MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org is an independent review site. We may earn compensation from the providers below. Learn More
Best In-Home Medical Alert Landline Systems of 2025
Hundreds of hours of hands-on testing and research to bring you the best in-home medical alert landline systems list for 2025
Between 2012 and 2022, the percentage of American adults using landline phones fell from more than 60% to just 28.7%, significantly reducing the market for landline-based medical alert systems. However, these systems are still essential in regions with poor or nonexistent cell service. Landline medical alert systems provide a crucial safety net in rural, mountainous, or sparsely populated areas during emergencies. The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends personal emergency response systems for older adults, particularly those living alone. It’s encouraging to see that many top providers still offer landline-compatible systems, delivering reliable service at affordable rates.
Our team evaluated landline-based medical alert systems from four companies: Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, Medical Alert, and Lifeline. We assessed each system based on user-friendliness, cost, reliability, customer support, and other factors to identify the best in-home landline medical alert option.
How We Tested: Hands-On Testing + In-Depth Reviews
Our team dedicated 12,000 hours to researching 16 top medical alert brands to identify the best systems. After that, we spent more than 520 hours testing them firsthand. We secret-shopped each provider, purchased each system, and carefully assessed every stage of the experience: from buying and setup to real-world scenarios, countless button pushes, and testing auto fall detection,
We paid close attention to both the technical performance of the systems and the level of customer service provided by the companies. During consultations, we noted which brands offered honest assessments versus those focused on maximizing our monthly subscription costs. We also flagged companies with aggressive sales tactics, startup costs, restocking fees, and hard-to-manage return policies. While simulating falls, we evaluated how emergency operators responded and followed up with us.

The Best In-Home Medical Alert Landline Systems of 2025
- Bay-Alarm-Medical - Best Customer Service & Pricing Plans
- Medical-Alert - Best for Ease of Use & Setup
- LifeLine
- LifeStation - Best for In-House Monitoring
In-Home Medical Alert Landline Systems Provider Overview
Bay Alarm Medical "SOS Home Landline" Overview
The Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home Landline system is a reliable, user-friendly medical alert system specifically designed for seniors who prefer a simple, home-based setup using their existing landline. This system is praised for its affordability, quick response times, and straightforward operation, making it an ideal choice for those who want a dependable emergency alert system without the need for cellular or GPS features.
Chosen as our 2025 Editor’s Choice for best home landline medical alert system, the SOS Home Landline offers a seamless experience from start to finish. The company’s website provides clear instructions, user manuals, and helpful videos, ensuring that users can easily navigate the setup process. The checkout experience is streamlined: Bay Alarm Medical pre-registers your device, so your details are already on file when you conduct your first test call, eliminating the need for lengthy activation processes.
During the checkout process, Bay Alarm Medical registers your medical alert system. This means that when you conduct your initial test, they already have your details on file, saving you the hassle of waiting on hold to activate the system by providing your personal information. After setup, testing is ready to go immediately.
The unboxing and testing process is fast and simple, taking only about five minutes. We successfully reached the base system from 1,000 feet away, and the help button had a quick response time, connecting to the monitoring center within about 40 seconds.
Setup is hassle-free and can be completed in under five minutes. During our testing, the system maintained a strong connection, with a reliable range of up to 1,000 feet from the base unit. The help button responded quickly, connecting to a monitoring agent in about 40 seconds, ensuring fast assistance in emergencies.
The optional fall detection pendant is an excellent addition for enhanced safety, especially for seniors who live alone. This feature effectively distinguishes between routine movements and actual falls, providing peace of mind without frequent false alarms. While the fall detection requires its own pendant, the primary help button can be worn as a pendant or wristband, giving users flexibility based on their comfort preferences.
The SOS Landline System from Bay Alarm Medical is quite similar to Medical Guardian’s Classic Guardian system. While Medical Guardian offers additional options for a more customized system, these add-ons can quickly increase costs, and their basic service is already pricier than Bay Alarm Medical’s.
The Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home Landline system stands out for its robust performance, ease of use, and affordability. It’s a well-rounded choice for anyone seeking a trustworthy, landline-based medical alert system backed by strong customer support.
Overall, we find Bay Alarm Medical’s combination of affordability and strong customer service to be a great choice for those needing a landline medical alert system.
Read our full, hands-on review of the SOS Home medical alert system.
