life alerts are too expensive so what are some good alternatives

Apparently Life Alert quotes approximately $50 to $60 monthly plus requires a three year contract, which seems quite expensive for monitoring service and emergency button functionality and the question is whether alternatives exist that provide similar reliable service at more reasonable cost without multi year commitment. Not interested in cutting corners on reliability since this is important safety equipment, but the competitive market should offer options that don't require premium pricing, right? And does expensive well known brands actually provide better service or are newer competitors offering equivalent functionality at lower cost? Customer service quality would matter significantly in emergency situations, whether company has knowledgeable staff and reasonable hold times versus complicated phone systems that frustrate elderly people!!!