If you’ve been in a Best Buy recently, you might have seen Lively products on the shelf. They used to be called GreatCall — the same company that made the Jitterbug phones your parents might remember. Now they’re part of Best Buy Health, and their Lively Mobile2 medical alert is one of the more affordable mobile options out there.
What we like about Lively is how simple the setup is. One device, two plan choices, no contract. David had the Mobile2 out of the box and making test calls in under 20 minutes, and the 14-second average response time was among the fastest we’ve seen from any company. The Lively Link caregiver app is also genuinely useful — it actually sent push notifications reliably during our testing, which is more than we can say for some competitors.
Here’s the full breakdown of what Lively costs and what you get, plus where it falls short compared to dedicated medical alert companies.
Prices and availability should be verified on the provider’s website.
Editor’s Rating: 4.1 / 5
Lively Medical Alert Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Equipment (one-time) | $79.99 |
| Activation fee (online) | $25 |
| Activation fee (phone) | $35 |
| Basic monthly monitoring | $24.99 |
| Premium monthly monitoring | $34.99 |
| Fall detection add-on | +$9.99/month |
No long-term contracts. Cancel anytime and keep the device (no return required after 30 days).
The Lively Mobile2 System
Lively currently offers one medical alert system: the Lively Mobile2. It replaces the older Mobile Plus model and functions as an all-in-one pendant with a built-in help button, two-way speakerphone, GPS, and fall detection (when enabled).
The device connects via Verizon’s 4G LTE network, so it works at home and outside the home without a landline or additional cellular plan. The Mobile2 is rated IPX7 for water resistance — submersible up to one meter for 30 minutes — making it safe for shower use.
Key specs:
- Battery standby: up to 80 hours
- Water resistance: IPX7
- Network: Verizon 4G LTE
- GPS: Built-in
- Fall detection: Built-in (add-on, $9.99/month)
Lively Plans
Two monitoring plans are available for the Lively Mobile2. Both include 24/7 Urgent Response calling, the Lively Link caregiver app, and Ask Lively support.
| Feature | Basic ($24.99/mo) | Premium ($34.99/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent Response | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link App | Yes | Yes |
| Ask Lively support | Yes | Yes |
| Nurse on Call | No | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | Yes |
| Fall detection | +$9.99/month | +$9.99/month |
Nurse on Call (Premium) provides 24/7 access to registered nurses for medical questions and advice — a feature uncommon among medical alert brands.
Care Advocate (Premium) connects users and caregivers to a senior care specialist who can assist with care planning, resources, and eldercare guidance.
Lively Link Caregiver App
Every Lively subscription includes access to the Lively Link app (iOS and Android) for caregivers. The app provides:
- Real-time GPS location tracking of the device
- Push notifications when the emergency button is pressed or fall detection activates
- Device battery status updates
- Caregiver support resources
This is one of the most capable caregiver apps available from any medical alert company at this price point.
Response Performance
In our testing, the Lively Urgent Response center answered calls in an average of 14 seconds — placing it among the faster services we’ve tested. Agents were professional and handled both emergency and non-emergency calls effectively. Outdoor GPS testing showed accurate location reporting in all test calls.
Purchasing and Returns
The Lively Mobile2 can be ordered online or by phone. Online activation costs $25; phone activation costs $35. The device ships preconfigured and ready to activate.
A 30-day return policy allows full refunds on the equipment ($79.99) and activation fee if you return the device within 30 days of purchase. After 30 days, the device is yours — you can cancel service but cannot return the hardware for a refund.
Lively provides a one-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. An optional extended warranty (covering accidental damage, theft, and loss) is available for $4/month.
Lively vs. Competitors
| Feature | Lively Mobile2 | Bay Alarm Medical | Life Alert | Medical Guardian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly (basic) | $24.99 | $24.95 (home landline) | $49.95 | $31.95 |
| Equipment fee | $79.99 | $0 (home), $149 (mobile) | None | $149.95 |
| Activation fee | $25–$35 | $0 | $95–$198 | $0 |
| Response time | ~14 seconds | ~16 seconds | ~120 seconds | ~8 seconds |
| Fall detection | +$9.99/month | +$10/month | Not available | +$10/month |
| Contract | Month-to-month | Month-to-month | 3-year minimum | Month-to-month |
| Caregiver app | Free | Free | None | Free |
Is Lively Worth It?
For active older adults who want a single mobile device at a reasonable price, Lively delivers solid value. The 14-second response time is genuinely fast, the Lively Link app is among the better caregiver tools we’ve tested, and the no-contract structure removes commitment risk.
The main tradeoff: Lively doesn’t offer a dedicated in-home system. Users who spend most of their time at home and want a traditional base unit + pendant setup would be better served by Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Home or MobileHelp’s Classic Cellular.
Lively is a strong fit for: Active seniors who want mobile protection, a caregiver app, and no long-term contract at a price well below Life Alert.