Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen at any time. Whether it's an accident or a result of a medical condition, an emergency can be a frightening experience, and if you're not prepared, it can be life-threatening.
That's where medical alert systems come in. These devices are designed to help not just seniors, but individuals with disabilities, serious health conditions, or even people who are healthy but live alone.
Medical alert systems consist of devices that can be worn as bracelets, pendants, or even watches. They typically have a button that can be pressed to summon help in an emergency situation. When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to a base station. The base station then contacts the monitoring center, which will dispatch emergency services if necessary.
MobileHelp and Aloe Care Health are two companies that offer medical alert systems. Here's a comparison of the two companies to help you decide which one is right for you.
MobileHelp vs Aloe Care Health:Features & Pricing
 |  | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Grade | Overall Grade: A | Overall Grade: A | ||
| Costs | ||||
| Monthly Cost Price | $19.95 - $54.95 | $24.99 - $49.99 | ||
| Device Cost | $0 - $49.95 | $99.99 - $349.99 | ||
| Shipping Fee | $15 | n/a | ||
| Cancellation Fee | No fee | No fee | ||
| Fall Detection Fee | $10 | n/a | ||
| Cellular Fee | n/a | n/a | ||
| Spouse Monitoring | $0 - $2 | $29.99 | ||
| Features | ||||
| Connectivity Option | Cellular or Landline | Cellular or Landline | ||
| Two-way Speaker & Microphone | Yes | Yes | ||
| Home-based Back Up Battery Life | 30 hours or 30 hours | 4-6 hours | ||
| On-the-go Battery Life | 24 hours or 24 hours | 120 hours | ||
| Button Range | 1400 ft or 600 ft | 200 ft or 200 ft | ||
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | ||
| GPS Tracking | Yes, some plans | Yes, some plans | ||
| Caregiver App | Yes | Yes | ||
| Response Time | 21 seconds or 21 seconds | 30 seconds or 30 seconds | ||
| More Details | See All Plans | See All Plans | ||
MobileHelp vs Aloe Care Health:Pros and Cons
MobileHelp
Pros:
- Offers low-cost monthly monitoring fees
- Offers a touchscreen tablet that functions as a base console
- Systems connected to landline and cellular networks
- Does not require long-term contracts
- Partners with Rapid Response Monitoring Services to provide reliable monitoring services
Cons:
- Fall detection comes with an extra monthly cost
- Does not offer a modern, high-tech medical alert device
Aloe Care Health
Pros:
- Reasonable monthly monitoring fees
- Availability of free mobile app - Aloe Care Health App
- 24/7 professional emergency monitoring
- Voice-activated system
- Does not charge for an additional fall detection fee as it's already included in their monthly subscription fee
- Free shipping on all orders plus offers to expedite shipping for an additional cost
- Motion sensors availability with their Total Care plan
Cons:
- One-time device cost shall be paid upon purchasing a plan and it's somewhat more expensive than what other providers charge
- Devices are waterproof but are not recommended to be submerged in water for too long
- Buttons only have 200ft range from the base station
MobileHelp Overview
MobileHelp has been in the industry for over 15 years, providing individuals with peace of mind and a sense of security. The company offers a variety of system plans to meet customer needs, whether they're at home or on the go.
They are well-known for the bundle plan it offers that provides customers with two help buttons for the price of one. Imagine not having to pay for two separate contracts or monthly monitoring fees. Definitely a perk!
Medical Alert Systems
- Emergency Response
- Type of Device
- Connectivity Option
- One-Time Device Cost
- Wearable Fall Detection
- Home Battery Backup
- On-The-Go Battery Life
- Shipping Fee
- Response Time
- Spouse Monitoring
- GPS Tracking
- Caregiver App
- Voice Activated
- Button Activated
- Water Resistance
- Speaker & Microphone
- Button Range
- Cancellation Fee
MobileHelp Classic
The MobileHelp Classic consists of a base unit and a wearable waterproof help button. The base unit comes with a two-way speaker and microphone, a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in case of a power outage, and a range that can cover up to 1400ft. There is no need for a landline as the system uses cellular technology. This plan can be purchased for only $19.95 a month, with a one-time equipment fee of $49.95. Plus, it is compatible with the automatic fall detection button for an additional $10 a month.
MobileHelp Wired Home
MobileHelp Wired Home works the same way as the Classic plan with a few differences. First, the system uses a landline connection instead of a cellular network. If you live in an area with bad cellular service, this plan may be the best option for you. The system also comes with a base unit and a waterproof wearable help button but it can only cover up to 600ft.
This plan can be purchased for a monthly cost of $24.95 plus an additional monthly cost of $10 if users opt to upgrade with the fall detection button.
