Best Satellite Messengers 2024

Satellite messengers began as a need for reliable emergency communication, but have expanded into full-fledged two-way communication devices. We’ve been deep in the wilderness for years, and our team of guides and wanderers have tested the spectrum of satellite messengers on both professional and casual expeditions. In addition to getting lost, we’ve learned a few things along the way.

In our search for the best satellite messenger, we’ve covered everything from pure SOS beacons to long-form text messaging machines, but we’ve focused on the keyword: messenger. With extensive background testing equipment in real-world conditions, we’ve tested each device in a variety of situations over the years.

We’ve tested everything from typing ability to durability while getting dirty in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and the vast expanses of the Southwest.

Best Satellite Messengers 2024

1. Garmin Montana 750i

This beefy machine is packed with features and features a massive 5-inch color touchscreen. The screen blows away the competition when it comes to map readability and navigation (the touchscreen controls and pinch-to-zoom functionality are similar to smartphone maps), but it also has limited runtime.

When set to 10 minutes of tracking, it lasted about 15 hours, with a few hours of map navigation and the occasional two-way message, which is pretty much in line with Garmin’s 18-hour claim.

That was the shortest of all the devices I tested, but the Montana does offer an optional Expedition mode (a low-power mode that tracks in 30-minute increments) that should give you about two weeks of battery life.

Feature-wise, the Garmin Montana 750i offers a ton of navigation (including TopoActive maps and CityNavigator driving maps), messaging (made even easier with the touchscreen), weather features (basic, extended, or marine forecasts), and the reliable Iridium satellite network that works with all Garmin devices. If you’re on a budget, need a lot of features, and don’t mind a little runtime, this is a great tool.

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2. Garmin GPSMAP 67i

GPS first, communicator second, the Garmin GPSMAP 67i is the rightful successor to the now-discontinued inReach Explorer+, and it offers an impressive amount of mapping features along with messaging.

As a standalone GPS, the 67i has everything you could want, but adding inReach communicator makes it a real powerhouse for those who want an all-in-one device. It’s easy to access, messaging can be done on or off the device, and predictive text makes it easy to skim messages.

In addition to the full suite of inReach messaging features, the 67i supports both basic and premium weather forecasts for both land and sea locations. These forecasts can be incredibly useful when you’re deep into your exploration and need a little insight into what’s coming up next week.

The GPSMAP 66i, our previous best GPS messenger, wasn’t compatible with Garmin’s new Messenger app, but we’re glad the updated 67i gets it. It’s great for typing long messages in apps, and the 67i can take advantage of the ability to send messages over cellular or Wi-Fi service before switching to satellite.

Despite its larger footprint and weight overall, I’d advise taking advantage of the GPS capabilities of the Garmin GPSMAP 67i to make it worth carrying around. However, as a one-stop shop for navigation, messaging, SOS, and weather, it can handle everything.

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3. Apple Watch Ultra 2

Before you invest in an emergency satellite messenger, consider this: You may already have one in your pocket or strapped to your wrist. Some Apple iPhone and Apple Watch models now have a built-in safety feature called Emergency SOS.

This feature can connect you to rescuers even when there’s no cellular service. The best part is that most of us head out into the outback with our phones already charged, so this is a great safety net.

Emergency SOS via satellite is only available when you’re in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular service. Otherwise, you’ll have to use regular communication channels to get out of trouble. Ideally, you should have a clear view of the sky and horizon, as obstructions such as leaves or mountains can slow down or block satellite connections. You also need the latest Apple smartphone, an iPhone 15 or 16, to use emergency SOS via satellite.

Unlike other more capable two-way messengers, this service is really only good for sending essential information like where you are, what your condition is, and what you need help with. However, like most Apple products, the process is very simple.

To use Emergency SOS via Satellite, you first need to make an emergency call, such as 911. If there is no network available, an option to send an emergency text via Satellite will appear on the screen. Tap on it, then click Emergency Call. You will be asked to answer a few questions about what happened and what kind of help you need before following the steps on your phone to send an SOS.

The feature is free for two years if you activate a compatible device. Apple recently announced that iPhone 14 owners who previously activated the feature will have access to it for another year for free.

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4. Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1

If you’re not a fan of custom messaging and are just looking for an emergency signaling device, the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is a great choice. It’s a bit pricey up front, but there’s no annual fee or subscription required. It broadcasts emergency signals on two radio channels: 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz.

This signal is transmitted over a monitored satellite network and local aircraft emergency frequencies. This robust transmission is transmitted over the military’s reliable COSPAS-SARSAT network.

