The Best Medical Alert Watches of 2024

Nov 19, 2024
Fact Checked
We selected our top medical alert watches based on price, fall detection, safety, and other features.
1
Best for Premium Features
9.9
Exceptional
Easy-to-read screen
Long battery life (24 hours)
2
Best for the Price
9.7
Exceptional
Risk-free, 30-day trial
Two-for-one monthly monitoring package for multi-person households
3
Best for Fall Detection
8.8
Very Good
Can be worn 24/7 without having to remove for charging
Comes in three colors (black, champagne gold, and rose gold)
4
Best Real-Time Location Tracking
9.7
Exceptional
Real-time location tracking
Heart rate monitor, weather app, and step tracker included
5
Most Technologically Advanced
9.4
Excellent
Large, easy-to-use screen
Digital or analog clock face with large numbers

Medical Alert Watches: Key Takeaways

Medical alert systems provide added safety and security in the event of an emergency, which is important for people who live alone or have a chronic disease. If you’re interested in a small, lightweight medical alert device you can wear, you may want to consider a medical alert watch.

In addition to serving as a regular watch, the best medical alert watches will connect you with emergency services when you push the help button. Some medical alert watches will also provide fall detection and contact your friends or loved ones in an emergency.

The monthly monitoring fee for most medical alert watches is about the same as for on-the-go medical alert systems. But many companies also charge an upfront fee to buy the watch (compared to on-the-go systems, which sometimes offer equipment rental). One nice thing about all of the medical alert watches reviewed here is you don’t need to sign a contract. You can pay month-by-month and cancel at any time, with no penalty. And because all the watches on this list (except for the LifeStation Sidekick Smart and LifeFone Safe Watch Active®) are purchased outright, when you cancel there’s no need to return the watch because you own it.

Even with the additional fee to buy the watch, medical alert watches are becoming more popular for their features and small size. In our survey of 1,000 medical alert users, the majority of respondents (43%) prefer wearing a watch to any other type of device (such as a necklace or bracelet). These are our top picks for the best medical alert watch in 2024.

A quick look at the best medical alert watches

Video: Best medical alert systems

Our Reviews Team researched and tested the best medical alert systems on the market. In this video, physical therapist and geriatric clinical specialist Vicki Tilley shares our top five picks for medical alert systems and devices, including smartwatches, from brands like Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, and more. Learn more about the features that stand out above the rest.

Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s expert reviews

2.5K
Hours of Research
1
Surveys Deployed
13
Brands Tested
9
Experts Consulted

Our Reviews Team spent more than 2,500 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. During our process, we:

Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.

Best medical alert watches comparison chart, as of 2024

Medical Guardian MGMove See Special Offers
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch See Special Offers
UnaliWear Kanega Watch See Special Offers
LifeStation Sidekick Smart See Special Offers
LifeFone At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active See Special Offers
HandsFree Health WellBe Watch See Special Offers
Apple Watch See Special Offers
Starting monthly cost $39.95 $34.95 $69.95 $46.95 $47.95 $29.95 $249–$799
Battery life 24 hours 6–18 hours 24 hours About 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours 18 hours
Fall detection No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Warranty No Available for extra fee 1-year limited No Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty 1-year limited 1-year

Best Medical Alert Watches of 2024

Best for Premium Features
9.9 Exceptional
Easy-to-read screen
Long battery life (24 hours)
Why we chose it

The MGMove smartwatch by Medical Guardian has some of the best extra features on this list, which is why we named it “Best for Premium Features.” It not only offers some features found in other smartwatches on this list, like weather forecasts and a step counter, it also has some unique extras.

