GetSafe review 2024: a non-wearable medical alert system tested by experts 

Written by Emily Breaux, Fortune Recommends Writer

How we test

Our team has thoroughly tested over 30 medical alert systems to inform each review. We rate each device according to reliability, user-friendliness, overall effectiveness, response speed, fall detection accuracy, and additional criteria.

Learn more

Trusted experts

This review was approved by Amanda Marten, MSN, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner who currently works in urgent care. It was also fact-checked by Krista Manning, an experienced medical fact-checker.

View How we test ›

A medical alert system is a great way to give yourself or a loved one the peace of mind that possible help is never more than a button push away. These devices benefit adults who may want to age in place at home, those recovering from surgery, or anyone with chronic health conditions who may want urgent medical attention. (1) Medical alert systems connect to a 24/7 monitoring center, where a trained agent can contact emergency responders, loved ones, or both, depending on the situation. 

While today’s best medical alert systems are less bulky and more sleek than devices from the 1970s and 1980s, some people may still hesitate to wear one in and around their homes. 

GetSafe’s medical alert devices don’t have to be worn—the base unit and wall buttons work throughout your home via voice activation, push buttons, and pull cords. We like this option for anyone hesitant to wear a traditional medical alert necklace or an older adult who may forget to wear their device.

Our picks for the best GetSafe medical alert systems

• GetSafe Standard
• GetSafe Starter 
• GetSafe Select

Compare GetSafe medical alert systems

GetSafe Standard

GetSafe Standard

GetSafe Standard includes a base unit, two voice-activated wall buttons, and one push wall button for average-sized homes.

Fortune Score:

4.6 / 5

Check Price

Key product features

Device type At-home

Connection Cellular

Range 800 feet

Fall detection Yes, $10 per month

Monthly fee $29.95

Battery life 32 hours (backup)

What you should know

The GetSafe Standard is designed for two- and three-bedroom homes. It includes a base unit and multiple wall buttons, making it an excellent option for anyone who may not want to wear a traditional medical alert bracelet or for adults who may forget to wear their device.

• GetSafe voice-activation buttons allow you to contact the monitoring center with your voice and speak directly to the agent. Each package includes at least one voice-activated button. We recommend testing this feature before an emergency call. 
• While the monthly monitoring fee is a reasonable $29.95, there’s a hefty $179 one-time equipment fee.
• GetSafe Standard is recommended for those living in a two- or three-bedroom house who only need at-home monitoring. 
• A standard fall detection necklace is available for $10 per month. 
• All wall buttons must be within 800 feet of the base unit to contact the monitoring center.

Check Price

GetSafe Standard overview

GetSafe medical alert systems stand out compared to other systems we’ve tested because you don’t always have to wear a necklace or bracelet to call the monitoring center. This is likely beneficial if you or a loved one doesn’t like wearing a bulky device or forgets to put it on.

The GetSafe Standard package includes a base unit, two voice-activated wall buttons with a two-way speaker, one standard push button, and a help button that can be worn as a necklace or bracelet. We like that all packages include a wearable help button as a backup option for an added sense of security. 

The Standard should fit most two- to three-bedroom homes. The wall and wearable help buttons work within 800 feet of the base unit.

Most medical alert wall buttons only allow users to speak with the agent through the base station. However, GetSafe’s voice-activated buttons have a two-way speaker that connects directly with the monitoring center agent. This is an excellent feature if you or a loved one may have problems with mobility and might have difficulty getting to the base unit in an emergency.

Our testing experience was average. While the device was simple to set up and use, some features, such as voice activation and initial speaker quality, were disappointing to us. We also couldn’t test fall detection since the brand didn’t enable that feature when sending us its product for testing. 

Specs

Setting up and testing GetSafe 

Our testers liked that the quick start guide explained the meaning of each light and blinking pattern on the base unit, especially since there are quite a few. GetSafe also offers helpful online tutorial videos to guide the installation process. 

When setting up the voice-activated wall button with the pull cord, our testers accidentally pressed the emergency button a few times. Fortunately, it’s simple to cancel a call to the monitoring center by pressing the “Reset” button on the base unit within 45 seconds of the call.

We were disappointed that the package’s voice-activation feature didn’t work when we tested the two-way wall buttons. After reciting the prompt phrase “Call 911” twice, the wall button didn’t contact the monitoring center. However, it did contact the monitoring center when we pushed the button or pulled the cord. We encourage you to test the voice activation feature before an actual emergency. If the feature doesn’t work, contact customer support. 

During some test calls, our testers couldn’t hear the monitoring agent through the base unit speaker at first. Fortunately, as the conversation continued, testers could hear the agent just fine but noted that adults with hearing loss may have trouble communicating with the agent. 

“It seems like when the agent first starts speaking, it’s not easy to decipher,” a product tester said. “But when they respond again, we can understand what they are saying.”

