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Compare GreatCall vs. Medical Guardian Medical Alerts

What’s the difference between GreatCall Medical Alert and Medical Guardian Medical Alerts? See how our editors compare the two companies below.
Last Updated: April 06, 2024
GreatCall Medical Alert
4.4 / 5 - Excellent
no_rank
Medical Guardian
4.9 / 5 - Excellent
#1 in Medical Alerts
vs

Key Facts

 

  • Touch screen, flip-phone, stationary, and wearable devices available
  • Free shipping, no contract, and no cancellation fees
  • Powered by the nation's most reliable cellular network
  • Large, easy-to-read icons and text
  • US-based customer service and tech support
  • Hearing aid-compatible
  • A+ rated by the BBB

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  • Selection of At-Home & On-The-Go Devices
  • 24/7 U.S. Monitoring Support
  • Water-Resistant, Shower Safe
  • Customer Portal for Activity Tracking & Connecting with Loved Ones
  • Free Month with Annual Plans

OVERALL RATINGS

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Monitoring4.5/55.0/5
Equipment4.0/54.8/5
Contract and Price4.5/54.8/5
Reputation and Certifications4.6/55.0/5

Equipment Comparison

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
System Types
Mobile/GPS
Home Landline
Home Cellular
Mobile/GPS
Help Button Option
Necklace
Wristband
Necklace
Wristband
Bracelet

Key Features

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Wearable 2-Way Communication
Waterproof Help Button
Automatic Fall Detection
Supports Multiple Help Buttons
Fall Detection
Optional Fall Detection
Water-Resistant Help Button

Additional Info

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Equipment Warranty
Product Replacement guarantee. GreatCall replaces devices when stolen, lost or broken.
Lifetime Warranty

Monitoring Differences

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Monitoring Options
Professionally Monitored
Professionally Monitored
Services
24/7 Monitoring
Emergency Dispatch
Non-Emergency Dispatch
24/7 Monitoring
Emergency Dispatch
Non-Emergency Dispatch
Multilingual Staff

Contract & Price Comparison

Starting Prices per Month

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Mobile/GPS
$19.99
$39.95
Free Monitoring for Additional Person

Contract & Fees

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Contract Required?
No
No
Equipment Fees
GreatCall's lowest-price model, is available for $37.49. Its Lively wearable device, which must be used in conjunction with a smartphone, costs $49.99. The Jitterbug Smart2, which features voice-to-text typing and performs a number of functions that smartphones do costs $74.99. The company's upper-end model, the Lively Flip, is available for $99.99 and is compatible with Alexa.
Varies by product.
Cancellation Policy
No cancellation fees. Activation fee, first month service charge, cost of device, applicable taxes are refunded within 30 days of date of purchase should customers choose to return the product.
Medical Guardian will refund any prorated amount due based on the date the equipment was received, minus a $50 restocking fee as outlined in the Terms of Service.

Reputation & Professional Certifications

GreatCall
vs
Medical Guardian
  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
  • The Monitoring Association (TMA/CSAA)
  • Factory Mutual (FM)
  • Department of Defense

Additional Ratings

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
TrustPilot Rating
2.8 out of 5
11.0 out of 5
BBB Rating
A+
A+
BBB Positive Reviews
3
BBB Neutral Reviews
1
0
BBB Negative Reviews
71
Date Collected
2020-09-30
2023-06-27

Disclaimers

Disclaimers


Contact & Additional Information

 GreatCallMedical Guardian
Homepage URL
Headquarters Address
10935 Vista Sorrento Pkwy #200, San Diego, CA, 92130
1818 Market Street Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Mailing Address
10935 Vista Sorrento Pkwy #200, San Diego, CA, 92130
1818 Market Street Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Year Founded
2005
2005

Final Verdict

Medical Guardian Medical Alerts has a higher overall rating than GreatCall Medical Alert. Medical Guardian scores better than GreatCall across: Monitoring, Coverage, Maintenance & Repairs, Equipment, Contract and Price, and Reputation and Certifications. Both companies score similarly on Service Agreements.


Customer Comments & Reviews

D
donita.retz
12/28/2022
Medical Guardian Medical Alerts review
My 81 year old mom wore the Medical Guardian pedant with fall detection in which she fell 3 separate times and it never prompted an attendant to ask through permanent if she needed help. The last fall was Dec. 24th, 2022 and she passed away and the device never activated. I called customer service to cancel service and also let them know that maybe device is faulty. They told me that they would reset device after I sent back for someone else to use. I told them they were seeing themselves up for a lawsuit if they didn't make sure that device is faulty before letting someone else uses it. It's really scary to know how much you pay for that device per year and it's a roll of the dice that you may get a device that may be faulty. LEASER BEWARE.


shermanchocolate
6/17/2021
Medical Guardian Medical Alerts review
Thanks so much for looking at my mom Barbara Rose in Rialto! I am just glad that you are there for her because we worry about her falling at her age. I tell everyone that your service is a must have for seniors who want some alone time without being alone.


L
Liz
11/20/2019
GreatCall Medical Alert review
Not limited to the house or yard, I think it's available to help anywhere that GPS will work. I made the mistake of reserving a motel room online, with no phone number given nor an address for my GPS. I wound up lost at night.... pushed the button, got Great Call and directions! Have had it for several years. Love it!


Mary W
11/17/2019
GreatCall Medical Alert review
I u havei have had great call for two or three years snd have been very satisfied with the Service.


Jean H
5/5/2016
GreatCall Medical Alert review
I've had a 'Great Call' device for going on years now. I must be a frequent caller - seems like I fall - getting off the toilet or getting in my wheelchair - at least once a month. Besides getting stuck in the mud while wheeling around my yard or walking my dog. When I call 911 myself (one of Great Call's options), there is always an argument on whether I live in the city or county. I'm in tears before they finally agree I'm in the city. When I use my Great Call people - THEY get it straight - and the 911 people show up where I am.! Since I do walk my dogs, I *must* have a device that works everywhere. (Sometimes I drive to a park before unloading the wheelchair and the dog.) I've been extremely pleased with Great Call's service.


R
Randi G
2/29/2016
Medical Guardian Medical Alerts review
I called for some information for my mom. I was not intending to sign up. Robin was so good at informing me about all the services. I ended up paying for a full year and insurance by the time we hung up. He took his time and never rushed me. He answered all my questions no matter how many times I asked the same question. He is excellent at his job. I never looked anywhere else.


R
Robert M
10/18/2015
GreatCall Medical Alert review
Got great call on advice of sister booker and cousin RN . Luv it.


J
JAMES b
3/13/2015
Medical Guardian Medical Alerts review
they don't want a review tried to sent two bad one hit sumit button it did not send either one.don;t do bus.with them