Founded in 1874, ADT has been an established name in home security for over 150 years. (1) In addition to its long history of security services and products, ADT has also offered medical alert systems for over 20 years. A medical alert system is an at-home or mobile device that connects to a 24/7 monitoring center with the push of a button.
The best medical alert systems, including ADT, offer fall detection. Fall detection devices automatically contact the monitoring center when their sensors detect a fall, allowing users to call for help even if they are unconscious or unable to press a button. Contacting help immediately after a fall is essential and potentially life-saving. Remaining on the floor for more than an hour after a fall is related to hospital admission, future long-term care, and subsequent serious injuries. (2)
If you’re looking for a medical alert system with fall detection from an established brand, we recommend ADT Medical Alert Plus. Learn how our favorite ADT medical alert system compares to other ADT devices and popular competitors.
Our favorite ADT medical alert system
After testing and reviewing ADT medical alert systems, the Medical Alert Plus is our top pick. The simple at-home system is easy to set up and test, the base unit has a loud two-way speaker, and the fall detection necklace detected all fast, hard falls during testing. All ADT medical alert systems have free two-day shipping, a free protection plan, and no equipment or activation fees. You can also cancel your subscription at any time.
Our picks for the best ADT medical alert systems
Compare ADT medical alert systems
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| ADT Medical Alert Plus | ADT Medical Alert Basic | ADT On-The-Go | |
| Rating | |||
| Monthly cost | $39.99 | $31.99 | $41.99 |
| Fall detection | Yes, $11/month | N/A | Yes, $11/month |
| Caregiver notification | Call | Call | Call |
| Battery life | 24 hours (backup) | 20 hours (backup) | 40 hours |
| In-home range | 600 feet | 300 feet | Unlimited |
ADT Medical Alert Plus
Key product features
What you should know
ADT Medical Alert Plus is a basic, easy-to-use medical alert system. It doesn’t have a caregiver app or extra features, but some may see this as a benefit.
- ADT offers some of the best policies in the industry, including free two-day shipping, a lifetime warranty, and $0 equipment and activation fees.
- ADT Medical Alert Plus costs $51 per month with fall detection. Some shoppers may consider this a high price for a basic at-home system without many features.
- We recommend the Medical Alert Plus for those who want a simple at-home medical alert system without extra bells and whistles.
- Unfortunately, the 600-foot range is one of the shortest in the industry. Most at-home systems with a cellular connection offer a 1,000–1,400-foot range.
- You can add extra help button pendants, wall buttons, and a lockbox to your order for an additional cost.
Specs
| Monthly cost | $39.99 |
| Trial period | N/A |
| Fall detection | $11 per month |
| Average response time | 60 seconds |
| Connectivity | AT&T cellular |
| App | N/A |
| Available accessories | Wall buttons, lockbox, extra pendants |
| Location tracking | N/A |
ADT Medical Alert Plus overview
ADT Medical Alert Plus is an at-home system that connects to the monitoring center via AT&T cellular service. With only a 600-foot range between the base unit and the wearable help button, Medical Alert Plus has one of the shortest ranges in the industry. Most at-home systems have ranges between 1,000–1,400 feet—nearly the length of three football fields. (5) Still, the 600-foot range should accommodate smaller homes and apartments, but the help button may not connect to the base unit when used in a large front or backyard.
Setting up the system
Our testers thought the base unit was intuitive and easy to navigate. It has a large red button labeled “Emergency” to call the monitoring center, a blue “Reset” button, icons indicating signal strength and battery life, volume control, and a “Test” button. Our system included a quick setup guide, Medical Alert Plus user guide, and fall detection pendant user guide.
After turning on the base unit, our testers conducted a test call to the monitoring center by pressing the test button. We like that the base unit verbally guides users through testing the device. The “Test” button blinks green every 30 days as a reminder to test your system. We like this helpful visual cue.
“The test button isn’t a physical button; it’s actually a touchscreen. You have to press this ‘button’ for six seconds to initiate a test call.”
Team product tester
Fall detection performance
Fall detection is an optional add-on for $11 per month. You’ll receive a fall detection necklace if you add fall detection to your Medical Alert Plus. The necklace is lightweight and comfortable, but our testers thought it looked outdated compared to some sleeker medical alert necklaces available today.
The necklace detected more than 60% of our test falls, which is about an average performance. It detected only one slow fall but detected all hard, fast falls. We simulate a more gradual “slow” fall by sitting in a chair, dropping to our knees, and falling to the ground. Fast falls have a quicker, harder impact, so we test these falls by dropping the device from shoulder height.
When the necklace detects a fall, it beeps and flashes a red light for 20 seconds. The base unit announces, “Fall detected, press and hold button to cancel.” If it’s a false alarm, you have 20 seconds to cancel the call. After this 20-second window, the base unit announces, “Fall detected, contacting emergency response center. Please stand by for operator.”
The fall detection necklace doesn’t have a two-way speaker, so you can only speak with the monitoring center agent through the base unit. Our testers noted the base unit’s strong speaker could be heard several feet away, but we think you’d still need to be in the same room as the base unit to communicate with the monitoring center agent.
