The expert rating is made up of reception and tracking (50%) and ease of use (50%). Voice call and geofencing are assessed, but they aren't available with every product so they don't contribute to the overall score. Models with an expert rating of 0% don't have an ACMA responsible supplier certification that we could find. We do not recommend buying models without this.

CHOICE Expert rating based on test results, without factoring in ACMA responsible supplier certification. We do not recommend buying a personal alarm that doesn't have a this certification.

Products that connect to mobile phone networks must be complaint with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements. The supplier must be registered. Products without this certification may not be safe to use. "Not found" means the supplier did not provide us with proof of certification when asked, or we couldn't find them in the National Equipment Registration System (NERS) database.

We assess the user manual, email and telephone support and SIM insertion, where necessary. We also assess configuring, activating an SOS, recharging, using the buttons, the shape of the device and whether it's easy to grip and carry.

We test their mobile network reception, GPS accessibility, and battery life to find which ones perform the best.

We call to and from the device, to test whether the voice quality is clear and loud enough to hear. "Not applicable" or "N/A" means the alarm doesn't have this feature.

As with any device powered by batteries, personal alarms only have a limited amount of time before needing recharging.

We measured battery life using the most power-hungry settings on each device. The times listed here represent the extreme end of usage.

'Tested model' refers to personal alarms that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to personal alarms that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

Price at time of purchase.

Geofencing allows you to set up a virtual fence and alarm for when it is crossed. Radial creates a virtual fence in a circle, while polygon is more flexible, and allows you to create a map that allows access to a nearby park, for example.

An ingress protection (aka IP) rating as claimed by the manufacturer, is the best way to identify whether a personal alarm is dust and water resistant. The first digit applies to particulate protection (dirt, dust etc) and the second refers to moisture protection. We suggest looking for a personal alarm with a rating of IP66 or IP67. IP66 claims to provide complete protection against dust etc and powerful water jets. IP67 is the same for dust, but protects against submersion in water for up to 30 minutes, at a depth of up to one metre. While an IP67 model may be fine in the shower the submersion test can't guarantee this.

If you need to configure the device, what options does it give you? SMS, app or website?

Look for a personal alarm with the capability to define more than one contact. The more contacts you have, the more useful it is in case the first contact is away from their phone.

Registered supplier's name as provided by the supplier/agent or confirmed in the National Equipment Registration System.

Putting your personal alarm in a charging cradle is much easier than fiddling with a cable, especially if you have limited dexterity. That said, some models (including pendants and watches) have magnetic connectors that make it easier to plug the cable in.

Does the device accept incoming calls?

Will the device auto-accept an incoming call? This would be useful if the user has fallen or is unable to move but able to speak.

Activates if the device falls rapidly which then triggers an alarm to a contact.

Sends an alarm to a contact if the device doesn't move for a specified amount of time.

This is where you can set the device to tell you whether it has moved. Sort of the opposite of the non-movement alarm.

If the device starts moving rapidly, say by the wearer getting into a car or boarding a train, it creates an alarm to send to a contact with this information.