There are situations where you simply want to press a button to summon help quickly. This would be the case, for example, in the event of a heart attack, a stroke, or hypoglycemia.

Even if you fall out of bed or slip in the shower, you may need immediate assistance. Therefore, for independent living even in old age, it can be beneficial to have an emergency call button.

You can choose between different options. We'll show you what's available and how much an emergency call button might cost. Some solutions are significantly cheaper than others. For example, if you opt for the One Button Phone with an integrated emergency button, you can save quite a bit compared to a home emergency call service!

Emergency call button for the home – these solutions are available

With an emergency call button, seniors can make an emergency call without having to operate a device for a long time. The emergency services can be contacted immediately, or an intermediary can be reached who then decides whether a doctor should be sent, an ambulance is needed, the care service should be alerted, or whether it is sufficient for a relative to check on the person.

An emergency call button for seniors can be implemented in various ways. Regardless of the system you choose, you should ensure it is easy to use and that a portable version is available. While a stationary emergency call button in only one location may be better than no emergency button at all, it is useless if you fall into another room and are unable to get up. Here, we will first introduce you to the most common solutions. Later, we will compare the costs in detail.

1. Home emergency call service

With this option, you enter into a contract with an external service provider. They provide you with a base station and a mobile emergency call button in the form of a necklace or bracelet. When you press the button, you are connected to the control center, which will then handle your request. This type of emergency call button for seniors is particularly expensive in the long run, as you have to pay a monthly fee. Prices start at €25 per month.

2. Emergency call button on the mobile phone

Standard smartphones and mobile phones typically don't have a dedicated emergency call button. However, an emergency call can still be made by repeatedly pressing or holding certain buttons. This is often too complicated for seniors, and can be overwhelming in stressful situations.

Smartphones or feature phones are better suited for seniors. Many of these have a large emergency call button on the back that stands out clearly from the rest of the design and is easy to find. Since you only pay the price of the device itself and don't have to pay a monthly fee, this option is usually cheaper in the long run than a home emergency call service.

Just don't forget the mobile data charges that will naturally apply to such a device. If you opt for a basic plan, these costs are usually less than ten euros. The disadvantage of a smartphone or mobile phone with an emergency button is that you can easily misplace it, whereas you always have a device on your wrist with you. The One Button Phone, for example, can be perfectly adjusted to the size of your wrist thanks to its adjustable strap, ensuring a secure fit and preventing loss.

3. Smartwatch with emergency call button

Even with a smartwatch that has an emergency button, the costs are manageable. Of course, you need to factor in the one-time purchase price. This can range from under €100 to several thousand euros. Here, too, we recommend choosing a model designed for seniors, because, just like smartphones, classic smartwatches generally don't have a dedicated emergency button. On the One Button Phone for seniors, however, the blue emergency button is clearly visible on the display. You simply press and hold it for a little longer, and an emergency call is placed.

The cost of emergency call buttons in comparison

To help you better understand how the costs for the different solutions are calculated, we have broken down the individual items for you. Please keep in mind that these are only examples. The actual costs may vary if you choose particularly expensive equipment or require many additional services.

Detailed costs for the home emergency call service

There are various providers of home emergency call systems, so the costs for this type of emergency button for seniors can vary. Depending on the services you choose and where you live, you will have to pay different prices. Usually, there is a basic fee that covers the fundamental services, as well as several upgrade options. Below, we provide examples of the costs that can be incurred for different services:

• Basic package: Most providers charge €25.50 for their basic package. This includes services such as a 24/7 emergency call center, an emergency button, and regular device maintenance.
• Additional services: If you would like to leave your key with a security guard so that the emergency service can open the door for you if needed, or if you would like motion sensors or fall detection, there will be additional costs on top of the standard emergency call button for seniors. You should expect to pay an extra 30 to 40 euros. As mentioned, this depends on the provider.
• Connection fees: Some providers offer free connection and installation of the devices. Others charge an additional, one-time fee, which can be around 50 euros.

Assuming you only book the basic plan and pay no connection fee, this emergency button for seniors will cost you €306 per year. If you use the service for ten years, that amounts to €3,060. Over 20 years, it would be €6,120.

However, if you choose a slightly more expensive plan with additional services and pay €50 per month, you'll pay €600 per year, totaling €6,000 in ten years. Keep in mind that costs can, of course, increase. Price hikes are quite normal.

As you can probably guess, buying a smartphone or smartwatch outright is usually cheaper – especially if you opt for a robust device that will last for many years. To ensure the One Button Phone has a long lifespan, it's made of durable materials. It's also splash-proof, so a little moisture won't harm it.

Cost of a smartphone or feature phone

The cost of a smartphone or keypad mobile phone emergency button consists of the purchase price of the device as well as the mobile network charges.

