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5 Best Medical Alert Necklaces We Tested

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5 Best Medical Alert Necklaces Of 2026: Tested & Reviewed

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 10:27am




Heidi Borst

Staff Writer
Heidi Borst is a writer, editor and certified nutrition coach who loves health and wellness. Before joining Forbes Health as a Staff Writer, her work appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Business Insider, Yahoo Li…

Heidi Borst

Staff Writer
Heidi Borst is a writer, editor and certified nutrition coach who loves health and wellness. Before joining Forbes Health as a Staff Writer, her work appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Business Insider, Yahoo Li…
Written By
Heidi Borst

Heidi Borst

Staff Writer
Heidi Borst is a writer, editor and certified nutrition coach who loves health and wellness. Before joining Forbes Health as a Staff Writer, her work appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Business Insider, Yahoo Li…

Heidi Borst

Staff Writer
Heidi Borst is a writer, editor and certified nutrition coach who loves health and wellness. Before joining Forbes Health as a Staff Writer, her work appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Business Insider, Yahoo Li…
Staff Writer

Meaghan Harmon

Meaghan Harmon

Staff Editor
Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She’s passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for For…

Meaghan Harmon

Staff Editor
Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She’s passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for For…
Fact Checked By
Meaghan Harmon

Meaghan Harmon

Staff Editor
Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She’s passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for For…

Meaghan Harmon

Staff Editor
Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She’s passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for For…
Staff Editor

& other

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How We Analyzed

We conducted user testing and analysis of 15 products, considering factors like fall detection results, costs and more. Read our methodology.

Testing:
15 medical alert systems tested

Fall detection:
78 real falls conducted during testing

Metrics:
44 data metrics considered

The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive payment from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This comes from two main sources.

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While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

The comparison service on our site is provided by Runpath Regulated Services Limited on a non-advised basis. Forbes Advisor has selected Runpath Regulated Services Limited to compare a wide range of loans in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

Quick Dive

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among U.S. adults over the age of 65. Medical alert systems, such as necklaces, that feature fall detection help ensure that emergency assistance is available immediately. Discover our picks for medical alert necklaces.

How We Picked the Best Medical Alert Necklaces


Overview


Our Methodology


Our Team

How We Picked the Best Medical Alert Necklaces

To identify the best medical alert necklaces for 2026, we conducted extensive user testing—including simulated falls—and market analysis, evaluating 15 popular products across 44 data metrics including costs, features and device reliability. The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about medical alert systems that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our medical alert systems methodology for the rankings below.

Read More

How We Evaluate the Best Medical Alert Necklaces

  • 15

    Medical alert systems tested

    We evaluated the top products across 13 brands 

  • 44

    Data metrics considered 

    Includes costs, features and user feedback 

  • 78

    Falls simulated during product testing 

    We evaluated the device’s fall detection reliability by simulating real falls 

Our Methodology

To determine the best medical alert necklaces of 2026, the Forbes Health editorial team evaluated 15 products from 13 noteworthy brands, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including its battery life, ability to detect falls automatically and cost.

Features: 45%  

We considered the inclusion of specific features including fall detection, GPS, voice activation, battery life, the ability to synch with other mobile apps and additional monitoring of health metrics like heart rate and steps.  

Cost: 25% 

We factored in the multiple costs associated with medical alert necklaces including initial equipment cost, subscription fees, activation fees and any money-back guarantee trial lengths. 

Staff testing score: 20% 

Each featured medical alert necklace underwent internal testing for usability, ease of setup, emergency response speed and fall detection capability. Fall detection pendants’ tendency to detect false positives was evaluated through drops onto a hard floor and by testers plopping down with force onto a chair when worn.  

User feedback: 10%   
We analyzed user ratings and reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, factoring in BBB complaints-to-reviews ratios.

Read More


(45%)

Features

(25%)

Cost

(20%)

Staff testing score

(10%)

User feedback

Our Team

Our team has decades of experience in the health space. We’re passionate about helping you make smart decisions about your wellness and supporting you on your path to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 

Read More

Heidi Borst
Heidi Borst

Staff Writer



Meaghan Harmon
Meaghan Harmon

Staff Editor





Heidi Borst

Heidi Borst

Heidi Borst is a writer, editor, and certified nutrition coach who is passionate about health and wellness. Before joining Forbes Health as a Staff Writer, her work appeared in national publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Business Insider, Yahoo Life, Slate!, and more.

