MobileHelp vs. Medical Alert

Accidents and illnesses can happen at any time. And when they do, you want to be sure that you have the best possible care available – no matter where you are. That’s where medical alert systems come in.

Medical alert systems are designed to help keep people safe, whether they’re at home or on the go. They can be used to summon help in an emergency, and they can also provide peace of mind for both the user and their loved ones.

There are two main types of medical alert systems: home-based and on-the-go systems. Home-based medical alert systems are designed for use inside the home. They typically include a base station that is connected to the home’s telephone landline and a wearable device that the user can wear around their neck or wrist. Whereas on-the-go systems typically include a mobile device that works through the 4G-LTE cellular network and users can take it with them wherever they go as long as they have cellular service.

MobileHelp and Medical Alert are two companies that offer medical alert systems. Both companies offer a variety of home-based and on-the-go systems, as well as additional features that elders and those with chronic health conditions can benefit from. We'll take a closer look at both companies to see how they compare.

	MobileHelp	Medical Alert
Overall Grade	Overall Grade: A	Overall Grade: A
Costs
Monthly Cost Price	$19.95 - $54.95	$22.95 - $42.95
Device Cost	$0 - $49.95	$49
Shipping Fee	$15	$NaN - $NaN
Cancellation Fee	No fee	No fee
Fall Detection Fee	$10	$10
Cellular Fee	n/a	n/a
Spouse Monitoring	$0 - $2	$0
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	30 hours
On-the-go Battery Life	24 hours or 24 hours	120 hours
Button Range	1400 ft or 600 ft	800 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
More Details	See All Plans	See All Plans

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

Cons:

• Fall detection comes with an extra monthly cost
• Offers standard features that other companies offer

Medical Alert

Pros:

• Offers low-cost monthly monitoring fees
• Does not require long-term contracts
• Offers a 30-day risk-free subscription with a full money-back guarantee
• Free Medical Alert Connect app
• Free Lockbox on all system plans

Cons:

• Covers a limited range of up to 800ft only
• Offers standard features that other companies offer
• Charges one-time device cost upfront

MobileHelp Overview

MobileHelp has been in the industry for over 15 years, providing seniors, those with chronic medical conditions, and those with disabilities the ability to live independently and safely in their own homes. They offer a variety of plans that can be customized to fit each individual’s needs.

The company is known for its bundle plan where users get two help buttons for the price one. It's a great deal since users won't need to pay two separate monthly monitoring fees plus, they get an extra button that can be used for spouse monitoring.

The company also offers a sleek tablet-like mobile base station that has a number of extra features such as a gallery of images and pre-installed cognitive games. This type of medical alert device is rarely seen in the industry and is a great option for those who want more than just the basics. 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 comes with a monthly monitoring fee of $19.95 plus a one-time equipment fee of $49.95. The system consists of an in-home base unit with two-way communication and a waterproof help button that can be worn even while in the shower. The base unit has a range that can cover up to 1400ft, which is relatively a wide coverage area.

Additionally, the system connects to a cellular network, has a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in the event of a power outage, and is compatible with the automatic fall detection button that can be added for an extra $10 a month.

MobileHelp Wired Home

MobileHelp Wired Home functions the same as MobileHelp Classic but connects to a landline instead. If you live in an area with poor cell service, this might be the best option for you. The system comes with a base unit and a waterproof wearable help button with a lanyard or wrist strap. This comes with a monthly monitoring fee of $24.95.

The system offers two-way communication so you can speak directly to the emergency response operator through the base unit's speakerphone and a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in the event of a power outage. The system also offers a wide range that can cover up to 600ft and can be upgraded with a fall detection button for an extra monthly cost of $10.

MobileHelp Touch Classic

MobileHelp Touch Classic comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen tablet and a wearable help button that can be worn around the neck or wrist. The touchscreen tablet serves as a base station with a number of additional features, such as a rotating gallery of photographs, medication alerts, and cognitive games like Sudoku.

The touchscreen tablet also features a soft key touch emergency button, clear two-way communication, and a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in case of power interruption. This system connects to a cellular network and has a range that can cover up to 600ft.

MobileHelp Solo

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

The mobile device is equipped with two-way communication and GPS tracking features, making it easy to locate the user in the case of an emergency. The system is also compatible with the optional fall detection button for further protection and the device can last a whole day without needing to be recharged.

MobileHelp Micro

The MobileHelp Micro comes with a monthly cost of $33.95 and is highly recommended for individuals who want the security of knowing they can get assistance in an emergency. Users may opt to upgrade their experience and add the optional built-in fall detection sensor for only $10 a month.

The MobileHelp Micro consists of a lightweight water-resistant mobile device that connects to AT&T's cellular network. It features clear two-way communication and accurate GPS location tracking and it can even last up to 24 hours once fully charged. The device comes in a sleek black color and features a sophisticated casing. Users can wear it as a pendant with the detachable lanyard or carry it in their pocket.

MobileHelp Duo

The MobileHelp Duo protects you and gives you peace of mind no matter where you are. This system is ideal for individuals who want to be prepared for anything and have the security that assistance is just a button away. It includes an in-home base station, a mobile unit, and a wearable help button and works with AT&T's cellular network anywhere there is coverage.

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

Mobile Duo

The Mobile Duo is a set of two waterproof help buttons, perfect for couples, siblings, or any individuals who live together and want to be prepared in case of an emergency.

This system is only $7 more expensive than the MobileHelp Solo plan, but users are essentially getting two devices for that price. It's a 2-for-1 bundle, so you're saving in the long run. The system 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.