Unfortunately, this personal location beacon does not in any way confirm that someone has received your emergency signal. The PLB1 is a great option for pure personal location beacon SOS functionality and offers solid value.

Still, the two-way messaging of many other options makes it a more useful product overall. If you need more messaging features, check out the SPOT X, which has a keyboard on the device.

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5. Garmin inReach Mini 2

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is still a strong performer when it comes to satellite messengers. That’s why it earned the title of the most feature-rich messenger in our test. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants a mix of compact design and functionality without sacrificing features.

To be honest, the inReach Mini 2 isn’t all that different from the inReach Messenger. It just comes in a slightly different package that makes the on-device functionality a little simpler. Both apps use the same app and have many of the same features, so you’ll likely spend more on the Mini for its ease of use and new navigation features.

The Mini 2 offers the ability to send text messages or post to social media directly from the device or app, check the weather (even if you’re not there, which is a bonus feature that sets it apart), share your location, access Garmin’s TracBack routing feature, or use the device as a digital compass.

What sets the inReach Mini 2 apart from Messenger is its basic set of on-device navigation features, including straight-line waypoint navigation, reverse breadcrumb tracking, and following courses added to the device online or via the app. These features may not be able to compete with most mobile navigation apps today, but they certainly work when you need them.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything not to like about the inReach Mini 2 (besides its purchase price), and for those looking for all the bells and whistles in a streamlined design, both on the device and in the app, this is the option.

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6. Garmin inReach Messenger

For years, the same satellite messenger has been winning our top awards. It’s still very, very good. But we think its sibling, the new Garmin inReach Messenger, is a little better. It has great battery life, full-featured messaging, and uses proven satellite technology.

If you’re ready to step into the world of personal location beacons, we think the inReach Messenger is the best choice for most users.

We should compare the inReach Messenger to the previous winner, the inReach Mini 2. Messenger beat the Mini 2 by a hair’s breadth in this award, and the difference barely registers in our grading criteria. The features that make Messenger stand out over the Mini 2 are its longer battery life and larger antenna.

However, the Mini 2 is a half-ounce lighter and includes some basic navigation features that the Messenger lacks. If weight and navigation are important to you, you might choose the Mini 2 over the Messenger. Otherwise, we think Messenger wins by a wide margin.

If you already own an inReach Mini 2 (or the original Mini without the “2” qualifier), it’s probably not worth upgrading. Garmin has been diligent about making incremental upgrades so that previous iterations don’t look noticeably dated. Spot X with Bluetooth

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7. ACR Bivy Stick

The ACR Bivy Stick was an interesting innovation in the market. Now, it has achieved a sort of stable maturity. Most recently, the original “startup” product and branding was acquired by ACR, a much larger player in the outdoor communications market.

While I have not yet tried the latest ACR version, I can confirm that it is functionally identical to the Bivy Stick Blue that I briefly tested (and photographed). Regardless of the branding (and device color scheme), this is a solid device with proven technology and service. It combines flexible activation and more competitive pricing with other high-value options.

Pricing and activation/subscription protocols are subject to change. We are confident that they will. Subscription service innovation is happening everywhere in the consumer market. Subscription pricing and configurations can and do change after initial purchase.

When activated once a year, the ACR Bivy Stick is the lowest in our 5-year “cost of ownership” metric for global coverage and two-way messaging. Since many people use their outdoor communication devices this way, it deserves an award among other worthy options. If two-way messaging on the device isn’t a priority, the Zoleo is also an affordable option. Just be aware that you’ll need a smartphone and the Zoleo app to compose messages.

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8. SPOT Gen4

In the modern world of satellite messengers, the SPOT Gen4 ($150) isn’t exactly at the forefront, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a significant place in the market for those looking for something similar as a backup messaging option.

The Gen4 doesn’t have custom on-device or in-app messaging, and has little functionality beyond SOS signals, sending preset messages, and transmitting GPS location. However, as a pre-planner or purely emergency device, the Gen4 does its job well.

When it comes to messaging, the device has three options: pre-programmed, SOS calls, and a clever “Spot Assist” option for when you don’t need emergency services but still need to let your loved ones know that things are amiss. In our opinion, the Gen4 is ideal for taking in the glove box in an emergency.

All message recipients must be set up before you set off, as there’s no way to reconfigure the device when you’re away from your computer, and there’s no way for the SPOT Gen4 to receive messages.

When we tested the SPOT Gen4’s messaging system, we found that it had the hardest time finding a signal (a common occurrence with satellite communications). The SPOT Gen4 offers a green LED indicator to indicate that it has a satellite connection, and a red indicator to indicate that it has lost connection, which is an added bonus for a less expensive option.

