Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Review 2024

Overview of Bay Alarm Medical

The Buying Experience

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical’s website isn’t difficult, but I recommend speaking to a customer-care representative to determine which system is best for you. Bay Alarm Medical is known for its excellent U.S.-based customer service, similar to Medical Guardian and Lifeline. When I called, it took just under a minute to connect me with an incredibly friendly representative. When I told the agent I wanted an in-home system, she recommended the SOS Home. That system can be combined with add-on waterproof wall buttons with adhesive mounts. The wall buttons are handy for high-risk areas like the shower or stairs.

I also asked if they offer language support in Greek, thinking of my great aunt who speaks little English. They offered to connect her to a fluent operator. I was impressed to learn that Bay Alarm Medical provides support for more than 170 languages.1 You can also get customer service by live chat, phone, or the FAQ portal. When I tested the live chat option, I was connected with a representative in about 30 seconds. Other companies we've reviewed, like Lively, also have top-rated customer support, but they don’t offer the same range of language services that Bay Alarm Medical does.

Setting Up My System

SOS Home Setup

Bay Alarm Medical’s at-home system is functional and easy to set up. It is perfect for seniors who spend the majority of their time at home. Although the system looks a bit old-fashioned and resembles an answering machine, it gets the job done. My system came with a base unit, all the necessary cords, and a wearable personal help button with a wristband and neck lanyard. Once I unboxed everything, I plugged the base unit into an outlet and then connected it to the phone line.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

For the best coverage, I recommend placing the base unit in areas you frequent (e.g., the kitchen, living room, or bedroom) or by high-risk areas such as the stairs. Keep the base unit in a visible spot with few or no objects surrounding it for easy access.

The system’s two-way audio allowed me to communicate with a dispatcher from anywhere in the house (a 1,000-foot range) without being near the base unit. To test the in-home system, I pressed the help button on the pendant, which connected wirelessly. The base station beeped for five seconds, and then an automated voice said, “Call connected, please wait.” In around 20 seconds, the operator picked up and asked if I needed help. Using the base station’s two-way speaker, I let them know that I was only testing the system, and that was that! Bay Alarm Medical recommends making a test call once a month to ensure everything is working properly.

Unboxing Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home system

All-in-One 2 Setup

The All-in-One 2 is smaller and lighter than the previous all-in-one model, and you can get the sleeker device in black or white. To charge the All-in-One 2, I plugged the charging base power cord into a power outlet and then placed the device on the charger. You’ll know it’s fully charged when the indicator light turns solid red. When the green light blinks twice every three seconds, it means the device is stable and the SIM card is active. It charged in two or three hours. The SOS All-in-One 2 device has a battery life of up to 72 hours, so I was able to use it for a few days on a single charge.

Charging Bay Alarm Medical's SOS All-in-One2 system

The instructions say it can take up to 60 seconds to connect with a live dispatcher. When I tested it, it beeped and I heard the message, “An SOS alert has been activated.” One minute later I was connected to a friendly agent. The device has improved GPS tracking abilities so they knew exactly who I was and confirmed my name and asked repeatedly if I needed help.
The device comes with a clip to use on your pants or purse, as well as a lanyard. If you use a pacemaker, the clip option is probably better so it’s a good distance from the pacemaker. Fall detection is an optional add-on that lets you get help without having to press a button.

SOS Smartwatch Setup

The SOS Smartwatch may be the perfect choice for tech-savvy older adults looking for a more discreet wearable device. When I unboxed the SOS Smartwatch, it looked exactly like a regular smartwatch. Unless you told someone, they’d never know it was actually a medical alert device. That’s a big plus in my eyes! The smartwatch came with a charging cable, a charging cradle, and a power supply. To charge it, simply place the unit on the charging cradle.

Unboxing my SOS Smartwatch

As advertised, the watch was ready to go out of the box. I didn’t need to download anything on my smartphone or log in. You don’t need a smartphone — or even an internet-capable device of any kind — to use the SOS Smartwatch.

