Founded in 1988, Alert1 has been a leader in the medical alert industry for over 35 years. The company offers a full range of in-home and mobile systems, including fall detection, GPS tracking, and caregiver communication tools. Unlike some competitors that require contracts, Alert1 emphasizes flexibility with month-to-month plans. Its long track record and variety of packages make it a steady, mid-tier choice in the market.
How Alert1 Works
Signing up with Alert1 is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Equipment is shipped pre-programmed and is easy to install, requiring no technical expertise. Customers can select from landline-based in-home systems, cellular-based systems, and mobile GPS devices. Some Reddit discussions note that while Alert1 is straightforward, its devices don’t feel as polished as those of newer competitors, although reliability is generally strong.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Decades of experience in medical alert systems
- Flexible monthly, quarterly, and annual plans
- Wide range of device options, including GPS and fall detection
- U.S.-based customer monitoring available 24/7
Weaknesses
- Pricing is higher than that of budget competitors
- Mixed reviews around customer service responsiveness
- Devices are functional but not as modern as Medical Guardian or GetSafe
How Alert1 Works
Signing up with Alert1 is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Equipment is shipped pre-programmed and is easy to install, requiring no technical expertise. Customers can select from landline-based in-home systems, cellular-based systems, and mobile GPS devices. Some Reddit discussions note that while Alert1 is straightforward, its devices don’t feel as polished as those of newer competitors, although reliability is generally strong.
Costs and Fees
Alert1 plans start at $29.95/month for in-home systems and range from $39.95 to $49.95/month for mobile GPS-enabled devices. Fall detection is available for $10/month. Customers can choose from monthly, quarterly, or annual billing options, with discounts available for longer commitments. Equipment is typically rented rather than purchased outright.
Customer Experience
Alert1 has an A+ BBB rating, though online reviews are mixed. Many families report positive experiences with fast emergency response and easy setup. Still, others describe the customer service as slow or unhelpful, especially when it comes to cancellations or billing issues. Still, its longevity in the industry provides reassurance to many caregivers.
Compare Alert1
Compared to Bay Alarm Medical, Alert1 is more expensive but offers a slightly wider range of devices. Bay Alarm, however, tends to deliver stronger customer satisfaction and more transparent pricing.
Alert1, on the other hand, offers similar pricing to LifeFone but lacks the same depth of caregiver tools, such as daily activity check-ins. LifeFone may be better suited for families who want added oversight, while Alert1 appeals to those seeking flexibility without extras.
When stacked against Lifeline, Alert1 is the more modern option, offering a broader range of mobile systems and less restrictive policies. Lifeline retains an edge in healthcare credibility, while Alert1 wins with flexible plan structures.
Our Rating
We compared Alert1 to the best medical alert device companies, and here is what we found:
- Fees & Costs (25%): 7.5 / 10
- Product Options (20%): 8 / 10
- Speed of Process (15%): 8 / 10
- Overall Score: 7.7 / 10
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Medical Device Companies
| Company | Recommended For | Starting Cost | Contract Details | Editor's Rating | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GetSafe | Best for Seniors Who Dislike Wearables | $27.95/mo | No contracts required. Add fall detection for $10. | 8.2 | Get Protected |
| Medical Guardian | Best for Tech-Savvy Families | $29.95/mo | No contract required. Add fall detection for $10. | 8.8 | Get Protected |
| LifeFone | Best for Personal Care & Caregiver Tools | $29.95/mo | No contracts required. Add fall detection for $10. | 8.6 | Get Protected |
| MobileHelp | Best for Flexible, Nationwide Coverage | $19.95/mo | No contracts required. Add fall detection for $10 month. | 8.7 | Get Protected |
| Bay Alarm Medical | Best for Affordability and Reliability | $24.95/mo | No contract required. Add fall protection for $10 | 8.8 | Get Protected |
Final Thoughts
Alert1 is a long-standing provider that offers reliable coverage, flexible plans, and a wide range of system options. While it isn’t the cheapest or most modern option, it provides steady service for families who want a trusted name without restrictive contracts. Customers seeking cutting-edge features may prefer Medical Guardian or GetSafe, but Alert1 remains a dependable mid-tier choice.Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alert1.
Plans range from $29.95/month for in-home systems to $49.95/month for mobile GPS devices.
No, plans are available every month, with discounts for quarterly or annual billing.
The company offers in-home landline and cellular systems, mobile GPS devices, and optional fall detection.
Families who want a long-standing, flexible provider without being locked into contracts.