Pros and cons
Pros Easy-to-read screen Variety of extra features (such as medication reminders and voice-to-text) Social app available to stay in touch with friends and family Long battery life (24 hours) Cons Only comes in black Warranty and some features cost extra Doesn’t include fall detection
Features

Equipment cost: $199.95

Starting monthly cost: $39.95

Dimensions:

  • Screen width: 1.25 inches
  • Case width: 1.85 inches
  • Band length: 5.25–7 inches (regular) or 7–7.75 inches (extra large)

Battery life: 24 hours (reaches full charge in two to three hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: No

Customer service options:

Payment options: Credit card online or by phone (1-800-951-5983)

Additional information

For an extra $5 per month, you can chat with designated contacts directly on your smartwatch instead of through the online portal or app. We like that you don’t need to type on a small touchscreen to chat with your caregivers or loved ones—the watch converts your voice to text.

 

FROM OUR TESTER

Voice-to-text messaging was one of my favorite features while testing the MGMove smartwatch. I could record my message and leave it as a voice message or convert it to a text message. I was also able to play back the message before sending it. The watch perfectly translated all my verbal messages into text.

 

On top of this messaging feature, caregivers can also send reminders to your watch. You can either read or listen to the reminders, which is helpful if you have low vision.

You can subscribe to OnGuard Alerts to keep family and friends informed in an emergency for an additional $3 per month. If you press the help button, your chosen contacts get real-time updates about your location and condition. You can also add Support Circle for an extra $5 per month. This keeps you in touch with loved ones through the chat and text functions and sends you appointment and medication reminders as well. Using the app, you can add your personal calendar and receive notifications for all your events and appointments.

In contrast to some other medical alert watches we tested, the MGMove does not offer the ability to call people directly from the watch and it does not include fall detection.

To buy: Medical Guardian MGMove medical alert system, $39.95 and $199.95 one-time equipment cost; medicalguardian.com

Read more in our Medical Guardian review.

Best for the Price
9.7 Exceptional
Risk-free, 30-day trial
Two-for-one monthly monitoring package for multi-person households
Why we chose it

Bay Alarm Medical is our “Best for the Price” medical alert watch for two reasons: The watch costs less than several other brands (three of the six brands on this list are more expensive), and Bay Alarm Medical offers a two-for-one deal. This lets you add another person in your household to the plan for no additional monthly fee, although you’ll need to buy a second SOS Smartwatch.

Pros and cons
Pros Risk-free, 30-day trial One of the lowest equipment and monthly fees among medical alert systems Monitoring center supports more than 170 languages Two-for-one monthly monitoring package for multi-person households Cons Short battery life compared to other watches (6–18 hours) Warranty costs extra
Features

Equipment cost: $159

Starting monthly cost: $34.95 ($44.95 with fall detection)

Dimensions:

  • Screen width: 1.25 inches
  • Case width: 1.75 inches
  • Band length: 5.25–8 inches

Battery life: 6–18 hours (reaches full charge in about two hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: Yes

Customer service options:

  • Phone (1-877-522-9633) available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. PT
  • Email (cs@bayalarmmedical.com)
  • Online chat (on the company’s Customer Service & Support page)
  • Free mobile app (called My Account Manager, also available to download on the Customer Service & Support page)

Payment options: Credit card

Additional information

The watch’s two-way communication lets you speak to monitoring center operators directly through the device. Just press and hold the SOS button on the left side of the watch to connect to a dispatcher in 45+ seconds (based on our testing). The SOS Smartwatch has a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can talk to the dispatcher on your watch. They’ll use the watch’s GPS to determine your location and send local emergency help if needed. The dispatcher can also alert your emergency contact list.

The Bay Alarm Medical watch has a sleek design and an easy-to-use touchscreen. It offers two wristband lengths to fit most people. And if you’re active, you may enjoy using the built-in step tracker. The Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch offers fall detection for an additional $10 per month.

 

FROM OUR TESTER

I like the watch’s loud, clear verbal cues regarding battery charging. When I placed my SOS Smartwatch in the charging cradle, the watch announced, “Your device is now charging.” It also said, “Watch not fully charged,” when I removed it from the charging cradle before the battery reached 100%.

 

One of the biggest downsides to the SOS Smartwatch is its battery life: It only lasts six to 18 hours (it takes about two hours to reach a full charge), compared to 18–24 hours with the other watches on this list. But if extra features combined with a lower price are important to you, the SOS may be a good choice.