I followed the simple directions provided to turn on the watch. It already had 83 percent battery life, but I charged it to 100 percent, which is recommended for the first use. Figuring out how to open the watchband and size it was a little tricky though. The metal clasp may be difficult for older adults with arthritis or dexterity problems.

After I got it situated on my wrist, I opened the pedometer app and took a walk around my house. The step counter seemed accurate. Fitness enthusiasts can even change their daily step goal. There’s also a weather app that allows you to check the weather in your current location.

Checking out my SOS Smartwatch's features

Finally, I gave the SOS button a test. It requires you to press and hold the SOS button on the side of the watch for a few seconds (to avoid accidental calls). Holding in the button was a little awkward since it’s on the side of the watch and not the top, but you’ll get used to it. After pressing the button for about five seconds, the watch initiated a phone call. An operator answered within 10 seconds. I let her know that I was simply testing my watch. She politely confirmed that it was a test, verified my identity, and then ended the call.

During the SOS call, I could adjust the volume or switch to whisper mode by pressing a button on the watch face. Whisper mode lets you hold the watch close to your ear and speak quietly during the call. I liked that both of these can make calls a little easier to understand for older adults with hearing difficulties.

Contract and Warranty

The Bay Alarm rep I spoke with explained that the company’s optional protection plan allows for one free system replacement per contractual year, and a 50 percent discount on lost or damaged accessories. The SOS Home system also includes lifetime low battery replacement for the personal help button.

The plan costs $2.95 per month for the SOS Micro, SOS Home, and SOS Smartwatch. If you choose one of Bay Alarm Medical’s bundle packages, you can get the same protection on all of your equipment for $4.95 per month. If you decide you don’t want the protection plan, you’ll pay up to $299 for nonmanufacturing-related damage.

The representative also reminded me that there are no long-term contracts, so you can cancel service at any time without penalty. I’m a big fan of that flexibility!

Bay Alarm Medical System and Product Details

SOS Home

Cost

SOS Home is Bay Alarm Medical’s least-expensive system, making it a great option for those on a tight budget. Prices start at $24.95 per month for the standard landline model and $19.95 for the system with a cellular connection. For premium cellular with fall detection, the monthly price is $39.95.

Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home system

Equipment

SOS Home comes with a base unit and wearable help button. I opted for the landline system, so all I needed to do was plug the system’s gray cord into the phone jack. When I plugged in the cellular option, I first saw a red light. After searching for my cellular coverage, the light turned green and an audible voice said, “system ready.”

Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Home system

The system's two-way audio allowed me to communicate with a dispatcher from anywhere in the house (a 1,000-foot range) without being near the base unit. I pressed the help button on my pendant in the kitchen, and it quickly connected to the base station in the living room on the other side of the house, no problem.

The personal help button is lightweight and discreet. I was a big fan of the button, because you can wear it on a very light white wrist band or small lanyard. The lanyard is so small and light it can be worn inside your shirt and no one would even notice you wearing it. Plus, you can add Bella Charms to disguise the help button to look like a fun necklace.

Our Editor Jeff Hoyt wearing the Bay Alarm Medical auto fall detection pendant

Service and Monitoring

I chose the landline system, but Bay Alarm also offers a 4G LTE cellular connection, which runs off AT&T or Verizon cell towers. I preferred the stable connection of my landline since I don’t have great AT&T coverage (plus, it saved me $10 per month), but the cellular option is suitable for those who don't have or don’t want to use a landline. When I tested the cellular option, I was connected in 15 seconds with a friendly operator and the reception was clear and loud.

All of Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home systems offer 24/7 monitoring, so you’ll be covered day and night. You can add automatic fall detection to any in-home system for $10 per month. With this feature, falls are detected automatically even if you can’t press your help button. I recommend it for people at high risk of falling or those who want the added protection. The instructions say it should not be worn when sleeping because an emergency response will be sent if you don’t respond to the monitoring center. That’s good to keep in mind!

