2020 Best Medical Alert Bracelets and Watches

Best Overall
MobileHelp Smart
4.6 out of 5 stars4.6
Starting at  
$24.95
/mo.
Pro Bullet Normal watch look
Pro Bullet Health-oriented features
Con Bullet No fall detection included
Best Price
GreatCall Lively
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5
Starting at  
$14.99
/mo.
Pro Bullet Sleek look
Pro Bullet Fall detection
Con Bullet Smartphone needed to use
Smartest System
Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian
4.4 out of 5 stars4.4
Starting at  
$44.95
/mo.
Pro Bullet Touchscreen
Pro Bullet Screen read aloud by device
Con Bullet No fall detection
Best-Looking
BlueStar SeniorTech Kanega Watch
4 out of 5 stars4.0
Starting at  
$59.95
/mo.
Pro Bullet Fall detection
Pro Bullet Discounts for veterans
Con Bullet High price for lack of features
We regularly check our pieces to ensure they are as up-to-date as possible and updated this piece with new prices.

Overview
It’s hard to find good medical alert jewelry that meets the minimum requirements to make it effective:

  • Works well
  • Doesn’t cost too much
  • Goes with everything from exercise clothes to cocktail best

We’ve made the search for the right medical alert jewelry easier for you. If you’re looking for medical alert necklaces, see our necklace review to check out our top picks. Otherwise, read on to learn about our favorite wristbands, bracelets, and watches.

At the end of this review, you’ll know the pros and cons of each top-rated wrist device and be well on your way to choosing one.

Looking for a medical ID bracelet?
Our Choice
Before you read on, we want to check that you’re not actually looking for a medical ID tag. A medical ID tag is different from a medical alert bracelet. An ID gives your name and important health information like chronic conditions and allergies. An alert contacts EMTs or other medical professionals when you experience a health problem.

How we chose

We evaluated the price, features, equipment, and overall user experience of eight brands to come up with the top five. Not every medical alert brand offers a wristband-centered option, so some of our best-regarded brands (Bay Alarm Medical and LifeFone) didn’t make it into this review.


Compare medical alert bracelets

Data effective 12/30/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

Best overall: MobileHelp Smart

Active individuals of any age who need a medical alert device will get peace of mind from the MobileHelp Smart. It has a heart rate monitor and a daily step count but still looks like a regular smart watch.

MobileHelp Smart
Our rating:
4.6 out of 5.0
4.6 out of 5 stars4.6
Customer service
5 out of 5 stars5.0
Price
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5
Features & equipment
4.3 out of 5 stars4.3
Plans starting from 
$24.95
/mo.

    Image sourced from MobileHelp.com and is property of MobileHelp.

    MobileHelp pros and cons

    Pros
    • Pro BulletNormal watch look vs. medical device look
    • Pro BulletHeart rate monitor
    • Pro BulletDaily step count
    • Pro BulletWeather forecast
    • Pro BulletCalendar alerts
    • Pro BulletMonitoring app for caretakers
    Cons
    • Con BulletNo fall detection
    • Con BulletNo waterproofing
    • Con BulletUp-front watch purchase required

    Why we recommend MobileHelp

    We’re a fan of medical alert bracelets that don’t look like silicone slap-on bracelets. After all, users are wearing these in their daily lives. They shouldn’t be hideous. And we like that this device doesn’t just look nice—it also has a ton of features.

    How much does MobileHelp cost?

    While the month-to-month price isn’t bad, users have to purchase the watch up front. And it ain’t cheap; it’s a whopping $349.95.

    The aptly named MobileHelp Smart is smarter than most medical alert devices, so you definitely get more for your dollar. The question is whether you get enough for your dollar. We think it’s worth the investment if it meets your needs better than another brand.

    Equipment

    As we said, this device looks nicer than your average medical wristband. It might even be mistaken for a basic smartwatch. In fact, much like a smartwatch, it’s not waterproof, so it can’t go in a shower or to the pool. You should also avoid getting it wet when washing the dishes. This is pretty par for the course with medical alert bracelets; most of the brands we looked at weren’t waterproof. Still, it’s inconvenient.