To buy: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch medical alert system, $34.95 per month and $159 one-time equipment cost; bayalarmmedical.com or call 855-781-6379

Learn more in our Bay Alarm Medical brand review.

Best for Fall Detection
8.8 Very Good
Can be worn 24/7 without charging
Enjoy a free month of service when you use discount code “NCOA” at checkout.
8.8 Very Good
Why we chose it

The UnaliWear Kanega Watch is one of the only smartwatches that offers personalized fall detection based on users’ real falls. This RealFall fall detection technology is patented by UnaliWear. It actively learns your movements to help improve fall detection accuracy and reduce false falls, making the Kanega Watch our selection for “Best for Fall Detection.”

Pros and cons
Pros Includes fall detection Can be worn 24/7 without having to remove for charging Risk-free, 30-day trial Wi-Fi and cellular connection Comes in three colors (black, champagne gold, and rose gold) Cons Doesn’t include a mobile app Highest monthly cost on this list Only available in English
Features

Equipment cost: $299

Starting monthly cost: $69.95

Dimensions:

  • Screen width: 1.61 inches
  • Case width: 1.61 inches
  • Band length: 5–7 inches

Battery life: 24 hours (reaches full charge in about four hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: Yes

Customer service options:

Payment options: Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners, JCB)

Additional information

The majority of our survey respondents (60%) said fall detection is the most important special feature they want in a medical alert device. The fall detection technology in the Kanega Watch learns the movements that are normal for you, decreasing the number of false falls (see our note above about fall accuracy).

Richard Hirsch, chief marketing officer of UnaliWear, explained that “the Kanega’s technology is connected to the cloud and continuously learns what is and isn’t a fall. [For example], when the watch asks ‘Is this a fall?’ the user either confirms or denies and the technology remembers that.”

Another feature that stands out with the Kanega Watch is that you never have to take it off to recharge it. The watch comes with four rechargeable lithium-ion batteries—two that are connected to the watch and two that stay in the charger until they’re needed. The batteries are easy to access at the front of the watch.

The Kanega also has an internal safety backup battery that keeps the watch powered enough to provide a medical operator with your GPS location.

 

FROM OUR TESTER

Unlike most watches in this review, setting up my Kanega Watch was not a simple “plug and play” process. It required a lengthy call with customer service to set up my account, emergency contacts, health information, and more. Some users or caregivers may like this guided setup process, while others may rather set up everything themselves through an online portal or app.

 

One of the drawbacks we found with the Kanega Watch was the lack of a companion mobile app; a disadvantage for users who want to stay connected to caregivers and family.

To buy: UnaliWear Kanega Watch, $69.95 per month for monitoring service, and a one-time equipment cost of $299; unaliwear.com

Best Smartwatch You Can Rent
8.3 Good
Heart rate monitor and step tracking included
30-day money-back guarantee
Why we chose it

If you want to try out a medical alert watch without buying one, LifeStation may be a good choice. The company offers a monthly subscription plan that includes both the cost of its Sidekick Smartwatch and the monitoring fees.

Unlike other medical alert watches that you own after paying the equipment fee, the Sidekick is on lease while you use the monitoring services. That means no equipment cost (it’s the only watch on this list that doesn’t require one), which is why we named it “Best Smartwatch You Can Rent.”

Pros and cons
Pros 30-day money-back guarantee No upfront equipment cost Includes heart rate monitoring and step tracking Best when a medical alert device is needed for short periods of time Cons Only available in black Doesn’t offer fall detection Expensive activation fee of $99.95
Features

Equipment cost: $0

Starting monthly cost: $46.95

Dimensions:

  • Screen width: 1.82 inches
  • Case width: 1.85 inches
  • Band length: 7–9 inches

Battery life: 24 hours (reaches full charge in about three hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: No

Customer service options:

  • Phone (800-998-2400) available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET

Payment options: Credit card over the phone

Additional information

LifeStation doesn’t require any contracts, so if you decide a medical alert watch is not for you, you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Along with medical monitoring, the LifeStation Sidekick Smart comes with weather forecasts, a heart rate monitor, and a step tracker. In an emergency, this watch works much like the Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch. Both have GPS and two-way communication, so when you press the help button dispatchers will know where you are, and you can speak to them directly through the watch.