SOS All-In-One 2

Cost

The SOS All-In-One 2, Bay Alarm Medical’s hybrid at-home and on-the-go system, costs $34.95 per month, plus a $149 device fee. This price is pretty typical for similar hybrid systems, and the system offers excellent value since it provides comprehensive protection everywhere you go.

Wearing Bay Alarm Medical's SOS All-in-One 2 system

Equipment

SOS All-In-One 2 is a two-piece system designed for at-home and on-the-go use. It features an all-in-one wearable unit equipped with a two-way speaker, GPS tracking, and a built-in help button. You can wear the unit while you’re out of the house for mobile protection. The system also comes with a wearable help button designed to be worn at home, which is compatible with the mobile unit.

During an emergency, pressing the help button will connect you to the All-In-One 2 mobile unit and Bay Alarm Medical’s 24/7 monitoring center. During my testing, it connected me to a friendly emergency support operator in about 60 seconds. I preferred wearing it on my belt buckle with the clip, but fall detection won’t be as accurate if you don’t wear it as a necklace. Another good tip to know: If you want to check the current time, just press the SOS button once.

Service and Monitoring

Like the rest of Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile systems, the SOS All-In-One 2 features a 4G LTE cellular connection. It also comes with GPS tracking, so you can receive help at your exact location, no matter where you are. When I tested the system, the GPS tracking was very accurate and the Bay Alarm Medical response agent could pinpoint exactly where I was.

For an extra $10 per month (plus an additional $30 equipment fee), you can also add automatic fall detection for more robust protection.

SOS Micro

Cost

The SOS Micro is a compact and lightweight device that costs $29.95 a month, plus a $149 equipment fee. It includes 24/7 monitoring and GPS caregiver tracking. The system provides on-the-go support and multiple discreet ways to wear the device that won’t disrupt your daily routine.

Wearing Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Micro system

Equipment

The device comes with a wristband, lanyard, and belt clip, and straps for larger wrists are available on request. My system came preinstalled with wrist straps, so I could wear the system as a watch. I found the SOS Micro to be surprisingly lightweight, and I often forgot I was wearing it.

The device gets up to 36 hours of power on a single charge and takes two to three hours to fully recharge the battery, which is pretty typical for a mobile system. With caregiver tracking, I could check the device’s current location in real time, access the location history, and get notified if battery levels were low.

Charging Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Micro system

Service and Monitoring

The SOS Micro is available on both AT&T and Verizon networks, and it features Wi-Fi location services and optional automatic fall detection. The device comes preactivated with either an AT&T or Verizon SIM card.

SOS Smartwatch

Cost

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch starts at $39.95 per month. You’ll also pay a one-time $199 equipment fee for the watch. The monthly rates and equipment fees are pretty average compared to other popular smartwatch systems. For instance, Medical Guardian’s MGMove watch costs $199.95, and its interface and features are very similar to the SOS Smartwatch. The MGMove is our top pick for medical alert watches, while the SOS Smartwatch is our second pick. Check out our guide to the best medical alert watches to compare all of your options and make an informed decision.

Equipment

This water-resistant smartwatch has a simple touch screen, a navigation button, and a help button, along with a few extra features like step tracking and daily goal setting. For older adults who want to track their daily activity with a little added protection or those who want a discreet, sleek medical alert system, this is an excellent option. Not all medical alert providers offer smartwatch systems, so it's pretty unique for the industry.

Taking my SOS Smartwatch for a test drive

The watch comes with a charging dock and has a six- to 12-hour battery life, so I recommend charging it every night beside your bed. That way, you’ll see it when you first wake up, and you won’t risk running out of battery during the day. Plus, your watch is right there if you experience an emergency in the middle of the night.

Want to see the SOS Smartwatch in action? Check out our hands-on review below!

Service and Monitoring

The SOS Smartwatch is best for active older adults who spend a lot of time out and about. Using 4G LTE cellular service, the watch offers 24/7 monitoring and GPS location tracking. It’s easy to tell when you have good coverage too. A green dot indicates a strong cellular connection, a yellow dot indicates a moderate cellular connection, and a red dot indicates a weak cellular connection. Pushing the SOS button alerts trained operators to initiate two-way communication through the watch and send help, wherever you are.

