Best Senior Smartwatches and Wearables
The best senior smartwatches and wearables have a mix of emergency features—like fall detection and an SOS button—and health or fitness tracking. Some older adults also benefit from devices that are linked to a loved one's smartphone for easy GPS tracking. We also considered accessibility and ease of use to round out our list.
Our number-one choice is none other than the Apple Watch 5 (or any later Apple Watch series). It has the best combination of senior-friendly features: automatic fall detection, an SOS button, gobs of health monitoring metrics, and a large, easy-to-see screen. Plus, Apple recently partnered with Lively to offer professional emergency monitoring services.
But caregivers still can't track the Apple Watch's location, and—surprisingly enough—there's also no video calling. We've filled in those gaps with other worthy contenders in the best smartwatches list below.
Best senior monitors and wearables
- : Best overall
- : Best pro monitoring
- : Best video calling
- : Best value medical alert
- : Best for active seniors
Compare wearable senior monitors
|
Product
|
Best for
|
Price
|
Monthly Fees
|
Caregiver Access
|
Learn more
|
 Apple Watch 5 |
Best overall |
$187.99 |
 Optional |
No |
View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Best pro monitoring | $199.95 + $39.95/mo. |
 Yes |
Yes |
View on Medical Guardian |
 |
Best value medical alert | $79 + $27.95/mo. |
Yes |
Yes |
View on Get Safe |
 FitBit Versa 2 |
Best for active seniors | $149.95 |
No |
No |
View on Amazon |
 Angel Watch |
Best video calling | $189.99 + monthly cell plan |
Yes |
Yes |
View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Senior wearable reviews
1. Apple Watch 5: Best overall
The best wearable for seniors is the Apple Watch 5. It's packed with senior-friendly features like health tracking, automatic fall detection, texting, and calling.
And while it costs a pretty penny up front, you don't have to pay a monthly fee to use the Apple Watch as long as you pair it with your iPhone. If you want to use the Apple Watch as a standalone device, then you'll need to pay a monthly cell service fee through your preferred provider.
You can also sign up for optional monitoring services through Lively, which start at about $25 a month.
Tons of health tracking apps Automatic fall detection Messaging abilities Optional pro monitoring
New models are more expensive Learning curve for newcomers No video callingApple Watch health features
Sure, its sleek design, dozens of health tracking apps, and messaging features are attractive. But what turned our heads is the Apple Watch 5’s automatic fall detection. This feature is common in medical alert systems but still pretty unique among smartwatches like this one. When the Apple Watch 5 detects a sudden change in speed and altitude, it triggers an alert asking if you need assistance. If you’re unresponsive, it will call for help within 60 seconds.
Just like your phone, the Apple Watch’s screen is customizable. You can download health apps based on your needs. Apps focus on heart health tracking, sleep tracking, activity tracking, food tracking, and even blood glucose tracking.
Messaging and calling
Older adults can keep in touch with loved ones through text and audio calling on their Apple Watch 5. This may come with a learning curve for anyone new to smartwatches. But if you can operate an iPhone, you can operate this smartwatch.
The device itself is sleek with a clear screen that makes it easy to read. There are also tons of wristbands available users can change out based on their style or comfort level. And the battery lasts up to six days without charging.
Apple Watch price and alternatives
As the Apple Watch 5 ages, its price tends to drop. But you can save a little more money by choosing the Apple Watch 4. Its display is 4 millimeters smaller than the Apple Watch 5's, but that might not be noticeable. We don't recommend choosing anything older than the Apple Watch 4 because then you won't be able to use automatic fall detection.
And if you're just not an Apple fan, try the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 or above. It has SOS, fall detection, and health tracking, plus text messaging and audio calling. Galaxy Watches look more traditional than Apple Watches, so it might fit your aesthetic better too.
Learn more about why the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch in our full Apple Watch review.
2. MGMove: Best professional monitoring
Medical Guardian's MGMove is a smartwatch made with older adults in mind. It has a large touchscreen and only the essential apps, which helps avoid a cluttered interface.