MobileHelp Touch Duo

MobileHelp's most expensive service plan is the Touch Duo system. It includes a portable, all-in-one medical alert device and a tablet with extra capabilities that aren't available elsewhere. The tablet and mobile unit connect through the MobileHelp Connect web portal for users and their caregivers' benefit, allowing them to connect and communicate with each other.

The wearable help button is a great addition, as it may be utilized in cases when users are unable to access their tablets or mobile devices. The MobileHelp touch is an excellent choice for individuals who want all of the features offered by MobileHelp in one package.

This system can be purchased for a monthly cost of $54.95 and can be upgraded with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 a month.

Medical Alert Overview

Medical Alert offers simple and standard plans with only the most essential features needed by individuals who seek immediate assistance in an emergency. It is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is considered a pioneer in the medical alert monitoring industry.

The company is owned by Connect America, a government-approved provider of home health monitoring and personal emergency response technology. They have 15 field service and support locations across the US, and all of them are members of the Medical Alert Monitoring Association (MAMA).

Medical Alert is also known for providing free Lockbox services with every system plan to ensure that emergency responders will have easy access to the user's home in case they can't get to the door. The company also offers a very affordable protection plan that covers the cost of system replacement in case of theft, loss, or damage for only $1 a month.

Medical Alert Systems

Home System - Landline

The Home System - Landline comes with a monthly monitoring fee of $22.95 with a one-time equipment fee of $49. This system can also be upgraded with an automatic fall detection pendant that costs an additional $10 a month. The system consists of a base unit with a clear two-way speakerphone and a waterproof help button. It covers a range of up to 800ft from the base unit and has a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in case of a power interruption.

Home System - Cellular

For individuals who do not have a landline phone and whose houses have enough AT&T signal strength, this system from Medical Alert may be ideal. The Home System - Cellular provides the same functions and extras as the Home System - Landline, however, it connects through a cellular network. It costs $32.95 a month with the same one-time device charge of $49. This too can be added to with an automatic fall detection pendant for an additional $10 a month.

Mobile System

The Mobile System includes a waterproof help button that may be worn as a wristband or as a pendant. The device features a two-way speakerphone for clear communication, a battery life that can last up to 5 days, as well as a GPS location tracker that can quickly locate the user in case of an emergency.

Users are covered anywhere they go across the US as long as there is a strong AT&T cellular signal. This system costs $42.95 a month with a one-time device fee of $49 and an additional $10 a month if you opt for the optional fall detection pendant.

Let's talk about how these two companies compare when it comes to pricing. MobileHelp's monthly monitoring fees range from $19.95 up to $54.95 while Medical Alert charges monthly fees ranging from $22.95 up to $42.95. Medical Alert charges a one-time fee for the devices they provide at a fixed amount of $49 while MobileHelp charges a one-time equipment fee amounting to $49.95 for the Classic plan only.

Another cost to consider is the shipping fee. Mobile Help charges customers $15 for the shipping fee whereas Medical Alert charges $15 up to $35 for the same service. Among all the companies we reviewed, Medical Alert charges the most expensive shipping fees.

When it comes to extras, automatic fall detection can be added for an additional $10 a month for both companies. An extra button for spouse monitoring costs an additional $2 a month with MobileHelp while Medical Alert does not offer this service.

However, Medical Alert offers free lockbox services with every system plan. This is a very important service as it ensures that emergency responders will have easy access to the user's home in case they can't get to the door. Considering all the costs, we think that MobileHelp provides better value for your money.

Now that we've looked at the cost, let's take a look at the features these two companies offer.

Both Medical Alert and MobileHelp offer base units that connect to either landline or cellular network. Their base units feature two-way communication, a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours in the event of a power outage, and a range that can cover up to 1400ft with MobileHelp's devices and range of up to 800ft with Medical Alert's devices.

Additionally, both companies offer waterproof on-the-go systems with GPS location tracking capability, caregiver app, and battery life that can last up to 1 day with MobileHelp's device and up to 5 days with Medical Alert's device.

Monitoring Center

When it comes to the monitoring center, MobileHelp partners with Rapid Response Monitoring, a nationwide leader in emergency response monitoring for over 30 years. Rapid Response's UL-listed, CSAA awardee response centers are staffed by highly trained and experienced emergency response operators 24/7, including holidays.

The operators will respond to an alert in around 21 seconds, and they are ready to provide the necessary assistance to the customer, whether it's connecting a designated caregiver or calling emergency services. Additionally, they can accommodate non-English speakers via LanguageLine, an interpreting service that translates over 240 languages.

Medical Alert, on the other hand, has its own US-based, UL-listed monitoring centers with nationwide coverage, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on holidays. Their monitoring centers are staffed with highly-trained operators who have passed a tough selection process to ensure they could deliver appropriate emergency responses during an emergency situation.

Plus, their response rate is capped at 30 seconds which is just around the average response time in the industry. Their monitoring center is also staffed with multilingual speakers, which provides ease of communication on the part of the users.

OUR PICK

When it comes to the overall value for your money, we think that MobileHelp is the better choice. They offer more affordable monthly monitoring fees and their base unit has a longer range compared to Medical Alert's base unit.

Additionally, they offer a bundle package that includes two help buttons for the price of 1 which is unique among the companies we reviewed. This is ideal for couples or families who want the extra button without having to actually pay for it.

Lastly, their monitoring center is partnered with Rapid Response Monitoring, a well-established provider of emergency response services in the US. This ensures that users will receive the best possible assistance during an emergency situation.

While these two companies offer great features and price points, we think that MobileHelp is the better choice for your medical alert system needs.