Build callout box: We recommend placing wall buttons in high-risk fall areas like the bathroom, bedroom, or bottom of stairs. (2) Place the wall buttons close to the floor to reach them after a fall. 

Fall detection

Fall detection is available for $10 per month. Unfortunately, we couldn’t test the fall detection necklace since the company didn’t enable the feature when it sent us the equipment. We hope to test GetSafe fall detection in the future. 

Read our fall detection review to learn about the top devices we’ve tested. 

Battery life 

The two-way speaker and standard wall button batteries last 1.5 to 5 years, while the help button necklace or bracelet lasts up to five years. 

We confirmed with a customer service representative that agents monitor all buttons. An agent will let you know when the battery is low and needs to be replaced. You can replace wall button batteries on your own if you choose, but GetSafe will also send you a new wearable help button if you desire. (3)

Available add-ons

GetSafe offers three packages: Starter, Standard, and Select. You can add the following accessories and features to any package to better meet your needs:   

• Fall detection: For $10 a month, you can add a fall detection necklace to any GetSafe package. The necklace works within 800 feet of the base unit. 
• Two-way speaker wall buttons: Add up to four wall buttons with two-way speakers to your package. You can call the monitoring center via voice activation or a pull cord ($79 each).  
• Standard wall buttons: Add up to four buttons ($35 each). Standard wall buttons have a push button to contact the monitoring center. They don’t have a two-way speaker, voice activation, or pull cord. 
• Wearable help button: You can add up to four help button necklaces or bracelets ($25 each).
• Lockbox: A lockbox stores your house keys outside your house in case emergency responders need to enter your home. The monitoring center agent will pass the lockbox code to responders so they can enter your home without damaging your doorway ($30 each). 
• Mobile GPS: You can add a mobile medical alert necklace to any package for $30 per month plus a $99 one-time equipment fee. The Mobile GPS works anywhere with cellular service and includes location tracking via the GetSafe app (available for iOS and Android devices). Fall detection is available for an additional $10 per month.  

What customers are saying

GetSafe earned an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 130 Google reviews. Many reviewers praise how easy it is to install and use the medical alert system, while others were pleased with the company’s excellent customer service. Positive reviews also mention the fast response time when calling the monitoring center. –

Most negative reviews mention issues with the device working properly, including multiple false alarms. Other reviewers had trouble canceling their subscriptions and getting a refund. 

GetSafe earned 4.4 out of 5 stars from an average of more than 40 customer reviews on Trustpilot. Most reviews are for GetSafe’s home security system, not its medical alert devices. The only review mentioning a GetSafe medical alert system is a negative review of the GPS mobile system. The customer complained it didn’t work properly, and they had issues receiving a refund. 

We’ve featured GetSafe medical alert systems in:

• Best Medical Alert Necklaces 

Who GetSafe Standard is recommended for:

When shopping for a medical alert system, consider your lifestyle, budget, and needs. We offer the following recommendations when deciding whether GetSafe is right for you or your loved one, but ultimately, you’ll know what’s best for you. 

• Those who prefer a non-wearable medical alert device: GetSafe speakers are placed throughout the home so you can contact the monitoring center without wearing a necklace or bracelet. This is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to wear a medical alert device or may forget to wear it. 
• People living in a small apartment or home: The smaller your space, the lower the equipment fee. GetSafe Standard is designed for one- to two-bedroom homes and has a $179 fee, while the Starter package fits studio apartments, condos, or small one-bedroom homes with a $79 equipment fee. The Select package has a $279 equipment fee for four to five bedrooms. 
• Those living alone but accompanied by a caregiver outside the home: GetSafe is primarily an at-home system, although you can add a mobile device to any package. Adding a mobile system significantly increases the cost (an additional $30 per month plus a one-time $99 equipment fee), so we advise sticking with an at-home package if you only need monitoring in and around your home.  
• Anyone with a risk of falls: While you can use a GetSafe wall button to call for help after a fall, we recommend those at a high risk of falls add a fall detection necklace to their package. A fall detection device automatically contacts the monitoring after a fall, even if you can’t push the button. Almost 80% of falls leading to emergency room visits in people who are 65 and older occur at home. (4) Common risk factors include mobility and gait problems, poor vision, taking four or more medications, and a history of falls. (5)  

Who GetSafe Standard is not recommended for:

• Anyone with poor cellular service: Since GetSafe doesn’t offer a landline option, we don’t recommend it if you live in an area with spotty or poor cellular coverage. 
• People with an active lifestyle: GetSafe Select only works in and around your home. If you drive independently and have an active lifestyle outside your home, we recommend a mobile system such as a medical alert watch or necklace you can use anywhere with cellular service. You 
• Those needing around-the-clock care: We don’t recommend a medical alert system alone for loved ones potentially needing more intensive in-person caregiving and assistance. (6, 7)

How we rated the GetSafe Standard