Best Smartwatches and Wearables for Seniors 2025

Log location, steps, and health metrics with these trackers for seniors that you’ll want to wear all day.
SafeWise Pick
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
  • pro
    Advanced health tracking
  • pro
    Fall detection
  • pro
    SOS button
Best pro monitoring
Medical Guardian MGMove smartwatch medical alert system
Medical Guardian MGMove
  • pro
    Step counter
  • pro
    Fall detection
  • pro
    SOS button
Best location tracking
LifeFone Safe Watch Active product image
LifeFone Safe Watch Active
  • pro
    Some health tracking
  • pro
    Fall detection
  • pro
    SOS button
Best value medical alert
The Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One 2 medical alert device with its portable base station and charging cradle.
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One 2
  • con
    No health tracking
  • pro
    Fall detection
  • pro
    Multiple SOS buttons
Best for active seniors
A close-up of the FitBit Versa 4 smartwatch displaying the time and health metrics on its screen.
FitBit Versa 4
  • pro
    Excellent health tracking
  • con
    No fall detection
  • con
    No SOS button

For over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Read our methodology.

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products considered
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Cathy holds a certificate in gerontology and specializes in family safety, simplifying complex topics for trusted sites like Safety.com with 10+ years of writing experience.

Wearable tech helps seniors stay active and independent

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. 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. We've filled that gap with other worthy contenders in the best smartwatches list below. 


Compare the best senior smartwatches and wearables

Product
Upfront Price
Monthly fee
Health tracking
Location tracking
Fall detection
Emergency Calling
View Product
About $10–$20/mo.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightLimited
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
$42.95+/mo.
Icon Yes  LightStep Counter
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  Light$10/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes
$47.95+/mo.
Icon Yes  LightStep Counter & Heart Rate
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  Light$5/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes
$34.95+/mo.
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes, with base unit only
Icon Yes  Light$10/mo. add-on
Icon Yes  LightYes
N/A
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightLimited
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightLimited

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
*Cellular service required to make emergency calls. May be charged monthly, quarterly, or annually. Prices may vary. 

Senior wearable reviews

1. Apple Watch SE: SafeWise Pick

The best wearable for seniors is the Apple Watch. It's packed with senior-friendly features like health tracking, automatic fall detection, texting, and calling.

And while it costs a pretty penny upfront, 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 starts at about $25 a month.

pro
Pros
pro Tons of health tracking apps
pro Automatic fall detection
pro Messaging abilities
pro Optional pro monitoring
con
Cons
con New models are more expensive
con Learning curve for newcomers
con No video calling

Apple 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’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 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. This feature is great for identifying and calling for help after a fall.

According to the CDC, each year, there around 3 million ER visits due to seniors falling, so fall detection features are critical for senior safety.

As for other health features, 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 9. Anyone new to smartwatches may experience a learning curve, 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

This 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. 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 about why the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for seniors in our full Apple Watch review.

2. MGMove: Best professional monitoring

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 other companies, it's worth it because Medical Guardian is one of the most trusted names in the medical alert industry.

pro
Pros
pro Large watch face
pro Optional caregiver integrations
pro Optional medication reminders
pro Optional fall detection
pro Weather app
pro Fitness tracking
pro Comfortable, easy-on wristband
pro Easy testing
con
Cons
con 24-hour battery

MGMove supports caregiver messaging for an extra $5 a month. You'll receive text messages and can respond with a voice recording. This is a unique feature that can't be found on other medical alert watches.

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. LifeFone Safe Watch Active: Best location tracking

The LifeFone Safe Watch Active is our pick for best location tracking. Whether you're on a hike in the woods or need to send your whereabouts to a loved one, this smartwatch for seniors uses Wi-Fi, LTE cellular, and GPS tracking to pinpoint your location. 

Its large, bright watch face is easy to read and navigate. And with multiple health tracking features, you're never far away from your step count and heart rate monitoring. 

pro
Pros
pro Great location coverage
pro SOS button
pro Basic health tracking
pro Caregiver access
con
Cons
con Monthly fees
con No voice or video calling

The LifeFone Safe Watch Active tracks basic health metrics like heart rate and step count to keep you active and informed without overcomplicating things. 