Medical Alert System Overview
MedicalAlert.com’s landline Home System is described as “basic monitoring equipment,” and it delivers on that promise. Fall detection is available as an optional feature for an additional fee. Customers who choose semi-annual or annual payment plans can take advantage of lower monitoring rates and free shipping.
However, the upfront costs for this landline system are higher than average. The $99.95 programming fee stands out as particularly expensive, especially considering that many competitors don’t charge for this service. Additionally, the $24.95 shipping fee exceeds typical charges from other providers.
For more detailed information about the Home System, it’s best to contact Medical Alert directly. While the website is user-friendly, it lacks in-depth product details. Fortunately, the company is easy to reach by phone, with short wait times and knowledgeable representatives ready to assist.
Performance-wise, the system proved reliable and responsive. During testing, emergency response times ranged from 45 seconds to one minute. Fall detection was a standout feature, demonstrating high accuracy and resisting false alarms even under challenging scenarios. Among the landline systems we reviewed, Medical Alert’s fall detection was the most effective, an important factor given research from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society highlighting the difficulties in detecting real-world falls. If fall detection is a priority, this system is worth considering.
Despite its strong performance, the account management app was difficult to use, and the return process proved frustrating. Customers must notify the billing department when returning equipment, and refunds can take over a month to process after the system is returned. Overall, customer support fell short compared to other companies we evaluated.
For those seeking a straightforward and dependable landline medical alert system with minimal features, Medical Alert could be a suitable option. However, be sure to carefully review the return policy and deadlines to avoid unexpected fees or delays in receiving refunds if you decide not to continue with the service.
For detailed contact information to reach customer service, and learn our testing experience with the response process, see our full review. Note that MedicalAlert is connected directly to a monitored call center, and our full review describes this in detail also.
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.
LifeStation Overview
Based in New Jersey, LifeStation delivers 24/7 medical monitoring all at a fair price with great terms. They monitor their customers in-house (Affiliated Monitoring) and have a proven track record of protecting seniors. LifeStation is even recommended by some health insurance plans, like Aetna who offers their members a discount on monthly service.
LifeStation has a strong history in the industry. Back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, the industry was dominated by Life Alert, Philips Lifeline, and other companies that all required seniors to sign ridiculous 3-year contracts.
If you’re looking for a reliable and simple in-home system, LifeStation fits the bill. Their in-home systems are easy-to-install, easy to use, and incredibly reliable. The alert buttons are light and also have long-lasting batteries. When setting up the system, LifeStation allows an unlimited number of relatives or friends on the emergency call list and they also allow you to set up instructions for how you want emergencies handled!
LifeStation is a very reputable company that’s been around for quite a long time. They don’t have the prestige or testimonials like our higher-ranked providers have but when the button is pushed, you can be sure help will arrive.
ADT Health Overview
ADT’s Medical Alert systems provide 24/7 monitoring and emergency assistance for seniors or individuals with medical conditions who might need help during a fall or other health emergencies. Users wear a device, such as a pendant or wristband, with a button that directly connects them to ADT’s monitoring center when pressed.
Among the top five systems we evaluated, ADT’s equipment was the least impressive. The in-home unit had a noticeable yellowish tint, and the mobile device felt cheaply made with its plasticky appearance. Despite this, ADT remains a trusted name when it comes to monitoring services. The monitoring center assesses the situation and dispatches emergency aid if necessary. The systems also come with additional features such as fall detection and GPS tracking for added security.
ADT offers a variety of subscription plans tailored to different needs and budgets, allowing users to choose a package that fits their preferences.
Find the Best System for Your Needs
In-Home vs mobile? Landline vs cellular? Wearable buttons vs wall buttons? Automatic fall detection and GPS tracking? These are just some of the options you have when choosing the right medical alert system. This page is dedicated to choosing the best overall brand but this website also has guides if you wish to dig a little deeper. Check them out:
- Best Medical Alert Systems with Landlines
- Best Mobile Medical Alert Systems
- Best Medical Alert Smartwatches
- Best No Fee Medical Alert Systems
- Best All-In-One Medical Alert Systems (coming soon)
Budgeting for Your Medical Alert System
Ideally, we’d all choose a medical alert system that offers all the bells and whistles regardless of how much it costs. However, we live in a world where approximately 40% of older Americans rely solely on their Social Security to get by.
We understand there isn’t much wiggle room when families are on fixed incomes so the more realistic approach is to set a budget and decide what features are most important. We’ve done a cost analysis to help you with these decisions.
