Best Medical Alert Bracelets: Reviewed In 2023

To find the best medical alert bracelets, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 80 medical alert systems across approximately 20 companies and identified a top three based on factors including:

• Price
• The system’s range of use
• The system’s ability to detect falls automatically
• Real-time connectivity to an emergency response person
• Use of GPS technology and/or 4G cellular network
• Availability of pairing app for caregivers
• Add-ons, such as wall buttons, lock boxes and more

This analysis focuses on both in-home and mobile-friendly medical alert system options, considering wearability, use case and additional features like fall detection. We also considered user experience and customer service, taking available trial periods, return policies, subscription fees and contract lengths into account, among other details.

Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.

Medical alert systems (including necklaces, bracelets and watches) remain popular among older adults who live alone, as they provide a safety net in the event of an emergency. Medical alert bracelets are a particularly user-friendly type of alert device and can be useful to anyone who wants enhanced access to emergency services. One of the most portable types of medical alert products, medical alert bracelets also provide flexibility of movement while keeping the wearer discreetly connected.

According to a recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll, of those who report using a medical alert system, 86% say the device has saved them (or the person they care for) from an incident at least once. Looking closer, 50% say their medical alert system saved them from a potential catastrophe, and 36% say it saved them from an incident that could have escalated.

How Does a Medical Alert Bracelet Work?

Much like medical alert systems installed in the home, medical alert bracelets allow a person to have almost instant access to emergency services in the event of an emergency—all with the touch of a button on their wrist.

If a person experiences an emergency while wearing a medical alert bracelet, they can simply touch the button on their bracelet to alert personnel at the company’s emergency monitoring center. These representatives then alert first responders, depending on the nature of the emergency. In some cases, they may also alert a person’s emergency contacts if that feature is included in the provided coverage.

While most medical alert bracelets monitor a person in the home, others use GPS technology and a connection to a cellular network to monitor a person while they’re on the go and share a person’s location during an emergency. However, GPS and cellular location services are not a standard feature across all medical alert devices, and their availability depends on the company, product and monitoring package you choose.

Medical alert bracelets typically come in two forms: those for home use only and those that are mobile compatible. Both types of medical alert bracelets offer monitoring protection, though mobile versions may offer more flexibility outside the home.

Landline-based medical alert bracelets connect to a base unit, which receives a signal when the user presses the help button on the bracelet. The signal of the base unit typically covers the square footage of the user’s home—sometimes several square feet outside the home as well.

A mobile-friendly medical alert bracelet uses a local cellular connection, GPS technology and/or Wi-Fi to monitor movement and contact the company’s emergency monitoring center should an event occur. Mobile medical alert bracelets offer extra flexibility for those who may want to travel while using their bracelet.

Medical alert bracelets are typically helpful for older adults who live alone and have a health condition or are prone to accidents like falls. Wearing a medical alert bracelet specifically allows a person to maintain a sense of independence while gaining peace of mind from a 24/7 emergency monitoring service.

Much like a cell phone, a medical alert bracelet incurs costs in two ways: equipment and service. An equipment cost or fixed price covers hardware, such as the base device, the help button bracelet, charging equipment and any other physical accessories. The cost of the monitoring service is often charged as ongoing fees for the duration of use.

Equipment costs vary dramatically, as some companies waive these costs entirely to entice customers while others charge up to several hundred dollars for the hardware and its installation or “activation.” Service costs most commonly range between $20 and $40 a month for a basic plan, though add-ons like automatic fall detection capabilities can increase this subscription cost.

Some insurance providers may cover the cost of a medical alert bracelet if it’s deemed medically necessary by a health care professional. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover medical alert systems under personal emergency response systems (PERS), though coverage varies from one policy to another.

Local hospitals may also provide free medical alert bracelets. Speak to a representative at your local hospital to see if this benefit might be an option for you or your loved one, or ask for recommendations of organizations that may be able to help.

Other programs that may help cover the costs associated with medical alert bracelets include Medicaid (via Home and Community Based Services and Money Follows the Individual programs), veteran-specific services and those provided by local Area Agency on Aging groups and AARP.

Medical alert systems promote greater independence and peace of mind, and medical alert bracelets specifically give users more mobility, spontaneity and confidence in everyday life while ensuring help during an emergency is at hand if needed.

Medical alert bracelets often outshine other types of medical alert systems by way of simplicity. Compared to a medical alert watch, almost any adult is capable of using a medical alert bracelet, regardless of technological proficiency. Affordability also makes bracelets relatively accessible.

Is It Better to Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet Than a Watch?

Customers in search of a wearable medical alert device may consider either a bracelet option or a medical alert watch. While medical alert bracelets provide a simple, single-button alert system worn on the wrist, medical alert watches typically provide a touchscreen and include much more than a simple “SOS” feature. Modern models of alert watches frequently offer health tracking apps, built-in GPS technology and a more comprehensive suite of emergency response features. While medical alert bracelets are intended for sending alerts, medical alert watches may include many of the features and characteristics of a smartwatch.

Selecting a watch or bracelet largely depends on an individual’s lifestyle and preferences. Customers in search of a simpler solution might prefer a bracelet’s ease of use and relative affordability. Customers who want the highest degree of mobility and flexibility may find a watch preferable, as watches don’t often have to stay within range of a base station. Individuals who struggle with new technology or find digital interfaces challenging might consider a bracelet over a watch. Which one is better, however, is a matter of preference and comes down to an individual’s risk factors and lifestyle.

The best medical alert bracelets offer great functionality, a low-profile design and reasonable monthly service fees. Identify companies with a history of positive online reviews and experience in the medical alert industry. Customers should also evaluate the various perks and special features many bracelets offer and consider whether the system they want needs to connect to a landline.

Medical alert bracelets can be ordered directly from manufacturers via phone call or their websites. Some medical alert systems allow the user to choose between a pendant or wristband wearable. If you’re looking to use a medical alert bracelet specifically, it’s important to select the wristband option when ordering a system and signing up for monitoring services. Some hospitals may also provide medical alert bracelets directly to those in need.