LifeFone vs. MobileHelp

Medical alert systems have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are looking for ways to remain independent and safe in their own homes. These devices are not only for seniors but for anyone who lives alone or has a medical condition that could make them susceptible to falls or other accidents.

These systems can give peace of mind to both the individual and their loved ones, knowing that help is just a push of a button away. Medical alert system providers usually offer home-based systems for protection inside the home, mobile systems for those who are on the go, and a combination of both for those who want the best of both worlds.

Two of the most popular providers of these are LifeFone and MobileHelp. Both companies offer a variety of services and features making them reliable and trusted choices for medical alert systems.

Let's go over some of the key differences between these two providers in terms of features, pricing, and overall efficiency.

	LifeFone	MobileHelp
Overall Grade	Overall Grade: A-plus	Overall Grade: A
Costs
Monthly Cost Price	$29.95 - $45.95	$19.95 - $54.95
Device Cost	$0	$0 - $49.95
Shipping Fee	$11.95	$15
Cancellation Fee	No fee	No fee
Fall Detection Fee	$0 - $10	$10
Cellular Fee	n/a	n/a
Spouse Monitoring	$39.95	$0 - $2
Features
Connectivity Option	Landline, Cellular or Cellular	Landline, Cellular or Cellular
Two-way Speaker & Microphone	Yes	Yes
Home-based Back Up Battery Life	32 hours or 30 hours	30 hours or 30 hours
On-the-go Battery Life	720 hours or 384 hours	24 hours or 24 hours
Button Range	1300 ft or 1400 ft	1400 ft or 600 ft
Water Resistant	Yes	Yes
GPS Tracking	Yes, some plans	Yes, some plans
Caregiver App	Yes, some plans	Yes
Response Time	15 seconds	21 seconds or 21 seconds
More Details	See All Plans	See All Plans

LifeFone

Pros:

• A reputable medical alert system provider for over 40 years
• Offers a device with a range of coverage up to 1400ft
• Every system comes with a 100% lifetime warranty.
• No activation and cancellation fees
• 24/7 monitoring, including holidays
• Offers a wide range of additional optional devices
• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Impressive battery life of up to 30 days

Cons:

• Prices and packages can be difficult to understand
• Website can be overwhelming
• Optional services and add-on features might cost a significant amount of money

MobileHelp

Pros:

• Monitoring charges are reasonably priced
• Home-based systems have two connectivity option: landline or cellular
• Does not require long-term contracts
• Partner with Rapid Response Monitoring Services
• Offers tablet-like base station

Cons:

• There is an extra cost for the fall detection feature
• Doesn’t offer a smartwatch device

LifeFone Overview

Founded in 1976, LifeFone has since then established a reputation for delivering reliable medical alert services. We awarded the company as the "Best in Battery Life" among the top medical alert companies we reviewed, with its battery lasting up to 30 days—a significantly longer period compared to its competitors. This is an important feature for a medical alert system as it provides users with peace of mind knowing that the system will still work even during power outages or other unforeseen situations.

LifeFone has been receiving recognitions from various organizations such as an A+ rating from a consumers' website, the Better Business Bureau and recommendations from the leading health care providers across the country. Plus, the company's monitoring center is TMA Five Diamond Certified, UL-certified, and FM-approved. This means that it meets or exceeds the standards set by the industry in terms of security and reliability.

Medical Alert Systems

At-Home Landline

This is similar to the classic home-based system models that require a standard landline connection to function. This system can be purchased for a monthly cost of $29.95. The system includes a landline-connected base unit with a clear two-way speakerphone, a backup battery that can last up to 32 hours and a range of coverage up to 1300ft. The system also comes with a personal help button that can be worn as a pendant or wristband.

This also features a room temperature sensor that will automatically send an alert to the user's caregiver or family member once the temperature at home goes above or below the customized settings. Additionally, this system can also answer incoming calls from the user's telephone landline. When the telephone rings, users can press the help button on their base unit or pendant and it will automatically connect the call to the base unit through the device's speakerphone.

At-Home Cellular

This plan is perfect for users who do not have landline service or prefer not to use one. The At-Home Cellular system costs $34.95 a month, and functions the same as At-Home Landline, the only difference is their connectivity option.

This system, like any other cellular-connected medical alert solution, requires a strong network signal in order to operate effectively. We recommend checking with Lifefone's customer service to see whether your area is covered by the network before purchasing one.

The system includes a base unit that uses AT&T's 4G cellular network with a clear two-way speakerphone, as well as the same backup battery and coverage range as the At-Home Landline. It also comes with a personal help button that can be worn either as a pendant or wristband.

At-Home and On-The-Go

A base unit that connects to AT&T's 4G LTE cellular network, a mobile device that functions as a mobile base unit with GPS location tracking capability and a battery that can last up to 30 hours, and a personal help button are what comprise this plan.

The base unit features a lighted display that shows time, date, ambient temperature, and a signal strength indicator to help you find the best location for the base unit inside your home. It also has a backup battery that can last up to 32 hours in case the power goes out.

