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Last Updated On: | 10 Minute Read
Lifeline earns a spot on our Best of 2024 list thanks to its reliable, user-friendly medical alert systems. If you’re looking for a trusted name in healthcare and don’t mind paying a bit more for premium quality, Lifeline is an excellent choice.
A well-established company with a long-standing reputation, Lifeline was previously known as Philips Lifeline. It introduced medical alert systems to the U.S. market in 1974 and has maintained a strong track record ever since. In 2021, the company was acquired by ConnectAmerica, which also owns MedicalAlert.com.
While company acquisitions can sometimes raise concerns about service quality, our experience with Lifeline was exceptional. The sales and support teams consistently exceeded our expectations, providing assistance that made every step of the process smooth and stress-free. Outstanding customer service is one of Lifeline’s key strengths.
Lifeline systems are incredibly easy to set up, with very adequate prompts from the system each step of the way – but in keeping with Lifeline’s excellent customer service, there is also an option to have the system professionally installed. Once set up, the Lifeline system is easy to use, and to maintain, particularly in emergencies.
For individuals at risk of falls, we highly recommend adding Auto Fall Detection to ensure comprehensive protection, especially in cases where a user may be unconscious after a fall. In our in-depth testing of the Lifelibne system, we found it reliable in fall detection.
Additional features include Lifeline’s Cares app, whihc helps you create a circle of contacts among friends, family and caregivers, and to personalize responses. Caregivers can see a record of usage. There’s also a lockbox option with Lifeline, a handy feature that can allow responders access to the home in an emergency.
For more information on these features, including our experience with unboxing and initial setup, as well as our hours of testing, see our full review of Lifeline HomeSafe, and for the mobile version, our review of Lifeline On-The-Go.
With its long history of reliability and superior service, Lifeline is a premium option we are confident in recommending. Its inclusion in our 2024 best-of list reflects its consistent excellence and commitment to quality.
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| Lifeline HomeSafe | |
|---|---|
Activation Fee | $99.95 |
Shipping | $29.95 |
Monthly Monitoring | $29.95 Landline / $39.95 Cellular |
Optional Fall Detection | $15.00 / Month |
Total Cost (First Year) | $669.30 |
LifeLine HomeSafe Overview
Lifeline introduced the first home medical alert system nearly 50 years ago and is now part of Philips, operating under the ConnectAmerica umbrella of senior-focused services. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Lifeline offers the HomeSafe system, which is simple to set up and activate. For those who prefer a hands-off approach, professional installation is available for $99. The HomeSafe AutoAlert system is good for users in areas without reliable cellular coverage, providing extra security but at a higher cost and with fewer features compared to some more affordable competitors.
Lifeline provides significant discounts for AARP members, with perks such as free activation and shipping. To access these discounts, have your AARP membership number ready when placing your order.
Performance-wise, Lifeline delivers quick response times, with all 10 help button tests connecting within 20 seconds. Each incident is logged in the Caregiver Portal, offering valuable tracking for caregivers. However, fall detection tests revealed occasional delays, with some responses taking over two minutes. This raised concerns, especially as operators were unable to clarify the reasons for these delays, underscoring the importance of timely intervention in emergencies.
Subscribers benefit from the Lifeline Cares app, which connects to the Caregiver Portal. The app is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and the portal is also accessible via desktop, ensuring flexibility for users and caregivers alike.
Lifeline’s cancellation and return process is straightforward. Retain the original shipping box and the “Equipment Return” envelope, which includes a prepaid FedEx label, to simplify the return process if needed.
With standout customer support, well-designed instructional materials, a user-friendly Cares app, and a smooth returns experience, Lifeline remains a reliable choice for those seeking a premium medical alert system.
Read our full review of Lifeline HomeSafe.
| Lifeline On The Go | |
|---|---|
Activation Fee | $99.95 |
Shipping | $29.95 |
Monthly Monitoring | $49.95/month |
Optional Fall Detection | $15.00/month |
Total Cost (First Year) | $909.30 |
Lifeline "On The Go" Mobile Medical Alert System
Lifeline On The Go is a GPS-enabled medical alert system that includes built-in automatic fall detection. As the company that first brought medical alert systems to the U.S. in 1974, Lifeline has a long history of innovation. In 2021, it became part of ConnectAmerica, the same group behind MedicalAlert.com.
The initial costs for Lifeline On The Go are relatively high, with a $129.90 startup fee, a $49.95 monthly monitoring charge, and an additional $15.00 per month for fall detection. This brings the total first-year cost to $909.30.
In our testing, Lifeline On The Go proved to be a dependable device with reliable fall detection, supported by outstanding customer service. The company’s sales and support teams stood out, going above and beyond to secure an AARP discount for us.
For those seeking a mobile medical alert system backed by a reputable company known for top-tier service, Lifeline On The Go is an excellent option.
Read our full review of Lifeline On-The-Go.