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9. Globalstar Spot X

The Spot X is a full-fledged two-way messenger device that makes the functionality more user-friendly without the need for a phone link. Instead, the Spot X uses a backlit QWERTY keyboard similar to older Blackberry devices. It uses the Globalstar satellite network, which provides “almost global” coverage, although there are gaps in some parts of the Pacific and in the far north and far south latitudes.

The biggest selling point of the Spot X is its battery life (which is USB rechargeable) of 240 hours in continuous 10-minute tracking mode, which gives you a 100% clear view of the sky. That said, some customer reviews have reported that this is much shorter than what we’ve seen, so it hasn’t been an issue for us, but it’s something to keep in mind.

The Spot X can log trip statistics, has a digital compass, and has basic GPS navigation, but we think you’re better off using your phone for navigation (we like the Gaia navigation app). It’s not as sturdy and unwieldy as the Spot X.

Anecdotally, we’ve heard from users that negative customer reviews about texting speeds have increased in 2022, and we’ve confirmed this. Our test results were similar. The Garmin device was faster at sending and receiving text messages than the Spot device.

Still, the Spot X is a good choice for those who don’t want to rely on their phone or carry it around. In our research, the subscription cost is cheaper than the Garmin and offers more (e.g., more texts and more tracking). Like the other satellite messengers we considered, the Spot X requires a subscription to use (see our subscription pricing comparison chart for a summary of Spot’s service plans).

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How to Choose the best Satellite Messenger in 2024?

All satellite messengers come with a mix of features and designs. Users may find some features more suitable for their anticipated adventures than others, so there’s not always a one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the best satellite messenger.

Before you commit to a satellite messenger, take a closer look at the features and see what you need for the way you plan to use the device. It’s also important to keep in mind that the cost of ownership of a satellite messenger is higher than the initial purchase price.

You can purchase a device for as little as $150 and spend up to $400, but each device requires a subscription service that allows you to connect to a satellite for communications—even emergency communications.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices for the best satellite messenger, it’s a good idea to look at the company’s subscription plans and see what’s included in the different options. The features you think are essential may cost you more per month than you want.

Emergency Assistance and Messaging

The primary purpose of a satellite messenger is to provide emergency assistance when needed. All messengers have an SOS button on the device, but they can also help you stay in touch with friends and family in non-emergency situations where cellular service is unavailable.

You probably won’t use a satellite messenger like you would a smartphone, and if you don’t, you can opt for something like the ZOLEO or SPOT Gen4. However, understanding the capabilities of the device can help you meet your expectations.

For example, messages sent via satellite can take up to 20 minutes to send, even in ideal situations using the best on-device communicators like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and SPOT X.

Deciding which device to use will depend on your needs and how often you use it. Below, we’ll look at the three main types of satellite messengers: SOS beacons, app-enabled communicators, and all-in-one devices.

Satellite Messenger Network

First, it’s important to distinguish between the two types of satellite systems that satellite messengers rely on. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are satellite networks that provide position and velocity information to devices such as handheld GPS devices.

The best known of these is the GPS system managed by the U.S. government, but there are other international systems as well.

Satellite messaging systems such as Iridium and Globalstar provide communication information between transmitters and receivers, and both services feature low-Earth orbit satellites that cover most of the Earth.

In fact, the polar orbit of Iridium satellites allows them to cover the polar regions, while there are points on the Earth that Globalstar cannot reach.

This makes Iridium devices the best choice for those traveling to polar regions. Other satellite networks, such as Inmarsat, orbit the Earth in a geostationary pattern, with 15 satellites positioned along the equator. These satellites stay in the same location because they track the Earth’s orbit. This means that coverage is best between 60° latitude and that connections can occasionally drop out in deep valleys where visibility is obscured.

Iridium has more satellites (66) than Globalstar, but Globalstar sends them higher up to provide additional coverage. Another key difference is that Globalstar relays use Earth-based transmission stations, which can result in greater messaging delays than Iridium’s satellite-to-satellite relays.

Whichever device you choose, check your satellite provider’s coverage to make sure they cover your planned adventure.

Once you send a message, your device will wait until it next connects to the satellite network. These systems offer extensive coverage, but it can take several minutes for the satellites to pass overhead and enter the satellite messenger’s line of sight. Finding a clearing or cape can greatly improve reception.

SOS

One of the main reasons to introduce satellite messengers into the field is as an extra safety measure. All of the devices here include an SOS button. When pressed, the device will send its location to a private search and rescue service (GEOS and Global Rescue are standard) to alert you that you need help.