MobileHelp Touch Classic
MobileHelp Touch Classic costs $54.95 a month and features a unique 8-inch touch screen tablet and a waterproof wearable help button that can be worn around the neck or wrist. The touch screen tablet functions as a base station, with added features such as a rotating gallery of pictures, medication reminders, and cognitive games like Sudoku. It also features a soft key touch emergency button, two-way communication, and a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours. This system uses cellular technology and has a range that can cover up to 600ft.
MobileHelp Solo
MobileHelp Solo consists of a waterproof mobile device and a personal help button. It can be purchased for a monthly cost of $37.95. This system connects to AT&T cellular network, so it can only function properly in areas with good cellular service.
The mobile device comes with both two-way communication and GPS tracking capabilities. For added protection, the system is also compatible with the optional fall detection button. Plus, the device can last for a whole day without needing to be recharged.
MobileHelp Micro
The MobileHelp Micro consists of a small, waterproof mobile device that connects to AT&T cellular network. The device features clear two-way communication, accurate GPS location tracking, and a battery life that can last up to one whole day on a full charge. It comes in a classic black color with a sleek, sophisticated casing. It can be worn as a pendant or carried in your pocket.
This system can be purchased for a monthly cost of $33.95 and if users opt to add the optional fall detection feature, it will cost an extra $10 a month.
MobileHelp Duo
The MobileHelp Duo comes with a base station, a mobile device, and a wearable help button for users' protection both at home and on the go. The system connects to a cellular network so users can be sure that they can call for help as long as the AT&T cellular coverage is available in the area.
The system functions the same way as the company's Classic and Solo plans and can be purchased for a monthly fee of $41.95. This can also be paired with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 monthly.
Mobile Duo
The Mobile Duo is a set of two waterproof help buttons, perfect for couples or family members who want the reassurance that they can get assistance in case of an emergency. This system comes with a monthly cost of $44.95 which is just a few dollars more expensive than the MobileHelp Solo plan. Essentially, customers receive two devices for the price of one. It's a 2-for-1 deal, so you're getting more value for your money.
The Mobile Duo has all of the same features as the other plans, including two-way communication, GPS tracking, and compatibility with the optional fall detection button for an extra $10 a month. With two mobile devices, this system provides even more protection than the company's other plans.
MobileHelp Touch Duo
The Touch Duo includes a portable, all-in-one medical alert device as well as a sleek tablet-like device that provides features not available elsewhere. The tablet and mobile device work together for the benefit of users and their caregivers as they can be connected through the MobileHelp 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 MobileHelp touch is a great option for people who want all of the features that MobileHelp has to offer in one comprehensive system. This system can be purchased for $54.95 a month and can be upgraded with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 monthly.
Aloe Care Health Overview
Aloe Care Health is one of the few medical alert providers to offer a voice-activated device. If you find yourself in an emergency situation and can't speak or reach your phone, just say "emergency" into the device several times. Doing this will connect you with an emergency response agent who will dispatch assistance to where you are.
Aloe Care does not require a long-term contract, so you can cancel at any time. They do, however, charge a one-time device fee that must be paid upfront when you sign up for a plan. This company differs from the other providers because they include automatic fall detection as part of their monthly subscription fee. Most medical alert companies charge an additional monthly fee for this feature, making it a big plus that Aloe Care includes it in their starting price.
One drawback of Aloe Care's systems is that they can only cover a range of 200ft which is significantly less than what other providers offer. Another potential downside is that their systems only work with AT&T's cellular network. This means people who live in areas with spotty signal coverage may not be able to rely on Aloe Care's systems as much as they would like.
Medical Alert Systems
- Emergency Response
- Type of Device
- Connectivity Option
- One-Time Device Cost
- Wearable Fall Detection
- Home Battery Backup
- On-The-Go Battery Life
- Shipping Fee
- Response Time
- Spouse Monitoring
- GPS Tracking
- Caregiver App
- Voice Activated
- Button Activated
- Water Resistance
- Speaker & Microphone
- Button Range
- Cancellation Fee
Mobile Companion
The 4G-LTE Mobile Companion is a pocket-sized device that runs on the AT&T LTE network nationwide. It comes with a wearable fall sensor and offers two-way voice communication, real-time GPS tracking, and automatic fall detection. The device is also water-resistant and can last up to 5 days on a single charge. This system comes with a monthly monitoring fee of $24.99, plus a one-time equipment fee of $99.99.
Essentials
Aloe Care's Essentials plan consists of a voice-activated, 4G LTE-connected base console called Smart Hub and a wearable Care Button. This home-based system comes with a monthly cost of $29.99 with a one-time device cost of $149.99.
The Smart Hub acts as the brains of the system and is equipped with motion, temperature, and air quality sensors. It also has a button to trigger an alarm that will notify the monitoring center. The Care Button is a wearable device that works as far as 200ft away from the Smart Hub. It has a button that when pressed, will connect the user to the monitoring center.