LifeStation also offers an app called Find My Loved One, which gives pre-approved friends or family the ability to check in and pinpoint the location of the user.

 

FROM OUR TESTER

The setup manual wasn’t very helpful when I tested the Sidekick Smart. I had to call customer service to get further testing instructions. The representative put my watch in testing mode, and I was able to test my connection to the monitoring center over the phone. I also learned that I needed to call customer service to add people to my emergency contact list, but the manual hadn’t mentioned that.

 

During setup, the representative that helped us add information to our account was through, asking specific questions about hospital preference, emergency contacts, pets, and how to enter the house if it was locked.

We also found that the monitoring center staff members provide excellent support and will stay on the line until assistance arrives, making this a good choice if you live alone (not all medical alert companies do this).

To buy: LifeStation Sidekick Smart medical alert system, $46.95 per month; lifestation.com or call 866-599-1498

Learn more about LifeStation in this comparison article.

Best Real-Time Location Tracking
9.7 Exceptional
Real-time location tracking
Heart rate monitor, weather app, and step tracker included
9.7 Exceptional
Why we chose it

The LifeFone At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active® is a touchscreen watch with a step tracker, heart rate monitor, weather app, and optional fall detection for $5 per month. The monthly monitoring fee is $47.95 with a monthly payment plan, and there is no equipment fee.

The watch’s impressive text-to-locate feature is why we named the LifeFone Safe Watch Active® “Best Real-Time Location Tracking.”

Pros and cons
Pros Fall detection available Real-time location tracking Heart rate monitor, weather app, and step tracker included Cons No caregiver app Watchband available in one size
Features

Equipment cost: $0

Starting monthly cost: $47.95

Dimensions:

  • Watch face: 1.82-inch diameter
  • Band: 1.85 inches

Battery life: 24 hours (reaches full charge in two to three hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: Yes

Customer service options:

  • Phone (877-330-3658) available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET
  • Email (service@lifefone.com)

Payment options: Credit card online or over the phone

Additional information

Approved caregivers can receive on-demand location updates without logging into an app. They’ll simply text “Find [name]” to 855-999-3224 and get a message immediately with the smartwatch’s real-time location and a link to it in Google Maps.

 

FROM OUR TESTER

I tested the text-to-locate feature in three different locations around town, and it was accurate each time. All location notifications came in within two to five minutes. Real-time location tracking is also helpful for finding a lost or misplaced watch.

 

We asked a customer service representative how to test fall detection since the user guide doesn’t include fall detection testing instructions. They told us to drop the watch from a standing position and wait 20 seconds. We dropped the watch multiple times from both a standing and seated position, and the fall detection activated reliably when it hit the ground.

We also tested fall detection with slower, more realistic falling motions while wearing the Safe Watch Active®. These slower “falls” did not trigger fall detection, which leads us to believe that this wrist-based fall detection may not activate unless it hits a hard surface.

It’s worth noting that no fall detection is 100% accurate. Additionally, a 2016 study found fall detection worn around your left wrist is more accurate than fall detection worn around your neck. [1]  But more recent research showed medical alert devices worn on the wrist are likelier to cause false alarms due to rapid, jerky movements of the hands and arms, which is why we recommend a fall detection necklace worn at chest level. [2]

You can also contact the monitoring center by pressing the help button on the side of the watch face. We like that the watch vibrates and verbally confirms it is contacting the monitoring center. A six-second countdown allows you to cancel your call before reaching the monitoring center.

Whenever we conducted a test call to the monitoring center, we could hear the staff member clearly and speak with them without having to hold the watch close to our ears.

To buy: LifeFone At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active®, $47.95 per month; lifefone.com or call 800-331-9198

Read more about LifeFone in our review of the best medical alert systems.