The SOS Smartwatch's green dot indicates a strong cellular connection

Bundle Packages

For the best of both worlds, Bay Alarm offers a few packages that combine in-home and on-the-go services. You can save around $60 per year by bundling a mobile and in-home solution compared to purchasing the systems separately. Keep in mind that prices will be higher overall, starting at $64.95 per month, and there are one-time equipment fees for mobile devices. So make sure you’ll use them enough to get your money’s worth.

Still struggling to decide which system is right for you? Visit our guide to medical alert systems. This resource will help you make a decision by comparing important features and providing insider tips for choosing the best system for you.

Bay Alarm Medical Bundle

Using the Bay Alarm Medical Mobile App

What stood out to me about the system was the Bay Alarm Medical mobile app, which comes with all of Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile systems. The instruction booklet has a scannable barcode to take you directly to the app store to download it. After downloading the app on my iPhone, I found that it was very streamlined and simple to use. I could check my system’s exact location on a map, see its battery levels, view a step tracker and set goals, and create an emergency plan.

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical's companion mobile app

One of my favorite things about the app is that you can ring your device to locate it in case it gets lost. I am terrible at keeping track of my things, so I inevitably forgot where I put the SOS All-in-One 2 one afternoon. I opened the app and tapped the Ring Device button. The app sent a ringing noise (just like a cell phone ringing) through my device’s speakers. After walking around my whole house and garage, I realized I’d left the system in my car. This feature is excellent for people who have memory loss or who always misplace things like me!

You can ring a lost device in the Bay Alarm Medical app

Add-On Features and Accessories

Bay Alarm Medical has add-ons similar to other companies I've reviewed, like Medical Guardian. Most charge a one-time fee, but a few have recurring monthly charges.

LockBox

During emergencies, EMS are trained to enter into people’s homes by any means necessary. With Bay Alarm Medical’s lock box, you can let first responders enter your home without breaking down the door. Just set up a secret four-digit code, place up to five house keys inside the lock, and secure it around the front door. Bay Alarm Medical operators will give EMS the code during an emergency. This add-on costs $30.

Additional Help Buttons

All in-home packages come with one wearable (wrist or necklace) help button at no extra cost. You can order an extra button for $39 if you’d like added protection or convenience.

Bay Alarm Medical — Wall Button

Wall Buttons

These wall-mounted help buttons are designed to signal for help when you are not holding or wearing your help button. Wall buttons can be placed in high-risk areas like the bottom of stairs or the bathroom. These buttons are $35 each.

Bella Bands

Bella Bands offer another way to jazz up your medical alert bracelet. These nylon bands come in four colors and have adjustable buckles for comfort. The bands cost $17 a piece, or you can purchase all four for $60.

Vial of Life

The Vial of Life is an $8 magnetic card that lists your vital medical history, allergies, and medications. You can stick it on the fridge to help EMS quickly assess medical needs and prevent treatment mistakes. When my SOS Smartwatch arrived, a Vial of Life card came included.

My Vial of Life card

Automatic Fall Detection Buttons

The auto fall detection pendant automatically places a call for help after a fall, even if you can’t press your help button. Sensors pick up downward movement followed by no movement before triggering a response. I’d recommend this add-on for any seniors with a history of falls or medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of falling. You’ll pay $10 per month for this pendant and a one-time $30 equipment fee, and you can add additional pendants for a spouse or roommate for an additional monthly and equipment fee.

Auto Fall Detection

The auto fall detection pendant automatically places a call for help after a fall, even if you can’t press your help button. Sensors pick up downward movement followed by no movement before triggering a response. I’d recommend this add-on for any seniors with a history of falls or medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of falling. You’ll pay $10 per month for this pendant, and you can add additional pendants for a spouse or roommate for an additional monthly fee.

Bay Alarm Medical vs. the Competition

Let’s take a look at how Bay Alarm Medical compares to other popular medical alert companies.