This plan is ideal for users who want a reliable medical alert system that they can take with them wherever they go. This system can cover a range of up to 1400ft away from the base unit and up to 600ft away from the mobile device. This can be purchased for a monthly cost of $39.95. A wearable automatic fall detection pendant can be added to this plan at an additional monthly cost of $10.

At-Home and On-The-Go VIP

The At-Home and On-The-Go VIP plan comes with an all-in-one water-resistant voice-in-pendant that may be worn on the neck or on a belt clip. The device is compatible with 4G LTE cellular service and has a battery life of up to 30 days, making it perfect for people who are frequently on the move.

Users can also be easily located in the event of an emergency, thanks to GPS location tracking capability and two-way voice communication that allows them to talk directly with a care agent through the pendant. The At-Home and On-The-GO VIP plan can be purchased for a monthly cost of $43.95. Unfortunately, this system does not offer a fall detection function.

At-Home and On-The-Go VIPX

This plan includes a small, waterproof device that utilizes Verizon and AT&T cellular networks. The device has clear two-way voice communication, GPS location tracking ability, and optional fall detection, which costs an extra $5 a month. It has a battery life of up to 16 days and is available in black, white, and silver colors.

The At-Home and On-the-Go VIPX system costs $45.95 a month, plus an extra $8 a month if users opt to access the caregiver app. The app enables family members to keep track of their loved ones' location, activity, first movement of the day, button pushes, and battery levels.

MobileHelp Overview

MobileHelp has helped countless seniors age with confidence and independence. For over 15 years in the industry, this company has been providing top-of-the-line mobile medical alert systems that allow aging adults to live their lives to the fullest while still having access to help should they need it.

The company is well-known for its bundle plan that provides customers with two help buttons for the price of one. Consider for a moment how much money you've saved by not having to pay for two separate contracts or monthly monitoring fees. What a steal!

Some of the plans the company offers include a sleek tablet-like mobile base station with several extra features such as a gallery of images and pre-installed cognitive games. This is great for those who want a little more from their system than just the ability to call for help.

Medical Alert Systems

MobileHelp Classic

The MobileHelp Classic includes an in-home base unit with two-way communication and a waterproof help button that can be worn even while in the shower. This has a monthly cost of $19.95

The base unit covers a range of up to 1400ft, which should be more than enough to cover most homes. There is also no need for a landline as the system uses cellular technology. Additionally, it has a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in the event of a power outage and the system is also compatible with the automatic fall detection button for an additional $10 a month.

MobileHelp Wired Home

Instead of a cellular network, MobileHelp's Wired Home system uses your home's landline in order to function. For individuals who don't have a strong cellular connection in their homes, this plan may be the more ideal option.This system can be purchased for a monthly monitoring fee of $24.95 and can be upgraded with a fall detection button for an additional $10 a month.

The system comes with a base unit and a waterproof wearable help button. It has two-way communication so you can speak to the emergency operator through the base unit speakerphone and a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours. Additionally, the system offers wide coverage of up to 600ft.

MobileHelp Touch Classic

It's called Touch Classic for a reason. It has an 8-inch touch screen tablet and a wearable help button that can be worn around the neck or wrist. The touch screen tablet serves as a base station with additional features such as a rotating gallery of pictures, medication alarms, and cognitive games like Sudoku.

This plan is priced at $54.95 a month. It has an emergency button with a soft key touch, two-way communication, and a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours. This system uses cellular technology and has a coverage of up to 600ft.

MobileHelp Solo

MobileHelp Solo comes with a waterproof portable device and a personal help button that can be worn as a necklace or wristband. It can be purchased for a monthly monitoring fee of $37.95. The system uses the AT&T cellular network, which means it can only be used in areas where there is good cellular coverage.

The portable device has two-way communication and GPS tracking capabilities, which makes it easy to locate users in case of an emergency. For added protection, the system is also compatible with the optional fall detection button. The device can lastalso for 1 whole day without needing to be recharged.

MobileHelp Micro

The MobileHelp Micro is a lightweight, water-resistant mobile device that can operate for up to 24 hours on a single charge. It features clear two-way communication, accurate GPS location tracking, and connects to the AT&T cellular network. This device is elegantly colored in black and features a very sleek, sophisticated casing. Users can choose to wear it as a pendant with its detachable lanyard or carry it in their pocket.

The device costs $33.95 a month and is a great option for those who want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get help in an emergency. Users may opt to upgrade their experience and add the optional built-in fall detection sensor for only $10 a month.

MobileHelp Duo

Users can use the Mobile Help Duo, which includes an in-home base station, a mobile unit, and a wearable help button to stay protected and have peace of mind no matter where they are. If users are at home, the in-home unit will provide coverage while they charge their mobile device in the cradle. If users are out and about, they can bring the portable unit with them and wear the help button for protection anywhere that has AT&T cellular coverage. This system is perfect for those who want to be prepared for anything and have the assurance that help is always available.

