The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024 (2024)

We’ve been getting deep into the backcountry for years, and our team of guides and iterant wanderers have tested the best satellite messengers on both professional and casual expeditions. Besides getting lost, we keyed in on the most important features you’ll need to get the message out, and found the five ideal devices for any situation.

With our extensive background testing gear in real-life situations, we put each device through its paces over several years in differing situations — testing it all from typing ability to durability while getting dirty in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and the expanses of the Southwest. We went global with these messengers, as well: challenging reception across Iceland and from the bottom of the world in Patagonia.

While satellite messaging capabilities are coming to mobile phones soon, we still see great utility in carrying a solid device like theGarmin inReach Messenger, our top pick. And if you just need a simple backup device, the budget ZOLEO Satellite Messenger is a solid companion. When push comes to shove, the SOS button is only a press away.

Gathered here are nine devices that will help you out of a jam, message your team back at home, or at least keep you off the side of a milk carton. To better understand the ins and outs of satellite messengers, visit our Buyer’s Guide, section, and detailed Comparison Chart. Or, check out some of the key categories that help you understand how a satellite messenger best fits your needs:

Editor’s Note: We updated our Satellite Messengers guide on October 10, 2024, to add a new Price & Value section — a deep look at what you’ll spend for certain features — as well as updated information on our testing processes.

The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

• Best Overall Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Messenger
• Best Budget Satellite Messenger: ZOLEO Satellite Messenger
• Most Feature-Rich Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Best On-Device Communicator: SPOT X
• Best GPS Device Satellite Messenger: Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Best Overall Satellite Messenger

Garmin inReach Messenger

Specs

• Battery Life28 days
• Message CompositionOn-device options/in-app
• Weight4 oz.
• Water ResistanceIPX7
• Satellite SystemIridium
• Subscription Plan$14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan

Pros

• Compact size and weight
• Access to global Iridium satellite network
• In-depth functionality
• Extended battery life with reverse USB-C charging

Cons

• Small screen for on-device typing
• Higher initial cost

Tim Newcomb

Diversity of communication ability gives the Garmin inReach Messenger ($300) a place above the rest in the satellite messenger world, and easily landed it as our best overall device. While having the ability to do standalone messaging is the main reason we carry a device like this, the phone integration makes everything much easier to use.

While other devices might rely on satellite communication alone, this Messenger works with your smartphone to send messages via your cellular network when it’s available, then defaults to the Iridium satellite network when cellular is not. Very slick. The Iridium network is the most consistent coverage we’ve tested over the years, with a truly global connection that has allowed us to send messages from the high latitudes of Iceland to Tierra del Fuego.

This seamless messaging stream within the app was one of our favorite features and can be a huge boon for people who travel in and out of the backcountry. The on-device options include a handful of pre-programmed menus to scroll through via the screen. They allow you to craft messages (albeit slowly), track your progress, or seek out a weather forecast while abroad.

The compact 3-by-2.5-inch design weighs in at 4 ounces and is a sturdy build, rated to IPX7 water resistance. But unlike other devices of its size — or even slightly larger — you still get a small screen to monitor battery life, read messages, and adjust settings, all within the device.

Garmin recently rolled out a Plus version of this device that will also send images and voice — one of the biggest leaps in sat messaging tech in recent years — but you’ll need to pay an extra $200 for the privilege. That said, the process is refined, and the images are crisp. We see this as a fun new addition to the technology but not an absolute essential.

The inReach subscription plans were updated in late 2024, with a few name changes, but the biggest news was a big bump in the number of messages the lower-tiered plans afford: the “Consumer: Essential” plan is comparable to the previous Safety plans but now provide 50 messages a month compared to the previous 10.

The plans are now all month-to-month, with prices similar to previous annual contract rates. The annual program fees as also gone, but activation fees have gone up slightly.

All this is likely an effort to make satellite messengers more appealing as the new generation of satellite-capable phones hit the market, and while the new tech is appealing, we still feel strongly that there’s a place for devices like the inReach Messenger. With its stellar mix of on-device and in-app messaging and functionality in a compact design, you get a stand-alone communicator that will always work (even if you drop your phone).

