If the upfront equipment cost is the thing holding you back from getting a medical alert, MobileHelp is worth a look. They’re the only major company that charges zero equipment fees across their entire lineup — everything is leased, so you pay the monthly rate and that’s it. No $149 device purchase, no activation fee.
David set up the MobileHelp Classic Cellular for his aunt, and she genuinely appreciated not having to pay anything beyond the first month’s $24.95. The system worked reliably, the 1,400-foot pendant range covered her entire house and backyard, and the 30-day trial meant she could return it if she changed her mind.
The honest tradeoff: MobileHelp’s response times (26 seconds in our testing) are slower than Bay Alarm Medical or Medical Guardian, and their caregiver app needs work. But for straightforward, affordable protection with zero upfront cost, they’re hard to beat. Here’s the full rundown.
Note: MobileHelp’s corporate ownership has changed in recent years through private equity acquisitions. Service and pricing may have been affected. Prices and availability should be verified on the provider’s website.
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 / 5
MobileHelp Costs at a Glance
| Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| In-home system (cellular) | $24.95 |
| In-home system (landline) | $24.95 |
| Mobile system | $34.95 |
| Fall detection | $5.50–$11 |
| Extra user monitoring | $2.99 |
| OnGuard text alerts | $2.99 |
| Protection plan | $6.99 |
No equipment fee or activation fee required on any plan.
Systems Overview
MobileHelp offers four main systems: two for at-home protection and two for mobile use. All systems are leased, not purchased.
Classic Cellular
Starting at $24.95/month, the Classic Cellular is the primary in-home system. It uses AT&T’s cellular network — no landline required. The system includes a base unit with a 1,400-foot pendant range and a waterproof help button. Fall detection can be added for $11/month via a separate pendant.
Classic Landline
The landline version operates identically to the Classic Cellular but requires an existing landline connection. Coverage range is 600 feet. It also starts at $24.95/month and includes a free lockbox.
MobileHelp Solo
The Solo is MobileHelp’s entry-level mobile system at $34.95/month. It includes GPS tracking and works both at home and on the go. The waterproof pendant can be worn in the shower. Fall detection can be added for $5.50/month.
MobileHelp Micro
Also $34.95/month, the Micro is a lightweight mobile device weighing 52 grams. It connects via AT&T’s 4G network and features multi-mode GPS location tracking. The Micro has fall detection built in (unlike the Solo, which requires a separate pendant).
Duo Bundles
The Home Duo Bundle ($44.95/month) combines the Classic Cellular home system with the Solo mobile device. The Mobile Duo ($49.95/month) provides two mobile systems, useful for couples or roommates.
Pricing by Contract Length
| System | Monthly | Quarterly | Annually |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Cellular | $24.95 | $74.85 | $274.85 |
| Classic Landline | $24.95 | $74.85 | $274.85 |
| Solo | $34.95 | $104.85 | $384.45 |
| Micro | $34.95 | $104.85 | $384.45 |
| Home Duo Bundle | $44.95 | $134.85 | $494.45 |
| Mobile Duo Bundle | $49.95 | $149.85 | $549.45 |
Add-Ons
| Add-On | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Fall detection pendant | $5.50–$11 |
| Wall-mounted button | $2.99 |
| OnGuard text alerts | $2.99 |
| Extra user monitoring | $2.99 |
| Protection plan | $6.99 |
| Lockbox | Free with all plans |
OnGuard Alerts ($2.99/month) sends automatic text messages to designated family members when the emergency button is pressed. This partially compensates for MobileHelp’s limited caregiver app functionality.
Purchasing and Refund Policy
MobileHelp systems can be ordered online or by phone. No equipment purchase is required — all hardware is leased as part of your subscription. A 30-day risk-free trial allows full refunds if returned within the window. After 30 days, prorated refunds are available.
The Protection Plan ($6.99/month) covers equipment replacement if your device is lost, damaged, or malfunctions.
Caregiver App
The MobileHelp Connect app (iOS, Android, web) allows caregivers to view device location and account information. In testing, however, the app was noticeably glitchy and less reliable than the caregiver apps offered by Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical. For families who rely heavily on caregiver connectivity, this is a real limitation.
Monitoring Quality
MobileHelp uses Rapid Response as its monitoring partner — a well-regarded U.S.-based monitoring service with locations in New York and California. Rapid Response is UL Listed and Security Industry Association certified. Agents support over 240 languages through the LanguageLine service. In testing, MobileHelp’s average response time was approximately 26 seconds.
Is MobileHelp Worth It?
MobileHelp is a good fit for budget-conscious seniors who prefer not to purchase equipment upfront. The lack of equipment fees, combined with in-home pricing that starts at $24.95/month, makes it one of the more affordable options on the market.
The limitations are the slower response time (26 seconds vs. 8 seconds for Medical Guardian and 16 seconds for Bay Alarm Medical) and the subpar caregiver app. For users who need strong caregiver connectivity, those are meaningful gaps. For users who primarily need reliable home monitoring at an accessible price, MobileHelp delivers.