Expertise:




Disease prevention



Healthy aging



Fitness



Nutrition



Mental Health


Meaghan Harmon

Meaghan Harmon

Meaghan is a Lead Editor with Forbes Health who brings unique clinical experience to her role. As a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac), she spent several years prior to joining the Forbes Health team practicing acupuncture and integrative medicine, with a focus on women’s wellness and perinatal care.

Expertise:




Holistic health



Supplements



Herbal medicine



Integrative medicine



CBD





Heidi Borst

Heidi Borst is a writer, editor, and certified nutrition coach who is passionate about health and wellness. Before joining Forbes Health as a Staff Writer, her work appeared in national publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Business Insider, Yahoo Life, Slate!, and more.

Expertise:



Disease prevention



Healthy aging



Fitness



Nutrition



Mental Health
Heidi Borst

Meaghan Harmon

Meaghan is a Lead Editor with Forbes Health who brings unique clinical experience to her role. As a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac), she spent several years prior to joining the Forbes Health team practicing acupuncture and integrative medicine, with a focus on women’s wellness and perinatal care.

Expertise:



Holistic health



Supplements



Herbal medicine



Integrative medicine



CBD
Meaghan Harmon

The Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2026

Best Medical Alert System for Versatility

Designed for in-home and mobile use, we were impressed with the design of this device and its overall accessibility. With a reasonable service fee, this is a standout pick.

On Medical Guardian’s Website

MOST POPULAR

Best Rugged Medical Alert Device

This medical alert system earned top marks for its rugged and sturdy design, as well as its fall detection performance when we tested seated falls.

On Bay Alarm Medical’s Website

Best Medical Alert System for Large Homes

Another winner from Medical Guardian, this medical alert system is particularly great for large homes, as it has an impressive in-home coverage range of 1,400 feet

On Medical Guardian’s Website

Best Mobile Medical Alert System

Featuring location tracking capabilities and water resistance, the Sidekick Mobile from Lifestation is a great medical alert system for mobile use.

On Lifestation’s Website

Best Home Medical Alert Device

We selected this medical alert device as our top pick for home use, as it offers simple setup, no equipment fees and a high coverage range.

On LifeFone’s Website





  • Browse Article
  • Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2026
  • Comparison: Best Medical Alert Necklaces
  • Medical Alert Necklace Features
  • Medical Alert Necklace Pricing
  • Medical Alert Necklace Tech Specs
  • What Is a Medical Alert Necklace?
  • Who Should Use a Medical Alert Necklace?
  • How Much Do Medical Alert Necklaces Cost?
  • What to Consider in a Medical Alert Necklace

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Bay Alarm Medical SOS Mobile Alert Systems

  • Stay connected and safe with Bay Alarm Medical's suite of SOS Mobile medical alert systems
  • Activate help easily with included wearable button for neck or wrist
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On Bay Alarm's Website

Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2026

Medical Guardian MGMini

Medical Guardian MGMini

5.0
Rating
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Best Medical Alert System for Versatility
  • Equipment fee: $149.95
  • Service fees: Starts at $39.95 per month (for the annual plan)
  • Connectivity: Uses cellular signal, Wi-Fi and GPS
  • Use case: In-home and mobile
Learn More
On Medical Guardian's Website
Our Expert Review Pros & Cons Our Experience
Our Expert Review

The MGMini from Medical Guardian offers a streamlined solution to medical alert systems, including flexibility in how you can wear it. Available in four colors, this discreet device includes a lanyard, which gives users the option to wear it as a necklace.

Whether you’re at home or out and about, the MGMini ensures you remain protected, using 4G LTE cellular networks and Wi-Fi to stay connected. Its water-resistant design even allows use in the shower, making it a practical choice for continuous wear.

