Best Medical Alert Systems 2023

Buyer’s Tip: For some reason, we find most medical alert companies give their best prices over the phone. We suggest you call to get their lowest prices and don’t be afraid to ask for extras like a free month or extra pendant. Let them know you’ve shopped around!

EXPERT REVIEWS OF THE BEST MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS FOR SENIORS

MobileHelp Review: Excellent

Why pay more when you don’t have to? MobileHelp offers the most affordable medical alert systems in the industry, with the most flexible customer policies like free cancellation and a risk free 30 day trial period – try it, don’t like it, return it. They’ve made it so there’s no risk to giving them a shot.

MobileHelp is able to offer the most aggressive pricing because it’s one of the only medical alert companies that manufactures its own devices – passing along the savings to consumers. That said, MobileHelp doesn’t sacrifice quality for price. In our comparison, MobileHelp had some of the highest performance scores for a medical alert system, with an industry leading range of 1,300 feet and one of the fastest emergency response times of 25 seconds.

Bottom Line:

• Most affordable prices in the industry for in-home and mobile systems
• Longest in-home range in the industry of 1,300 feet
• Exceptionally fast response times of 25 seconds
• 30 day money back guarantee – makes it risk free to try
• Free cancellation any time – no long term contracts, pro-rated refunds
• Free replacement of defective equipment and dead batteries
• FDA and ULC Certified
• Call for Special Offer (expires September 30, 2023) – 1 month free, free equipment, 50% off fall detection, free lockbox, free expedited shipping, $100 referral bonus free activation, free cancellation, risk free 30 day money back guarantee

Visit Site (800) 920-1745

Medical Guardian Review: Good

Medical Guardian has been one of our top choices for years. They come with a great reputation for customer service, professional monitoring center staff and excellent product. Feedback from our readers has been very positive as well. We like their focus on service to seniors and family members. They get it. We really like their new mini-Guardian mobile device. It’s much smaller than the older bulky models, many medical alert companies currently have. More aesthetic and wearable. Will hopefully encourage increased usage. One thing we don’t like is their $50 restocking fee for all cancellations.

Bottom Line:

• • Like their new mobile mini device – much more aesthetic and wearable!
  • Fast average emergency response times (25 seconds)
  • Longest range in the industry for an in home system (1,300 feet)
  • Senior focused customer service
  • Don’t like that there’s no 30 day trial period
  • ***$50 restocking fee for all cancellations – not a fan
  • Fall Prevention Month Sale (expires September 22, 2023) – 1 month free, 75% off Mini Device, free lock box & free ground shipping on annual plans.

Visit Site  (800) 889-4116

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LifeFone Review: Very Good

We really like LifeFone. We spoke to the management team and they get it. They’re more than just an alert company, they try to make caregiving from a distance easier for family members. The company is one of the pioneers in the industry and they’ve been around since 1976. They’ve just come out with some new and exciting products. If you’re looking for more than just a medical alert system, LifeFone’s Caregiver Tools include services like making daily check-in calls to your loved one, medication reminders and GPS location services. Of course you have to pay a little extra for the service. Their contracts are fully cancellable and it also comes with a 30 day money back guarantee, so you can try before you buy. Best medical alert system for extra caregiver services, and a great company.

Bottom Line:

• Excellent broad range of product solutions
• New optional caregiver solutions with VIPX (location tracking, activity, first motion of the day, button presses and battery levels)
• New mobile voice-in system, VIP Active (lightweight, water resistant, optional fall detection, location detection)
• Price lock guarantee
• Free replacement of equipment and dead batteries
• Free cancellation
• 30 day money back guarantee
• (Offer expires September 30, 2023: Free month, free lock box, free shipping, free activation).

Visit Site (844) 263-7216

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MedicalAlert Review: Very Good

MedicalAlert is owned by Connect America, one of the largest medical alert companies in the country. They offer a full suite of products for in the home and out of home protection with GPS. They price all of their services exceptionally aggressively and offer excellent customer flexibility with free cancellation and a 30 day money back guarantee. We also like that they don’t have a lot of hidden costs. What you see is what you get. You can’t say that about everyone.