Additional accessories
ADT offers a few common accessories you can add to your subscription. Extra help button necklaces and bracelets are available for $14.99 each. Most companies charge a monthly fee for additional help buttons, so we’re pleased these are one-time purchases.
Wall buttons are another way to contact the monitoring center. The large, waterproof buttons include adhesives to attach to the wall. When you press the wall button, the base unit contacts the monitoring center. You can’t communicate with the monitoring center via wall buttons, but they’re excellent backup tools in high-risk fall areas like the bathroom, bedroom, and bottom of stairs. (3)
A lockbox is available for $29.99. The lockbox stores a house key and has a four-digit code the monitoring center agent shares with emergency responders. This allows emergency responders to enter your home without damaging your front door. (4) ADT sometimes offers a free lockbox with an annual subscription, but always check the website for current promotions.
What customers are saying
Since ADT is a security company that offers dozens of monitoring products and services, it’s challenging to find third-party reviews specifically for ADT medical alert systems. ADT Medical Alert Plus has a 4.3- out of 5-star rating on Amazon with 9 total reviews. Overall, customers report the device works well and prompts a monthly test call.
Cynthia B., an Amazon reviewer, complains that Medical Alert Plus is overpriced and that better medical alert systems are available.
Who ADT Medical Alert Plus is recommended for:
When shopping for a medical alert system, consider health concerns, lifestyle, needs, and budget. We offer the following recommendations to help you choose, but ultimately, you know what’s best for you or your loved one.
- Those only needing monitoring at home: If you’re accompanied by a caregiver whenever you leave your home, the Medical Alert Plus should suit your lifestyle.
- Anyone with a high risk of falls: We recommend adding fall detection if you have a high risk of falls due to mobility or gait issues, poor vision, a history of falls, or taking four or more medications. (6)
- People living in a small home or apartment: The device’s 600-foot range is short compared to many competitors, but it may be suitable if you have a smaller living space.
- Shoppers looking for a familiar brand: Current ADT customers may prefer choosing a medical alert system from a familiar company, especially if they’ve had a positive experience with ADT customer service and other monitoring services. Even non-ADT customers may consider ADT medical alert systems due to brand recognition.
Build callout box: Most people associate medical alert systems with medical emergencies, but you can contact the monitoring center for medical and non-medical emergencies, such as a fire, home intrusion, or being locked out of your home.
Who ADT Medical Alert Plus is not recommended for:
- People with an active lifestyle: If you drive independently and enjoy solo activities outside your home, consider ADT On-The-Go instead of an at-home system. The On-the-Go connects to the monitoring center anywhere with cell service and can be tucked in your pocket, purse, or worn as a necklace.
- Those prone to wandering: Like most at-home systems, Medical Alert Plus doesn’t have GPS location tracking to pinpoint your loved one’s location. GPS tracking is crucial for users who may be prone to wandering due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. (7)
- Budget-conscious shoppers: The Medical Alert Plus’s base cost for at-home monitoring is nearly $40 per month, which may be unreasonable for shoppers with a limited budget or who are on a fixed income. (8)
- Those with a large home or yard: Due to the system’s 600-foot range, connecting to the monitoring center in some areas of your home may be difficult or impossible if you have a spacious home or backyard.
How we rated the ADT Medical Alert Plus
After rigorous firsthand testing, we scored the ADT Medical Alert Plus according to the following categories:
Read our full medical alert system methodology to learn more about our scoring criteria and process.
Warranties and policies
You can purchase ADT medical alert systems online or by calling 800-510-9061. You can also speak with a customer service representative via the online chat at the bottom right-hand corner of ADT’s website.
Shipping
ADT offers free two-day shipping for all medical alert systems. While most medical alert companies offer free shipping as a perk with quarterly or annual subscriptions, we appreciate that ADT includes free shipping with all plans.
Trial period and return policy
We confirmed with a customer service representative that ADT doesn’t offer a trial period. You can still cancel your subscription at any time, but you won’t receive a refund for a monthly subscription. You’ll receive a prorated refund for unused months if you cancel a quarterly or annual subscription.
Although we were disappointed to hear ADT no longer offers a trial period, we’re pleased that the company still covers return shipping costs. Once you cancel your medical alert subscription, ADT will send you a free return label to ship your equipment back.
Warranty
You don’t need to purchase an additional protection plan to protect your equipment from wear and tear damage. All ADT medical alert systems include a free lifetime warranty for damaged equipment and accessories. (9) This warranty doesn’t cover lost equipment.
Additional models from ADT
ADT Medical Alert Plus vs. ADT Medical Alert Basic
Key product features
What you should know
As its name suggests, Medical Alert Basic has fewer features than Medical Alert Plus. We recommend this at-home system if you have spotty or poor cellular service, but the 300-foot connection range is even more limited than the Plus.
- The Basic doesn’t offer fall detection, which may be an automatic deal breaker for many.
- If you’d like to add backup help buttons throughout your home, additional bracelets and necklaces are available for $14.99 each. Unfortunately, wall buttons aren’t compatible with the system.