Read Review:Garmin inReach Head-to-Head Test: Move Over Mini 2, the Messenger Is in Town

$300 at REIcheck price at backcountry

Best Budget Satellite Messenger

ZOLEO Satellite Messenger

Specs

• Battery Life200 hours
• Message CompositionIn-app composition
• Weight5.3 oz.
• Water ResistanceIP68
• Satellite SystemIridium
• Subscription Plan$20 /month for 'Basic' plan

Pros

• Budget price
• Combination of on-device and in-app functions
• Ease-of-use
• Stout Iridium satellite network reception
• Medical Assist function connects you to a medical professional

Cons

• Limited on-device functionality
• Cannot type messages directly on the device
• Chunky compared to some other devices

Tim Newcomb

The best budget satellite messenger doesn’t have to be the most basic. The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator ($200) offers straightforward on-device functionality with a wider suite of options when paired with the smartphone app, building a variety of abilities for a budget-minded adventurer who doesn’t want to skimp on capability.

The Satellite Communicator offers basic messaging via the device — think SOS and a pre-set “okay” message — and then adds to that with additional options via the smartphone app that includes message composition for both sending and receiving.

Primarily using the Iridium global satellite network, the device can also send messages using cellular coverage. Like the Garmin Messenger, the ZOLEO device will default to sending a message with cellular or Wi-Fi service if it’s available, and will even receive messages if the device is turned off.

Last year, ZOLEO rolled out a new functionality we’ve never seen before called Medical Assist. This connects you with a medical professional to ask simple questions (read: if it’s serious, hit the SOS instead). This elevated capability is something that no other device currently offers and for simple first-aid queries, we think it’s an excellent addition.

Within the simple app, you can compose specific messages — though not on the device itself. This was our main quibble with the ZOLEO device, as it can be incredibly useful in coordinating, and having the potential to lose the ability, should your phone die is a tough sale. Luckily, the Power On button can send out a pre-set alert that lets a programmed contact know you are doing fine, which is a good addition in our opinion.

We enjoyed the durable design of the device, the budget-friendly initial cost, and the added functionality of the app. When taken together, the Satellite Communicator from ZOLEO offers a solid entry point for someone looking for a satellite messenger without needing full on-device functionality.

If you only need the big red SOS button (and the occasional ‘I’m OK’ message), the $150 SPOT Gen4 is our go-to for tossing in the glove box and forgetting about. But for $50 more, the ability to craft your own messages elevates this device without going overboard with functionality you might not use.

Read Review: ZOLEO Makes an Everyday Satellite Communicator, Emojis and All

$200 at REIcheck price at backcountry

Most Feature-Rich Messenger

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Specs

• Battery Life14 days
• Message CompositionOn-device options/in-app
• Weight3.5 oz.
• Water ResistanceIPX7
• Satellite SystemIridium
• Subscription Plan$14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan

Pros

• Compact size and external carabiner for clipping to packs
• Improved screen over predecessor
• On-device navigation abilities (breadcrumb tracking, compass)
• Lightweight at under 4 ounces

Cons

• One of the pricer devices
• No cellular or WiFi coverage
• Antenna isn't quite as good as the Garmin Messenger

Tim Newcomb

Don’t let the mini moniker fool you: the Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($400) still packs quite the punch when it comes to satellite messengers. That’s exactly why it earned the title of best feature-rich messenger in our testing — an ideal choice for someone looking for a mixture of compact design without sacrificing any features.

Let’s be upfront: The inReach Mini 2 isn’t that far off from the inReach Messenger. It just comes in a slightly different package that makes on-device functionality a bit simpler. They both use the same apps and have many of the same features, so you’re likely choosing to spend more on the Mini because of the ease of on-device use and novel navigation capabilities.

The Mini 2 offers the ability to send text messages — or even post to social media — directly from the device or app, along with checking weather (even for locations you aren’t currently at, a bonus function that helps set it apart), sharing locations, accessing Garmin’s TracBack routing feature, or using the device as a digital compass.

Setting the inReach Mini 2 apart from the Messenger is a set of rudimentary on-device navigation abilities, including straight-line navigation to waypoints, reverse breadcrumb tracking, and following courses that have been added to the device either online or through the app. These features won’t compete with most phone navigation applications today (or dedicated GPS devices), but they certainly are functional should the need arise.