Bottom Line:

• • Excellent pricing, starting at $19.95/month for the in-home landline system
  • Free cancellation, with pro-rated refunds
  • 30 day money back guarantee
  • Large, well established company
  • Summer Special (ends September 30, 2023): Free shipping, free lockbox, protection plan for $1 per month

Visit Site (800) 783-5329

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 Lifeline Review: Good

Lifeline is one of the heavyweights in the industry. As one of, if not, the largest medical alert company in the world, Lifeline has a lot of partnerships with hospitals across the country. That said, they tend to be a little more expensive than most, at $29.95 per month plus activation fees of $50 on the landline system. Some of their in-home equipment is a little dated as well, offering a range of only 600 feet from the base station. Its new On The Go mobile system however, is really good. It has the emergency button, GPS, fall detection and two way voice communicator in one relatively small pendent that hangs around your neck.

Bottom Line:

• Excellent reputation
• The On The Go mobile device is a great all in-one system (2 way talk, GPS, fall detection)
• Overall a little pricier than most, up-front activation & installation costs

Visit Site (855) 410-3191

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Bay Alarm Medical Review: Good

We like Bay Alarm Medical, despite their recent price increase. We’ve talked with their senior management and we love their focus on customer service and making medical alert systems as affordable as possible without sacrificing quality or service. Their contracts are fully transparent, refundable in the first 30 days, and cancellable anytime thereafter, something many other medical alert companies have stopped doing. If you’re looking for a basic medical alert system, at a reasonable $24.95 per month, Bay Alarm tested very well.

The only thing we didn’t love is that Bay Alarm Medical seems to have a few gotcha’s like charging for shipping unless you subscribed for the more expensive plans.

Bottom Line:

• Excellent customer service 
• Broad range of product
• Free cancellation, 30 day money back guaranteed 
• Fall Prevention Awareness Week Sale ends September 18, 2023 (1 free month, 20% off mobile devices, plus free shipping on select plans)

Visit Site (855) 692-0104 

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Life Alert Review: Poor

While Life Alert made themselves famous with the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” commercials, we do not recommend them to our readers. Our review reveals that Life Alert fails on price, transparency and customer care. First their contracts are for 3 years. Want to return your system because you don’t wear it anymore, tough. There’s no opportunity to try before you buy. Second, they’re significantly more expensive at $49.95 per month with $96-$198 in up front fees (we got even more expensive quotes depending on who we were talking to). Lastly, over 200 complaints were lodged with the Better Business Bureau regarding Life Alert – unacceptable.

Bottom Line:

• Too pricey, relative to the competition. High up-front costs.
• 3 year contracts make it a non-starter for us
• Too many complaints with the Better Business Bureau
• Long battery life
• Dependable equipment

Visit Site (800) 360-0329

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LifeStation Review: Good

Did you know that LifeStation is actually one of the largest monitoring centers for the entire medical alert system industry? In fact, many of the top medical alert companies actually use LifeStation’s monitoring centers! LifeStation knows emergency response better than most, because they actually deliver it, while most outsource it to them. LifeStation offers a range of in-home and mobile solutions and they recently dropped their pricing to $32.95 a month, with fully cancellable contracts. They also offer a neat new GPS locating device for family members called “Find My Loved One”, which allows you to see where your loved one is anytime.

Bottom Line:

• Excellent emergency response center
• “Find My Loved One” is good GPS tracker on Mobile device
• No contract, free cancellation
• No deposit or hidden fees
• 30 day money back guarantee

Visit Site (855) 622-5040

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ADT Medical Alert Review: Average

Although ADT comes with a great reputation in the home security industry, we’re a little less enthusiastic about its medical alert system offering. To us, it seems like they’re in the industry because they want to cross sell to their existing home security customer base. Their equipment is dated, with their in home landline system only having a range of 300 feet. In addition, while many of the top providers have all in one mobile alert offerings, ADT requires you to carry 2 separate pieces of hardware for its mobile system, which is just not practical.

