Timex FamilyConnect Smartwatch Review
Looking for a solution that increases safety for seniors but doesn’t scream “medical device”? The Timex FamilyConnect Smartwatch strikes an impressive balance between functionality and discretion. Originally marketed for families with children, we discovered this T-Mobile-powered device offers several features that are ideal for older adults.
With fall detection, SOS capabilities, and impressive battery life, the FamilyConnect provides essential safety features without the premium price tag of dedicated medical alert watches. Our comprehensive testing reveals how this versatile smartwatch can keep seniors connected, protected, and independent, all while looking like they’re wearing a stylish timepiece rather than medical equipment.
Key Findings
- The Timex FamilyConnect offers impressive battery life with 72 hours of talk time and seven days of standby time, which is much longer than most medical alert watches.
- With its dedicated SOS button and fall-detection capabilities, the FamilyConnect provides essential safety features for older adults, although it doesn’t have the urgent response access of a medical alert system.
- The watch’s two-way calling and messaging functionalities allow seniors to stay connected without a smartphone.
- Its IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating makes it suitable for everyday wear, including in the shower.
>> Read More: The Best Medical Alert Systems with GPS
Pro Tip: The Timex FamilyConnect is great for those with loved ones nearby; however, if you’re looking for a dedicated medical alert system, check out our rundown of this year’s top-rated medical alert systems.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of caregivers, experts, and health care professionals has conducted over 5,000 hours of in-depth research and testing. The results helped us recommend the most reliable brands and devices. In this process, our team:
- Tested 50 medical alert devices from 15 different brands.
- Surveyed 1,250 seniors and caregivers on medical alert system usage.
- Consulted with nurses, EMTs, and caregivers who are experts at caring for older adults.
- Published dozens of videos that demonstrate our medical alert system testing.
- Evaluated verified customer reviews of medical alert companies from the Better Business Bureau.
- Continues to monitor developments in the world of medical alert systems and revise our findings accordingly.
How We Tested the FamilyConnect Watch
We evaluated the Timex FamilyConnect on the following criteria:
- Battery performance: We monitored the battery life through various usage scenarios to verify company claims that the watch has 72 hours of talk time and seven days of standby time.
- Ease of use: We assessed how intuitive the interface is for seniors, particularly those with limited tech experience or dexterity issues.
- Emergency response: We tested the SOS button and fall-detection features to ensure they worked reliably.
- Call quality: We made numerous calls to test audio clarity and connection reliability in different environments.
- Water resistance: We verified the IP67 rating by testing the device in shower conditions.
- Activity tracking: We tested step-count accuracy and heart rate monitoring features.
- App integration: We thoroughly evaluated the Timex FamilyConnect app for usability by both seniors and caregivers.
FamilyConnect Pros and Cons
FamilyConnect Pros
- Exceptional battery life: With 72 hours of talk time and seven days of standby time, the FamilyConnect outperforms many competitors, including the Apple Watch with its daily charging requirement.
- Dedicated SOS button: The easily accessible emergency button provides peace of mind for both seniors and caregivers.
- Fall detection: Unlike some competitors, the FamilyConnect includes built-in fall detection at no additional cost.
- Water- and dust-resistant: The IP67 rating means the watch can withstand exposure to water and dust, so users can wear it in the bathroom, which is a frequent site of falls.
- Affordable price: At $162 for the device and plans starting at $12 monthly, it’s more affordable than many dedicated medical alert watches.
- Two-way communication: The ability to call and text provides independence while maintaining connection with caregivers.
>> Read More: The Best Smartwatches for Seniors
FamilyConnect Cons
- Small keyboard: We often had difficulty with the tiny on-screen keyboard, which could be challenging for seniors with dexterity or vision issues.
- Screen sensitivity: The touch screen is sometimes overly sensitive, which might lead to accidental calls or menu navigation.
- Loved ones required: The FamilyConnect watch can only contact preset contacts (as opposed to a monitoring center or 911), meaning users will need to have loved ones nearby to obtain help in emergencies.
>> Looking for smaller wearables? Read our list of the Best Medical Alert Bracelets.
Timex FamilyConnect Specs
| Watch cost (one-time charge) | $162 |
|---|---|
| Monthly plan costs | $12 to $17 |
| Battery life | 72 hours talk time, seven days standby |
| Water resistance | IP67 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE |
| Fall detection | Included |
| Weight | 1.94 ounces |
What Is the FamilyConnect?