These services have trained responders on duty 24/7 who will relay the request to the local search and rescue team while also tracking the device and responding to messages (in the case of two-way messengers). In short, when you press the SOS button on your device, help will be available by helicopter, vehicle, or foot.

While it’s comforting to know that you can call for help, there are some obvious downsides to the SOS feature. In recent years, we’ve heard many stories of people using the service in non-emergency situations or accidentally pressing the button. SOS calls are worth taking very seriously.

When you call, a lot of people will start to join forces to help you (and in many cases, the cost of rescue will start to pile up). For this reason, most modern satellite messengers have made it difficult to accidentally send an SOS request. For example, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 requires you to first lift the protective cover and then hold down the SOS button.

It’s worth noting that in addition to the SOS button, the one-way SPOT Gen4 adds a Help and S.O.V. (Save Our Vehicle) button, which are a step down from SOS and can alert friends and family or ping roadside assistance services.

Weather Forecasts

Certain satellite messengers, such as Garmin and ZOLEO devices, also use satellite connectivity to send weather forecasts directly to the messenger. These forecasts show high and low temperatures, conditions, wind speed and direction, and the chance of precipitation for your current or selected location.

Garmin devices also offer an extended forecast option ($1 per unit) that increases the forecast window from four to eight days and offers more granular forecast reporting intervals. There’s also an option to request a marine forecast that includes information about wave height, currents, and visibility.

Location Tracking and Sharing

Most satellite messengers have built-in GPS connectivity, allowing you to track your location at various intervals, share your progress with friends and family or via social media, and view your route on a map after your trip. Tracking and sharing are usually included in the subscription, and you can pay to track at shorter intervals.

For example, SPOT’s basic plan offers tracking at 10, 30, or 60-minute intervals, while the unlimited plan lets you choose between 2.5, 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes.

And with an interface like Garmin’s MapShare, followers can actually ping your device to ask for your real-time location, which can be helpful if you’re too busy to share.

While tracking is a cool feature, it’s important to keep in mind that it does drain your battery life (especially if you use shorter intervals). Ultimately, we’d rather save our satellite messengers for important communications and use our sports watches to record our routes instead (the downside here is that most watches can’t share tracks in real time).

But location sharing is still a cool feature, especially if you have friends, family, or other enthusiasts who want to follow your adventures. And remember: you don’t have to keep your device on all the time or share your entire track to keep people at home updated.

As mentioned above, most subscriptions allow for unlimited check-in messages with location coordinates attached. That means you can turn on your satellite messenger, send a quick check-in message to an individual or group, and then turn off your device to conserve battery life.

Maps and Navigation

Many of the satellite messengers above include navigation features, including preloaded maps or app-based mapping, route creation, and waypoint navigation. But that technology isn’t at the top of our must-have list. First of all, using a satellite messenger to navigate sucks up a ton of battery, so I prefer to save my device’s power for emergencies and necessary communications instead.

Second, most satellite messengers can’t compete with modern smartphones, which have large, colorful screens, detailed and capable mapping apps (Gaia is the best), and integrated GPS technology that outperforms all of the above messengers in terms of navigation.

In short, navigation tools aren’t something you tend to look for or rely on on a satellite messenger, but they can be helpful if you leave your smartphone behind.

Many messengers have companion smartphone apps that allow you to use your phone as a navigation interface while tracking on the messenger. Garmin’s Earthmate app is our favorite because it integrates seamlessly with the inReach device.

If you use your device to track your progress on the trail or send waypoints to a friend, simply open the Earthmate app and your device will automatically sync with your smartphone and display your progress on various topographic maps. While I typically use apps like Gaia or onXBackcountry to navigate and track purely on my phone, I like using these messenger/GPS compatible apps as backup trackers and navigators in the backcountry.

Durability

A new brand has to start somewhere, but it needs to decide if it’s willing to start. Garmin and SPOT have been leading the satellite messenger segment for years, so their product quality is built-in.

That doesn’t mean ACR or ZOLEO aren’t up to par. All of the messengers except the SPOT brand use the reliable Iridium satellite system to provide reliable coverage, so you shouldn’t have any issues.

And then there’s the durability of the devices themselves. Each device has been tested to obtain an international IP number. Both the Garmin device and the Bivy Stick have not been tested for dust and are rated 7 for water (which is indicated by the IPX7 rating). This means they are protected against immersion in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes. Understand how you plan to use your satellite messenger and choose the device that best suits your individual needs.

Battery

Another specification to watch out for is battery life, especially if you’re planning a long adventure or already have a routine of charging your device while you’re out and about (do you need to bring an extra cord to use Micro USB or USB-C?).