Bottom Line:

• Well-established brand
• At-home landline system equipment looks and feels dated
• Do not have an all-in-one mobile device – older technology, requires carrying 2 devices 

Visit Site (800) 588-1934

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ALOE CARE HEALTH: Good

Aloe Care Health is a new medical alert provider that we really, really like. Their in-home medical alert system is new, innovative, unique and one of the best available. We also love the caregiver app.

The base station, can be activated by touch or voice – a new feature which we love – especially for those who may forget to wear their help button. Another feature of the base station we really like is that it allows users to contact family members, caregivers or the monitoring station, allowing users to talk to them through the base station, with excellent sound quality – like a speaker phone.

Other unique features of the Aloe Care Health medical alert system, is that it comes with built-in motion, temperature and air quality sensors, a motion activated nightlight and a fantastic Caregiver app, that allows an unlimited number of caregivers and family members to use it. Caregivers can even make check-in calls directly from the app to the base station.

Bottom Line:

• • Risk free trial – 30 day money back guarantee
  • Free cancellation, means you’re not locked in long term
  • Voice and touch activated emergency help
  • Calls emergency monitoring center, family or caregivers
  • Excellent caregiver app, allows caregivers to call directly into base station
  • Built-in motion, temperature and air quality sensors
  • The total care package offers motion sensors and a wall mounted fall detector!
  • Have to pay $149.99 up front for the base station.

Visit Site  (844) 900-1604

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GreatCall Lively Review: Good

GreatCall only offers a mobile medical alert system. The biggest problem we have with GreatCall is the size of its medical alert device and the length of its battery charge. Readers have consistently said the device is too large and bulky, making it a nuisance to wear. While GreatCall advertises its battery should last for 24 hours, several readers have complained it only lasts for 8 hours, making midday charging a necessity. That said, GreatCall’s emergency response time was exceptional and it offers some cool extra’s like a nurse help line and a partnership with Lyft for taxi service.

Bottom Line:

• Greatcall offers excellent emergency response times
• Reasonable pricing for the mobile system ($24.99 per month), but up-front hardware cost of $49.99 for the Lively Mobile Plus.
• Don’t like the size of the Lively Mobile Plus, feels big & bulky, especially compared to the competition
• Biggest complaint is short battery life of 8 hours in some tests, requiring daily charging

Visit Site (866) 829-4527

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WHY MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS REMAIN CRITICAL 

• 50% of people over the age of 75 will fall in their homes 
• Falls are the leading cause of injury and death to older adults
• 90% of seniors who get help within 1 hour of their fall, will return home from the hospital
• Medical alert systems are more reliable, effective and simpler to use than cell phones in an emergency
• Medical alert systems cost less than a private caregiver or a senior residence

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

“When you experience a fall, medical issue or other emergency, every second counts. If you are alone, delayed medical care can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. A Personal Emergency Response System provides simple, fast access to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.” Mayo Clinic

“Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall or can’t get up.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

“What if you fell while your family member was out doing errands? What if you fell and were simply unable to shout for help? If you have an alert system, you’ll save precious time and get treatment sooner.” Harvard Medical School

“A medical alert system – or fall monitor – can provide increased independence for our loved one and peace of mind for us as family caregivers.” AARP

HOW DO MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS WORK?

PUSH THE HELP BUTTON
In the even of a fall or medical emergency, simply press the help button worn on your wrist or around your neck, and help is on its way. If you have fall detection, it will automatically send for help in the event of a fall.

SIGNAL RECEIVED
When the help button is pressed, the monitoring center will be contacted immediately. Your profile, medical history, medications and family contacts will be pulled up. The agent will assess your situation and either resolve the issue herself, send emergency responders or call those listed on the emergency contact list.

HELP IS ON THE WAY
Once emergency responders are on the way, a good medical alert company will then notify family members so they can respond accordingly to the situation.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM

FIND A COMPANY THAT PUTS THE CUSTOMER FIRST

• TRANSPARENT
  Some medical alert companies make significant promises, but rely on the small print to protect themselves. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for.

