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When you have to take various medications throughout the day, remembering the amounts and frequency of each can start getting difficult. If you want to take the trouble out of the process, then check out one of the best automatic pill dispensers.
These little devices make it easy to stay healthy, but not every model is made to the same level of quality. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research and find the very best of the best! Also see: Automatic Pill Dispensers Buying Guide.
Best Automatic Pill Dispensers
| e-Pill MedTime Station Automatic Pill Dispenser | e-Pill | MedSmart Voice Plus, Automatic Pill Dispenser | GMS Automatic Pill Dispenser | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Smartphone Compatible | No | Yes | No |
| Pill Capacity | 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | 28 compartments, up to 24 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment |
| Voice | No | Yes | No |
| Customer Ratings | 3.8 / 5.0 Stars | 3.9 / 5.0 Stars | 3.5 / 5.0 Stars |
Also see: Best Automatic Pill Dispensers Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Automatic Pill Dispensers – 2020
- e-Pill MedTime Station Automatic Pill Dispenser
- e-Pill | MedSmart Voice Plus, Automatic Pill Dispenser
- GMS Automatic Pill Dispenser
- MedELert Locking Automatic Pill Dispenser
- VitaWorks Automatic Pill Dispenser
Automatic Pill Dispensers Reviews
#1- e-Pill MedTime Station Automatic Pill Dispenser
- Smartphone Compatible: No
- Pill Capacity: 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment
- Voice: No
- Alarms: Up to 6/day
If you or whomever you’re purchasing for has limited dexterity, we can’t recommend a better dispenser. You may notice a little blue handle on the top, which is used to easily tip the medication out of the device.
Expand To See More The locked pill dispenser (2 keys included) dispenses up to 6 times per day, with the option to also set alarms up to 6 times daily. The alarm is very loud, and also comes with a flashing light just in case the user in question is hard of hearing. Each alarm continues to sound/flash for 30 minutes to ensure the consumer hears/sees it and doesn’t miss a dosage. You can choose from 3 different tones, depending on what works best. The removable 28 compartment tray has a large capacity, with each compartment capable of holding up to 18 aspirin-sized pills. Coming with AA batteries, you’ll get up to 6 months of battery life at a time, too! While it is a bit more expensive than most, it’s more than worth it!
#2- e-Pill | MedSmart Voice Plus, Automatic Pill Dispenser
- Smartphone Compatible: Yes
- Pill Capacity: 28 compartments, up to 24 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment
- Voice: Yes
- Alarms: Up to 6/day
If you’re someone who really revels in the convenience of smartphones, then you’ll love it, too. The MedSmart can be set up to work with Bluetooth or integrated with the free app that works for both iOS and Android!
Expand To See More You can receive alarms right to your smartphone, use it to track when medications have been dispensed, and more. It just has to be at least within 33 feet of the dispenser. If you choose not to use it, you’ll still get up to 6 alarms per day, and instead of random sounds you get a loud voice alarm that says “it’s time for your medications”. In conjunction, it also uses a blinking green visual alarm in case you don’t hear it. The extra-large display is very easy to read, showing the time and other details. The automatic locking pill box comes with 28 different compartments, with each compartment capable of holding up to 24 aspirin-sized pills. That’s notably larger than the last product. The secure grips will make sure it doesn’t slip out of your hands, making it easier to manage.
#3- GMS Automatic Pill Dispenser
- Smartphone Compatible: No
- Pill Capacity: 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment
- Voice: No
- Alarms: Up to 6/day
As you may have guessed, that also brings the price of this model down about $100, so if you don’t need or want the smartphone option but love all their other features, this is the one for you.
Expand To See More Coming with automatic medication alerts, you’ll get up to 6 alarms per day. What’s great about this feature, is that even after you change its batteries, it will retain the alarm settings so you never have to worry. Each alarm sounds for 30 minutes, or until medications are dispensed so you never risk missing one. The 28-compartment tray can hold up to 18 aspirin-sized pills per compartment, which is the same size as the MedTime offers. The manufacturer generally includes one solid white lid and one clear lid, depending on what works best for you. You’ll also get replacement parts like extra dosage rings, trays, and keys so you’re always prepared. To keep medications safe, it is a locking device, through with the easy turn key and lock assist you’ll never have to worry about remembering if you took your pills.
