While Medicalert and Alert-1 might have the similar purpose and cater to the same audience, they are completely different both in looks, functionality, and pricing. Which one to choose is up to the user’s preferences and requirements, however this detailed comparison aims to help you make the choice easier and straightforward.

MedicAlert

Alert-1

Rating: 4.7
Dive into our detailed review of Alert-1 medical alert systems. Learn about their features, pricing, and benefits to find the best solution for senior safety.

Alert-1 provides top-notch medical alert systems designed to ensure the safety and independence of seniors.

  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Comprehensive Coverage
  • User-Friendly
  • High Reliability
  • Certified Call Centre
  • Risk-free trial
Why We Choose It?

We chose Alert-1 for its reliable emergency response, user-friendly devices, and customizable plans that cater to various needs and budgets.

General Information

2/2 brands
MedicAlert
4.8
Alert-1
4.7
Overall Rating
4.8/5
4.7/5
Startup Costs
No startup costs for basic services; engraving and premium services may have additional fees
No equipment fees, with monthly plans starting at $19.95​​.
User Reviews
Highly positive, with many praising reliability and ease of use
Well-reviewed with 1,499 total reviews for various products
Most Popular Products
Engraved Bracelets, Watches, Necklaces
In-Home Medical Alert, On-the-Go Medical Alert with GPS, In-Home + On-the-Go Bundle with Fall Detection​​​​​​​​​​​​.
Reliability
Exceptionally reliable; trusted for over 65 years
High, with 24/7 US-based emergency monitoring, fall detection technology, and unlimited button pushes
Ease of Setup
Simple setup with pre-configured wearables
Easy setup with straightforward installation and use instructions included with each system
Ease of Use
Designed for simplicity, especially for seniors
User-friendly interfaces, intuitive functionality, and multiple wearable options​​​​​​​​​​.
Best for
Seniors, individuals with chronic conditions, people with allergies, or those requiring emergency care accessibility
Seniors seeking reliable, easy-to-use medical alert systems for both in-home and mobile protection

Medicalert provides personalized, engraved medical IDs that offer emergency responders quick access to vital medical details, making it ideal for users with chronic conditions or allergies. Alert-1, however, offers more advanced systems with GPS and fall detection, making it an excellent choice for seniors who need both in-home and mobile protection. Both companies have high user satisfaction rates, reflecting their reliability and effectiveness.

Technical Characteristics

2/2 brands
MedicAlert
4.8
Alert-1
4.7
Battery Life
Not applicable (non-electronic wearables)
In-Home Devices: 24-hour backup battery​; Wearable Devices: Varies, typically lasts several days to a week on a single charg
Connectivity Type
None; relies on physical engraved information rather than electronic connectivity
Landline or wireless for in-home devices, Cellular networks (Verizon or AT&T) for on-the-go devices​
Size and Weight
Lightweight; customizable sizes for bracelets, necklaces, and watches
Compact and lightweight
In-home Systems Range
Not applicable
600 feet around the base unit
Wearable Device Range
Unlimited; wearables can be used anywhere, as long as medical IDs are visible
Nationwide coverage with cellular connectivity; range limited by cellular network coverage
Customization and Alert Options
Engraved with personalized medical details and updatable online
Customizable Circle of Care for emergency contact options​; Optional fall detection, GPS tracking, and two-way communication
Fall Detection
Not available
Available for both in-home and on-the-go devices
Water Resistant
Yes; all wearables are waterproof and can be worn in showers or while swimming
All wearable devices are showerproof and water-resistant

<p>Medicalert offers non-electronic wearables, so users don’t have to worry about charging or maintenance, making it a convenient choice. In contrast, Alert-1 provides more advanced electronic devices with fall detection and GPS tracking, giving seniors the peace of mind of real-time monitoring and protection both indoors and outdoors. Both brands offer waterproof devices, ensuring usability even in showers or wet environments.</p>

Monitoring and Response

2/2 brands
MedicAlert
4.8
Alert-1
4.7
24/7 Monitoring Service
Yes, through Medicalert’s emergency response team
4/7/365 US-based emergency monitoring
Monitoring Center Certification
Certified monitoring centers with trained emergency response agents
TMA Diamond Certified operators​
Two-Way Voice Communication
Not applicable (no electronic communication in devices)
Available
GPS Tracking
Not available
Available in on-the-go devices
Activity Monitoring
Not available
No
Mobile App Integration
Yes, for updating medical profiles and managing emergency contacts
No
Monitoring & Response Time
Immediate response, as emergency personnel can instantly access engraved details
Immediate connection to Command Center upon button press or fall detection

While Medicalert is focused on providing emergency responders with critical medical details through engraved IDs, Alert-1 enhances user safety with two-way communication, GPS tracking, and fall detection. This makes Alert-1 better for users who need direct, real-time contact with emergency services, while Medicalert remains a great solution for those who prefer simplicity and ease of use.