• TRIAL PERIOD
  Only select a company with a free trial period or money back guarantee. A company that allows you to try before you buy is confident in what they are selling.

• CANCELLABLE
  Don’t select a medical alert company that forces you to enter into a long term contract. A 3 year contract like Life Alert’s is unnecessarily inflexible – especially when most companies offer free cancellation or no contracts at all.

• REPUTABLE
  Some medical alert companies have used aggressive sales to exploit vulnerable seniors and trusting family members. Others are fly by night operations – here today, gone tomorrow. Go with the big brands and if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

PRIORITIZE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
One of the biggest reasons seniors stop wearing a medical alert system is because they fond it bulky, ugly or difficult to remember to wear. Get a system that is light, small and nice looking – many new mobile systems fit the bill!

PAY ATTENTION TO BATTERY LIFE
This is especially important for mobile medical alert systems. Get a mobile device that can last as long as possible without being recharged. Many, even with GPS, can now last up to 5 days on one charge!

LONG RANGE
For in-home only medical alert systems, you’ll want one that has a long range between the base station and the help button on your wrist. Ranges can vary between 400ft and 1,300 ft (the length of 4 football fields!!!). Go with the longer range device whenever you can. You’ll be able to work in the garden, get the mail, and take the trash out worry free.

SPEEDY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIME
It may seem intuitive that all monitoring centers answer as soon as the help button is pressed. Unfortunately, some monitoring centers can take over a minute to pick up their phones! We recommend only selecting companies that have an average response time of 25 seconds or better.

NUMBER OF EMERGENCY CONTACTS ALLOWED
One of the advantages medical alert systems have over 911, is that operators can dispatch ambulance services or contact family members depending on the situation. They can also notify all contacts on their list if emergency services were sent to your parents. Verify how many emergency contacts you’re allowed to list and that it suits your situation.

CONSIDER OPTIONAL FEATURES
You may want to choose a medical alert company that offers options like medication reminders, family caregiving tools, live GPS tracking, wellness checks or spouse monitoring, so the system has the flexibility to grow with your needs.

PROPER CERTIFICATIONS
All of our top ranked medical alert companies are either 5 Diamond certified by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) or certified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Meeting either of those standards provides assurance staff will be able to handle your emergency call properly.

COMPANY REPUTATION
There are a LOT of medical alert companies out there. Don’t put a loved one’s safety in the hands of an outfit that is just starting out, has a poor reputation or a bad track record.

INSIDER BUYER TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW

CALL TO GET THE BEST DEAL
We found the best deals are offered over the phone. Call, let them know you’ve done your research and ask them to throw something in for free!

PRICE LOCK GUARANTEE
Some companies guarantee they won’t raise their monthly subscription price once you’re on board. 

EQUIPMENT WARRANTY 
In most cases, you’ll be renting your medical alert device. Know what’s covered and what you’re liable for. Sometimes you can ask for them to throw the warranty in for free!

PAY UP-FRONT TO LOWER YOUR PRICE
Many companies offer monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual packages. Paying for a year up front reduces your price and some companies will even allow to cancel and return your unused fees back to you!

CHECK YOUR CELL RECEPTION
Find out which cellular provider your medical alert company uses if you’re getting a mobile device, and see if they provide good cell coverage in your area. See if you can return the system for a full refund if you don’t get good cell reception with their system.

WATCH OUT FOR THESE TRICKS

LONG TERM CONTRACTS
Even if a company says you can cancel if your mother passes away, do you really want to present a Death Certificate to cancel your contract? Why bother when plenty of other companies offer no contracts or free cancellation.

RE-STOCKING FEES
Some companies advertise free cancellation, but if you do it before 30, 60 or 90 days they charge you a re-stocking fee. Watch out!

HIDDEN FEES
Watch out. Some companies may offer a free month, but make it up by charging an activation, shipping or installation fee. Make sure you’re not charged for pressing the help button too often or for cellular fees.