Most Technologically Advanced
9.4 Excellent
Large, easy-to-use screen
High-tech features included
Why we chose it

The WellBe Medical Alert Watch Round from HandsFree Health is an excellent choice for people who are comfortable using technology. We named it the “Best Technologically Advanced Smartwatch” for its wide range of tech-forward features:

  • Medical alert monitoring with access to a 24/7 help center
  • Fitness monitor (for heart rate and steps per day)
  • GPS location tracking
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • An app that keeps track of your health information
  • Two-way communication
  • Voice-activated virtual health assistant
Pros and cons
Pros Multiple high-tech features included at no extra charge Large, easy-to-use screen Fall detection-enabled Digital or analog clock face with large numbers Cons Only comes in black Smart speaker costs extra No customer service phone number or email address
Features

Equipment cost: $159.95

Starting monthly cost: $29.95

Dimensions:

  • Screen width: 0.96 inches
  • Case width: N/A
  • Band length: 6.5–10 inches

Battery life: 24 hours (reaches full charge in about three hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: Yes

Customer service options: Contact form on website

Payment options: Credit card

Additional information

You can also add a smart speaker for $99.95 with a $19.95 monthly fee, or you can bundle the watch and speaker for $189.95 with a $39.95 monthly fee—the price increases to $199.95 with the same monthly fee when fall detection is added. Smart speakers are nice to have because they are voice-activated, meaning you can communicate with them using only your voice. The WellBe Medical Alert Device and Smart Speaker can help in the following ways:

  • Medication and appointment reminders
  • Blood pressure and blood sugar tracking
  • Sending messages to family, friends, and caregivers
  • Playing music, audiobooks, or newscasts

 

FROM OUR TESTER

I love that the WellBe Medical Alert Watch includes the WellBe virtual health assistant. I accessed this voice-activated assistant by pressing the microphone icon on my watch’s main menu and asking questions like “What is the weather like tomorrow?” or “Where is the nearest health clinic?” The watch verbally answered questions about my reminders, general health, location services, and general knowledge.

 

One of the things we like about the WellBe Medical Alert Watch Round for older adults is the large size of the help button. Located on the side of the watch, the help button is big enough to find quickly in an emergency but low-profile enough to give the watch a sleek look. Don’t worry if you accidentally press it—like all the watches on this list, you have several seconds to cancel a help call if you press the button by mistake.

HandsFree Health is the only brand in this review that doesn’t list its customer service phone number on its website. Fortunately, we received the phone number with our equipment packages. While the first representative we spoke with couldn’t answer all of our questions, we appreciated that they recorded our questions and had a second representative call us back with answers.

To buy: HandsFree Health WellBe Medical Alert Watch Round, $29.95 per month and $159.95 one-time equipment cost; handsfreehealth.com

Learn more about HandsFree Health in our best review of the best medical alert systems with GPS.

Best for Active Lifestyles
Large, easy-to-use display
Fall detection and international emergency calls
Why we chose it

The Apple Watch is a popular tech device, but you may not know about its medical alert capabilities. It’s not a traditional medical alert watch that connects you to a company’s monitoring center, but it does have features to help in an emergency and to monitor your health. You can track your heart rate and rhythm, blood oxygen levels, number of steps each day, and even take an electrocardiogram (ECG). These features convinced us to name the Apple Watch as “Best for Active Lifestyles.”

Pros and cons
Pros Series 8 and SE models offer fall detection and international emergency calls Large, easy-to-read display screen Wide range of prices, features, and styles to choose from Automatically contacts friends and loved ones in an emergency Numerous customer service options Cons High equipment cost ($249–$799) No 24/7 monitoring center More complicated to set up and use An iPhone is required to set up the watch
Features

Equipment cost: $249–$799

Monthly cost: None

Dimensions:

  • Screen width: 1.6–1.77 inches
  • Case width: 1.6–1.77 inches
  • Band length: Regular (fits wrists 5.5–8.2 inches) or extra large (fits wrists 6.2–9.6 inches)