Most satellite messengers aim to provide longer battery life for long trips into the backcountry, but it’s important to remember that this battery life can be limited by the number of messages sent, the tracking interval, and the amount of screen time you have.

With the exception of the SPOT Gen4, almost all satellite messengers today feature an integrated rechargeable battery that can be charged in the field from a solar panel or mobile bank. Some, like the Garmin inReach Messenger, even offer reverse USB-C charging to power other electronics when needed.

Applications

You can’t go too far without an app these days, and that’s true even in the world of satellite messengers. Some of the core devices we tested, like the ZOLEO and Bivy, require an app for custom messaging and a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone for most of the functionality (everything besides SOS or “OK” messages, really).

Garmin allows on-device messaging on the inReach Messenger and the inReach Mini 2, but it offers a powerful app that makes messaging much simpler than on the device. Note that some Garmin smartwatches also integrate with the device, providing SOS messages that can be easily triggered from the wrist.

The SPOT X doesn’t rely on the app as much, but it exists for additional functionality. And it works great. The SPOT Gen4 is the only device that doesn’t connect to the app for field functionality.

What you need from a satellite messenger depends on your adventure. Are you a day or weekend adventurer who’s usually within cellular range but wants access to SOS functionality in emergency situations where cellular coverage isn’t available? If so, the basics may be sufficient.

Planning a few days out of cellular range and want messaging capabilities as well as emergency features? You need a device that can handle your plans. Figure out what type of adventurer you are and choose a messenger and service plan that fits your needs.

FAQ

What is a satellite messenger?

A satellite messenger, which requires a subscription service to operate, connects to a satellite system to send and receive messages. This process is different from the near-instant response of a cellular or WiFi network. The device uses this satellite feature to stay connected with others when cellular coverage is unavailable.

Should I buy a satellite messenger?

If you plan on venturing beyond cellular coverage, you may want to consider an active subscription to a satellite messenger. The only reliable way to call emergency services or let your loved ones know you are safe is to rely on satellite messenger coverage.

Is a satellite messenger worth the price?

While they are not particularly cheap, satellite messengers are worth the price if you plan on venturing into remote areas where there is no cell coverage. If you or a companion becomes injured, sick, or lost while there is no cell service, the ability to reliably contact authorities can mean the difference between life and death.

In addition to the upfront cost of the device, all satellite messengers require a subscription to activate and maintain satellite contact. Since all models offer different price tiers, the price of this subscription can vary, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your budget. It’s important to note that these cheaper tiers only limit messaging, tracking, and weather forecasting capabilities, and do not affect the SOS functionality at all.

While I don’t want to discourage you from using an SOS beacon for fear of financial repercussions, it’s important to keep in mind that all costs associated with a rescue are your responsibility. Depending on your location, the nature of the emergency, and the resources needed to locate and rescue you, a rescue can leave you with a very large bill at the end of the day.

It’s not always clear what this will be like. For example, some areas (e.g. national parks) don’t charge for a helicopter evacuation, but the subsequent ambulance ride to the hospital is now your responsibility. That said, the navigation and weather forecasting capabilities of an expensive satellite messenger can prevent a rescue from ever being needed in the first place, and in my opinion, it’s worth the investment in itself.

If you’re concerned about potential financial implications associated with rescue operations, Garmin offers search and rescue insurance with an active inReach subscription. This plan includes up to $100,000 in rescue reimbursement for $40 per year.

Does Garmin make the best satellite messenger?

It’s hard to argue that Garmin doesn’t make the best satellite messenger, whether it’s the inReach Messenger or the inReach Mini 2, but that doesn’t mean Garmin is the only manufacturer making a quality satellite messenger.

While we can recommend Garmin products based on our independent testing, we’re also impressed with the mix of additional satellite messengers from various companies.

Does your satellite messenger need on-device messaging?

In short, potentially. You should make sure your satellite messenger has an SOS option, which is a standard feature by industry standards, and that you can send an “I’m OK” message when needed.

It’s up to you how much extra functionality you want in your device. If you want to tether your smartphone via Bluetooth, you’ll need to make sure your phone is charged and accessible without losing connection to the device. The more on-device messaging capabilities you have, the less you’ll need to rely on your smartphone and device apps to stay connected.

How fast will a satellite messenger send messages?

When it comes to satellite messaging, you’ll need to be patient. It can take just a few minutes to send a message, especially if the sky is clear and there are no trees. However, in some areas, it can be difficult to connect to a satellite, and even the satellite’s position or heavy cloud cover can change the message timeline.

There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to send a signal to a satellite, so connecting to a satellite can sometimes require a high level of patience or willingness to move.