The Timex FamilyConnect is a smartwatch designed to keep wearers connected with loved ones. Though primarily marketed for families with children, its features — particularly the dedicated SOS button, fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking — make it equally valuable for seniors.
The watch operates through the intuitive Timex FamilyConnect app, allowing caregivers to customize preferences, add contacts, and set daily reminders on the watch. Unlike many standard smartwatches, the FamilyConnect doesn’t require pairing with a smartphone, making it an ideal stand-alone device for seniors who prefer simplicity.
For older adults, FamilyConnect offers a balance between independence and safety. It provides emergency features without the complexity of a smartwatch or potential stigma of traditional medical alert devices.
>> Further Reading: Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
Using My FamilyConnect
After purchasing the FamilyConnect watch from T-Mobile, I received the device with clear setup instructions. The setup process was straightforward, requiring minimal technical knowledge — an essential consideration for seniors or caregivers assisting with installation.
Unboxing and Installation
My FamilyConnect package contained:
- One FamilyConnect smartwatch
- Charging dock
- USB Type-C cable
- SIM card tool
- Quick start guide
- Safety and warranty information
Setting up the watch involved placing it on the charging dock until fully charged (approximately two hours for the first charge), inserting the included SIM card, and downloading the Timex FamilyConnect app on my smartphone. The app guided me through the connection process and allowed me to customize settings and add emergency contacts.
It’s important to remember that if you’re buying this watch for a loved one, you’ll likely need to help them set it up, as a smartphone is required.
Design
The FamilyConnect features a square watch face with a 1.91-inch by 1.61-inch display. It’s larger than many traditional watches, but we appreciated that the larger size makes reading the screen easier. The watch comes with an adjustable band that comfortably accommodates various wrist sizes.
During our testing, we found the display bright and clear, although direct sunlight did reduce visibility somewhat. The touch screen was responsive, sometimes overly so, which occasionally resulted in accidental navigation or selection.
The watch includes physical buttons for power and SOS functions. The dedicated SOS button struck us as particularly useful, as it provides quick access to emergency features without navigating menus — which is crucial during a fall or medical emergency.
While the FamilyConnect doesn’t have the sleekness of premium smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, its utilitarian design prioritizes functionality and ease of use. Its IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating means it can withstand exposure to water: When we brought the device into the shower, it continued to function with no damage.
>> Related: Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Caregiver Features
The FamilyConnect truly shines in its caregiver-focused features, which are accessible through the Timex FamilyConnect app. These include:
- Location tracking: Real-time GPS tracking allowed me to monitor the wearer’s location, providing peace of mind for caregivers of seniors who might wander or get disoriented.
- Geofencing: I could set up safe zones and receive alerts when the wearer entered or left designated areas. This is particularly valuable for seniors who are prone to wandering.
- Two-way communication: The ability to call and message directly to the watch meant I could check in without requiring the wearer to operate a smartphone.
- Reminders: I could set medication, appointment, or activity reminders that appeared directly on the watch, helping seniors maintain their independence while staying on schedule.
- Health monitoring: The watch tracks heart rate and activity levels, providing valuable health insights that caregivers can monitor remotely.
During testing, I found that setting up reminders was particularly useful. I created daily medication reminders for various times throughout the day, and the watch reliably alerted at the designated times. The reminder stayed on the screen until acknowledged, ensuring it wouldn’t be missed.
The activity-tracking feature, while basic compared to dedicated fitness trackers, provided useful insights into daily movement levels. This feature could help caregivers encourage appropriate physical activity for seniors, which research has shown can reduce fall risk by up to 24 percent.
Emergency Response Testing
The FamilyConnect’s emergency features center around the dedicated SOS button and fall detection capabilities. To test these features, we conducted several simulated emergency scenarios.
When pressing and holding the SOS button, the watch initiated a countdown (to prevent accidental triggering) before sending alert messages to designated emergency contacts. These messages included the wearer’s current location, a critical feature in emergency situations.
The fall-detection feature worked well in our controlled tests. When a significant fall was detected, the watch vibrated and displayed an alert asking if help was needed. If no response was given within 30 seconds, the watch automatically sent alerts to emergency contacts. This automatic response is crucial for situations where a senior might be unconscious or unable to respond after a fall.
It’s worth noting that while FamilyConnect provides excellent emergency notification to designated contacts, it does not connect directly to a professional monitoring center. Dedicated medical alert systems such as the MGMove or systems from Bay Alarm Medical, by comparison, are typically connected to response agents 24-7. A professionally monitored system might provide additional security for seniors with serious medical conditions.