You may have trouble finding something you don’t enjoy with the inReach Mini 2 (other than the purchase price) and for someone looking for all the bells and whistles, both on the device and in the app, in a streamlined design, this is the option of choice.

Read Review: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review: Up to 30-Day Battery, No-Touch Tracking

$400 at REIcheck price at backcountry

See Also

The 125 Best Cute and Short Thinking of You Messages - Routinely SharesWatermelons, dogtags, red hands – a guide to the symbols of Oct. 7 and its aftermath - Jewish Press of Pinellas County

Best On-Device Communicator

SPOT X

Specs

• Battery Life240 hours in 10-minute tracking mode
• Message CompositionOn-device composition
• Weight7 oz.
• Water ResistanceIP67
• Satellite SystemGlobalstar
• Subscription Plan$11.95 /month for annual 'Basic' plan

Pros

• Familiar QWERTY on-screen message composition
• Ability to compose messages on or off the device
• In-device navigation capable
• Competitive subscription plans with plenty of custom messages included

Cons

• Bulky size
• Globalstar network isn't the most robust (little coverage in polar regions)
• Micro-USB charging instead of modern USB-C

Tim Newcomb

Think Blackberry with a satellite connection — that’s what comes to mind when first working with the SPOT X Satellite Messenger ($250), and it’s why it easily earned its spot as our best on-screen communicator. Ideal for the adventurer who doesn’t want to be tied to a smartphone in any way, this device gets the job done all on its own.

The illuminated QWERTY keyboard is the real star of the show here, and makes the SPOT X an effective on-device message composer — a real bonus for communication in the wild when you don’t want to pull out a smartphone. The device even incorporates predictive text technology to allow you to breeze through longer messages.

Along with the SOS and wayfinding, it is the two-way communication that makes the SPOT X stand out. And while it was originally only offered without it, you can now decide if you want to use the associated smartphone app for sending and receiving messages, or keep the smartphone stowed and send-receive only on the device, which we found was actually pretty easy to do.

Unfortunately, the SPOT Globalstar network is one of the slower satellite options we investigated, and there’s certainly a need to find a clear path to the sky for the SPOT X. When you get that, though, it can speed up your communication.Global coverage is also not quite global, with high polar latitudes lacking connection.

We also had a few grumbles with getting the SPOT X set up, as firmware updates require a cable and computer to accomplish. But once those hoops are navigated, the device is a fairly straightforward piece of kit to operate. The SPOT X puts on-device functionality front and center. If that’s important for you — and you’re okay with the added heft of the device — give this option a spin.

Read Review: First Look: SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger

$250 at REIcheck price at backcountry

Best GPS Device Messenger

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Specs

• Battery LifeUp to 425 hours
• Message CompositionOn-device options/in-app
• Weight8.1 oz.
• Water ResistanceMIL-STD-810
• Satellite SystemIridium
• Subscription Plan$14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan

Pros

• Full-fledged GPS device with built-in inReach capabilities
• Predictive texting and large color screen for easy composition
• Compatible with Garmin Messenger and Explore apps
• USB-C charging
• Large ecosystem of mounts available

Cons

• Larger overall size
• Pricey if you don't need the GPS abilities

Tim Newcomb

Best thought of as a GPS first, communicator second, the Garmin GPSMAP 67i ($600) is the rightful heir to the place long held by the now discontinued inReach Explorer+ and offers an impressive amount of mapping ability in conjunction with its messaging chops.

As a stand-alone GPS, the 67i has just about everything you’d be looking for — but once you add in the inReach communication abilities, it becomes a true powerhouse for those who want an all-in-one device. Easily accessed, the messaging can be accomplished on or off the device and makes use of predictive text to breeze through messages.

In addition to the full suite of inReach messaging abilities, the 67i also supports both basic and premium weather forecasts for both land and marine locations. These forecasts can be incredibly helpful when you’re deep into an expedition and need to shed a little light on what’s in store for the next week.

While our previous Best GPS Device Messenger, the GPSMAP 66i, was not compatible with Garmin’s new Messenger app, we’re happy to see that the updated 67i gains the functionality. This is a fantastic boon for typing out extended messages on the app and means that the 67i can take advantage of the ability to send messages through cell or Wi-Fi service before pivoting to satellite use.