Pros & Cons
Simple design makes accidental call button presses unlikely
Fall detection system failed to detect genuine falls and detected false positives in our testing process
Pendant available in four different colors
Button sequence to regularly test the device may be difficult for people with limited dexterity
Included accessories allow you to wear the pendant in a variety of ways
Advanced features, such as managing reminders and emergency contacts, may be confusing for some users
Our Experience

While trying out the MGMini, our Forbes Health testers appreciated the device’s accessibility features. “I love the fact that this medical alert is comfortable to wear as a clip or lanyard. It lets the user adopt a style that works best for them,” says Christopher Groux, Forbes Health Product Tester. An audible charging confirmation (included in equipment purchase) activates when the pendant is placed on its charging cradle, and the emergency button stands out thanks to its large size and central location on the device.

“The little accessibility touches on the MGMini are great. The lanyard breaks away via magnets, and a voice audibly confirms when the device is charging. Whether you have limited vision or dexterity, there’s a lot to love there,” says Groux.

Even so, we were disappointed by the fall detection feature, which failed to detect significant falls during our testing process. It also detected false positives when our tester dropped it or plopped down into a chair. “The core design of this product is great, but its fall detection is not worth the price,” advises Groux.

Read More

LifeStation Sidekick Mobile

LifeStation Sidekick Mobile

4.9
Rating
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Best Mobile Medical Alert System
  • Equipment fee: Equipment is free ($99.95 activation fee)
  • Service fees: $58.95 per month with fall detection
  • Connectivity: Uses cellular signal, Wi-Fi and GPS
  • Use case: In-home and mobile
Shop Now
On Lifestation's Website
Our Expert Review Pros & Cons Our Experience
Our Expert Review

The Sidekick Mobile is a product designed by LifeStation, a pioneer in personal security solutions since 1977. The innovative necklace-style device is a standout option for those seeking a mobile medical alert system. Essential features include Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity and GPS capabilities to quickly locate the pendant and the wearer. For people seeking a cost-effective yet reliable alternative, the Sidekick Mobile presents a compelling choice alongside options like the Medical Guardian MGMini.

Pros & Cons
Contrasting colors on small “test” and “silent” buttons may enhance usability
Failed to detect genuine falls and is prone to triggering when dropped, according to our testing results
GPS capability helps emergency services and loved ones to locate the device wearer
Monthly fee is expensive on top of activation fee
Water resistance for use in wet environments
Blinking light system may be difficult to troubleshoot when acting unusually (meaning it’s not a simple battery or signal issue) and require contacting customer support
Our Experience

The LifeStation Sidekick Mobile was easy to set up and use during testing thanks to its simple design. To charge the pendant, place it on its cradle. An audible alert signifies when it’s ready. A standout feature of the product is its color-contrasting design, which may help individuals with vision impairment differentiate between surfaces and buttons. “It’s really nice to see a small device that takes color contrast into account for those who have low vision,” shared Groux. Medical alert devices often have small buttons, making them difficult to see.

However, the product triggered more false positives than actual falls during our testing, so the fall detection feature may not be worth the price.

Read More

Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection

MOST POPULAR

Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection

4.6
Rating
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Best Rugged Medical Alert Device
  • Equipment fee: $189
  • Service fees: Starts at $44.95 per month
  • Connectivity: Uses cellular signal, Wi-Fi and GPS
  • Use case: In-home and mobile
Learn More
On Bay Alarm Medical's Website
Our Expert Review Pros & Cons Our Experience
Our Expert Review

This is a standout medical alert necklace device, designed for those prioritizing durability and style. It’s built to endure demanding environments while providing top-notch connectivity, water resistance and battery longevity features. Although the upfront cost for this equipment might be higher than some alternatives, the monthly subscription is more budget-friendly than other products we ranked.

Pros & Cons
On-the-go GPS tracking helps caregivers find the device wearer, if necessary
Some users may prefer a more discreet pendant design
Rugged design features water resistance up to 1 meter
Connection issues experienced during testing
Fall detection performed well in testing for seated slips
Did not detect any standing-position falls during testing
Our Experience

Forbes Health testers were impressed by the SOS All-In-One 2 despite the rugged design of its large base pendant. While it’s bulkier than other options, it seems built to last. For individuals who want a more discreet option, the lighter-weight button can be worn as a pendant or bracelet, and it’s included with the fall detection package.

“The SOS All-in-One 2 is a bulky device, which is great for those who need something that withstands abuse. Those who want something smaller can try the included companion pendant, but they’ll sacrifice some features,” shared Groux.