- If you want a landline system with a longer range and optional fall detection, we recommend other landline options covered in our Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical reviews.
ADT Medical Alert Plus vs. ADT On-The-Go
Key product features
What you should know
The On-The-Go device is a small mobile device worn around your neck, on a belt clip, or tucked into your purse or pocket. Its two-way speaker lets you communicate directly with the monitoring center agent during an emergency.
- Our biggest complaint is that fall detection isn’t built into the mobile device—if you add this feature, you must wear a separate necklace while keeping the mobile device nearby.
- You can purchase up to two wall buttons ($2.99/month each) for your home as backup buttons during an emergency. Remember that the wall buttons don’t have a two-way speaker; you can only speak with the monitoring center through the mobile system.
- We recommend charging the On-The-Go every night since the battery barely lasts two days. It takes up to three hours for the system to fully charge. Place the charging cradle on a bedside table so the device is nearby in an emergency if possible.
ADT vs. competitors
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| ADT Medical Alert Plus | Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular | MobileHelp Classic | Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home | LifeFone At-Home Cellular | |
| Rating | |||||
| Monthly cost | $39.99 | $10/month | $19.95 | $29.95 | $30.95 |
| Fall detection | Yes, $11/month | Call (text and email costs extra) | $11/month | $10/month | $5/month |
| Caregiver notification | Call | Call | Call | Call | Call, text, or email |
| Battery life | 24 hours (backup) | 32 hours | 30 hours | 32 hours | 32 hours |
| In-home range | 600 feet | 1,400 feet | 1,400 feet | 1,000 feet | 1,300 feet |
Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular costs more than ADT Medical Alert Plus, but this at-home system offers more than twice the range (1,400 feet) and has $10 fall detection. Medical Guardian also offers a free caregiver app to help manage billing and emergency contacts. Designated caregivers can also set task reminders for the user and chat with one another in the app.
Once again, MobileHelp Classic costs less per month than ADT, but it has an extensive 1,400-foot range and a free caregiver app. Both Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home and LifeFone At-Home Cellular are slightly less expensive than ADT. The SOS Home has a 1,000-foot range, $10 fall detection, and a free caregiver app, while LifeFone offers $5 fall detection (half the industry average) and a 1,300-foot range. We like that caregivers can receive calls, texts, and emails when users contact the monitoring center for no additional cost.
FAQs
How does ADT medical alert work?
ADT medical alert systems are wearable devices that connect to a 24/7 monitoring center. At-home systems pair with a necklace, bracelet, or wall button that works within a certain range of the base station. When you call the monitoring center, the agent speaks to you through the base station speaker and asks if you need help. Depending on the situation, the agent dispatches emergency responders to your location, notifies your loved ones, or both. ADT at-home systems use cellular service or a landline connection to call the monitoring center. ADT’s mobile system connects to the monitoring center anywhere with cell service, both in and outside your home.
How much does an ADT medical alert system cost?
ADT medical alert systems cost $31.99–$41.99 per month, depending on the device. Optional accessories are available for an additional cost:
- Fall detection ($11 per month)
- Extra wristbands or necklaces ($14.99 each)
- Wall buttons ($2.99 per month)
- Lockbox ($29.99)
ADT offers free shipping, no equipment or activation fees, and a free lifetime warranty. Original Medicare (Part A and B) doesn’t cover medical alert systems (10), but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover partial or complete costs. (11)
Do ADT medical alert systems have fall detection?
Yes, ADT Medical Alert Plus and On-The-Go systems offer monthly fall detection for $11. The fall detection necklace is waterproof and should be worn outside your clothing for more accurate detection. When its sensors detect a fall, the necklace contacts the 24/7 monitoring center. The Medical Alert Basic system doesn’t offer fall detection.
How does ADT compare to other medical alert systems?
ADT offers two at-home systems and a mobile system with basic features and higher prices than many popular medical alert brands. ADT’s at-home systems have short ranges (300–600 feet) compared to most competitors, which offer at least 1,000-foot ranges. ADT also doesn’t offer a caregiver app, medication reminders, or GPS tracking for caregivers.
ADT offers generous policies, such as free two-day shipping, $0 equipment or activation fees, a free protection plan, and a price-lock guarantee.
We’ve featured ADT Medical Alert Systems in:
Our experts
Anju Goel, M.D., MPH
Anju Goel, M.D., MPH, is a public health consultant and physician in California with a focus on communicable diseases, health policy, health promotion, and disaster preparedness. She’s also a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the COVID-19 response. Dr. Goel received her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and her Master of Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She’s board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Emily Breaux
Fortune Recommends Sr. Staff Writer
About Author
Emily is a health and wellness writer with a background in marketing and secondary education. She enjoys covering wellness topics that help readers navigate aging, caregiving, sleep, and nutritional health. Emily specializes in medical alert systems and has hand-tested more than 20 devices. Her work has been featured in National Council on Aging, HelpGuide, AgingInPlace.org, and MarketWatch.
Emily is based in New Orleans and enjoys neighborhood walks, practicing yoga, performing in local theatre productions, and finding her next read at the library.