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We tested the MGMini for several days, and here’s what we found.
Updated August 12, 2024
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Medical alert systems can reduce stress from medical conditions and help you or a loved one improve quality of life. Medical Guardian’s MGMini is a discreet device designed as a mobile solution.
MGMini stay protected everywhere
While we weren’t blown away by the MGMini and hit some bumps along the way, we think it’s great at a basic level. Not only was it helpful when we needed it, but it also comes with fun features like step tracking. After testing the MGMini over a few weeks, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before buying this device and help you decide if it’s the best medical alert system for you.
With a team of Medical Alert Technology experts, we put these systems through rigorous testing. It’s all in the details. We took the time to test every function the system offers, from its step counter to its ability to alert emergency personnel.
With the potential for real emergencies, we needed to know if this device could withstand a long shower and tell the difference between a fall and accidentally dropping the device. We want you to take that hike to the waterfall knowing you and your family will be taken care of. That’s why we take testing these systems so seriously.
Quality packaging deserves recognition, and the MGMini is no exception. Its sleek design enables users to unbox and begin setting up the device without losing key components. When we opened the box, this is what we found:
A lanyard comes attached to the device, but switching to an alternative is simple. Just make sure to fully charge the device and you’ll be ready to connect. The tiny size of the MGMini is surprising – while the image on the device’s landing page shows it next to a quarter for scale, it feels like a lot of power in a tiny package when it’s in your hand.
MGMini unboxing
Purchasing the MGMini on the Medical Guardian website was a breeze. At checkout, there was a long list of upgrades with useful information about each option. We were grateful we didn’t have to open another window or click a link to learn more about each feature.
The checkout page differs, depending on what device you buy, but we found it to be informative every time. It not only tells you what you’re buying, but covers the what-ifs as well.
FYI: Medical Guardian estimates ground shipping to take seven to 10 business days. We received our MGMini in two days. Shipping costs $12.50.
If the MGMini doesn’t meet your needs, there’s a product quiz on the site that will steer you in the right direction. If you’re still unclear, Medical Guardian boasts a responsive customer support page with answers to frequently asked questions, product reviews, and contact information.
Medical Guardian Devices
Getting the MGMini up and running was straightforward. Our device came with an instruction booklet to help with the setup. We found a single double-sided page with two QR codes – one to reach support and the other to download the MyGuardian app.
The charging system was annoying to put together with all the pieces we needed to gather. It’s made up of a charging cord, a power adapter, and a cradle. Still, these components are designed to promote portability.
We mention charging because our MGMini arrived without any charge. To get things moving, we had to get it to a full charge, which took around three hours.
To initiate a test, we pressed the emergency call button. Immediately afterwards, the device sounded an alert, giving us 10 seconds to cancel before connecting us with help.
Holding MGMini up
After going through it, we were connected to an agent who asked us if we needed help. Within 33 seconds, a live human tracked our location. Knowing that we could quickly get emergency services to the right place made us feel secure.
Did You Know? Bluetooth is the most used technology in medical alert devices. Learn more about this in our guide to the best medical alert devices that use Bluetooth.
Of course, it would be too easy if we only tested this at home. After all, they have our address – it’s required upon setup. So, we took the MGMini out for a drive. No matter where we went in Los Angeles, operators were able to detect our location.
Most surprising of all was when an agent located us during a test on a beach. Not only were they able to track which beach we were on, but they also knew which landmarks to point out should an emergency vehicle need a marker to find us. As long as you have 4G cellular access, the MGMini will help an agent find you every time.
Medical Guardian devices require monthly subscriptions, ranging from $33 to $45 per month depending on the device. A month-to-month subscription for the MGMini is $39.95 with a one-time equipment fee of $149.95. There’s also an annual plan that costs 10 percent less and includes a free month of service.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to break the bank, take a look at our guide on the most affordable medical alert systems. Even at a low price, we’ll recommend the best.
Any additional add-ons may increase your monthly payment. Here are Medical Guardian’s mobile equipment options:
| MGMini | MGMini Lite | MGMove | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 5 days | 5 days | 7 days |
| Can Be Used at Home | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Location Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Location Tracking | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | Yes, built into device | Yes, built into device | No |
| Monthly Fee | $44.95 | $39.95 | $39.95 |
| One-Time Equipment Fee | $149.95 | $149.95 | $199.95 |
Overall, the MGMini without add-ons provides enough security. However, if you like to get add-ons, we’re happy to report there are plenty to choose from. However, each one comes at an additional price. Here’s an overview of Medical Guardian’s add-ons, their functions, and prices:
| Add-on Equipment | Cost | Features and Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| MG Protection Plan | $6.99 per month |
|
| Elite 911 | $9.99 per month |
|
| Entryway Lockbox for Keys | $2.99 per month |
|
| OnGuard Alerts | $2.99 per month |
|
| Support Circle Apps | $5 per month |
|
| Fall Detection | $10 per month |
|
| Wireless Wall Button | $2.99 per month |
|
| Voice-Activated Wall Button | $5 per month |
|
| Additional Alert Pendants | $2.99 per month (each) |
|
Testing out the MGMini
As mentioned, we like the MGMini at the standard level. So, let’s discuss why we’re not big fans of the add-ons. Some are tempting and worth it, but we’re here to give a fair overview so you know what’s worth the price.