>> Read More: The Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems
FamilyConnect Plans and Costs
The Timex FamilyConnect watch costs $162. Additionally, you’ll need to select one of T-Mobile’s service plans to use it, which range in price from $12 to $17 per month.
All of the plans include unlimited talk, text, and data. The primary difference between the plans will be the access to high-speed data. However, since the FamilyConnect watch does not support 5G service, we opted for the basic FamilyConnect plan for $12 per month. Despite having less access to high-speed data, we did not notice any lapses in the watch’s performance.
Compared to dedicated medical alert watches like the MGMove (which costs $199.95 for the device plus $42.95 monthly) or the Kanega Watch ($79.95 a month), the FamilyConnect offers significant cost savings while providing many similar features.
>> Further Reading: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch Review
Returns and Warranties
The FamilyConnect comes with T-Mobile’s standard return policy, allowing returns within 14 days of purchase. However, the device must be in like-new condition, and you may be responsible for restocking fees.
T-Mobile also offers a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. For additional protection, T-Mobile offers device protection plans that can be added to your monthly bill, covering accidental damage, loss, and theft.
We recommend discussing these options with a T-Mobile representative when purchasing, as specific terms may vary based on your location and account status.
To learn more about T-Mobile’s various plans, read our full rundown of T-Mobile Senior Plans.
FamilyConnect vs. MGMove
When comparing the Timex FamilyConnect to the Medical Guardian MGMove, several key differences emerge that might influence your decision.
| FamilyConnect | MGMove | |
|---|---|---|
| Device cost | $162 | $199.95 |
| Monthly cost | $12 to $17 | $42.95 |
| Battery life | 72 hours talk, seven days standby | 20 hours |
| Fall detection | Included | Not available |
| Professional monitoring | No | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
The FamilyConnect offers superior battery life and includes fall detection at a significantly lower monthly cost. However, the MGMove connects to a professional monitoring center, which provides trained emergency response personnel rather than simply alerting family members.
Choosing between these devices should depend on the specific needs of the senior:
- FamilyConnect is more affordable and feature-rich for active seniors who primarily need a way to connect with family in emergencies.
- For seniors with severe medical conditions who might need rapid professional assistance, the MGMove’s monitoring service could be worth the additional cost.
>> Read More About: The Best Medical Alert Systems for Blind Users
Bottom Line
The Timex FamilyConnect offers an impressive array of features at a price significantly lower than most dedicated medical alert watches. Its exceptional battery life, fall-detection capabilities, and caregiver features make it a viable option for seniors seeking security without the stigma or cost of traditional medical alert devices.
During our testing, we found the watch reliable, with intuitive enough controls for most seniors to master with minimal assistance. The SOS function and fall detection performed consistently, providing the core safety features most caregivers seek.
The main drawbacks — a sometimes overly sensitive touch screen and tiny on-screen keyboard — are outweighed by the watch’s strengths for most users. However, seniors with significant vision or dexterity challenges might struggle with text-messaging features.
For families seeking an affordable way to provide safety features and stay connected with their older loved ones, the Timex FamilyConnect represents excellent value. While it lacks the professional monitoring services of premium medical alert systems, its comprehensive features and low monthly costs make it a compelling option for independent seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What cellular network does the FamilyConnect use?
The FamilyConnect operates on T-Mobile’s cellular network. Before purchasing, check T-Mobile’s coverage in your area to ensure reliable service.
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Can the watch be used without the app?
While the watch can make and receive calls without the app, many features, including location tracking, reminders, and emergency contact notifications, require the Timex FamilyConnect app.
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Is the FamilyConnect suitable for seniors with dementia?
The FamilyConnect can be helpful for seniors with early-stage dementia, particularly due to its location tracking and geofencing features. However, those with advanced dementia might struggle with the interface. For such cases, a dedicated medical alert system for dementia patients should be considered.
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How accurate is the fall detection?
In our testing, the fall detection accurately identified significant falls. However, like all fall-detection technology, it may occasionally miss very slow falls or trigger false alarms during vigorous activity. The 30-second countdown before alerting contacts helps reduce false alerts, however.
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Can emergency services be contacted directly through the watch?
The watch does not directly contact 911 or emergency services. Instead, it notifies your designated emergency contacts who can then call for help if needed. This differs from professionally monitored medical alert systems that can dispatch emergency services directly.