Monitoring Costs
By far the most important factor when it comes to signing up for a medical alert system is the professionally monitored 24/7 live agent and call center that’s on the other end of the line. This is the backbone of the service and the bulk of what you’re paying for.
Monitoring subscription fees range from $25 per month for in-home systems to $40-$50 per month for a mobile medical alert device. The reason why mobile subscription fees cost more is similar to why your smartphone is more expensive than a landline; companies have to charge extra for cellular and gps tracking capabilities.
Most families often want to add Automatic Fall Detection features to their service which is usually adds $10 per month to the service. Our top brands will be able to work within your budget to find a pricing solution that best fits your needs.
Equipment Costs
Most In-Home Medical Alert Systems don’t require an upfront a device fee. These “boxes” often referred to as “base consoles” or “main units” spend their lives atop a counter, night stand, or living room coffee table. These units are provided free of charge upon sign up and are required to be sent back to the provider upon service cancellation.
However the buttons that are worn with these systems will sometimes need to be replaced once every few years depending on usage. These wearable buttons have pretty long battery lives though and at around $20-$30 each, are fairly inexpensive to replace.
Alternatively, mobile devices will either require a hardware fee or an activation cost. These devices are purchased outright and don’t need to be returned when service is cancelled. Price ranges from $80-$200.
Again, think of it has purchasing a mobile phone. We’ll typically recommend buying an extended warranty plan from the provider since these devices are used throughout the day and go through a bit more wear and tear versus an in-home system.
Activation Costs
Some providers will charge an “activation fee” to make up for lost product revenue during sign up. In our reserach, we found that providers will either charge an equipment fee or an activation fee for new customers during sign up. We recommend choosing the equipment for the simple fact that you’re simply buying the device as opposed to paying a fee that doesn’t yield any material advantage.
Long Term Contracts
Avoid working with providers that require any type of long-term contract. Most medical alert providers give discounts and benefits when you pre-pay for a year but even then, you want to make sure that if you need to cancel early (due to death or the need to transfer to assisted living), you’re not on the hook for unused months.
Our top provider, Bay Alarm Medical, for example, prorates any unused months regardless of which payment plan the customer chooses.
So How Much Will I Be Spending?
From the surveys we’ve done, on average, customers that opt for an in-home system spend between $30-$40 per month. Customers that prefer a mobile cellular solution spend between $40-$50 per month plus and extra $80-$150 for whatever device they like.

Here's How a Medical Alert System Works
A medical alert system is designed to provide quick and easy assistance to individuals who may need urgent medical attention. It works through a combination of wearable devices and a centralized monitoring system. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it operates:
1. Press the Button on Your Device
A medical alert system includes a wearable device, such as a pendant or bracelet, with an emergency button. This button is easily accessible and can be pressed by the user in case of an emergency. It serves as a quick and convenient way to send a distress signal for help.
2. Professionally Trained 24/7 Agent Recieves Call
When the emergency button is pressed, a distress signal is transmitted to a monitoring center staffed by trained professionals who are available around the clock. They receive the signal and promptly assess the situation. The monitoring center serves as a centralized hub for emergency response, ensuring that help is just a call away at any time of the day or night.
3. Remain Calm and Wait for Help to Arrive
Once notified, appropriate medical professionals will arrive to assess the situation and take care of your needs. If they determine that you need to go to the hospital, they will transport you there fast. Rapid response, under an hour, is important because you’ll experience faster treatment and recovery time. Also, quickly addressing medical issues can reduce medical bills.
Life-Saving Medical Alert Add-Ons. Widen Your Safety Net!
When you select a medical alert provider, you’ll also need to decide on any additional accessories. This can mean requesting additional buttons for safety. Lock boxes and Vials of Life provide additional protection and are recommended by most providers.
Automatic Fall Detection Buttons
Automatic fall detection has become an indispensable feature of medical alert systems, offering critical benefits that ensure safety and enhance quality of life. Here’s why this technology matters more than ever.
1. Quick Emergency Assistance
Automatic fall detection is designed to recognize when a fall occurs and immediately notify caregivers or emergency services. This swift action ensures help arrives as quickly as possible, minimizing delays in medical intervention. Prompt assistance can be life-saving, reducing the risk of serious complications and promoting faster recovery.
2. Greater Security and Peace of Mind
For older adults or individuals with mobility limitations, automatic fall detection provides an added layer of safety. Knowing that help will be summoned automatically—even if they cannot manually activate an alert—brings significant reassurance. This feature allows users to maintain their independence while offering comfort and confidence to their families and caregivers.