During our testing, fall detection worked well when sliding to the ground from a chair. However, it didn’t react to falls from a standing position, and testers experienced connectivity issues that required rebooting the device. “If you’re a wheelchair or scooter user who’s prone to sliding out, the All-In-One’s fall detection may be useful. Fall detection features beyond that use case are not as performant as we’d like,” informs Groux.

Read More

LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection

LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection

4.5
Rating
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Best Home Medical Alert Device
  • Equipment fee: None
  • Service fees: Starts at $30.95 per month (for annual plan)
  • Connectivity: Uses cellular signal
  • Use case: In-home
Learn More
On LifeFone's Website
Our Expert Review Pros & Cons Our Experience
Our Expert Review

The necklace-style device provides convenience and discreet wearability. There are no upfront equipment fees, and a fall detection subscription costs a modest $5 monthly, offering an economical personal home safety solution. While the device boasts an impressive range of 1,300 feet, testing revealed notably lengthy operator response times, a factor worth considering before purchasing.

Pros & Cons
No equipment fees
Fall detection required stillness for about 30 seconds after falls
Simple design
Call quality seemed to vary greatly by agent, according to our testing experience
Comparatively high coverage range for an in-home system
Additional buttons must be purchased as accessories
Our Experience

Forbes Health testers were impressed with the solid design and usability of the LifeFone At-Home Cellular base unit. The large emergency button features color contrast to assist users with visual impairment. “The industrial design of this product is awesome. It’s not going to be the best looking thing on any countertop, but its large button puts safety at the forefront of its design,” observed Groux.

The pendant offers some nice accessibility perks. “Braille on the emergency button and a magnetic breakaway lanyard prove considerations were made for people with disabilities,” noted Groux.

Our testing results found that the fall detection feature functioned well compared to other devices we tested. For example, falls from a standing position were detected 33% of the time but required 30 seconds of immobility to trigger a response. In other words, an alert may not be triggered unless the wearer is incapacitated by the fall. Moreover, seated falls were not detected, meaning LifeFone At-Home Cellular’s fall detection may not be reliable for individuals using a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Read More

Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular

Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular

4.5
Rating
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Best Medical Alert System for Large Homes
  • Equipment fee: $149.95
  • Service fees: Starts at $34.95 per month for annual plan
  • Connectivity: Uses cellular signal, Wi-Fi
  • Use case: In-home
Learn More
On Medical Guardian's Website
Our Expert Review Pros & Cons Our Experience
Our Expert Review

Alongside Medical Guardian’s MGMini device, Forbes Health testers also evaluated the MGHome Cellular unit, which is designed for users who spend a significant amount of time in one location. Notably, this home-based system may be particularly advantageous for those who prefer a necklace option for ease of use and accessibility.

With an impressive range of 1,400 feet, the MGHome Cellular unit is well-suited for individuals residing in larger environments, ensuring they can stay connected and secure throughout their space.

Pros & Cons
Included pendant can be worn as a lanyard or wrist strap
Two-way communication not available through pendant
Water resistance enhances wearer’s security in the shower
Base unit had to be reset due to bugs during our testing
Features the farthest range for an in-home system in this ranking
Three-month minimum contract required
Our Experience

The MGHome has a sturdy industrial design similar to many at-home devices Forbes Health tested. It has the added benefit of raised Braille on its emergency button, a relatively uncommon feature among comparable devices. “I really wish the help button was a bit easier to discern on the actual device panel, but the fact that it has lighting around it should mitigate most problems,” said Groux.

Our product testing found the Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular’s fall detection somewhat reliable. False positives were triggered when our testers dropped the device, and it didn’t detect seated falls. However, the device detected standing-position falls at a 33% success rate. “The device did have some connection issues during testing, but it’s reassuring that staff automatically called us to confirm safety once the MGHome was up and running,” adds Groux.

Read More

Note: Product prices are accurate as of the publication date. 

Most Popular is calculated from the number of times each affiliate product was selected by Forbes Health users over a six month time period.


Comparison: Best Medical Alert Necklaces

The table below will allow you to quickly see the final score for each medical alert necklace we tested, what we believe it is best used for and whether it’s designed for mobile or at-home use.