#4- MedELert Locking Automatic Pill Dispenser
- Smartphone Compatible: No
- Pill Capacity: 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment
- Voice: No
- Alarms: Up to 6/day
The MedELert Locking Automatic Pill Dispenser will fit your needs perfectly! It’s very affordable, yet very high-quality and easy to use.
Expand To See More Coming with 28 compartments and up to an 18 aspirin-sized tablet capacity per compartment, you’ll be sure to be able to fit all of your medications in with ease. The secured, tamper-proof lock-and-key system is perfect for protecting patients from over-medication while making it easy to follow their regimens – especially if they’re difficult ones! You can also easily switch out dosage rings to achieve specific medication needs anywhere from 1 – 6 times daily. The alarms can sound up to 6 times a day and are extremely easy to program. You’ll get to choose from three different tones and once the alarm goes off it will sound for up to 30 minutes or until you dispense the medication. The alarm also comes with a bright, flashing LED light in case you’re hard of hearing or deaf. Finally, you’ll never run out of batteries unexpectedly thanks to the low battery icon that shows on the LED display when they’re lower than 4.0V. You’ll get four AA batteries with your device, too.
#5- VitaWorks Automatic Pill Dispenser
- Smartphone Compatible: No
- Pill Capacity: 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment
- Voice: No
- Alarms: Up to 6/day
Despite being so affordable, it’s incredibly efficient and easy to use. Coming with 28 slots and room for 18 tablets in each slot, it will be no problem fitting it all of your medication.
Expand To See More With 6 different dosage rings included, you can quickly customize your new dispenser according to your daily medication requirements. Once it hits the pre-set time you’ve adjusted it for, the dispenser will turn and release the slot’s pills held inside. You can set up anywhere from 1 to 6 alarms per day, and when they go off you’ll get a loud alarm sound along with a flashing red light. Each alarm will go off for up to 30 minutes, or until pills are dispensed. Just like the GMS dispenser, the VitaWorks model comes with both a solid white and a clear lid, depending on what works best for you. You’ll also get a convenient set-up manual and 1 metal key. The key is used to lock up the dispenser to avoid overmedication and can be easily unlocked for refilling.
Best Automatic Pill Dispensers Comparison Table
| Price | Smartphone Compatible | Pill Capacity | Voice | Customer Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Pill MedTime Station Automatic Pill Dispenser | $389.95 | No | 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | No | 3.8 / 5.0 Stars | |
| e-Pill | MedSmart Voice Plus, Automatic Pill Dispenser | $289.95 | Yes | 28 compartments, up to 24 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | Yes | 3.9 / 5.0 Stars | |
| GMS Automatic Pill Dispenser | Price not available | No | 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | No | 3.5 / 5.0 Stars | |
| MedELert Locking Automatic Pill Dispenser | $69.99 | No | 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | No | 3.8 / 5.0 Stars | |
| VitaWorks Automatic Pill Dispenser | Price not available | No | 28 compartments, up to 18 aspirin-sized tablets per compartment | No | 3.9 / 5.0 Stars |
Automatic Pill Dispensers Buying Guide
Now that you’re practically an expert when it comes to the best automatic pill dispensers, which one is the perfect product for you? If you’re still unsure, then we have your back.
We know how difficult it can be to just choose one, especially when there are so many great models to select from! That’s why we’ve gone ahead and decided to write up the user-friendly buying guide, below.
This guide will take you through each step of the selection process so that by the time you’re done there will be no question which is the one for you.
Capacity
First, you need to make sure that the pill dispenser you have your eye on is actually capable of holding all of your required medication or vitamins. If it can’t, then there’s really no point in having it, right? The vast majority of models feature 28 compartments, with the capacity of holding up to 18 aspirin-sized pills in each. However, there are a few which are even larger than that if that’s too small for you.
Alarm System
You want to ensure the alarm system will work for you. Most let you set up to 6 alarms per day and will come with at least one sound to choose from. Some let you choose up to 3, and some have a friendly voice that will instead speak to you to alert you to your upcoming medication.
Most alarms will sound for up to 30 minutes, or until the medication is dispensed. This is to ensure that you hear or see the alarm, and don’t forget about it. We preferred those models that also included a visual alarm, such as a flashing LED light, as many people are hard of hearing or deaf. While it’s not a huge deal, we also liked the models with green lights instead of red ones, as it gave a more positive connotation towards taking the dosage.