Battery life: 18 hours (reaches full charge in about two hours)

Water resistant: Yes

Fall detection: Yes

Customer service options:

Payment options: Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and PayPal

Additional information

Fall detection is available with the Apple Watch Series 4 or later, including the SE and Series 8 models. When the Apple Watch detects a hard fall, it vibrates against your wrist, sounds an alarm, and shows an alert. You can dismiss the alert, which tells the system you’re okay and ends the alarm, or you can call 911. If the alert is not dismissed and the watch detects you haven’t moved for one minute, it will call 911 automatically. It will also send messages to your emergency contacts, letting them know your location, that your watch detected a fall, and that you may need help. Falls are also recorded in the Health app.

Since the Apple Watch is designed to detect hard falls, it may not be suitable for detecting the slower, more gradual falls that are common for older adults.

 

FROM OUR TESTER

I tested fall detection with my Apple Watch Series 8 by conducting more than 10 test falls, but they never triggered fall detection.

 

The Apple Watch isn’t connected to a 24/7 monitoring center, unlike medical alert systems. Instead, the watch contacts the nearest 911 dispatcher when you trigger fall detection or press the SOS Emergency button. 

If you’d like your Apple Watch to function like a monitored medical alert system, consider the Care Smart app from Verizon. During an emergency, your Apple Watch connects to the Care Smart monitoring center instead of dialing 911 automatically. The monitoring center staff member will call emergency services, a designated caregiver, or both, depending on the situation. They’ll also stay on the line with you until help has arrived.

The watch does require an iPhone for setup. Apple offers an option called Family Setup to allow people who don’t have an iPhone to use an Apple Watch, but someone in the family still needs an iPhone to set up the watch and manage its features.

To buy: Apple Watch, $249–$799; apple.com

What is a medical alert watch?

A medical alert watch is a device that looks like a regular watch, but can call 911 or a monitoring center in the event of an emergency. Some medical alert companies offer smartwatches in addition to their traditional on-the-go and in-home medical alert systems. Like medical alert watches, the best medical alert systems can keep you safe and grant you peace of mind.

James Dan, MD, a geriatric clinical advisor and member of the Senior Helpers board of directors, believes medical alert devices or watches are well worth the cost.

“Medical alert watches range from fairly simple alert buttons to two-way communication devices, patient locator features, fall sensors, and more,” said Dan. “[Necklaces] with alert buttons provide a limited measure of help, but we find seniors often don’t wear them as they feel stigmatized or simply inconvenienced to wear them.” That makes watches more appealing since they’re not obvious medical alert devices. Plus, they can provide a plethora of benefits and significantly enhance older adult safety.

Some companies offer wrist buttons that look like a watch but do not have smartwatch features, like time, GPS, fitness tracking, health monitoring, and two-way communication. You’ll want to consider a medical alert smartwatch to get all of these features in one device.

Pros and cons of medical alert watches

All medical alert systems and watches come with benefits and drawbacks. The key is finding the device that best fits your needs and budget. Here are some general pros and cons of medical alert watches.

Pros

Cons

Who should use a medical alert watch?

Many people think that only older adults use medical alert systems, but experts recommend these safety devices in other situations, too. For example, people recovering from surgery or managing a chronic disease can benefit from a medical alert system. Dr. Dan, the geriatric clinic adviser, said older adults who live alone may benefit from wearing a medical alert watch.

According to Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner in New York state, using a medical alert system in addition to having support from family, friends, neighbors, or other caregivers is important.

“A fall may result in a situation where a person is not able to press the button, or in the case of a stroke, a person may not be able to say what’s wrong when the device is automatically triggered,” said Norman. “Having a person that has a routine time to check in can be a lifesaving added benefit to the right medical alert device. I’ve had patients use simple systems like, ‘If you don’t see my living room light on, come check on me.’”

For safety, anyone at risk of falling at home should consider wearing a device with fall detection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one out of four older people fall each year, and the risk of falling and falls-related problems rises with age. [3]Facts About Falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html.

