Fall detection has improved significantly, but no device catches every fall, and understanding the tradeoffs helps set realistic expectations.
What to actually compare
- Form factor — pendant, wristband, or clip-on; comfort determines whether you'll actually wear it daily, which matters more than any feature spec
- Detection accuracy — ask vendors directly about false positive and false negative rates rather than accepting marketing language alone
- Monitoring type — 24/7 monitoring center vs. direct-to-contact calling
- Battery life and charging — a device you forget to charge provides no protection
The best device is the one you'll wear consistently — a slightly less accurate pendant worn every day beats a superior one left in a drawer.