Lifeline Medical Alert System Review 2025

Overview of Lifeline

The Buying Experience

I highly recommend calling customer service to place your order. Lifeline’s website has a lot of information, but it’s helpful to talk through your specific situation with an expert since unnecessary add-ons can add up. Inquire about seasonal discounts, and tell the service representative exactly when and where you’ll need protection (in the yard, basement, grocery store, etc.).

Lifeline also has an online chat feature on the website, unlike LifeStation, which requires you to call in. I tried the feature to ask about additional fees. With the click of a button, I was connected with a representative in a few seconds!

Click the chat box icon on Lifeline's website to talk with a representative.

Setting Up My Systems

HomeSafe

To set up the HomeSafe system, I plugged the base station into a power outlet and a phone jack and waited for the light to come on. Then I pressed the button on my pendant, and the base station beeped loudly and said it was connecting to the response center. During my test, the base station repeated the message every few seconds until an agent picked up and asked if I needed help. I said I was testing the system. The agent acknowledged my answer, then he ended the call and that was it!

It’s important to walk to each room of the house to see if the pendant is in range of the base station. To do that, just hold down the reset button on the base station and release it to go into test mode. Then, you’ll have four minutes to walk around the house and press the pendant button to make sure the base station receives the signal.

Philips Lifeline HomeSafe

The system also comes in a cellular model, so you can still use HomeSafe if you don’t have a landline connection. Just keep in mind that the cellular system runs on AT&T’s network, so you’ll need an AT&T signal where you live for the system to work. Otherwise, it should function the same.

On the Go

On the Go comes with a mobile pendant, charger and manual. I simply plugged in the charger, set the pendant on it and waited until the pendant light turned from flashing green (charging in progress) to solid green (fully charged). From there, I pressed the mobile help button to connect to Lifeline's 24/7 response center. They picked up in about 15 seconds and confirmed I was OK. The system was fully activated and ready to go. You don’t need to do a range test with the On the Go, although you should walk through your house, yard or garage — wherever you have concerns about cell coverage — to see if you can place a test call.

Contracts and Warranty

Lifeline offers all of its systems on a month-to-month basis, which means you can cancel your service at any time without penalty. Lifeline has a 30-day full-refund guarantee, which I appreciate. They provide a one-year warranty for the On the Go system, covering normal wear and tear, which is on the shorter end of warranties for the industry. (Bay Alarm, for example, has a lifetime warranty for certain products.) Simply register your device after you receive it to activate the warranty.

Lifeline Systems at a Glance

Lifeline System and Product Details

HomeSafe

Cost

The HomeSafe landline model is for in-home use and is ideal for older adults on a budget. It’s the cheapest system Lifeline offers, starting at $29.95 per month, but it’s not as cheap as MobileHelp’s devices, which start at $24.95. It functions well in a small, one-story home. You’ll want to conduct a range test if you own a larger home. For an additional $15, you can add automatic fall detection. This feature is best for older adults who have a high risk of falling.

The system also comes in a cellular option, which costs $10 more per month. Thinking of adding fall detection and getting the HomeSafe Standard Cellular system? You’ll actually pay more for that configuration than the On the Go (covered below), so unless you have this more basic landline use case, look closely at the On the Go to save every month.

Testing our Lifeline equipment

Equipment

Out of the box, the system comes with a base station that acts as a communicator to the Lifeline emergency response center and a wearable, waterproof pendant or wristband (your choice!). The pendant itself is lightweight and about the size of a half-dollar. If you ever need help, simply press the button on your pendant or wristband. You’ll then be connected to Lifeline’s emergency response center through the base station. Easy peasy!

Service and Monitoring

HomeSafe is Lifeline’s product for at-home use, and you can choose between a cellular and landline connection. If you’re more of a homebody, I’d recommend this system. You can also add automatic fall detection for an additional $15 per month. The feature triggers an emergency call if your pendant’s sensor detects movements consistent with a fall. You also have access to the My Lifeline mobile app with this system. The app is great for caregivers or family members who want to stay in the loop about your well-being, because it lets them check on the status of your system and send notes between users.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

The average cost of fall detection is around $10, although a few brands offer it for even cheaper. That puts Lifeline on the pricier side for fall detection, since they charge $15 per month.

On the Go

Cost

On the Go is an all-in-one help button that comes in a standard and mini version. Costs range from $44.95 to $49.95 per month. For $99, you can choose to add professional installation, but I don’t think it’s necessary for most users since Lifeline’s systems are simple to set up. The On the Go device offers the best value and versatility of all the Lifeline systems — you can wear it at home or out and about.

Lifeline On the Go

Equipment

On the Go is a small mobile unit with a help button, a two-way talk feature and built-in fall detection. It comes with a mobile pendant, charger and manual. I think the On the Go mobile device is an excellent system for active older adults. You can wear it while shopping, taking a walk or grabbing lunch with friends. It’s an all-in-one wearable system, so just throw it on like a necklace and you’re set. The pendant is lightweight, and it’s one of the smaller all-in-one systems I’ve seen. You could easily tuck it into a sweater or pocket and no one would even know you’re wearing it!