    Medical alert plans featuring bracelets and watches are hit and miss when it comes to fall detection. The MobileHelp Smart doesn’t have it. If falling is your primary concern, you should skip this one.

    Fall detection
    Our Choice

    If you need a medical alert wristband with fall detection, we recommend that you first look at a standard hub-based medical alert system. Only about half of the standalone watches and bracelets we looked at for this review have fall detection.

    Features

    MobileHelp Smart is ideal for users with an active lifestyle. It monitors your heart rate and counts your steps, and it forecasts the day’s weather. That’s perfect if you move around or go outside a lot.

    Someone with impaired mobility or who doesn’t go outside much can still benefit from this watch, though. It has daily calendar alerts and an app for easier coordination and communication with caretakers.

    Customer service

    We’ve said it before: MobileHelp has well-reviewed customer service, but its website is frustrating. It’s hard to collect needed information from the website alone.

    Luckily, you can call, message, or write a letter to customer service representatives to get the help you need.

    ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you don’t mind investing money up front and don’t need fall detection, MobileHelp is an excellent choice.

    >>Learn more: Read full MobileHelp review.

    >>Shop Now


    Best price: GreatCall Lively

    The GreatCall Lively Wearable has fall detection and waterproofing at a low cost. The device doesn’t work without a smartphone, though.

    GreatCall Lively
    Our rating:
    4.5 out of 5.0
    4.5 out of 5 stars4.5
    Customer service
    5 out of 5 stars5.0
    Price
    4.8 out of 5 stars4.8
    Features & equipment
    3.8 out of 5 stars3.8
    Plans starting from 
    $14.99
    /mo.

      Image sourced from GreatCall.com and is property of GreatCall.

      GreatCall pros and cons

      Pros
      • Pro BulletSleek look
      • Pro BulletLanyard included
      • Pro BulletFall detection
      • Pro BulletDaily step count
      • Pro BulletMonitoring app for caretakers
      • Pro BulletWaterproof
      Cons
      • Con BulletUp-front device purchase required
      • Con BulletSmartphone needed to use

      Why we recommend GreatCall

      The GreatCall Lively Wearable does a fantastic job of balancing features and price. It’s also waterproof, which is rare for a medical alert bracelet.

      How much does GreatCall cost?

      The basic GreatCall plan for the Lively Wearable is $14.99 without fall detection and $34.99 with. The fall detection price is comparable to other devices. The price without fall detection is a bargain. But you have to understand the non-monetary price you pay: GPS and two-way communication for the device are run through your smartphone. You’ll have to keep your phone charged and nearby at all times.

      The fall detection price is comparable to other devices.

      The other drawback here is the up-front cost. A user must pay $49.99 to get the device before buying a plan. You can still end up saving money, though, if you choose the Lively Wearable over a device with a more expensive plan.

      Equipment

      This bracelet is sleek and chic. It looks like a watch but with an opaque plate where the face would be. It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about constantly removing and replacing it. That’s rare for a medical alert bracelet.

      If you get tired of having the GreatCall Lively Wearable on your wrist, string it on the included lanyard and wear it around your neck.

      Features

      Like the MobileHelp Smart, this device has a daily step count and a monitoring app for the caretaker. That way, both the user and their caretaker can track the user’s activity.

      GreatCall customer service

      If you have any questions about GreatCall, you can call their people. There’s also a contact form on the website.

      ASecureLife’s recommendation: With the GreatCall Lively Wearable, you’ll get good waterproof equipment at the best available price.
      Temporarily sold out
      Our Choice
      At the time of publication, the GreatCall Lively Wearable was out of stock. We regularly update our reviews, so we’ll let you know when that changes. GreatCall comments indicate that a new version, the Lively Wearable 2, is in development.

      Smartest system: Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian

      Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian has a lot of fancy features, like a touchscreen and text-to-voice capabilities. It doesn’t have fall detection or professional monitoring.

      Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian
      Our rating:
      4.4 out of 5.0
      4.4 out of 5 stars4.4
      Customer service
      5 out of 5 stars5.0
      Price
      4 out of 5 stars4.0
      Features & equipment
      4.3 out of 5 stars4.3
      Starting from 
      $44.95
      /mo.