If you or a loved one is concerned about falling at home or having a medical emergency and not being able to get to a phone, a medical alert watch can provide peace of mind.

How much do medical alert watches cost?

Medical alert watch costs usually include the fee to buy the watch and the monthly monitoring fees. In general, the equipment fee for a medical alert watch runs between $119–$299. The Apple Watch is much higher, with prices ranging between $249–$799. The LifeStation Sidekick and LifeFone Safe Watch Active® don’t charge an equipment fee.

Six of the seven medical alert smartwatches in this review require monthly subscription fees to cover monitoring services. Prices for the monthly monitoring service range from $25–$70. The Apple Watch is the only device that does not have a 24/7 monitoring center—it links directly to 911.

If you want to add extra features or apps to your medical alert watch, you may need to pay extra. For example, fall detection can be an optional upgrade that adds to the monthly cost. Bay Alarm Medical’s starting monthly cost increases by $10 per month with fall detection. For a breakdown of cost comparisons between medical alert watches, see Table 2 below.

Cost comparison of medical alert watches, as of 2024

Medical Guardian MGMove See Special Offers
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch See Special Offers
UnaliWear Kanega Watch See Special Offers
LifeStation Sidekick Smart See Special Offers
LifeFone At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active See Special Offers
HandsFree Health WellBe Watch See Special Offers
Starting monthly cost $39.95 $34.95 $69.95 $46.95 $47.95 $29.95
One-time equipment fee $199.95 $159 $299 $0 $0 $159.59

Important features of medical alert watches

Medical alert watches offer similar benefits to traditional medical alert systems, but they require a few extras to really make them worthwhile. Here are some important features of medical alert watches to consider when shopping for a device.

GPS technology

GPS technology is important because it shows the monitoring center your location when you call for help. If your Apple Watch isn’t connected to the Care Smart monitoring center, 911 dispatchers can detect your watch’s location during an emergency.

Fall detection watch

More medical alert brands are starting to offer fall detection on watches, including most of the medical alert watches on this page.

If fall detection is a priority, keep in mind some studies have found fall detection is more accurate when it’s on a device worn near the center of the body. [4]Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983. A watch or bracelet with fall detection tends to cause false alarms due to normal arm movements, which is why we recommend a necklace worn near the center of the body.

When considering the fall detection feature, ask the company what type of falls are detected and not detected. Falling from a standing position is a faster fall than a slide out of bed or from a chair. While falling from a height is sometimes more traumatic, sliding out of bed or from a chair can be just as challenging in terms of getting back up.

To check your risk of falling and get tips on falls prevention, use NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp.

Battery life

Battery life and charging time are key factors to consider in a medical alert watch. Most devices need charging every 24 hours and reach a full charge after about two to four hours, depending on how much you use them and what features you use (some features drain more battery than others). It may be helpful to set up an alert (outside of the smartwatch), such as a call from a friend or caregiver, to remind you to charge your device.

Response time

The time between pushing the help button and getting connected to an operator is critical. Most medical alert watches will contact a monitoring center in 20–45 seconds. It’s a good idea to call and ask for specifics about response times before settling on a watch.

This was one of the most important factors in choosing a medical alert system for 70% of our survey respondents. In the testing process, we found that Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical had the fastest response times of 1–25 seconds. Unaliwear had the slowest response time: more than 50 seconds.

For more information on monitoring centers and response time, check out how medical alert systems work.

Style and size

Take some time to compare different watch styles and read reviews about how other customers like each brand. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’ll enjoy wearing your medical alert watch.

Two-way communication

A built-in microphone and speaker make two-way communication possible. This feature makes a difference when calling for help because you can speak directly to an operator and explain what kind of help you need.

Extras

Fitness tracking and health monitoring are just a few reasons people choose medical alert watches instead of traditional mobile devices. Medical alert watches offer the ability to send messages, check the weather, count your steps, monitor your heart rate, and more.

How to choose the best medical alert watch for you

A medical alert smartwatch only works if you wear it and can operate it in an emergency. That’s why it’s a good idea to research different companies when choosing a watch.