Service and Monitoring

On the Go works wherever there is reliable AT&T service throughout the continental United States. The system comes with GPS and cellular technology, so help will be sent straight to you no matter where you are. All you have to do is press the pendant’s help button! If you opt for automatic fall detection, then no matter where you are, you can rest easy knowing On the Go will detect a fall and send help — even if you can’t press your help button. The mobile system includes access to the My Lifeline mobile app.

Smartwatch

Lifeline Smartwatch

Cost

Lifeline’s latest system, the Smartwatch, costs $39.95 per month. That places the system in the middle of the company’s lineup in terms of price. It’s also Lifeline’s only system that also has a device fee, which is $159. You can save the equivalent of $5 per month by paying annually or $3 per month by paying quarterly.

Equipment

The Smartwatch is just as the name suggests: It looks like a normal smartwatch and features an emergency help button. You can also check your heart rate and track your steps — perfect for supporting an active lifestyle. This is the first truly high-tech, sleek system I’ve seen from Lifeline, so I’m a big fan!

Service and Monitoring

Similar to Lifeline’s other On the Go systems, the Smartwatch runs on a cellular connection and provides 24/7 monitoring wherever you go. All you have to do is press your emergency button to call for help. Like Lifeline’s other systems, you can add fall detection for $15 monthly, making it a solid option for active seniors who want something discreet.

Add-on Features and Accessories

Fall Detection

Over a quarter of adults ages 65 and over fall each year.4 About 75 percent of those who fall need help to get up from the floor,5 which emphasizes the importance of having fall detection. You can add fall detection to any Lifeline medical alert system for an extra $15 per month. The feature can detect falls and call for help, even if you are unable to press your help button.

Key Lockbox

Opting to add a key lockbox to your system gives first responders quick and easy access to your home. If you’re not able to get to the door during an emergency, first responders will have to knock the front door down. You’ll have to deal with the mess and pay for a new front door, which is just a hassle. The monthly device fee is $2.95 at checkout.

Lifeline vs. the Competition

Lifeline has been around for a long time as a leading brand in the medical alert industry, but there are other brands that offer cheaper and more high-tech medical alert systems. Below are some other options to consider.

Lifeline vs. Medical Guardian

Compared to Lifeline’s choice of two systems and a smartwatch, the Medical Guardian systems we reviewed offer a larger variety of on-the-go and at-home options starting at $36.95. Medical Guardian stands out for its high-tech offerings and coverage range of up to 1,300 feet. Plus, fall detection is $5 cheaper with Medical Guardian.

Lifeline vs. ADT

ADT is a familiar name in the home security industry, but they also make very good medical alert systems, with three system choices and add-on features. When we tested ADT, one disadvantage we noticed was the lower coverage range of 600 feet. Being a well-known security brand, ADT lives up to its name with a company-owned and run U.S.-based emergency-response center that is monitored 24/7 with senior-friendly agents.

Lifeline vs. Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical gives you the choice of four systems, but, unlike Lifeline, they have only a 15-day risk-free trial. Prices are more affordable, starting at $24.95, and fall detection is $5 less a month than Lifeline. We also appreciated that when we reviewed Bay Alarm, they gave us access to 24-hour U.S.-based emergency-response centers with fast response times of 10 to 20 seconds.

The Bottom Line on Lifeline

Overall, Lifeline offers easy-to-use, reliable alert systems. They’re great for those who want a no-brainer system with no frills. I prefer the On the Go system, since you can use it both at home and on the go, and it’s incredibly easy to set up, maintain and use in an emergency.

If you’re on a tight budget, the HomeSafe system is the cheapest option and offers high-quality at-home protection. Once the product arrives, be sure to test the unit at home for coverage. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so on your own, go with the professional installation option.

All of my interactions with Lifeline employees, including their customer-service team, the Lifeline Chat and the response center, were very positive. Lifeline also received an A+ rating and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, a big plus in my book. According to Lifeline, many of their team members have been with the company for over 25 years, which says a lot about the quality of service and how the company treats its employees.

Our Methodology

Our team of experts spent over 50 hours testing and evaluating Lifeline products and services to ensure that they meet the needs of aging adults. Our research involved several important criteria, including:

• Pricing and value: We considered different price points for older adults living on different budgets. We factored in equipment costs, monthly fees, contract flexibility, trial periods, refunds and hidden fees such as cancellation fees.
• Features and functionality: We evaluated the type of alert, such as whether it was at home, on the go, landline or mobile. We examined whether each system had two-way communication, fall detection, GPS monitoring, health tracking and more.
• Ease of use: User-friendliness is crucial, so we evaluated the setup process and whether each system required professional installation or technical knowledge. We looked at the button size, wearability and daily use.
• Customer support: Having customer support available 24/7 is a great feature for older adults who may need support or have questions and need immediate assistance. We looked at ease of contact, language support, customer-service response time and friendliness.
• Response times: We made 10 test calls to Lifeline’s response center to find average response times. We also conducted test falls to evaluate fall-detection accuracy.