3. Better Health Outcomes
The ability to detect falls and respond quickly contributes to improved healthcare outcomes. Early intervention not only reduces the likelihood of extended hospital stays but also supports faster healing. Furthermore, the data collected by fall detection systems can help identify patterns or recurring risks, allowing caregivers and healthcare providers to implement preventative measures effectively.
In summary, automatic fall detection is a vital component of today’s medical alert systems. By ensuring rapid response, promoting a sense of security, and contributing to improved health outcomes, this feature plays a key role in protecting individuals and supporting their well-being.
Mobile GPS Device Tracking
When choosing a mobile medical alert system, most options come equipped with location tracking technology. Whether powered by GPS, Wi-Fi Positioning Systems (WiPS), or both, this feature enables caregivers, family members, and monitoring centers to quickly locate the user during emergencies—provided the device is being carried.
Enhancing Safety for Vulnerable Individuals
Location tracking is particularly valuable for those with conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia, where the risk of wandering and disorientation is a concern. By offering real-time location information, these devices help prevent dangerous situations and ensure that loved ones can be found quickly if they stray from familiar surroundings.
Providing Critical Location Data
While location tracking does depend on the user carrying the device, it can still deliver crucial information about their last known position. This data is invaluable in locating someone who may be lost or in distress, especially in emergencies where every moment counts.
In short, mobile GPS device tracking adds a powerful layer of safety to medical alert systems. By combining real-time location monitoring with geo-fencing and emergency support, this technology helps protect individuals, offering peace of mind to both users and their loved ones.
Wall Buttons are Useful
Wall buttons are a practical and popular addition to medical alert systems, especially for individuals who prefer not to wear a personal device or may occasionally forget to put one on. Many users choose to install multiple buttons—often 10 or more—for comprehensive home coverage.
Strategic Placement for Maximum Protection
These buttons are designed to be easily placed in key areas throughout the home, such as bathrooms, staircases, kitchens, and bedrooms. To ensure accessibility, it’s important to position them low enough to be reachable in case of a fall, enhancing safety and usability.
Affordable, Reliable, and Flexible
Wall buttons are not only budget-friendly but also easy to install, requiring no special tools or expertise. Simply stick them where they’re needed. Since they run on batteries rather than needing an outlet, they offer flexibility in placement. Most models feature batteries that last five years or longer, providing long-term reliability.
Boosting Home Safety
By installing several buttons around the home, you can significantly increase overall security and peace of mind. With their affordability, ease of use, and dependable performance, wall buttons are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their medical alert system.
Look into the products at GetSafe Medical Alert Systems, particularly if you do not want to wear a medical alert button.
Importance of Lock Boxes
When an alert button is pressed, the top priority is getting help to the individual as quickly as possible. While family members or neighbors are often the first point of contact, critical emergencies may require professional responders, such as EMTs or firefighters, to intervene.
Ensuring Fast and Hassle-Free Access
In emergencies, every second counts. A lock box with a spare key allows emergency personnel to enter your home quickly and without causing damage. Without one, responders might need to force entry through a door or window, wasting valuable time and potentially resulting in costly repairs.
Convenience and Coordination with Monitoring Services
Many medical alert providers offer lock boxes as part of their service. The monitoring center keeps the combination code on file and can provide emergency personnel with the lockbox’s location and code when they arrive, ensuring smooth and rapid access.
Protect Your Home While Staying Safe
A lock box is a simple yet effective tool to enhance your medical alert system. It safeguards your property while enabling emergency responders to focus on what matters most—delivering the care you need without delay.
Vial of Life Helps You When You Can’t Speak
The Vial of Life accessory offers essential information to EMTs when you are unable to communicate. This packet, crucial in emergencies, contains all your medical details, aiding faster and more effective treatment if you’re taken to the hospital or emergency room.
Typically, it is attached to the refrigerator door. To set it up, you include information about your medications, allergies, and other health details. EMTs are trained to look for it, and the provider will also remind them to access it. You can also place these packets in other locations like your car, bedside table, or near a phone.
Most medical alert providers offer this service free of charge.
In-Home Systems vs. Mobile GPS-Enabled Devices
Depending on your mobility and lifestyle, you’ll want to know about the two types of medical alert systems available. It’s important to understand what they are before buying them. Here are a few pros and cons for each system.
