from $27.95 per month to $49.95 per month.
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How does Lifeline work?
Lifeline operates multiple 24/7 operating centers that can send help to users at any time. All the subscriber has to do is press the help button on their base station or wearable pendant, and they’re automatically connected to the monitoring center. Depending on the type of emergency, the live operator will send the appropriate help to your exact location.
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Does Lifeline need a landline?
Lifeline offers both landline and cellular systems, so you don’t need a landline to have a Lifeline system. You’ll have your choice between a landline or cellular connection, so you can go with the system that best fits your needs.
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Does Lifeline have long-term contracts?
No, Lifeline doesn’t have long-term contracts. All systems are paid for on a month-to-month basis, so you can cancel your service at any time without penalty.
Lifeline. (2025). Lifeline Products.
AT&T. (2020). Wireless Coverage Map.
Lifeline. (2025). The Lifeline Response Center.
National Council on Aging. (2024). Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.
Aging.com. (2023). Falls Are, Unfortunately, a Common Occurrence.