Unlike the Apple Watch, you don't need a separate cell plan to talk to a professional monitor directly through the MGMove. And while pro monitoring is a little pricier through Medical Guardian than through Lively or Aloe Care Health, it's worth it—Medical Guardian is one of the most trusted names in the medical alert industry.
Large watch face Optional caregiver integrations Optional medication reminders Weather app Fitness tracking Comfortable, easy-on wristband Easy testing
No automatic fall detection 24-hour batteryNo fall detection
Let's get MGMove's biggest disadvantage out of the way—there's no automatic fall detection. Medical Guardian believes that fall detection devices work best when work around the neck. This approach cuts down on false alarms in the MGMove but means it may not be right for you if you're at risk of falling.
Optional caregiving perks
MGMove supports caregiver messaging for an extra $5 a month. You'll receive text messages and can respond with a voice recording.
That extra $5 also unlocks reminders on the MGMove. The reminders can be about anything—from taking your medication to attending a family get-together. The best part is that caregivers set up the reminders from the Medical Guardian caregiver portal or app.
Learn more about this smartwatch for seniors in our full Medical Guardian review or in our Medical Guardian product guide.
3. Angel Watch Series R - Assist: Best video calling watch for seniors
The Angel Watch Series R - Assist is the only senior-friendly wearable on our list with a built-in camera. You can video call loved ones or just do an audio call. You can also send emojis, templated texts, and voice messages.
The Angel Watch Series R - Assist also includes health monitoring features, GPS tracking, geofencing, fall detection, movement alerts, and medication reminders.
Great location coverage Two-way communication SOS button Video calling Health tracking Caregiver access
Monthly fees No professional monitoringThis isn't a professionally-monitored medical alert watch, so pressing the SOS button for three seconds alerts caregivers. We like that the Angel Watch will call two more caregivers if the first one doesn't answer. And if no one picks up, the watch tries calling everyone a second time.
There's also a way to dial 911 if caregivers aren't available or the situation is serious enough to warrant a direct call to first responders.
The Angel Watch works outside the US and its interface can be displayed in around 18 languages. It doesn't include any extra apps like the Apple Watch, so it's slightly less useful for tech-savvy seniors.
Learn more in our full Angel Watch review.
4. Get Safe Medical Alert: Best overall value medical alert
GetSafe started as a home security system, so its monitoring professionals have a background in stressful situations. The Starter package requires a one-time fee of around $80, and then it’s only $27.95 every month after. While it’s not the cheapest system, you get much more equipment for only a few dollars more than competitors if you can swing the up-front equipment cost.
Flat monthly rate No landline required Voice-activated help button Most equipment for starting price
Steep initial cost No bilingual servicesIt’s meant to be worn around the neck and isn't the most stylish option on our list, but it is the best one for people who are starting to experience some confusion. If you get lost on your way home from the store, your loved one will know exactly where you are thanks to the wearable pendant.
Learn more in our Get Safe Medical Alert System review.
If you're shopping for a loved one with a condition like Alzheimer's or dementia, try AngelSense. It's packed with features designed for people of all ages with special needs, such as geofencing alerts and several types of tamper-proof wearables.
5. FitBit Versa 2: Best for active seniors
The FitBit Versa 2 is a fitness tracker first, smartwatch second. It tracks steps, calories burned, sleep quality, and heart rate during activities like running, cycling, and swimming (so you know it’s waterproof).
The Alexa smart assistant is built into the FitBit Versa 2, so users can set alarms and reminders for things like medications and appointments.
This watch doesn’t have the messaging capabilities of the Apple Watch 5, but if your phone is nearby, it can use Bluetooth to make calls and send messages. Some features like quick replies and voice replies are exclusively available for Android users.