Essentially, it's a modern take on the medical alert system. It has the same classic features found in bulkier classic medical alert pendants like an SOS button to call for help and fall detection in case of an accident. 

While it's very affordable up front (around $50), you'll need to pay a reoccurring fee for cellular service monthly, quarterly, or annually that ranges between $40 to $50 per month.  

The LifeFone Safe Watch Active showing its interface with time, weather, and a heart rate display.

4. Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One 2: Best overall value medical alert

Bay Alarm Medical is one of our favorite medical alert systems because its devices proved easy-to-use during hands-on testing. Plus, the professional monitoring center agents answered our calls quickly, spoke in a calm, friendly manner, and were loud but easy to understand. 

Bay Alarm Medical has always offered competitively low prices, and the new SOS All-in-One 2 is a great choice for balancing features with price. It can be worn on a lanyard or on a wristband and includes GPS tracking. Fall detection can be added for an extra fee. 

pro
Pros
pro Combines the best features of both on-the-go and at-home systems
pro No landline required
pro Multiple wear options with colorful accessories
pro Optional fall detection
pro GPS tracking
con
Cons
con Fall detection in square unit only

The Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One 2 is also one of the most stylish options on our list. The wearable buttons come in black or white, but you can purchase cheerful nylon "Bella Band" wristbands in teal, lavender, or aqua for an extra one-time fee. If you prefer to wear the button on a lanyard, Bay Alarm Medical sells "Bella Charms" that clip onto the button, transforming it into a statement necklace.

The SOS All-in-One 2 doubles as an on-the-go and at-home medical alert system. A small portable base station contains a two-way speaker and fall detection sensor. It also connects to optional wall buttons for additional at-home protection.

Learn more in our full Bay Alarm Medical review

5. FitBit Versa 4: Best for active seniors

Best for active seniors

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a fitness tracker first and a 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.

pro
Pros
pro Health and fitness tracking
pro Built-in Alexa feature
pro Extended battery life
con
Cons
con No fall detection
con Limited messaging

The 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

AngelSense Watch

The AngelSense watch is a good pick if you're looking for something that's not "gadgety." It doesn't offer an app store, games, or video. What it does offer is tons of tracking features. It can tell you how fast your mom's car is going, if your dad has left the senior center, and if your loved one has fallen.  We also like the big screen and the fact that it can auto-answer when you call it.

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. In 2025, the FDA approved Tango Belt as a prescription-only medical device, so you'll need to talk to your healthcare provider if you're interested in this product.

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.

In most cases, yes, wearable devices are not only safe for seniors but also designed to increase their safety in the event of an emergency.

That said, there are rare cases where a wearable device could be unsafe. People who wear pacemakers may need to find a wearable device that won't cause interference. Some smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, can be programmed to accept incoming phone calls, which could come from scammers. Others are on closed networks and only place calls to the monitoring center. 

Yes, many wearable devices for seniors do allow caregivers to monitor things like battery status and GPS location from a mobile app. Features may vary, so it's important to verify that the device is capable of doing what you want before you buy.

We recommend older adults look for the following in a wearable device:

  • Large, easy-to-use buttons
  • Comfortable, attractive design
  • Wristbands or latches that are easy to buckle
  • Safety features like an SOS button or automatic fall detection
  • GPS tracking that's accessible to caregivers
  • Health tracking features as desired, such as step tracking and heart rate monitoring
  • Large watch face
  • Communication features like text messaging, calling, video calling
  • Watch apps like weather, calendar, or reminders

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.

Final word

The best wearable devices for older adults should help them live independently and safely. We recommend prioritizing comfort and convenience in smartwatches for seniors so they'll enjoy wearing the device everyday. After all, a smartwatch is no good in an emergency if it's not being worn. 

We chose the Apple Watch as the best wearable device overall because it offers a blend of safety, health, and communication features. It suits a variety of situations and personal preferences and is surprisingly affordable if you get an older or refurbished model. 

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Cathy Habas
Written by
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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