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Mobile Help vs. Life Alert
Life Alert systems are simple and easy to use, with longer average battery life. However, if you’re looking for extra features, no long-term contracts, and faster response times at a lower cost, MobileHelp stands out as the better option.
Great Technology
Only $19.95 Per Month
No Longterm Contracts or Hidden Fee
Long-standing reputation
24/7 emergency monitoring
Three-step response system
Updated:
At a glance:
- MobileHelp offers lower monthly prices ($20–$35/month on average) with little to no equipment fees and zero long-term contracts; Life Alert requires a three-year contract and costs between $50–$70, depending on the device.
- MobileHelp devices have faster average response times (26 seconds) compared to Life Alert’s longer average of 68 seconds.
- Life Alert devices offer longer battery life (up to 72 hours) compared to MobileHelp’s average range of between 24–36 hours.
In a sea of in-home and mobile medical alert devices, it’s easy for older adults and their loved ones to feel overwhelmed by the options. From calculating monthly fees to weighing the pros and cons of wearable and in-home systems, finding the perfect system for your situation can take a lot of mental energy.
That’s why our team is here to do the research for you. In this article, we compare two popular medical alert system brands: MobileHelp and Life Alert. While both provide emergency help services, they differ in important add-ons like automatic fall detection. Read on to discover which medical alert system provider you or your family members should invest in.
MobileHelp vs. Life Alert: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Pricing and features | MobileHelp | Life Alert |
|---|---|---|
| In-home base unit starting price | $24.95/month (landline or cellular) | $49.95/month (landline) $69.95/month (cellular) |
| Mobile device starting price | $34.95/month | $69.95/month |
| Fall detection price | $5.50-$11/month | Not Available |
| Minimum contract required | One month | Three-year |
| Average response time | 26 seconds | 68 seconds |
| Smartwatch option | No | No |
Comparing MobileHelp and Life Alert Functions and Features
Comparing different medical alert companies can help you determine the best medical alert system for your situation. From upfront costs and long-term contracts to the availability of on-the-go or landline systems, here are the many key differences between MobileHelp and Life Alert:
Activation Fees and Monthly Costs
- MobileHelp: With affordable monthly rates starting at $24.95/month for in-home, landline-based systems and $34.95/month for mobile devices, MobileHelp is the more budget-friendly option. The brand also offers a 30-day risk-free trial period and no activation or equipment fees, meaning there’s no burdensome upfront cost associated with setting up your new help button.
- Life Alert: One of the more expensive medical alert system options, with monthly fees starting at $49.95 for the in-home (landline) Master Unit and $69.95 for the in-home plus mobile GPS option. Additionally, you’ll need to sign a three-year contract and tackle the $197 one-time installation fee.
Emergency Response Speed
- MobileHelp: While not the fastest medical alert company, call center response times are still faster than Life Alert. Typically, they vary from 20 to over 30 seconds, with the average being 26 seconds. This gives MobileHelp the edge for fast, emergency services.
- Life Alert: Highly variable response times, with some hearing from responders within 15 seconds, and others reporting wait times of up to 120 seconds (two minutes). Combined, this gives Life Alert an average response time of 68 seconds.
Battery Life and Reliability
- MobileHelp: Battery life ranges between 24–36 hours, meaning MobileHelp devices have shorter run times than Life Alert devices, and most users will need to charge daily for regular use. Devices do provide low-battery alerts when it’s time to charge.
- Life Alert: Longer battery life—up to 72 hours for mobile GPS devices—offering more time between charges. The in-home base unit also includes a backup battery that can last up to 72 hours during power outages.
Mobile App Integration
- MobileHelp: Offers limited app functionality for caregivers and loved ones, including basic monitoring services and low-cost text notifications for an added fee.
- Life Alert: Does not offer a mobile app for seniors or caregivers, with all communication, location tracking, and monitoring going through the base unit or wearable device.
Customer Support and Privacy Policies
- MobileHelp: MobileHelp reviews note the company’s US-based support as being professional and helpful, including a transparent privacy policy based on not broadly sharing private data.
- Life Alert: US-based customer support that’s available 24/7 for emergencies, but has limited service hours otherwise. Compared to other providers, Life Alert’s privacy policy is less transparent.