Essentials Plus
The Essentials Plus plan comes with a monthly cost of $39.99 plus a one-time device cost of $249.99. The system includes a Smart Hub, a wearable Care Button, and a Mobile Companion device with wearable fall detection and AT&T LTE coverage nationwide.
Total Care
The Total Care plan includes the Smart Hub base station that's voice-activated and has built-in motion, temperature, and air quality sensors. With this plan, users also get their wearable Care Button with a range of up to 200ft as well as their Mobile Companion device that connects to AT&T LTE coverage nationwide. This plan also includes two additional mobile security features: two motion sensors and automatic fall detection.
Aloe Care's Total Care is the most expensive plan they offer which comes with a monthly cost of $49.99 plus a one-time device fee of $349.99. It's a sum of all components, from their Essentials Plus plan with extra features
MobileHelp vs Aloe Care Health:Cost Comparison
MobileHelp's monthly monitoring fees range from $19.95 up to $54.95 plus an additional one-time device cost of $49.95 for the MobileHelp Classic plan. Whereas, Aloe Care's monthly monitoring fees are priced from $24.99 up to $49.99 plus one-time equipment fees that range from $99.99 up to $349.99. Apparently, MobileHelp's plans are cheaper than Aloe Care’s.
Apart from these fees, we should also take a look at other charges that may incur when purchasing plans from these companies. First is the shipping fee. MobileHelp charges $15 for the shipment and delivery of their devices while Aloe Care offers it free. Aloe Care only charges its customers for shipping if they request expedited shipping, which costs $40.
Next, MobileHelp charges an additional monthly fee of $10 for the automatic fall detection while Aloe Care has already included the feature in their base price. This means Aloe Care's customers will get an automatic fall detection sensor along with their devices at no additional cost. This can be a major consideration since automatic fall detection is a vital safety feature, especially for the elderly. Lastly, an extra button for spouse monitoring costs an additional monthly fee of $2 with MobileHelp whereas Aloe Care charges an extra one-time payment of $29.99 for the same service.
MobileHelp vs Aloe Care Health:Features Comparison
Before we can tell which company gives better value, we need to take a closer look at the features and services that each company offers. MobileHelp and Aloe Care offer both home-based and on-the-go systems. They also have a mobile app for carers to monitor their patients' activities and location.
Starting with the home-based system, MobileHelp offers devices with two-way speakerphones, backup batteries that can last up to 30 hours in case of a power outage, and a range that can cover up to 1400ft. Whereas, Aloe Care's devices come with a 4 to 6-hour backup battery and a range that can cover up to 200ft.
Moreover, MobileHelp offers waterproof on-the-go systems with GPS location tracking capability and battery life that can last up to 1 whole day on a single charge while Aloe Care offers devices that can last up to 5 days and with features the same as the MobileHelp's.
Monitoring Center
The monitoring center is the most vital part of a medical alert system since it's the 24/7 support that will contact the authorities and your loved ones in case of an emergency. Both companies have 100% US-based monitoring centers that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
MobileHelp partners with Rapid Response Monitoring to provide reliable and professional monitoring services to their customers. Rapid Response Monitoring is a nationwide leader in emergency response monitoring for families and businesses for over 30 years. All of MobileHelp's systems are connected to Rapid Response's UL-listed, CSAA awardee response centers that are staffed by highly trained and experienced operators.
On average, these operators respond to alerts in 21 seconds or less. They are also trained to provide the appropriate assistance to the customer based on the situation, whether that is contacting a designated caregiver or emergency services. They can also serve Spanish-speaking or other language-speaking individuals through LanguageLine, an interpreting service that translates more than 240 languages.
Aloe Care, on the other hand, has a monitoring center that is TMA Five Diamond Certified which means that their center meets the highest standards in the industry. Aloe Care presently offers services only in English, but they are working to include Spanish and Mandarin into their system. Additionally, the company has a response rate of 30 seconds, which is within the acceptable average response time.
OUR PICK
Both companies offer reliable medical alert systems and professional monitoring services. However, when it comes to a more comprehensive package, MobileHelp takes the cake. We believe that having a system that comes with two help buttons for the price of one can be hard to beat. Moreover, the company's devices have longer backup battery life and a wider range of coverage which are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a medical alert system.
Furthermore, MobileHelp's partnership with Rapid Response Monitoring gives its customers access to a nationwide network of response centers that are highly trained and experienced in handling emergency situations. Plus, their operators can assist even non-English users which can really be helpful since not everyone speaks English.
Aloe Care is a close runner-up, with its Five Diamond Certified monitoring center and quick response time. However, we believe that MobileHelp still offers the best value for your money. With its long battery life and expansive range, the company's devices are sure to meet your needs - whether you're at home or on the go.