        Image sourced from MedicalGuardian.com and is property of Medical Guardian.

        Medical Guardian pros and cons

        Pros
        • Pro BulletTouchscreen
        • Pro BulletScreen read aloud by device
        • Pro BulletWeather forecast
        • Pro BulletCalendar alerts
        • Pro BulletSMS messaging
        • Pro BulletMonitoring app for caretakers
        Cons
        • Con BulletNo fall detection
        • Con BulletNo professional monitoring
        • Con BulletNot waterproof
        • Con BulletUp-front device purchase required
        • Con BulletClunky-looking design
        • Con BulletSmall emergency button with multiple functions

        Why we recommend Medical Guardian

        The Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian has several great user features, from a touchscreen to SMS messaging to text-to-voice. It’s definitely more comprehensive than your average medical wristband.

        How much does Medical Guardian cost?

        To own a Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian, you must first pay $99 for the device itself. With an additional $44.95 cost per month, that puts Medical Guardian at a much higher price than GreatCall. After a few years of use, it eventually ends up being more expensive than MobileHelp, too.

        Equipment

        Can someone tell this watch is a medical alert device? Probably. It has that blocky-yet-sterile look favored by medical wristbands and pendants. But it’s not so terrible that it’s unwearable.

        It’s unwearable in water, though, so you’ll have to take it off when your wrist might get wet. Also, this device doesn’t have fall detection or professional monitoring. It seems to be more for self- and caretaker monitoring. You can’t use it to summon a medic.

        The red button on the side can be used to navigate through the watch features. But it’s also the emergency button! We foresee a lot of false alarms with this design.

        The red button on the side is also the emergency button. We foresee a lot of false alarms with this design.
        Features

        The Freedom Guardian offers a few extras to offset the cost. The touchscreen is a nice touch to make the device more accessible to digital natives. And then the text-to-voice option makes it friendlier to users with bad eyesight. Finally, with SMS messaging, Freedom Guardian users can message their caretakers and other loved ones directly. No phone required.

        Like the MobileHelp Smart, the Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian has weather forecasts, calendar alerts, and a mobile app for caretakers.

        Medical Guardian customer service

        Medical Guardian has an annoying habit of redirecting users to call them, making it difficult for customers to purchase equipment online. Overall, its website tends to be busy with a lot going on. You’ll likely have to close several popups as you navigate. Otherwise, the company has great, attentive customer service.

        If you can’t or don’t want to call Medical Guardian, you can always email the customer service representatives instead.

        ASecureLife’s recommendation: For a smarter medical wristband system, go with Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian.

        >>Learn more: Read full Medical Guardian review.

        >>Shop Now


        Best-looking: BlueStar SeniorTech Kanega watch

        The BlueStar SeniorTech Kanega Watch is a stylish-looking digital watch with fall detection included. With a $50.00 activation fee and almost $60.00 a month for service, it’s the most expensive option over time.

        BlueStar SeniorTech Kanega watch
        Our rating:
        4.0 out of 5.0
        4 out of 5 stars4.0
        Customer service
        5 out of 5 stars5.0
        Price
        3 out of 5 stars3.0
        Features & equipment
        4 out of 5 stars4.0
        Starting from 
        $59.95
        /mo.

          Image sourced from BlueStarSeniorTech.com and is property of BlueStar SeniorTech.

          BlueStar SeniorTech pros and cons

          Pros
          • Pro BulletVery stylish design
          • Pro BulletFall detection
          • Pro BulletVoice command function
          • Pro BulletDiscounts for veterans
          • Pro BulletWaterproof
          Cons
          • Con BulletBulky size
          • Con BulletHigh price for not having many special features
          • Con BulletActivation fee

          Why we recommend BlueStar SeniorTech

          This watch looks good and covers all the basics for a wristband medical alert device. It’s also the only top device besides GreatCall to be waterproof.

          How much does BlueStar SeniorTech cost?