EQUIPMENT FEES
Why pay for a medical alert device up-front, when you can rent it? If you’re not sure how long you’re going to use it, it may not make sense to buy. Renting also gives you the flexibility of cancelling at any time. 

WHO NEEDS A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM?

INDEPENDENT AND ACTIVE SENIORS
Like to bike, hike, run and walk? If you worry about being alone in an emergency medical situation one of the new mobile medical alert systems with automatic fall detection and activity monitoring might be just the solution for your peace of mind! 

SENIORS LIVING ALONE
If you or your parent lives alone, making sure they have some type of access to help in the event of a fall or medical emergency can give you and them peace of mind. Don’t wait for the first fall to happen.

SENIORS WITH ALZHEIMER’S OR DEMENTIA
If your loved one has dementia, and is starting to get disoriented, or unstable on their feet, you may want to consider a mobile medical alert system with GPS tracking and automatic fall detection.

SENIORS WITH HIGH RISK MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Medical alert systems aren’t only for falls. If you’re worried about a stroke, seizure or coronary and don’t trust a phone will be nearby, or you’ll have the ability to use it, a medical alert device may be the answer to calling for help.

WHICH MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM IS BEST FOR YOU?

DO YOU ONLY NEED PROTECTION IN YOUR HOME?
If you or your loved one, mostly stay at home or only leave home when accompanied by others, an in home medical alert device (traditional or cellular) is best for you. 

The advantage of an in-home device is that they are typically less expensive and don’t have to be re-charged.

The disadvantage of an in-home device is that the help button doesn’t have two way speaker. As a result, you have to speak through the base station, which is typically in the center of your home and may be difficult to speak through depending on the location of your bathroom or bedroom.

DO YOU NEED PROTECTION OUTSIDE YOUR HOME?
If you’re active outside your home, and do things on your own, you may want to consider a mobile medical alert system with GPS.

Mobile medical alert systems are now the most popular medical alert devices sold. The advantage is they protect you no matter where you are. They also allow you to speak directly into your help button on your wrist or around your neck, make it easy to talk to emergency personnel more clearly.

The disadvantages of a mobile medical alert systems are they require recharging and can be a little more expensive. But batteries now last up to 5 days without needing to be charged and prices are coming down quickly – almost in line with in-home systems.

DO YOU HAVE A LANDLINE?
If you or your parent has cut the chord, no issues. Just get a mobile medical alert system and it can work anywhere using a cellular signal ( you don’t pay extra for the cell line).

DO YOU NEED FALL DETECTION?
If you’re worried about falling and not being able to press the alert button due to loss of consciousness, injury, stroke, tremors or panic you should consider getting automatic fall detection. 

Automatic fall detection is one of the best additions to medical alert systems in recent years in our opinion. Some claim to detect up to 95% of falls, removing a lot of anxiety of what will happen if you can’t press your emergency button.

The biggest complaint regarding fall detection our readers have shared with us is that sometimes there are too many false alarms. You have to judge if the inconvenience of some false alarms is worth the extra protection. That said, if you’ve had a fall within the last year, we highly recommend it.

DO I REALLY NEED A MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM?

IT’S EMBARRASSING
Medical alert systems have come a long way. They’re smaller, sleeker, lighter and more stylish than ever. With so many smart watches on the market, they look like much of the wearable technology people now wear.

IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE
What’s the cost of not getting a medical alert system? If you fall, and delay getting help within the first hour, research has shown it dramatically increases the chance of death and hospitalization – which alone can cost a small fortune.

Also many users get a medical alert system to avoid having to call 911, which sometimes lead to unwanted ambulance visits and trips to the hospital, which can also cost a small fortune. Calls to the monitoring center allow agents to call family, friends or neighbors, if the situation warrants, avoiding unnecessary cost.

Lastly, for about $1 a day, you may get the security you need to feel confident enough to continue living on your own, avoiding the far costlier alternative of moving into a senior living residence.