MobileHelp
Great Technology
Only $19.95 Per Month
No Longterm Contracts or Hidden Fee
Life Alert
Long-standing reputation
24/7 emergency monitoring
Three-step response system
Available Features and Add-ons
| Additional feature | MobileHelp | Life Alert |
|---|---|---|
| Fall detection | All devices | Not available |
| GPS location tracking | Basic tracking for mobile options | Basic tracking for mobile options |
| Health tracking | Limited access | Not available |
| Mobile app features | Basic app functionality | Not available |
| Lockbox | All devices | Not available |
| Two-way communication | All devices | All devices |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | Not Available | Not available |
| Wall button | Available for select devices | Available for select devices |
Examples of MobileHelp Systems
MobileHelp offers a variety of systems with either landline-based or cellular coverage, including all-in-one mobile devices and wall-mounted help buttons. Here are some examples, from the affordable Classic landline option to the more expensive Mobile Duo:
Great Technology
MobileHelp
- Only $19.95 Per Month
- No Longterm Contracts or Hidden Fee
| MobileHelp system | Monthly starting cost | Device type | Additional features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MobileHelp Classic Cellular | $24.95 | At home (cellular) | Fall detection, waterproof help button, lockbox |
| MobileHelp Classic Landline | $24.95 | At home (landline) | Fall detection, waterproof help button, lockbox |
| MobileHelp Micro | $34.95 | Mobile and at-home (cellular) | Fall detection, GPS tracking, water-resistant, lockbox |
| MobileHelp Solo | $34.95 | Mobile and at-home (cellular) | Fall detection, GPS tracking, water-resistant, lockbox |
| MobileHelp Duo | $44.95 | Mobile and at-home (cellular) | Fall detection, GPS tracking, water-resistant, lockbox |
Examples of Life Alert Systems
Life Alert offers a limited lineup of medical alert systems that can operate via landline or cellular connection. Keep in mind that on top of monthly fees, you’ll also need to sign up for a three-year contract and pay for a one-time, $197 installation fee.
Long-standing reputation
Life Alert
- 24/7 emergency monitoring
- Three-step response system
| Life Alert system | Monthly starting cost | Device type | Additional features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Unit | $49.95 | At home (landline) | Waterproof help button, 72-hour backup battery |
| Master Unit + Help Button | $69.95 | At-home (landline) | Waterproof wearable help button, wall button |
| Mobile + GPS Unit | $69.95 | Mobile and at-home (cellular) | GPS tracking, waterproof help button, 72-hour battery life |
| Help Button (Wall-Mounted) | $69.95 | At-home (landline) | Always-on connection to monitoring center |
Our Conclusion
For seniors and loved ones seeking peace of mind, weighing the pros and cons of medical alert devices is crucial. After comparing both MobileHelp and Life Alert device features, we’ve determined that MobileHelp is the better option for most consumers.
MobileHelp offers lower monthly monitoring fees with no equipment costs, faster response times, and access to more safety features—like automatic fall detection. On the other hand, Life Alert’s higher costs and long-term contracts don’t necessarily seem worth the longer battery life.
However, the best choice for you and your family will ultimately depend on your current medical and financial needs, so always evaluate your unique situation before you make an investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Life Alert and MobileHelp alert systems work via a landline or cellular connection to a US-based monitoring center. Seniors can contact the center when they need assistance, whether due to falls or medical emergencies.
MobileHelp systems offer fall detection as an added feature for an extra $5.50–$11, depending on the device. Life Alert systems do not offer fall detection.
Though neither brand has amazing response times, MobileHelp’s average of 26 seconds is superior to Life Alert’s average of 68 seconds.
Life Alert devices require three-year long-term contracts, including cancellation fees. MobileHelp devices only require a short-term, one-month contract and have no cancellation fees.
Yes, both brands offer at least one device that uses cellular networks, but you’ll still have access to landline options.
Some help buttons offered by either brand are waterproof, allowing them to be worn in the shower or out in the rain. Many mobile devices and base stations are also water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. If you’re worried about falling on wet surfaces, always review the device specifications before purchasing.