At a larger overall footprint and weight, we advise utilizing the GPS capabilities of the GPSMAP 67i to make it worth carrying along. We still think that the smaller inReach Messenger is the better device for most folks (as many use phones for navigation these days), but as a one-stop shop for your navigation, messaging, SOS, and weather, this device can handle it all.

$600 at REIcheck price at backcountry

Satellite Messenger Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Satellite Messengers

We’d be lying if we said we’ve never gotten ourselves lost. Thankfully, the crew at GearJunkie is a savvy bunch, and our trials and tribulations have led us to be big proponents of carrying along a satellite messaging device when headed out into the backcountry. Here, we’ve compiled our collective knowledge around the little life-savers and called out the best of the best sold today.

Field Testing

All devices detailed in our selection were tested over multiple months, by multiple gear experts, and in varying conditions throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest. Whether hiking, biking, climbing, ski-touring, or simply putting the devices through their paces, the satellite messengers underwent a mixture of experiences to test them in real-life use cases.

While checking out the satellite messengers in the field, we assessed durability, connectivity, ease of use, functionality, and battery life. We tested devices side-by-side and timed their send and receive times, as well as how quickly they connected to satellites. We also sought out difficult terrain to challenge reception by attempting to send messages from deep canyons and beneath dense tree cover.

Beyond our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular and bestselling devices on the market, as well as a broad range of price points and features. Rest assured, as new devices hit the market, we’ll continue to put them to the test to see if they have what it takes when it matters.

Bench Testing

When feasible, we also test these devices on their SOS emergency messaging abilities by scheduling device tests with the service providers. Charge and discharge rates are also measured in-house, and we even toss these devices on our own scales to ensure the manufacturer’s claims about weight are accurate.

All this is in order to create a more well-rounded impression of these devices, which can be important: satellite messengers are quite good these days, and our recommendations can come down to mere ounces or minutes of difference.

Why You Should Trust Us

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster contributed heavily to this guide, leveraging his time as a wilderness guide in the North Cascades of Washington State and copious time spent hammering out ‘I’m OK’ messages from the backcountry. He has utilized satellite messengers to get updates on closing-in wildfires, arrange for supply drops, and assist in extracting injured clients.

Assisting him is a team of AMGA mountain guides, ice climbers, trail runners, and many other GearJunkie athletes who use sat messengers daily to keep in contact from afar. Tim Newcomb is a veteran gear tester who also calls the Pacific Northwest home, and assisted heavily in getting out with these devices in order to test real-world messaging capabilities.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Satellite Messenger

Every satellite messenger has a mixture of different functions and designs. Users may find some fit their expected adventures better than others, so it isn’t always a one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the best satellite messenger.

Before you dive into a satellite messenger, be careful to go over features and functionality to see what you think you’ll need for how you expect to use the device. You also should keep in mind that the cost of ownership of a satellite messenger is more than the initial purchase price.

While you can get a device for as little as $150 and spend up to $400, each one requires a subscription service to allow it to connect to satellites for communication, even emergency communication.

Once you’ve narrowed down your top satellite messenger selections, we suggest looking over the company’s subscription plans to see what’s included in the differing options. Features you may find essential may come at a steeper per month price than you want to pay.

Emergency Support and Messaging

Know that a satellite messenger’s main goal is to provide emergency support when needed — every messenger comes with an on-device SOS button, but they also can help keep you connected to friends and family in non-emergency situations when cellular coverage is not possible.

You likely won’t use your satellite messenger as you would a smartphone — and if you don’t expect to, you can select something such as the ZOLEO or SPOT Gen4 — but understanding the capabilities of your device can help with expectations. For example, messages sent via satellite may well take up to 20 minutes to send, even in ideal situations with the best on-device communicators the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and SPOT X.

Deciding which device to go with will depend upon your needs, as well as how often you plan to use it. Below we dive into the three main types of satellite messengers: SOS beacons, app-assisted communicators, and all-in-one devices.

Differing Styles

There are three main styles of satellite messenger, although overlap does exist. The most basic offers a simple SOS function and pre-set messages, all sent from the device without tethering to a phone, such as the SPOT Gen4.These devices are best thought of as a ‘set it and forget it’ option, and you’ll be limited to sending messages that you’ve pre-written at home.

