LifeFone has been a leading provider in the medical alert industry since 1976, making it one of the most established companies on the market. Family-owned and U.S.-based, LifeFone emphasizes personalized service, offering a range of in-home and mobile options. Its reputation is built on reliability and attentive customer care, appealing to families who want a long-standing, trustworthy brand.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Over four decades of experience in medical alerts
- Highly flexible service plans with optional add-ons
- U.S.-based monitoring centers with fast response times
Generous caregiver tools, including activity monitoring and alerts
Weaknesses
- Pricing is slightly higher than Bay Alarm or MobileHelp
- Fall detection costs extra
- Devices aren’t as sleek or modern as Medical Guardian’s offerings
Compare Medical Device Companies
Process
Getting started with LifeFone is straightforward. Customers select either an in-home or on-the-go system, with options for cellular or landline service. Setup is simple, and the monitoring center provides live support if needed. Caregivers can also set up daily check-in reminders and activity alerts to add extra peace of mind. Reddit users often praise how quickly their family members received assistance during emergencies, with operators staying on the line until help arrived.
Costs and Fees
LifeFone pricing starts at around $29.95/month for in-home landline service and ranges from $45 to $49/month for mobile GPS-enabled systems. Fall detection is available as a $10/month add-on. Unlike some competitors, LifeFone offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and discounts for quarterly or annual billing. While not the cheapest option, it is praised for transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Customer Experience
LifeFone maintains an A+ BBB rating and consistently receives high marks for responsiveness and compassionate operators. Customers appreciate the personalized service, with many noting that staff members took time to understand their family’s needs. While some users mention that the devices look bulkier compared to sleeker competitors, most agree that reliability outweighs style.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to Bay Alarm Medical, LifeFone tends to be more expensive but offers stronger caregiver features such as daily check-ins and activity alerts. Families willing to pay a bit more often find these extras worthwhile.
Against Medical Guardian, LifeFone feels more traditional in device design but holds its ground with dependable service and a long history in the industry. Medical Guardian may appeal to tech-savvy families, while LifeFone resonates with those who value simplicity and personal attention.
When compared to MobileHelp, LifeFone’s service offers similar pricing and device options, but MobileHelp’s caregiver portal is more modern. That said, LifeFone has a reputation for warm, personalized service that can make it a better fit for families seeking a more “hands-on” approach.
Our Rating
We compared LifeFone to the best medical alert device companies, and here is what we found:
- Customer Experience (30%): 9 / 10
- Fees & Costs (25%): 8 / 10
- Product Options (20%): 8.5 / 10
- Speed of Process (15%): 8.5 / 10
Overall Score: 8.6 / 10
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Medical Device Companies
| Recommended For | Company | Starting Cost | Contract Details | Editor's Rating | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Seniors Who Dislike Wearables | GetSafe | $27.95/mo | No contracts required. Add fall detection for $10. | 8.2 | Get Protected |
| Best for Tech-Savvy Families | Medical Guardian | $29.95/mo | No contract required. Add fall detection for $10. | 8.8 | Get Protected |
| Best for Personal Care & Caregiver Tools | LifeFone | $29.95/mo | No contracts required. Add fall detection for $10. | 8.6 | Get Protected |
| Best for Flexible, Nationwide Coverage | MobileHelp | $19.95/mo | No contracts required. Add fall detection for $10 month. | 8.7 | Get Protected |
| Best for Affordability and Reliability | Bay Alarm Medical | $24.95/mo | No contract required. Add fall protection for $10 | 8.8 | Get Protected |
Final Thoughts
LifeFone stands out as a long-established provider with a focus on personal care and reliability. While not the cheapest or flashiest option, it delivers peace of mind through responsive monitoring and thoughtful caregiver tools. Families seeking a dependable, service-oriented provider may find LifeFone to be the ideal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LifeFone.
No. LifeFone offers flexible monthly, quarterly, and annual plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Plans start at $29.95/month, with mobile options ranging from $45 to $49/month.
Yes, fall detection is available as a $10/month add-on.
It’s ideal for families who value reliable monitoring, flexible plans, and caregiver tools, such as activity tracking.