The system functions the same way as the company's Classic and Solo plans and can be purchased for $41.95 a month. This can also be paired with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 monthly

Mobile Duo

The Mobile Duo consists of two wearable waterproof help buttons. It’s ideal for couples, siblings, or any pair of individuals who live together and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get help in an emergency.

This system costs $44.95 a month which is just $7 more expensive than the Mobile Help Solo plan. Basically, users get two devices for just a few additional bucks. It's a 2-for-1 bundle so you're getting more value for your money.

The Mobile Duo offers the same features as the other plans such as two-way communication, GPS location tracking, and compatibility with the optional fall detection button that costs an additional $10 a month. However, with two help buttons, this system provides even more protection and peace of mind.

MobileHelp Touch Duo

The Touch Duo system is MobileHelp's most expensive service plan. It includes a portable, all-in-one medical alert device as well as a tablet that provides features not available elsewhere. The tablet and mobile unit work together for the benefit of users and their caregivers as they can be connected through the Mobile Help Connect web portal.

The plan also includes a wearable help button that can be used in times when users can't get to the tablet or mobile device. The Mobile Help touch is a great option for people who want all of the features that Mobile Help has to offer in one comprehensive system. This can be purchased for $54.95 a month and can be upgraded with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 monthly.

Both LifeFone and Mobile Help are great medical alert companies that offer a variety of services and plans to choose from. While they both have their own unique set of features and benefits that may appeal to different people, they differ in terms of price.

First, monitoring fees from LifeFone range from $29.95 up to $45.95 while MobileHelp's plans range from as low as $19.95 up to $54.95. Although MobileHelp offers a more affordable price point for the basic system, it's worth noting that Lif Fone does not charge a one-time fee for its devices while Mobile Help charges $49.95 for its Classic system when purchased for a monthly subscription.

In addition, LifeFone only charges $12 for the shipping fee while Mobile Help charges $15. Plus, the optional fall detection can be purchased with LifeFone for an additional monthly cost of $5 while MobileHelp's fall detection button costs an additional $10 a month. However, when it comes to the extra button for spouse monitoring, LifeFone charges an additional one-time fee of $39.95 while MobileHelp only charges an additional $2 a month.

Overall, LifeFone is the more affordable option when compared to MobileHelp although there are some areas where the latter provides a better price point.

When it comes to features, both LifeFone and MobileHelp offer a variety of options for their users. However, there are some key differences that set these two companies apart.

For starters, LifeFone offers a home-based medical alert system with a two-way speakerphone and a backup battery that can last up to 32 hours while MobileHelp's system can only last up to 30 hours . It's only 2 hours difference but it's worth noting for people who want a system that can last a little bit longer in case of an emergency.

In addition, LifeFone's on-the-go devices come with an extensive battery life of 30 days while MobileHelp's devices can only last up to a maximum of 1 day. LifeFone and MobileHelp offer devices that are water-resistant, with GPS location tracking capability and coverage that ranges 1300ft and 1400ft, respectively.

Moreover, both companies offer a caregiver app that can really be helpful for people who want to keep track of their loved ones. LifeFone charges an additional $8 a month for this service while MobileHelp offers this for free.

Monitoring Center

The most important part of any medical alert system is the monitoring center as this is where all of the calls will be routed in case of an emergency and this is where the help will come from.

LifeFone's US-based monitoring center operates 24/7, including on holidays. The company's monitoring center is TMA Five Diamond Certified, UL-certified, and FM-approved. This means that their response center meets or exceeds the highest standards in the industry.

LifeFone has a team of caring, compassionate, English and Spanish-speaking care agents who are trained to provide the best possible help in any situation. Calls and alerts received from their monitoring center are typically answered within 15 seconds. With this company, you can be sure that help is always just a button press away.

In addition, LifeFone's unique emergency care plan allows users, their caregivers and family members to customize the company's care agents' response to fit their specific needs. For instance, the care agents can be instructed to immediately call 911 if the user falls and is unresponsive. This is a great feature that allows users to have full control over how their emergencies will be handled.

MobileHelp, on the other hand, is partnered with Rapid Response Monitoring Services which is a nationwide leader in emergency response monitoring for families and businesses for over 30 years.

All of the company's systems are connected to Rapid Response's UL-listed, CSAA awardee response centers that are staffed by highly trained and experienced emergency response operators. It takes an average of 21 seconds for their operators to answer each call. They can also serve non-English speakers who speak Spanish or other languages through LanguageLine, an interpreting service that translates more than 240 languages.

OUR PICK

After carefully looking at both companies, we have decided that LifeFone is the better option. While MobileHelp has a lot to offer, there are some areas where LifeFone just edges them out.

For one, LifeFone's price points are more affordable, especially for their on-the-go devices. The company offers 100% lifetime warranty on all of their equipment, which is something that you don't often see. In addition, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new customers so you can try out their services risk-free.We also like the fact that LifeFone has its own in-house monitoring center which is TMA Five Diamond Certified, UL-certified, and FM-approved.

Moreover, the company's emergency care plan is very customizable and allows users to have full control over how their emergencies will be handled and that is a great feature not many other companies offer.