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Additional Features

2/2 brands
MedicAlert
4.8
Alert-1
4.7
Lockboxes
Not available
No
Multi-User Support
Not available
Available for in-home systems; requires the purchase of additional wristbands or necklaces​
Medication Reminders
Not available
Included
Voice Activation
Not available
Available
Multilingual Support
Yes; medical IDs can be engraved in multiple languages to accommodate non-English-speaking users
No

Medicalert focuses on non-electronic features, like Medicalert necklace and Medicalert bracelet, allowing users to update their medical profiles online or via a mobile app, which is ideal for those who want a straightforward and low-maintenance system. Alert-1 provides more advanced features like activity monitoring, medication reminders, and a caregiver mobile app, making it a good fit for users who need a comprehensive health tracking system.

Customer Service and Support

2/2 brands
MedicAlert
4.8
Alert-1
4.7
Customer Service Score
4.8/5
4.7/5
Devices Maintenance
No maintenance required for engraved IDs
Available
Returns and Refunds
30-day satisfaction guarantee
Flexible return policy with the ability to cancel at any time
Warranty
Available for most products
Includes device replacement for defects or issues encountered during normal use​

Both Medicalert and Alert-1 medical alert are praised for their excellent customer service. Medicalert’s low-maintenance wearables make it easy for users to rely on the system without needing regular technical support. Alert-1 provides more comprehensive customer support, including device checks and maintenance, making it ideal for users who prefer hands-on assistance with their devices. Both offer 30-day risk-free trials, allowing users to try the systems before fully committing.

Costs and Benefits

2/2 brands
MedicAlert
4.8
Alert-1
4.7
Subscription Plans
Annual and lifetime subscription plans available
Monthly, quarterly, and annual
Initial Setup Fee
No initial setup fees, engraving fees may apply for customized IDs
No initial setup fees
Monthly Fee
From $9.99/month for monitoring and profile updates
ees range from $19.95 to $39.95 per month depending on the plan and features selected
Extra Services Fees
Optional engraving updates or premium services may incur additional costs
Additional services like fall detection and GPS tracking are available for an extra $10 per month​​​​​​​​.
Discounts and Offers
Discounts available for seniors, veterans, and AARP members
Discounts for annual payments, free shipping, and occasional promotional offers
Trial Period
30-day risk-free trial
30-day trial period

Medicalert offers affordable pricing starting at just $9.99/month, making it a cost-effective solution for users looking for simple, non-electronic protection. Alert-1 offers a more feature-rich service with GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way communication, which explains the slightly higher costs. Both brands provide discounts and a 30-day trial period, giving users flexibility to test the system before commiting.

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Final Thoughts

Both Medicalert and Alert-1 provide peace of mind with their respective approaches to medical alert systems. Medicalert is ideal for those seeking non-electronic, low-maintenance solutions with 24/7 monitoring and essential medical information accessible through engraved IDs. It’s best for those looking for simplicity and reliability in emergency situations​.

Alert-1, on the other hand, offers more technologically advanced solutions with features like GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way communication. It’s a comprehensive system for individuals needing constant monitoring both at home and on the go​.

Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you need a simple, reliable, non-electronic option (Medicalert) or a full-featured system with advanced emergency technologies (Alert-1).

FAQ

How much does Alert-1 cost per month?

Monthly fees start at $19.95 for basic plans and go up to $39.95 for advanced plans

Does Alert-1 offer fall detection?

Yes, fall detection is an option on most devices.

Is there a trial period for Alert-1 services?

Yes, Alert-1 offers a 30-day risk-free trial.

Can I install Alert-1 systems myself?

Yes, most systems are designed for easy self-installation with clear instructions.

Does Medicalert require a subscription?

Yes, Medicalert offers annual and lifetime subscription plans starting at $9.99 per month. The subscription includes 24/7 monitoring and the ability to update your medical profile in real-time.

How does Medicalert compare to other medical alert systems?

Medicalert focuses on simplicity with personalized engraved IDs, making it different from tech-driven systems that offer fall detection or GPS tracking. It’s a great option for those who prefer low-maintenance solutions.

Can I update the information on my Medicalert ID?

You can update your medical profile anytime through the online portal or mobile app. It is important to remember that changes to the physical engraving would require a new ID.

Is Medicalert waterproof?

Yes, Medicalert wearables such as bracelets, necklaces, and watches are water-resistant and can be worn in the shower or while swimming.

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