Lifeline review
More than 50 years in the business, waterproof devices, and setup fees the others we rank do not state.
The short answer. Lifeline is the longest-running name on our list: it says it has served more than 7.5 million people over the past 50 years. Its devices are waterproof, it offers AutoAlert fall detection as an add-on, and it states no long-term contract and no service cancellation fee. Lifeline is also the only provider we rank whose published information states setup fees — an activation fee and a programming fee. We have not tested it hands-on; everything below comes from Lifeline's own published information.
The devices, and what each one is for
Lifeline's current range has four devices.[1]
- HomeSafe. A cellular in-home system. Lifeline states the help button works within 800 feet of the in-home communicator, which has a 30-hour backup battery for power cuts.[3]
- On the Go. A mobile device with GPS. Lifeline states its battery lasts up to four days on a charge.[4]
- On the Go Mini. A smaller mobile device, also with GPS.[1]
- Smartwatch. With a GPS-enabled help button.[1]
Lifeline states that its help buttons, mobile systems and smartwatches are waterproof up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.[1]
AutoAlert fall detection
Fall detection is an optional add-on. Lifeline is open about its limits: it states that "fall detection, including AutoAlert, does not detect 100% of falls" and that users should still press their button when they need help.[2] Our fall detection guide explains why no sensor catches every fall.
Fees and contract
Lifeline asks for a signed monitoring agreement but states there is no long-term commitment and you may cancel at any time, with no service cancellation fee.[2][3] It does charge a setup fee, which it says includes an activation fee and a programming fee.[3] Ask for the total setup cost before you order.
What family can see
The My Lifeline app is described as a way for caregivers and family members to stay connected and receive updates.[2]
Who it suits
Someone who wants the most established provider, or who needs waterproof devices for the bath. The HomeSafe's 30-hour backup battery also suits anyone in an area with frequent power cuts.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone trying to keep upfront costs down: Lifeline charges activation and programming fees that the other providers we rank do not state.
What to watch
- Setup fees: an activation fee and a programming fee.
- Fall detection is an add-on, and Lifeline itself says it does not catch every fall.
- Lifeline describes its response centers as located in the United States on its home page, and as North America based in its FAQ.
The specifications
As published by Lifeline. Not independently measured.
| Monitoring | Owned and operated response centers, 24/7/365 |
| Devices | HomeSafe, On the Go, On the Go Mini, Smartwatch |
| Home range | 800 ft (HomeSafe) |
| Mobile battery | Up to 4 days (On the Go) |
| Power cut backup | 30 hours (HomeSafe) |
| Water | Waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| Fall detection | Optional add-on (AutoAlert) |
| Family tools | My Lifeline app |
| Contract | No long-term commitment, no service cancellation fee |
| Fees | Setup fee: activation and programming |
Five questions to ask Lifeline before you order
- What is the total setup fee for the device I'm ordering?
- Is AutoAlert fall detection available on this device, and how is it charged?
- What happens to the signed monitoring agreement if I cancel?
- Where exactly is the response center that would handle my calls?
- Do I return the equipment if I cancel?
How it compares on our criteria
Against our criteria, Lifeline scores well on equipment — waterproof devices, a 30-hour backup, a four-day mobile battery — and on the history behind it. Cost of ownership is where it falls behind: it is the only provider we rank whose published information states setup fees. We cannot assess monitoring response ourselves, because we have not tested it. The full method is on our methodology page, and all six providers are compared side by side in the 2026 rankings.
Common questions
How long has Lifeline been around?
Lifeline says it has served more than 7.5 million people over the past 50 years.
Does Lifeline charge setup fees?
Yes. Lifeline states that its setup fee includes an activation fee and a programming fee.
Does Lifeline require a contract?
It requires a signed monitoring agreement, but states there is no long-term commitment and you can cancel at any time, with no service cancellation fee.
Does AutoAlert detect every fall?
No. Lifeline states that fall detection, including AutoAlert, does not detect 100% of falls, and that users should press their button when they need help.
Are Lifeline devices waterproof?
Lifeline says its help buttons, mobile systems and smartwatches are waterproof up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
Sources
Checked September 2026. Lifeline's plans and specifications change; confirm them with Lifeline before you order.
- Lifeline — Home page (devices, water resistance, history, monitoring)
- Lifeline — FAQ
- Lifeline — HomeSafe
- Lifeline — On the Go
Other providers
Nearby in our rankings: LifeFone · GetSafe. If Medicare coverage matters to you, see does Medicare cover medical alert systems?
We are paid when a reader is matched to a partner provider. It does not affect what we recommend. See our advertiser disclosure and methodology. Nothing here is medical advice.