In-Home Medical Alert Systems
Pros of In-Home Medical Alert Systems:
- Dependable Home Coverage: In-home medical alert systems are specifically designed for residential use. With a base unit connected to a landline or cellular network and a wearable emergency button device, these systems provide reliable coverage within your home, ensuring peace of mind and quick access to assistance when needed.
- Extended Battery Life: These systems often feature base units that remain plugged into a power source, offering continuous operation without frequent battery recharges. This guarantees that the system is always operational, eliminating concerns about battery depletion.
- Simple Setup and Operation: In-home medical alert systems are easy to install and use. They usually come with clear, user-friendly instructions and can be set up quickly without professional help. Once installed, using the system is straightforward—just wear the device and press the emergency button if needed.
Cons of In-Home Medical Alert Systems:
- Restricted Range: The coverage of in-home medical alert systems is typically limited to your home and its immediate vicinity. If you go beyond this range, such as for a walk or to run errands, the system’s effectiveness may be reduced.
- No GPS Tracking: Unlike mobile medical alert systems, in-home systems usually lack GPS tracking. This means if you need emergency help and can’t communicate your location, the system might not provide accurate information to responders.
- Reliance on Home Infrastructure: These systems depend on a stable landline or cellular connection. Issues like power outages or network disruptions can temporarily disable the system, compromising its reliability.
In-home medical alert systems offer dependable coverage within your home, long battery life, and ease of installation and use. However, they are limited in range, lack GPS tracking, and depend on your home’s infrastructure for connectivity.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems Including Smartwatches
Pros of Mobile Medical Alert Systems:
- Portability and Flexibility: Mobile medical alert systems, such as portable battery-powered devices and smartwatches, offer protection wherever you go. These systems use cellular technology, allowing you to stay connected and request help even when you’re away from home. Whether traveling, visiting friends, or running errands, mobile systems provide on-the-go peace of mind.
- GPS Location Tracking: Many mobile medical alert systems include GPS technology, enabling emergency responders or monitoring centers to accurately locate you in an emergency. This is particularly helpful if you have a medical condition that could cause confusion or disorientation.
- Wide Coverage Range: Mobile systems operate on cellular networks, offering coverage across a wide range of areas. As long as cellular service is available, you can access the emergency response features of your mobile medical alert system, no matter where you are.
Cons of Mobile Medical Alert Systems:
- Battery Life: Mobile medical alert systems depend on battery power. Depending on the device and usage, frequent recharging may be necessary. Ensuring the device is adequately charged is essential for maintaining its functionality when needed.
- Dependence on Cellular Reception: While mobile systems provide broad coverage, they rely on cellular reception. If you’re in an area with weak or no cellular signal, the system’s effectiveness may be compromised. It’s crucial to verify the coverage quality in your area before selecting a mobile medical alert system.
- Risk of Device Loss or Damage: The portability of mobile medical alert devices means there is a risk of loss or damage. Misplacing or damaging the device could hinder your ability to access emergency assistance when necessary. Taking precautions to keep the device secure and protected is important.
Mobile medical alert systems offer portability, GPS tracking, and wide coverage, enabling you to stay connected and request help even when away from home. However, they have potential drawbacks, including reliance on battery life and cellular reception, as well as the risk of device loss or damage. Additionally, they are generally more expensive and require an upfront device purchase.
Choosing Your Medical Alert
So there you have it – Five of the best medical alert providers that encompass the nation’s most popular choices for to make sure your loved ones get the quickest and most reliable assistance if and when help is needed.
This buyer’s guide was designed to help you narrow your options and select the most suitable system based on your income and unique living situation. Through mystery shopping, we acquired the top medical alert systems, set them up, and conducted thorough hands-on testing of both the equipment and its monitoring services.
Our assessment encompasses the complete customer experience, from the purchasing process with a sales representative to the evaluation of the company’s service quality after the purchase. Since most medical alert systems offer similar features, the quality of service—such as engaging with a helpful and friendly representative—often sets one company apart from another.
Many popular brands didn’t quite make our Top 5 list. For more information, scroll down to our Frequently Asked Questions portion below.

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499195/
- https://www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/PatientSafetyCenter/research.asp
- https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/health/risks-costs-senior-fall-injuries
- https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/falls-by-state.html
- https://tma.us/programs/fivediamond/
- https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5699193/
- https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/the-impact-of-falls-on-the-elderly-infographic