Power
Each model varies a bit when it comes to the power it produces. Most on our guide are going to run on batteries, but there are some which can be plugged in just in case you run out of battery power and vice-versa. All of the models that used batteries on our guide actually included the required batteries, which not only saves you money but makes it more convenient for you.
Smartphone/Bluetooth Compatibility
There is only one model on our guide which gives you smartphone/Bluetooth capabilities: the MedSmart. While it’s definitely more expensive than most models, if you don’t mind, the convenience is well worth it. Most of us are already on our smartphones a good percentage of the day, so it’s even easier to track your medications and receive your alarms. However, if you’re not someone who frequently uses a smartphone or smart device, then this may just be a waste of money for you.
Locking Mechanism
While it’s not included on every model on the market today, we highly recommend selecting a dispenser which includes a locking mechanism. Whether it’s for you or someone you’re caring for, it’s scarily easy to overdose or just overmedicate. Sometimes we get distracted and forget we’ve already taken a dosage. Locking the dispenser up with a key means the user won’t be able to open the device up unless you unlock it again. Most models come with one key, but there are some which come with two, just in case you misplace the first one.
Price
How much are you wanting to spend on your new automatic pill dispenser? It’s a wise idea to have a number in mind for yourself so you don’t spend more than you want to. Spending more than you planned often equates to buyer’s remorse, and we want you to fully enjoy the product you’re selecting. Most products are also very budget-friendly, and the more expensive models are listed at a higher price because they come with features like Bluetooth/smartphone capabilities, voice alarms, etc. that aren’t exactly necessary for most.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are automatic pill dispensers waterproof?
A: Unfortunately, the vast majority of models are not waterproof, so you should take precautions when using them around the bathroom sink or your glass of water you use to swallow your pills.
Q: What happens if you actually do miss your alarm and don’t take your pills at the right time?
A: While this may vary a bit, most dispensers will stay open until you dispense the pills and most have an alarm that will sound for up to 30 minutes, or until you dispense the medication.
Q: Will I be able to take my automatic pill dispenser with my while I travel?
A: You’ll be able to take all of the aforementioned products with you with no problem, minus the e-Pill MedTime Station. This model is notably bulkier and heavier than the others, which may make transportation a pain. However, the others are very lightweight and compact so you can easily slide it into your purse or bag.
Q: Is my automatic pill dispenser going to be easy for me to set up?
A: Every model on our guide is very user-friendly and should take no more than 10 minutes to set up completely. Each one also comes with clear instructions or a little step-by-step guide so that there’s no question how you should program the alarms and other settings.
Q: Do settings automatically save?
A: Unfortunately, the majority of the automatic pill dispensers don’t seem to have this crucial feature. If the batteries fail or you have to change them out, you may want to plan on having to reprogram the device again. However, there are a few like the GMS which will save your settings no matter what happens!
Buyer’s Tips
#1: Make sure you’re regularly cleaning out your pill dispenser.
Once the full 28 days of medication have been dispensed, make sure to rinse out and dry the medication rings to clear out any residue. If you don’t, you may end up with gunky leftovers that are unpleasant and can make dispensing more difficult.
#2: If you’re going to take your dispenser with you when you’re traveling, make sure you don’t forget the included key!
This is something many people often forget, as they don’t regularly use it. However, in case of emergency and just to be on the safe side, bring at least one with you.
#3: If you’re taking as-needed medications, you may be better off using your traditional pill boxes.
This goes double if your dispenser locks, as these models are made only for scheduled medications. Placing as-needed meds in these may just make things unnecessarily complicated.
#4: Don’t ever tamper with your dispensers.
If you happen to lose the keys and need to open it up, tampering most likely isn’t going to help you as many just lock up or stop working if you try to force them open. If you’re someone who frequently loses things, it may be best to let your caregiver or someone you trust have one key while you have the other. Another option is to just get a dispenser that doesn’t have an optional lock!
Summary
Now that you’ve read all about the best automatic pill dispensers, which one is the perfect product for you?
While they’re all excellent devices made to make your life easier and keep your health in tip-top shape, it’s most important that you select the model that fits your needs exactly.
We hope that our guide has helped you do just that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!
Notice:
HealthWellness365 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. HealthWellness365 earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account.
Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans.
But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
