How to choose the best GPS safety device
A practical guide to personal alarms, GPS safety devices and monitored response systems — so you can make a confident choice for yourself or the people you love.
What is a personal alarm or GPS safety device?
A personal alarm — sometimes called a safety device or GPS alarm — is a small wearable that lets someone call for help quickly. Most have an SOS button that connects the wearer to a response centre or a trusted contact.
Modern systems do far more than a basic panic button. They include GPS locating so responders know exactly where help is needed, fall detection that raises an alert automatically, and two-way calling so the wearer can speak directly through the device.
For families, this means peace of mind. For the person wearing it, it means independence — the confidence to keep doing the things they enjoy, knowing support is always within reach.
Safety first
One press of a button connects to help, day or night, at home or away.
GPS locating
Family and responders can see the wearer's location in real time during an alert.
24/7 response
Monitored services are staffed around the clock, every day of the year.
Discreet designs
Choose from lightweight pendants or stylish GPS watches with health tracking.
Our range of safety devices
Three devices designed to fit different lives — all backed by the same 24/7 UK monitoring team.
Junior
A child-friendly GPS watch with SOS calling and location tracking — independence for kids, peace of mind for parents.
Go
A discreet GPS watch for active adults and lone workers — with heart-rate tracking, two-way calls and 24/7 monitoring.
One
A simple, lightweight pendant with a large SOS button, GPS locating and water resistance — ease of use above all.
Find the right device for you
Answer a few quick questions and we'll recommend the MediAlarm 247 device that fits best.
Who is the device for?
Compare our devices side by side
A quick way to see which MediAlarm 247 device fits best.
| Feature | Junior Kids GPS Watch | Go Adults GPS Watch | One GPS Pendant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 UK monitoring | |||
| GPS locating | |||
| Two-way SOS calls | |||
| Fall detection | |||
| Heart-rate & wellbeing | |||
| Dedicated app | |||
| Water resistant (shower safe) | |||
| Battery life | Up to 3 days | Up to 5 days | Up to 7 days |
| Best worn | Wrist | Wrist | Neck |
| Best for | Children | Active adults & lone workers | Simplicity & comfort |
Compare personal alarm types
Understanding the differences helps you choose a device that matches real life, not just the lowest price.
Monitored vs non-monitored alarms
The biggest decision when choosing a personal alarm is who answers when the SOS button is pressed.
Monitored 24/7 service
- Trained UK-based responders answer in seconds
- Open 365 days a year, including nights and bank holidays
- Can call emergency services, keyholders or neighbours
- Ideal if family members are at work or unavailable
Best for: Anyone living alone or wanting professional backup around the clock.
Non-monitored alarm
- Calls a short list of family or friends directly
- Usually lower monthly cost
- Simple setup with no response centre
Best for: People who always have a trusted contact nearby and want a basic alert system.
GPS mobile alarms vs traditional landline systems
Where the device works is just as important as who answers. Older landline systems are limited to the home, while modern mobile alarms go wherever life goes.
GPS mobile alarm
- Works anywhere in the UK and Europe with mobile signal
- Family can see exact location in an emergency
- No landline or home phone line needed
- Perfect for walks, shopping, travel and gardening
Best for: Active adults, people with memory conditions who may wander, and anyone who wants protection outside the home.
Traditional landline alarm
- Plugs into a home phone socket
- Reliable inside the property
- Often cheaper upfront
Best for: Someone who rarely leaves the house and already has a working landline they do not plan to cancel.
GPS watch vs GPS pendant
Both styles connect to the same monitoring service. The right choice depends on comfort, lifestyle and how the person likes to wear their device.
GPS watch
- Fits naturally on the wrist like a normal watch
- Two-way calls directly from the wrist
- Heart-rate and wellbeing tracking
- Discreet and hard to forget at home
Best for: Active adults, lone workers and anyone who wants health features alongside safety.
GPS pendant
- Large, easy-to-press SOS button
- Lightweight around the neck
- Simple to use — one button does everything
- Comfortable to wear day and night
Best for: Users who want the simplest possible device and prefer wearing something around the neck.
Key features to look for
Not all personal alarms are the same. These are the features that make the biggest difference in a real emergency.
24/7 UK monitoring
A professional response centre answers at any time of day or night.
GPS locating
Family and responders can see where help is needed, even if the wearer cannot explain.
Mobile network
Choose a device that uses 4G rather than a landline so it works outside the home.
Water resistance
The device should be safe to wear in the bath or shower, where falls are common.
Long battery life
Look for several days of battery so the device is not left uncharged when it matters.
Two-way SOS calls
Being able to speak to the response centre through the device itself is reassuring in an emergency.
5 steps to choosing the right device
Use this checklist when comparing personal alarms. The right device should fit the wearer's lifestyle, not force them to change it.
Quick checklist
- Works outside the home on a mobile network
- Monitored 24/7 by a UK response centre
- Water resistant for shower and bath safety
- GPS locating for emergencies away from home
- Clear pricing with no long contract
- Money-back guarantee to test in real life
Think about where it will be used
If it will be used mostly at home, a simple in-home system may be enough. For anyone who goes out alone, shops, gardens or travels, a GPS mobile alarm or watch is the safer choice.
Decide who should answer the alert
If family members are often busy or live far away, a monitored service gives professional backup. If someone is always close by, a family-alert system can work.
Choose the right wearing style
A pendant is easy to press and comfortable around the neck. A GPS watch is discreet on the wrist and adds health tracking. Let the wearer try the style they prefer.
Check the ongoing costs
Look beyond the upfront price. Ask about monthly monitoring fees, minimum contracts, cancellation terms and what is included in the subscription.
Test it with a money-back guarantee
A money-back guarantee lets you check the signal, battery life and response speed in real life before committing long term.
Why families choose MediAlarm 247
We do more than sell devices. We provide a complete safety, health and wellbeing service backed by real people in the UK.
Buyer's guide FAQs
What is a personal alarm?
A personal alarm is a small device — usually a pendant, watch or wristband — that lets someone call for help in an emergency. Pressing the SOS button connects them to a nominated contact or a 24/7 monitoring centre. Modern alarms also include GPS locating, fall detection and health tracking.
Do personal alarms need a landline?
Traditional personal alarms often needed a landline and only worked inside the home. Modern mobile alarms use the 4G network, so they work anywhere with mobile signal — at home, in the garden, or out and about. You do not need a landline or WiFi for a GPS-enabled device.
What is the difference between a monitored and non-monitored alarm?
A monitored alarm connects to a professional response centre that answers day or night, assesses the situation and calls family, carers or the emergency services. A non-monitored alarm simply dials one or two pre-set numbers. Monitored service gives you trained support even if your family cannot answer.
Should I choose a pendant or a GPS watch?
A pendant is ideal for anyone who wants a simple, lightweight SOS button they can wear around the neck. A GPS watch suits active people who are often out and about, because it includes location tracking, heart-rate monitoring and two-way calls on the wrist. Both connect to the same 24/7 monitoring service.
Can personal alarms be worn in the shower?
Yes. Look for a water-resistant device that is safe to wear in the bath or shower, where many falls happen. All MediAlarm 247 devices are water resistant and can be worn in the shower.
Ready to choose the right personal alarm?
Speak to our friendly UK team for honest advice on the best safety device for you or a loved one. No pressure, no jargon — just help finding the right fit.