Here are some questions to consider when comparing devices.

Tips for saving money on medical alert systems

The high cost of medical alert systems is one reason many people don’t buy them. The good news is there are budget-friendly options, such as the HandsFree Health WellBe Watch, which starts at $119.95 for the equipment fee and $29.95 for the monthly monitoring fee, and the Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch, which starts at $159 for the equipment fee and $34.95 for the monthly monitoring fee. Although Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch is slightly more expensive than the WellBe Watch, we named it “Best for the Price” based on its two-for-one deal.

Medicare coverage

Unfortunately, medical alert watches and other systems are generally not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. Sometimes Part C plans (Medicare Advantage) cover a portion of your fees. Check with your insurance provider for more information. For help navigating your Medicare benefits and finding what other benefits programs are available in your area, use NCOA’s Benefits CheckUp tool.

Most private health insurance plans do not cover the costs associated with a medical alert watch. In very rare cases, some plans include a benefit for covering medical alert devices, but you’ll probably need your doctor to fill out paperwork showing that they are medically necessary. It’s always a good idea to call your health insurance company to get exact coverage details before purchasing a medical alert system.

There are other ways to save money beyond insurance and Medicare.

Medical alert watches: bottom line

The best medical alert watch is one you’ll wear and enjoy using.

If you’re looking for premium features, we recommend the Medical Guardian MGMove. If you’re interested in the best features for the lowest price, the Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch may be a good choice. If you’re looking for fall detection technology customized to your movements, the ​​UnaliWear Kanega Watch could be a good option for you. 

If cost is an issue and you would prefer to lease the equipment, LifeStation Sidekick Smart might be the way to go. You’ll pay a monthly fee that includes the monitoring costs and the fee for using the watch.

If you want a low-tech watch with real-time location tracking, we recommend the LifeFone Safe Watch Active®. For the most technologically advanced smartwatch, the HandsFree Health WellBe Watch is likely a good fit.

If you want a fall detection watch with health and wellness features, the Apple Watch may be your best bet.

We do not recommend Life Alert for watches or any other medical alert device.

Frequently asked questions

Fitbit is a popular wearable fitness watch that tracks steps, calories, heart rate, and much more. But it does not offer medical alert monitoring or emergency calling in the event of a fall. 

Yes, some medical alert smartwatches can call 911. Medical alert watches are designed to contact emergency services or a call center in the event of a fall or other medical crisis. Many medical alert watches only contact a 24/7 monitoring center, which connects users with a dispatcher or operator. Once connected, the operator helps you decide on the type of emergency service needed. If you have a medical alert watch without monitoring services (such as the Apple Watch, also called an unmonitored medical alert system), it will contact 911 in the event of an emergency. 

Very few medical alert smartwatches include fall detection. Most companies offer fall detection with an in-home system or an on-the-go system with an alert button you wear around your neck or wrist. 

While the wrist button may look like a watch, its only purpose is to call for help in an emergency. When choosing a medical alert system with a device you can wear, make sure to ask if it’s a smartwatch or a help button. 

The UnaliWear Kanega Watch and Apple Watch are two smartwatches that offer fall detection. This feature is available on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 7.

Medicare Part A and Part B generally don’t cover medical alert watches, but some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover a portion of the cost. 

The best medical alert watch with fall detection will vary depending on your needs and preferences. The MGMove from Medical Guardian is a great choice if you’re interested in upgraded features. If budget is a primary consideration, Bay Alarm Medical offers great value. For superior fall detection, the UnaliWear Kanega Watch actively learns user movements to personalize fall detection accuracy.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Gjoreski, Martin, et al. How Accurately Can Your Wrist Device Recognize Daily Activities and Detect Falls? Sensors (Basel). June 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166886
  2. Javier González-Cañete, Francisco and Casilari, Eduardo. A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Sensors. March 23, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/6/2254
  3. Facts About Falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html.
  4. Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983.
  5. Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans. Internal Revenue Service. 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969.
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