It’s important to note that communication is one-way, which makes these devices most similar to personal locator beacons (PLBs) — which combine a satellite SOS function with a 406 MHz tone for rescuers to hone in on.

The next type offers these same functions but then includes an app — think ZOLEO, Motorola Defy, and Bivy Stick — that connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone for additional two-way messaging and functionality.This is a great step up in terms of functionality, in our opinion, and being able to craft custom messages has often gotten us out of a jam when outdoors, like changing itineraries or rendezvous points.

The third style includes the aforementioned features, but then also offers on-device functionality, from message composition to weather forecasting, as seen in the Garmin inReach Messenger, Garmin inReach Mini 2, and SPOT X.

These messengers are best for folks who want it all, or want the ability to leave their phone at home. Because they operate independently of a separate device, these messengers also have the most built-in safety of the bunch.

Satellite Messenger Networks

First, it’s important to make a distinction between the two types of satellite systems that a satellite messenger will depend on. Global Navigation Satellite Systems, or GNSS, are satellite networks that provide location and speed information to devices like handheld GPS units. The most well-known of these is the GPS system, which is managed by the U.S. government, though other international systems exist.

Satellite messaging systems, like Iridium and Globalstar, provide communications information between the transmitter and receiver, and both services feature low earth orbit satellites covering much of the Earth. In fact, the polar orbit of Iridium satellites allows it to cover even the poles, while Globalstar has points on Earth it doesn’t reach.Because of this, Iridium devices will be the best choice for those traveling to polar regions.

Other satellite networks, such as Inmarsat, orbit the planet in ageostationary pattern, with 15 satellites that are located along the equator. Because these satellites track the orbit of the Earth they remain in the same place. This means that coverage is best between the 60° latitudes, and that you may occasionally lose connection in deep valleys where your line of sight is obscured.

Iridium has more satellites (66) than Globalstar, but Globalstar sends them higher to provide additional coverage. Another key difference is Globalstar relays with Earth-based transmission stations, which can cause a greater delay in messaging than the satellite-to-satellite relays from Iridium. No matter which device you choose, check the coverage areas of its satellite provider to ensure it covers your planned adventures.

When you send a message, your device will queue it up for the next time that it is in contact with the satellite network. While these systems offer broad coverage, it may take a few minutes for a satellite to pass overhead and into view of the satellite messenger. Finding a clearing or promontory can greatly improve your reception.

​​Emergency Coordination

For obvious reasons, we didn’t live-fire test the response time of emergency responders. But every satellite messenger comes with an SOS button that summons emergency help. Each company contracts with a service provider to coordinate a response, and while we don’t have data from every one, we do know that those buttons do get pushed a good bit: Garmin recently fielded its 10,000th inReach SOS call.

Many satellite messengers also allow you to test their SOS service to ensure that it is operating as normal. On Garmin devices, you’ll need to schedule an SOS Assistance Test, which provides a time slot for you to test the service. On SPOT devices, you’ll need to enable the SOS Test Mode in your online account before attempting.

Once your message goes out, it’s relayed to an emergency coordination center. Garmin recently purchased GEOS, now owning one of the leading emergency operations. ZOLEO contracts with GEOS. ACR’s Bivy uses Global Rescue and SPOT contracts with FocusPoint International.All of these services are on the other end when you trigger an emergency call.

What Happens When You Trigger an SOS?

When you make the call to trigger an SOS, you’ll need to uncover and depress the SOS button to summon help. This will send a message to the emergency service provider that you have contracted with through your subscription. It’s important to know that without a current subscription, SOS service does not work.

On Garmin devices, these SOS messages are given a higher priority in the Iridium satellite system to ensure that they get to where they need to go. No matter the service, the functionality is similar, with the company working with local search and rescue teams to coordinate a response to your SOS call.

Some devices, like the Garmin inReach Messenger, SPOT X, and ZOLEO Satellite Messenger, allow you to send custom SOS messages to the emergency response service. This can be incredibly helpful when coordinating a rescue, and often an emergency coordinator will put you in contact with the local Search and Rescue (SAR) to better assist you. Response times can vary from a few hours to a few days, depending entirely on terrain, weather, and resources.

It’s important to note that some more simple devices, like the SPOT Gen4, will only display an LED light to confirm that an SOS message has been sent, and not necessarily received. This has caused some to panic during an emergency, and opt to send multiple SOS messages — ultimately delaying their rescue.