I’VE NEVER FALLEN
1 in 4 seniors over the age of 65 fall each year and that rate increases with age. The fact that you haven’t fallen, doesn’t mean that you won’t. Why take the chance of making a fall worse than it has to be by delaying prompt help? According to the CDC if you have any of the following conditions, you’re at greater risk of falling:

• Weakness in the legs
• Difficulties with walking and balance
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Use of medications like sedatives, tranquilizers or anti-depressants
• Vision impairment
• Foot discomfort
• Home unfit for aging (steep stairs, no handrails, tub with a high lip, area rugs with curled edges, etc…)

I HAVE A CELL PHONE
Cell phones are great, but do you bring it in the shower with you? Do you walk around your apartment with it at ALL times? Can it detect a fall? Can you use it if you don’t have your glasses on?

I’M ACTIVE AND HEALTHY 
Medical alert systems can even be helpful to the most active among us. Whether you like to go on walks, hikes, or biking on your own, new mobile medical alert systems with automatic fall detection and a GPS locator device can actually give you more confidence to be more active – especially if you’re doing these activities alone.

FAQ’S

Are medical alert systems covered by Medicare?
In the vast majority of cases Medicare Part A or B will not cover the cost of a medical alert system. If you have a private health insurance plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, your policy may or may not cover medical alert systems. You’ll have to check with your insurance company.

What is the best medical alert system to buy?
There is no “one” answer. It really depends on your needs. Are you looking for an in-home system, a mobile system, fall detection, GPS tracking, etc… In general, if a company is highly rated in our chart above, you should be ok with the product and the provider.

How much does a medical alert system cost?
Medical alerts range from about $20-$30 a month for an in-home system to $25 to $40 a month for mobile medical alert systems. Many, but not all, medical alert companies also charge a one time fee for mobile devices in the range of $35 to $120. Fall detection is typically an extra $10 a month.

How do medical alert systems work?
While technologies vary, the basic element is as follows: In the event of a medical emergency, the monitoring center is contacted. They assess the situation, and either send emergency responders to your exact location (ambulance, police or fire), call emergency contacts (family, friends or neighbors) or resolve the situation themselves.

Are there any free medical alert systems?
Nothing is free. There are medical alert companies that only charge a monthly monitoring fee, and do not charge an up-front equipment fee. There are some insurance plans that may cover the cost of a medical alert system, but not many (you’ll have to check your policy). Some smaller municipalities may offer medical alert systems to residents, but it’s rare.

Does the AARP offer any medical alert systems?

AARP strongly recommends seniors use medical alert systems, saying it offers increased “independence” for seniors and “peace of mind” for family members. Many medical alert companies offer discounts to AARP members, but none seem to be any better than what a consumer can get without an AARP membership by going direct.

Do I need a medical alert system if I have a mobile phone?
Medical alert systems have the advantage of being worn on your wrist or around your neck at all times – in the shower, going to the bathroom, heading to the fridge. Moreover, they have automatic fall detection, which most phones do not.

The other advantage of medical alert systems is that when pressed they contact the monitoring center. Not every emergency requires the assistance of 911. If 911 is called, they are forced to respond, often times resulting in unwanted expenses and hospital stays.

Do I need a medical alert system if I have Amazon Alexa or Google Home

Amazon Alexa can help you call for help if you’re nearby and are able to speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard. However, if a loved one falls in the shower, is unconscious, too far from the speaker or too confused to use the right instructions, Alexa may not help. 

Moreover, the other advantage of a medical alert system is that the call will be answered by the monitoring center. They will be able to determine whether the emergency can be handled by an ambulance, family member or themselves. This helps avoid unnecessary 911 calls resulting in unwanted expenses and hospital visits. 

How much does it cost for a life alert?
Life Alert was one of the first medical alert systems that sold directly to consumers. Most n-home medical alert systems range from $20 to $30 a month, and mobile systems range from $25-$40 a month. However, the Life Alert brand tends to be more expensive, starting at $49.95 a month and charging upwards of $95 to $200 in fees.