• Purchase price: Simple feature phones for seniors are available for under €100. Smartphones are often more expensive, but they don't have to cost a fortune. Models specifically designed for seniors, due to their reduced functionality, often cost less than €500.
• Mobile phone charges: You can choose either a contract or a prepaid card. It's important that a flat-rate calling plan is included. This allows you to make as many emergency calls as you like and make as many regular calls as you wish. Affordable plans are available starting at around five euros per month.
• Repair costs: You may need to send the device in for repair after a while, for example, if the display is damaged or the battery needs replacing. The costs for this are difficult to estimate and will have to be paid entirely by you.

Let's assume you choose a senior-friendly smartphone with a purchase price of €300 and find a mobile plan for €5 per month. This would mean annual mobile phone fees of €60. Adding the purchase price of the device, you're looking at €360 in the first year. After ten years, however, your total cost would be only €900. Potential repair costs are additional. Let's estimate these at €100, resulting in a total of €1,000 over ten years.

So you can see that a smartphone or a basic mobile phone can be significantly cheaper in the long run than a home emergency call service. However, we still don't consider it the ideal solution. This is because neither the latest smartphone nor the basic mobile phone is carried directly on the body. While they can be put in a trouser pocket, they inevitably end up on the coffee table, the nightstand, or some other surface.

If you need help right now, your device won't be readily available. That would be incredibly frustrating! With a smartwatch like the One Button Phone, however, this isn't a problem. The device sits directly on your wrist and is therefore always within easy reach.

The One Button Phone is this cheap

Just like with a smartphone or a feature phone, you need to consider two costs with a One Button Phone: the purchase price and mobile network charges. Our newest model is currently available for €299 (as of May 2025). However, you can also buy our slightly cheaper 2022 model for just €229 or opt for a second-hand device for an incredible price of, for example, €119. How affordable the second-hand models are always depends on their condition.

For example, if you manage to snag a really affordable model for €199 and pay €5 per month for mobile data, the cost of this type of emergency button for seniors will be just €259 in the first year. Over ten years, that would amount to €859. If you compare that directly to the cost of at least €3,060 for a home emergency call system , you'll have saved a considerable amount. Of course, you can also buy the One Button Phone at the new price of €299. Then, including mobile data, you'll pay €359 for the first year. After ten years of use, the total cost would be €959.

Additional costs for repairs or replacement parts may also apply. However, these are usually minimal. A new wristband for the One Button Phone, for example, costs around 20 euros.

With proper care, they can be used for a long time.

This calculation only works out, of course, if you can use the One Button Phone for many years. Although it's an electronic device, it's relatively robust. Handle it with care and take it off before swimming. If you're at a swimming pool or lake, there's usually a lifeguard on duty, so you don't need to worry too much about making an emergency call during that time. Additionally, you can protect the One Button Phone from scratches with a screen protector.

The wristband can wear out over time, especially if you frequently put the One Button Phone on and take it off. If this happens, you can simply purchase a replacement wristband . Chargers and charging cables can also be ordered separately. So you don't have to buy a new One Button Phone every time; you can simply replace certain parts, saving you money in the long run.

Should you encounter a technical problem, you can contact support. They are available by phone during office hours. There is also a chatbot available 24 hours a day. If you are unfamiliar with the chatbot or don't have the necessary device, simply ask a relative to handle the conversation.

30-day trial period with money-back guarantee

The cost of an emergency button can vary depending on the model you choose. But regardless of the price, you probably don't want to buy anything without trying it first. When you order the One Button Phone, you can test it thoroughly for 30 days. Find out how the device works, whether it suits your needs, and how it can simplify your daily life. If it's not right for you, simply return it for a full refund. However, we suspect you won't want to be without the peace of mind our device offers, thanks to its emergency button and many other practical features !

Price isn't everything: other important decision criteria

Understandably, cost is a decisive factor when choosing an emergency button. However, it shouldn't be the only criterion you consider. Also pay attention to the following points:

• Mobility: Ideally, your emergency button should serve you well not only at home but also on the go. This is precisely why the One Button Phone is such a good choice, as its SIM card slot allows it to function flawlessly even outside the home. In contrast, emergency buttons with home emergency call services are often limited to the home environment. They require a connection to the base station.
• Support: If something is wrong with the emergency button, there should always be someone to contact. With a home emergency call service, you can usually just contact the respective provider. For the One Button Phone, there is telephone support or support via chatbot. For smartphones and feature phones, it depends on the manufacturer.
• Ease of use: The more user-friendly the device you choose, the better. It should definitely have a large, clearly visible button. If you have to navigate through a menu, you'll waste valuable time and, in stressful situations, perhaps even your head. Don't make it so difficult for yourself and opt for an easy-to-use solution.
• Comfort: When you wear the device directly against your body, it should fit well and feel comfortable against your skin. It also shouldn't restrict your daily activities. Otherwise, you'll constantly be taking it off, which defeats the purpose. Thanks to the 30-day trial period, you can easily experience the comfort of the One Button Phone for yourself without any financial risk.
• Additional features: While the emergency button of a home emergency call service is primarily designed to establish contact with the on-call service, the One Button Phone offers many other practical functions that may be of interest to seniors. These include fall detection, vital sign monitoring, and GPS tracking.