This add-on is our favorite. It notifies you and contacts in your care circle by text and email when you have an activated emergency. There’s no additional equipment required and it connects directly through your call service.
This can be especially helpful if you have any specific medical requirements that your emergency contacts are aware of in case you are unable to communicate this to your responders. At $2.99 a month, if this option suits your needs, it’s well worth the upgrade, considering it could save your life.
FYI: Compared to other medical alert companies, Medical Guardian gives good value. Some brands aren’t accessible to seniors on a fixed income. For instance, while researching Life Alert prices and monthly fees, we found their systems aren’t affordable, and the contract terms are strict.
We aren’t sure if this is a malfunction specific to the device we purchased or a fault overall with the MGMini, but the fall detection doesn’t work. That’s not to say it never works, but after a dozen rounds of convincing falls, we had one response. If falling is a concern you might want to look elsewhere. Especially for $10 a month extra, the MGMini with added fall detection doesn’t cut it.
>> Learn More: Medical Guardian Pricing and Plans
This feature isn’t so much an add-on as a bonus feature in your app or online portal. There’s no extra fee, but if you’re interested in maintaining a minimum step count or curious to see how much walking you’ve done, the information will automatically be logged.
We tested the step tracker against our Apple Watch, iPhone, and Oura ring, and the MGMini held its own with decent accuracy. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of steps logged between each device:
| Device | Steps Logged |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch | 9,318 |
| iPhone | 5,320 (We didn’t always have our phone on us when we did this test.) |
| Oura Ring | 9,451 |
| MGMini | 8,678 |
As we discussed, one of the best features of this device is its location tracking. The accuracy is spot on, and when it comes to your safety, knowing where to send help is key.
The only drawback to this service could be apartments and multi-story buildings. If you aren’t in your home with the address and floor number on file, it could be difficult for responders to find which level you’re on since GPS location tracking cannot measure your elevation.
FYI: Most monitored on-the-go medical alert systems come with GPS. Read our review of the best medical alert systems that use GPS to pick the most accurate device on the market.
During our tests, the agent found our location every time. The MGMini utilizes 4G LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi to track you so your location will be recognized almost anywhere you go.
The MyGuardian app gives users a clear overview of their devices. All Medical Guardian systems can access the MyGuardian app, including the MGMini. We liked how easy the app is to set up and use, and preferred it to using the Medical Guardian website.
Medical Guardian designed this app with seniors in mind. That means no tiny text, hidden menus, or overwhelming functions. The app makes it easy to change your caregivers, check your device’s battery life, or get customer support.
Pro Tip: Use our medical alert system buying guide to find out what you should look for in a device. We’ll tell you the features to consider, average cost breakdowns, company reviews, and different equipment on the market.
Of course, depending on the system you have, the features may vary slightly. But the overall gist of the app is standard across the board. You can make payments, change your billing option, and set up auto pay without calling customer service.
MyGuardian app
Now, onto the serious stuff – the fine print. When we sign up for a subscription, we like to make sure there aren’t any hidden fees or secret contracts. The same goes for a medical alert system. While the things we’ve covered like features, cost, functionality, and customer support are important, there’s more to it.
Medical Guardian doesn’t require contracts. We called an agent and asked if we needed to sign up for a set number of months to get access to their services, and they assured us we didn’t.
All services are offered on a month-to-month basis and can be canceled at any time. You have to pay for the device itself, in full upfront, but it’s yours to keep.
Medical Guardian offers a 90-day warranty that covers malfunctions and technical issues. To be frank, it’s not impressive. To compensate, they offer a protection plan for $6.99 per month that covers damaged equipment and unlimited free battery replacements. Still, nothing special there.
The MGMini is a great no-frills option for people who are on the go and in the market for a medical alert system. At its core, it’s basic but gets the job done. Though, we aren’t talking about the add-ons.
In our experience, adding extra features to our MGMini didn’t work out well. We added fall detection and tested it out – safely – several times, and it worked one out of 12 times. Those odds are not great in case of a real emergency. When it comes to the MGMini, the add-ons felt unnecessary for what it is: a basic medical alert device.
We’re fans of Medical Guardian, but the MGMini was our least favorite in its lineup of devices. That’s because we prefer quality features and add-ons. If you only need the basic functionality, don’t be discouraged. The MGMini is a solid choice for anyone who’s active or always on the go and has a medical condition.
Yes, if you require emergency help, Medical Guardian can call 911 on your behalf.
The average charging time for the MGMini is three hours. We recommend charging the MGMini every day to preserve its battery health and life.
The MGMini does have built-in fall detection capabilities, but it’s not free. You can add fall detection to the MGMini for an additional $10 per month.
The MGMini costs $149.95. After that, the device is yours to keep, even if you cancel the service. It can also be reactivated at any time. The monthly subscription for the MGMini costs $39.95 per month and shipping is $12.50.
Response times for Medical Guardian vary, but they’re typically between 20 and 50 seconds. We tested it several times and got an average response time of 23 seconds.
