Last Updated on September 4, 2020
At the end of July 2016, Great Call released the Lively Alert mobile urgent response device for seniors and other users seeking an mPERS (mobile personal emergency response) solution. The Lively Alert is a new generation mobile alert that replaces Great Call’s popular Splash alert button device. On first look, both are rectangular shaped small devices, but the Lively Alert is smaller and comes with an improved look and feel. In this article, we compare more closely the similarities and differences between the old Splash and the new Lively Alert.
Lively Alert & Splash Comparison Chart
| Lively Alert | Splash | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Dimensions | 2.19″ (H) by 1.6″ (W) by 0.63″ (D) | 2.9″ (H) by 1.7″ (W) by 0.7″ (D) |
| Weight | 1.41 oz | 1.8 oz |
| Waterproof | Yes, IPX7 Rated | Yes, IPX7 Rated |
| Mobile (works in an out of the home) | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Reviews | Full Review | Full Review |
Lively Alert is 35% Smaller & Weighs 20% Less the Splash
Compared to the Splash, the smaller size of the Lively Alert makes it easier to carry around or wear around the neck with a lanyard. The length and width are noticeably smaller, while the thickness is not visibly different. You can check the official measurements in the comparison chart above. The sizing difference is more apparent than the weight difference, although the Lively Alert is also lighter.
At 1.4 oz, it’s 20% lighter than the older Splash. Neither devices are as light as a standard home medical alert pendant that does not have it’s own in-device speakerphone; and therefore weighs under 0.5 oz typically. Mobile buttons like the Lively Alert include a speaker and microphone to facilitate two-way communications both in and out of the home.
For a more in-depth look, check out the full Lively Alert Mobile Urgent Response Device Review.
Both Work Nationwide
Like the Splash, the Lively Alert works through a high quality nationwide cellular network. This means that both are equally good in the area of coverage. They will work anywhere that their network’s cell phone signals are strong enough.
Lively Alert Retains Significant Features of the Splash
The Lively Alert has all the significant features found in the Splash device. Features like being lightweight and waterproof, having a built-in spearkerphone, 24/7 US-Based urgent response monitoring, GPS locations tracking and fall detection sensing (additional service cost) are all part of the new Lively Alert product package. A Lively Alert preferred subscription will provide access to an Urgent Care Hotline staffed with nurses and doctors, and use of the GreatCall Link app.
Like the Splash, it can be worn with a lanyard or clipped to a keychain. The wristband is coming soon.
Same Prices
The Lively Alert has the same pricing as the Splash. The device retails for $49.99, plus a monthly fee of $19.99 (24/7 Emergencies Alert Monitoring), $24.99 (with Great Call Link App, Urgent Care Line) or $34.99 (All features from lower level plans, plus Fall Detection). There’s also a $35 activation fee to get started, just like with the Splash.
Bluetooth Connectivity
While the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity for the Lively does not have immediate benefits for users, it allows for better capturing and sharing of data from other devices in the future. For example, the Lively Alert device could conceivably be used to capture data from a wifi weight scale or activity band. All this data can then integrated into a daily health profile for the senior, and organized through the Great Call Link App to be shared with caregivers.
In comparison, Bluetooth data connectivity was not built into the Splash.
Great Call – The Company Behind Lively Alert & Splash
Great Call is a leading provider of cellular phones and mobile urgent response devices for seniors. Based in San Diego, California, they are the makers of Jitterbug phones for seniors, 5-Star Urgent Response Device (2011 – 2014, succeeded by Splash), Splash (2014 – 2016, succeeded by Lively Alert) and now, the Lively Alert. Great Call acquired the Lively company at the end of 2015, and has folded Lively’s name and technologies into new Great Call’s line of elderly activity monitoring and alert devices.
With this new Bluetooth ready product, Great Call is not aiming to bring just another mobile GPS alert system or similar mobile medical alert-type product to seniors. It want to release a device that addresses the Connected Health market; where data from various devices can be captured and shared by the Lively Alert. For a general look into mobile medical alert and similar devices, please check out our Mobile Medical Alert Systems Guide.
Which Is Better?
Overall, the Great Call Lively Alert is an improved version of the Splash for the following reasons: it’s smaller and lighter, and it’s Bluetooth ready to network with other devices. The Lively Alert also comes with an improved design. The top encloses past the edges, and the speaker and microphone placements are more streamlined.
The Splash has similar features, and if it’s working out well for you or your parents, there’s probably little reason to switch right away. Just be aware that the new Lively Alert option is available when the timing is right.
Current subscribers of the Splash can call Great Call’s customer support to order the Lively Alert if they so choose. If you have been on the sidelines eyeing the Splash for yourself or Mom/Dad, you now can now skip directly to the new generation Lively Alert. To learn more, read the full Great Call Lively Alert review.
To order the Lively Alert, please visit Great Call’s website directly. If you purchase online, you will be prompted for your zipcode to verify that there is coverage in your area.
Disclosure: We receive referral compensation for purchases made (see details).
For a look at different mobile medical alert and mPERS (mobile personal emergency response systems), please check out our mobile GPS systems reviews section.
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- Medical Alert Systems For Landlines - November 20, 2022
- The Truth About Long-Range Medical Alert Systems - May 1, 2022
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We have had the same problem as the other commenters here. I got one of the Lively Alert devices for my Aunt who is not stable on her feet. Well, the app never tracked her properly at all. Completely unreliable tracking. It would say she was at home when she had been out of the house for hours, out shopping or whatever. It never did GPS track her location properly and we had 3 different units and they all never tracked her correctly. Also, the Lively charged properly for about a week and then the unit would fail to hold a charge. The charge would last for about 5 hours or so with all 3 devices that we had. Totally unacceptable!! I’m a Computer Systems Analyst so I know how these devices (are supposed to) work. We had to cancel the Great Call service because the Lively devices and the GPS tracking just didn’t work reliably. Terrible Lively Alert device that doesn’t work or charge properly. These are people lives we are talking about so these devices need to work and charge as intended. VERY disappointed!! We have her carrying around her smart phone (that I bought her) everywhere now. It works but sometimes she forgets it (she can’t wear it around her neck).