Provider Details
Learn More

On Medical Guardian's Website

Ratings
5
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best For

Best for Versatility
Use Case

In-home and mobile
Learn More

On Medical Guardian's Website

Shop Now

On Lifestation's Website

Ratings
4.9
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best For

Best Mobile Medical Alert System
Use Case

In-home and mobile
Learn More

On Lifestation's Website

Learn More

On Bay Alarm Medical's Website

Ratings
4.6
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best For

Best Rugged Medical Alert Device
Use Case

In-home and mobile
Learn More

On Bay Alarm Medical's Website

Learn More

On LifeFone's Website

Ratings
4.5
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best For

Best Home Medical Alert Device
Use Case

In-home
Learn More

On LifeFone's Website

Learn More

On Medical Guardian's Website

Ratings
4.5
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best For

Best Medical Alert System for Large Homes
Use Case

In-home
Learn More

On Medical Guardian's Website

PRODUCT FORBES HEALTH RATING BEST FOR USE CASE LEARN MORE
5
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best for Versatility
In-home and mobile
Learn More

On Medical Guardian's Website

4.9
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best Mobile Medical Alert System
In-home and mobile
Shop Now

On Lifestation's Website

4.6
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best Rugged Medical Alert Device
In-home and mobile
Learn More

On Bay Alarm Medical's Website

4.5
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best Home Medical Alert Device
In-home
Learn More

On LifeFone's Website

4.5
forbes-health.svg
Rating
Best Medical Alert System for Large Homes
In-home
Learn More

On Medical Guardian's Website

See More See Less

Medical Alert Necklace Features

The table below outlines the defining features of our top medical alert necklaces including fall detection, battery life, coverage range and response times. 

PRODUCT  FALL DETECTION  BATTERY LIFE  MAXIMUM IN-HOME COVERAGE RANGE  RESPONSE TIME (ACCORDING TO INTERNAL PRODUCT TESTING)
Medical Guardian MGMini
Available for an additional cost
Up to five days
N/A
50 seconds
LifeStation Sidekick Mobile
Included in Supreme package
Up to five days
N/A
49 seconds
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection
Included
Up to three days
600 feet
31 seconds
LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection
Available for additional cost
Base station has a 32-hour backup battery
1,300 feet
2 minutes and 15 seconds
Medical Guardian MGHome  Cellular
Available for additional cost
Base station has 32-hour backup battery
1,400 feet
32 seconds
See More See Less
PRODUCT  FALL DETECTION  BATTERY LIFE  MAXIMUM IN-HOME COVERAGE RANGE  RESPONSE TIME (ACCORDING TO INTERNAL PRODUCT TESTING)
Medical Guardian MGMini
Available for an additional cost
Up to five days
N/A
50 seconds
LifeStation Sidekick Mobile
Included in Supreme package
Up to five days
N/A
49 seconds
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection
Included
Up to three days
600 feet
31 seconds
LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection
Available for additional cost
Base station has a 32-hour backup battery
1,300 feet
2 minutes and 15 seconds
Medical Guardian MGHome  Cellular
Available for additional cost
Base station has 32-hour backup battery
1,400 feet
32 seconds
See More See Less

Medical Alert Necklace Pricing

The table below outlines prices associated with our top medical alert necklaces, including equipment fees, service fees and additional fall detection and activation fees.

PRODUCT   EQUIPMENT FEE  SERVICE FEE   FALL DETECTION FEE  ACTIVATION FEE  
Medical Guardian MGMini
$149.95
Starts at $39.95 per month
$10 per month
$0
LifeStation  Sidekick Mobile
$0
Starts at $42.95 per month
Included in Supreme package at $58.95 per month
$99.95
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection
$189
$44.95 per month for package with fall detection
Included
$0
LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection
$0
Starts at $30.95 per month for annual plan
$5 per month
$0
Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular
$149.95
Starts at $34.95 per month for annual plan
$10 per month
$0
See More See Less
PRODUCT   EQUIPMENT FEE  SERVICE FEE   FALL DETECTION FEE  ACTIVATION FEE  
Medical Guardian MGMini
$149.95
Starts at $39.95 per month
$10 per month
$0
LifeStation  Sidekick Mobile
$0
Starts at $42.95 per month
Included in Supreme package at $58.95 per month
$99.95
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection
$189
$44.95 per month for package with fall detection
Included
$0
LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection
$0
Starts at $30.95 per month for annual plan
$5 per month
$0
Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular
$149.95
Starts at $34.95 per month for annual plan
$10 per month
$0
See More See Less

Medical Alert Necklace Tech Specs

The table below outlines the tech specs associated with our best medical alert necklaces.

