MobileHelp review

MobileHelp, founded in 2006, is a leading provider of M-PERS (Mobile-Personal Emergency Response System) technology. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, MobileHelp serves clients in all 50 states. Its mission is to provide personal protection and peace-of-mind both at home and away.

In the United States, manufacturing medical alert systems requires approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and only a handful of companies are capable or willing to undergo this rigorous process. As a result, many companies offer similar medical alert systems, lacking innovation and differentiation.

One notable exception is MobileHelp, which stands out as one of the few companies with FDA approval. MobileHelp's in-home and mobile medical alert systems have gained widespread recognition and are among the most widely used in the market.

MobileHelp: Medical alert systems

Here is a breakdown of the packages the company offers:

MobileHelp Classic: The CBS2 is the most popular in-home system on the market because of its excellent speaker and the LCD display. It connects to a cellular signal rather than use a landline and features easy to use buttons and a display. The pendant range isn’t great. In our tests, it averaged about 86 feet. However, for an in-home system, 86 feet is actually perfect. Any further and you should get a mobile medical alert system. It has a monthly monitoring fee of $19.95, with no equipment cost or activation fee.

MobileHelp Wired Home: Recently added to MobileHelp’s line of systems, the Wired Home is a traditional in-home system, connecting to a landline. This is ideal for homes where cellular signals are unreliable. The pendant range on this is also much greater than the Classic. It has a monthly monitoring fee of $26.95 when paid monthly, with a discount with a longer commitment, and no equipment cost or activation fee.

MobileHelp Solo: The GPS mobile medical alert system, with fall detection for an extra fee. It includes a wireless pendant, allowing you to use the Solo like an in-home system while it charges. The monthly cost is $41.95 per month.

MobileHelp Micro: A smaller mobile alert system. It features GPS, is waterproof for use in the shower, and has an automated test button. It has a cost of $39.95 per month.

MobileHelp Touch Duo: A medical alert tablet, the first of its kind. This system is ideal for seniors who are tech savvy. It provides games to help with mental acuity, pictures of family, medication reminders and more. While it’s the most expensive option at $54.95 per month, the value it provides for the price is excellent.

Remember to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. Also, consider subscribing to MobileHelp Connect Premium for an additional $6 per month as it offers benefits such as equipment insurance, caregiver GPS tracking discounts, and other savings.

MobileHelp: Emergency response center

MobileHelp has partnered with Rapid Response, the 2016 monitoring center of the year recipient awarded by the Central Station Alarm Association. With monitoring centers strategically located in New York and California, Rapid Response possesses ample redundancies and leverages cutting-edge monitoring technology. While MobileHelp does not operate its own emergency response center, you can be confident that they have partnered with one of the top emergency response companies in the United States.

During the first round of three-week daily testing, MobileHelp's call response time averaged 53.12 seconds. The second round saw a slight improvement, with an average response time of around 45 seconds. Both of these times were roughly average compared to other services partnered with Rapid Response. For context, the average response time for all services in the first round was 69.58 seconds and 52 seconds in the second round. It's worth noting that GreatCall had the fastest response times, averaging 20 seconds in the first round and 15 seconds in the second.

Our assessment indicated high satisfaction with the call quality. The emergency personnel from Rapid Response showed expert training and received top ratings. They persistently displayed a compassionate attitude, verified our identity through questions, and repeatedly inquired about our need for assistance.

MobileHelp is known for manufacturing widely used PERS devices in the industry. They stand out by being one of the few companies that consistently develop new products, such as the Smart and the Touch. However, their marketing and sales strategies are not particularly unique. While their marketing efforts are intense, with multiple pop-ups on their website, the company maintains transparency. Unlike many medical alert companies, MobileHelp provides all necessary information to facilitate informed purchases without requiring conversations with sales representatives. This approach indicates their confidence in the quality of their products and services.

MobileHelp: Support

MobileHelp offers a number of ways to reach out through them. Direct phone support is available at 1.800.809.9664, although the hours of operation are not listed. There are no other direct support methods we found, so no email, support portal or chat.

On the self support side, there is a pretty lengthy FAQ covering a wide breadth of topics, and we note that some of it is presented in video format. We also liked the “Quick Start Activation Guide” to help new users get running easily.

MobileHelp: Final verdict

MobileHelp stands out as a top choice for the best manufacturer of medical alert systems. The company's in-home Classic system and Solo mobile GPS system are extensively used by other services, making them widely recognized and trusted. Choosing MobileHelp offers significant savings compared to other providers, particularly if you opt for the annual payment plan instead of monthly installments.

MobileHelp collaborates with Rapid Response, an exceptional emergency call center. While we would prefer faster emergency response times, the high quality of the calls, coupled with the reliable systems, results in an excellent product that seniors can depend on.

Additionally, MobileHelp's commitment to innovation through compact devices and tablets sets them apart in the industry. They continuously push the boundaries of medical alert technology, making them a brand worth watching for seniors seeking advanced solutions.

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