Bay Alarm Medical vs. Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian’s monthly rates are generally higher than Bay Alarm Medical, starting at $32.95 per month for in-home systems. Medical Guardian’s equipment is sleeker and more high-tech than Bay Alarm Medical’s equipment though. Both companies have similar add-ons, such as a free caregiver mobile app and fall detection priced at $10 per month. Medical Guardian stands out for their in-home coverage range of 1,300 to 1,400 feet, which is larger than Bay Alarm Medical’s 1,000-foot coverage area.

Bay Alarm Medical vs. LifeStation

LifeStation offers at-home and mobile systems, but their monthly premiums and activation fees are on the higher end. LifeStation’s fall detection costs $14 per month compared to $10 per month for Bay Alarm Medical. Bay Alarm Medical also has LifeStation beat when it comes to in-home coverage. Their base unit has a 1,000-foot range, while LifeStation’s is only 500 feet. But if you’re looking for a long-lasting, on-the-go system, LifeStation’s mobile device lasts up to 120 hours compared to 72 hours for Bay Alarm Medical. Both companies provide a 30-day risk free trial, making it easy to try before you commit. Check out our LifeStation review to learn more.

Bay Alarm Medical vs. MobileHelp

If you and your spouse are looking for a medical system, MobileHelp is a great option, as they offer multiple systems designed for two users. MobileHelp’s starting prices are the same as Bay Alarm Medical’s. Monthly rates start at $24.95 per month, while fall detection costs $1 more per month than Bay Alarm Medical. MobileHelp doesn’t require equipment fees, unlike Bay Alarm Medical. MobileHelp’s caregiver portal costs extra, however, while Bay Alarm Medical provides their caregiver app at no extra cost. Visit our 2024 MobileHelp review for more details.

The Bottom Line on Bay Alarm Medical

I found Bay Alarm Medical to be an affordable provider with the right features to keep older adults safe, including fast response times, automatic fall detection, and 24/7 monitoring. Their customer-service team and extensive language support are stellar. Bay Alarm Medical’s products stand out as durable and easy to use. The company has stepped up its game with the SOS Smartwatch, an excellent choice for active older adults who want a high-tech system.

All in all, I was happy with my Bay Alarm experience and would recommend the top medical alert provider! In fact, Bay Alarm Medical ranks No. 1 on our list of the best medical alert systems. The brand is best for budget-conscious seniors who want a simple, reliable medical alert device.

Watch our latest Bay Alarm Medical video review for an inside look at the provider’s medical alert systems.

Our Methodology

Testing the SOS ALl-in-One 2 system from Bay Alarm Medical

Wondering how we rate and review medical alert systems? Every product we review goes through hands-on testing and evaluation. As we test medical alert systems, we rank them using several criteria, including ease of use, reliability, value, response times, customer service, and available features. We give every provider a star rating out of five, so readers can easily compare systems and companies. We also receive feedback from older adults about the products whenever possible.

Our senior tech experts spent 50 hours testing Bay Alarm Medical’s devices. We tested their ease of use, emergency response features, customer service, and more to evaluate whether devices meet the needs of seniors at home and on the go. Below is a closer look at the most important factors we considered:

• Price and value: Seniors seek cost-effective devices to make their lives safer and easier. Keeping these considerations in mind, we evaluated the cost of devices against functionality and value. We also considered additional fees for things like equipment, add-ons, protection plans, along with seasonal promotions to help you save.
• Customer service: The efficiency, accessibility, and friendliness of a company's customer service is very important. We spoke with Bay Alarm Medical’s customer service team on multiple occasions to assess their knowledge and helpfulness.
• Response times: We made 10 test calls to the company’s emergency response center to find their average response times. Our team also tested Bay Alarm Medical’s fall-detection pendant, initiating several test falls to evaluate accurateness and response times.
• Reliability: We assessed Bay Alarm Medical’s coverage area and reliability by testing our systems at home, on walks, and while traveling.

Visit our medical alert system methodology guide to learn more about our testing process.