PRODUCT  CONNECTIVITY   ABILITY TO SYNCH WITH MOBILE APP(S)?   OTHER HEALTH TRACKING FEATURES AVAILABLE? 
Medical Guardian MGMini
Cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi
Yes
Yes
LifeStation Sidekick Mobile
Cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi
No
No
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection
Cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi
Yes
No
LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection
Cellular signal
No
No
Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular
Cellular signal, Wi-Fi
Yes
No
See More See Less
PRODUCT  CONNECTIVITY   ABILITY TO SYNCH WITH MOBILE APP(S)?   OTHER HEALTH TRACKING FEATURES AVAILABLE? 
Medical Guardian MGMini
Cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi
Yes
Yes
LifeStation Sidekick Mobile
Cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi
No
No
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One 2 With Fall Detection
Cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi
Yes
No
LifeFone At-Home Cellular With Fall Detection
Cellular signal
No
No
Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular
Cellular signal, Wi-Fi
Yes
No
See More See Less

What Is a Medical Alert Necklace?

“A medical alert necklace is a simple, wearable device designed to help someone call for help quickly in an emergency,” says Raj Dasgupta, M.D., a quadruple board-certified internist at Huntington Health Hospital in Pasadena, California. Typically, a component of more comprehensive medical alert systems, accessories like necklaces, watches and bracelets connect wearers to help from an emergency response team with the touch of a button. “Some even come with automatic fall detection, which is a big plus if you’re not able to press the button yourself,” adds Dr. Dasgupta.

How Do Medical Alert Necklaces Work?

Medical alert necklaces feature a wearable pendant with a button to press, initiating a call for help, advises Dr. Dasgupta. 

The necklace is connected to a base station, such as an in-home unit that can sit on a countertop or table, or a mobile device with cellular technology. Once the base station receives the signal, it connects the user to a remote monitoring system or designated emergency contacts. If the necklace is equipped with fall detection, it will contact emergency services when it senses the wearer has fallen and has not responded, explains Dr. Dasgupta.

Featured Partner Offer

Bay Alarm Medical SOS Mobile

  • 24/7 on-the-go peace of mind
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight
  • 4G LTE connectivity
  • Caregiver tracking app available
Learn More
On Bay Alarm Medical's Website

Who Should Use a Medical Alert Necklace?

“[Medical alert necklaces may be] a great fit for older adults who live alone, have had a fall before, or are recovering from something serious like a stroke or surgery,” recommends Dr. Dasgupta. That said, a medical alert necklace can be a great option for anyone who wants extra peace of mind—for themselves or a loved one.


How Much Do Medical Alert Necklaces Cost?

The medical alert necklaces ranked by Forbes Health range from $0 to $149.95 for equipment, with monthly subscriptions costing between $34.95 and $55.95. Fall detection, typically an add-on feature, ranges from $0 to $10 monthly.

Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Necklaces?

Medicare coverage for medical alert systems largely depends on the type of plan you are enrolled in. If you have government-provided Original Medicare (Medicare Part B), coverage does not extend to medical alert systems, as they’re not deemed “medically necessary” durable medical equipment (DME). In other words, individuals must bear the costs of these services. 

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may present a different scenario. Offered by private insurance companies, some of these plans may provide partial or complete coverage for medical alert systems. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, reach out to your provider to clarify its policies regarding medical alert system coverage.

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What to Consider in a Medical Alert Necklace

When choosing a medical alert necklace, Dr. Dasgupta recommends choosing one that includes automatic fall detection and reliable emergency response. It’s also worth checking whether it works everywhere the person spends time, including at home and on the go, he says, adding that factors like comfort, battery life, GPS tracking, health reminders and ease of use are additional factors to consider. While medical alert devices offer an added layer of support, checking in on your loved one regularly provides peace of mind to you and them.


Sources

Footnotes

  1. About Older Adult Fall Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 8/5/2025.

References