Health and fitness tracking Built-in Alexa feature Extended battery life
No fall detection Limited messagingThe watch face is large enough for older adults to read easily. And it has an always-on option that makes it easier to access your information. Plus, the battery lasts up to six days, meaning you won’t have to charge it constantly. And like the Apple Watch 5, you can swap out bands based on your comfort level and style.
Its health-tracking features, large screen, and built-in smart assistant make it a good starter monitor for older adults who want to stay active. But it lacks a few key features that could save lives—like location tracking and fall detection.
More brands we considered
Road ID
The Road ID is an affordable, stylish, and customizable medical ID bracelet. While we focused our line-up of senior wearables on those with advanced technology that allows you to get help when you're alone during an emergency, it's worth mentioning this simple solution for getting appropriate help when you're surrounded by Good Samaritans.
Without a medical ID bracelet, emergency medical personnel won't know about important conditions or allergies that would affect your treatment. For best results, combine this wearable ID with a long-form Vial of Life.
Tango Belt
The Tango Belt is a discreet wearable airbag for your hips in case of a fall. It looks like a normal belt but wears more like a fanny pack. When the device detects a change in altitude and speed, it will deploy the cushions like the airbags in your car, breaking your fall instead of your hip. Unfortunately, it’s not available yet, but we’re watching for news on this cool device.
Mobile Guardian
The Mobile Guardian comes from the same company as the MGMove smartwatch. It’s more of a traditional wearable alert designed as a necklace. Its basic one-button design makes it easy to call for help in an emergency, and it’s waterproof, making it safe to wear in the shower.
You can also opt for a stylish metal option that looks like normal jewelry. The only problem is it’s a two-piece wearable. You’ll need to keep the necklace and tracking device close (at most 350 feet apart) for this system to work, making it hard for active older adults to use.
Omron HeartGuide Smart Watch
The Omron HeartGuide Smart Watch includes an integrated blood pressure wrist cuff. You wear it all the time and can take your blood pressure at a moment's notice.
By checking your blood pressure throughout the day, you can see how eating, drinking, sleeping, sitting, and walking around influence your blood pressure. Plus, the Omron HeartGuide also tracks your heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity.
We think Omron makes the best blood pressure monitors on the market. So while the HeartGuide is certainly a unique product, we're happy to see it's been developed by a reputable brand. The only downsides of this wearable tech are its oversized cuff and price—it costs almost $500.
Final word
None of these wearable tech devices are helpful unless users wear them every day in case of an emergency. So prioritize comfort and convenience in smartwatches for seniors before flashy features like texting and video calling. Activity and fitness tracking are attractive too, but don’t choose them over essentials like location and emergency calling. The best wearable devices for older adults should help them live independently and safely.
Wearable senior monitors FAQ
Absolutely. As long as the medical alert device you use has messaging or two-way communication, you can add family, neighbors, and caregivers to emergency contacts to call for help.
Not all wearables are medical alert devices and not all medical alert devices are wearable. Medical alert systems connect to emergency services and can be buttons or base stations as well as worn on your wrist.
“Wearables” refers to anything you can wear on your wrist, belt, or around your neck. They can track steps and location, call for assistance, or both. Wearable medical alert devices are a smart solution if you’re worried about falls or health emergencies.
The senior wearables we've listed here complement in-home care but aren't designed to be in-home pagers or alarms. Instead, they're best for active or independent seniors who can safely live alone but need a little extra support.
How we reviewed the best wearable devices for seniors
Wearable trackers need to be just that—wearable. So we prioritized comfort and easy wearing over bells and whistles. We looked for monitors with adjustable sizes that don’t get in the way of normal activities. The more comfortable the wearable, the more inclined users are to wear them. After all, wearable senior monitors aren’t helpful if nobody wears them.
Tracking features are also important. GPS location features, health tracking, and fall detection are the most important types we considered. The devices with the most tracking abilities scored higher in our lineup.
Finally, we looked for devices with senior-friendly features like a big screen or button, easy fasteners that don’t hurt arthritic joints, and simple setup and operation. Take a look at our methodology to see how we reviewed this and other products.
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