          The aesthetics of the BlueStar SeniorTech Kanega Watch come at a steep price. At $59.95 a month, this is the most expensive monthly plan we researched. It’s a full $15 more than the already-pricey Medical Guardian Freedom Guardian with mostly just good looks to show for it (though it does have fall detection, unlike the Freedom Guardian.

          It also has a $50 activation fee, but that’s not bad compared to the other watches on our list.
          If you’re a veteran or are related to one, you can use a 10% discount. The discount doesn’t touch the activation fee, just the monthly cost.
          Equipment

          The shape and the shiny, burnished-metal color give the Kanega Watch its standout appearance. As for size? This device isn’t Apple-thin, but it’s also not humongous.

          Like we said, fall detection’s included in the price. In non-fall emergency situations, you can press the button on the side or give a voice command to contact emergency responders. Again, the watch is also waterproof—and you can charge it while you’re wearing it.

          BellPal watch
          Our Choice

          BlueStar SeniorTech also offers an analog medical alert watch. The watch, called the BellPal, has fall detection at as low as $9.95 a month. There are five designs, all gorgeous with different-colored bands, cases, and faces. If you like the sound of this inexpensive, old-school-looking watch, just know that it costs $199.95 to buy one.

          Features

          The voice command is the fanciest toy in the Kanega Watch’s toy box. It doesn’t count your steps, let you message people, share the weather, or have any other features some competitors have.

          BlueStar SeniorTech customer service

          BlueStar SeniorTech online reviews rave about being part of a solid veteran community.

          To reach customer care representatives, users can call or email or use the address provided on the website. (The address is either to write a letter or visit in person; BlueStar SeniorTech’s wording is a bit ambiguous on which it prefers).

          One unusual thing: if you have a frustrating customer service experience, you don’t have to ask to be transferred to the manager. The website recommends you take your complaint directly to the CEO’s inbox.

          Temporarily sold out
          Our Choice

          When we updated this piece six months later, the BlueStar Kanega was out of stock. BlueStar’s working on a new LTE 4G model. We’ll let you know when it’s released.

          ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you’re looking for a prettier-than-average medical alert watch with waterproofing and fall detection, BlueStar SeniorTech Kanega Watch is your best bet.

          >>Shop Now


          Other brands we considered

          The three other brands which didn’t make it into the review were Alert1, QMedic, and Medical Alert. Each fell short compared to the top brands, especially in customer service.

          Other prominent brands that didn’t have a wristband plan for review include Philips Lifeline and Life Alert.

          Home security brands that offer compatible medical alert devices, like Vivint, Frontpoint, Link Interactive, or Cove, weren’t included in our research. They tend to feature systems with pendants, not bracelets or watches.


          FAQ

          If you have a question, we may have the response you’re looking for. Here’s some extra information we have from our research.

          When should I use a medical alert bracelet or watch?

          If you need constant medical monitoring but don’t want to wear a necklace, a bracelet or watch is a good alternative for you. Wristband-type medical alert devices don’t swing free, so you’re less likely to press the alert button accidentally.

          The drawback with a wristband device is the fall detection. Most necklace-style devices are equipped with fall detection. It’s rarer for a wristband device to include fall detection, even on a more expensive plan. So pay close attention to your options before buying anything. Read The Best Medical Alert Systems to learn more.

          Do I need fall detection with my medical alert bracelet or watch?

          That depends on the user’s medical history, what kind of activities they do, and what other devices they have.

          If a potential user suffers mainly from memory loss, for instance, the most important feature is probably GPS tracking. But if a potential user is prone to passing out, wristbands without fall detection should be used only alongside other, fall-detection devices.

          Learn more about fall risk from Best Tips to Prevent Falls in the House.

          What if I want a colorful medical alert bracelet or watch?

          Medical alert bracelets and watches tend to come in blah colors. Black, white, metallic, and so on.

          If you crave something with more personality, Alert1 is the first place to look. Currently, the brand sells wristbands in fun shades of blue and purple. You have to use them with an Alert1 plan, though, and they’re not for mobile use or fall detection. Check out our Alert1 review to learn more.

          Our recommendation

          On information overload? Let’s sum up what we recommend:

          If you’re still not sure which to choose, we have individual reviews for MobileHelp and Medical Guardian.