Messaging, Weather Updates, and Tracking

Thankfully, the majority of us will never need to hit that SOS button, instead relying on our satellite messengers to communicate with others, seek out weather updates, and track ourselves on excursions. Most devices offer two-way messaging, with the exception of the SPOT Gen4, meaning you’ll be able to both create and receive messages from abroad.

A 160-character limit is typical of most SMS and email messages sent from satellite messengers, with slight variation from provider to provider. These messages can also be appended with your GPS location, giving those on the outside some peace of mind knowing where you’re at.

Types of Messages

Messages fall into one of two categories: Preset, Predefined, or Check-In messages, and Custom messages. Messages in the Preset category are those that are arranged before setting out on our trip, and typically relay messages such as “I’m Okay,” “I’m Starting My Trip Here,” or “I Made it To Camp.” These messages are very often unlimited and don’t count against your subscription allotments.

Custom messages are those that are created on-the-fly, and can either be produced on-device or through an accompanying app. These messages are not limited to who they can be sent to, but they will count against your subscription if you have a messaging limit. Don’t fear if you go over, however, all providers will spot you extra messages, at a typical 25-50 cent rate per message.

Weather Forecasts

Certain satellite messengers, like the Garmin and ZOLEO devices, also utilize their satellite connections to deliver weather forecasts directly to your messenger. These forecasts will display the high/low temperature, conditions, wind speed and direction, and precipitation chance of either the location you are currently in, or a location of your choosing.

Garmin devices also offer an extended forecasting option (at $1 per), which bumps out the forecast window from 4 to 8 days, and offers a finer interval of forecast reporting. There is also the option to request a marine forecast, which includes information on wave height, currents, and visibility.

Tracking

Tracking your progress can be a handy tool for both yourself, as well as those following along at home. This tracking is most often broken down into different intervals, allowing you to adjust the frequency at which a location is recorded. SPOT devices provide tracking at all levels of subscription, whereas Garmin offers it unlimited at the mid-tier subscription rate, and ZOLEO offers it as a ‘Location Share+’ add-on for $6 /month extra.

When it comes to the pay-to-track crowd, we will note that the Bivy Stick is a particularly poor deal when it comes to tracking: A monthly basic plan allows 20 credits, which are shared between messages and tracking and can quickly be chewed up at one credit per 30 minutes at the 5-minute tracking interval. You can par down your tracking interval to once every hour, but functionally we find this to be too coarse for accurate tracking.

Applications

We can’t go too far without needing an app for that these days, and it’s the same in the world of satellite messengers. A few of the key devices tested, such as the ZOLEO and Bivy, require you to connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone to use the app for custom messaging, and most of the functionality (really, anything other than the SOS or “OK” message).

Garmin, while allowing for on-device messaging on both the inReach Messenger and inReach Mini 2, has a strong app that makes messaging much simpler than on the device. We’ll note that even some Garmin smartwatches integrate with the devices for easy wrist-triggered SOS messages.

The SPOT X doesn’t rely as much on an app, but it is there for additional functions. And it works just swell. The SPOT Gen4 is the only device we tested that doesn’t tie into an app for its in-field functionality.

The Functionality You Need

What you need out of a satellite messenger depends on the adventures you’ll go on. Are you a one-day or weekend trip adventurer who is generally in cellular coverage, but wants access to the SOS function for those emergency situations when cellular coverage might not be available? If so, going basic may be enough.

Are you planning multiday trips out of cellular coverage and want to not only have emergency functions, but also messaging capabilities? That will require a device that can handle your plans. Understand what type of adventurer you are and select a messenger — and service plan — to fit those needs.

Satellite Messenger Subscription Plans

Beyond your one-time purchase price, you’ll also need to select a subscription service to render the device useful. Typically offered as monthly plans, you can select how many messages you can use, how much tracking you can do, and so forth. Carefully look through service plan options before you buy so you don’t get stuck with a device you don’t want to pay to stay active.

Garmin inReach Plans

The Garmin plans offer great flexibility in pricing (as low as $15 and as high as $50 per month), which also impacts what you get. Recently updated in late 2024, the plans are broken up into two tiers: Consumer and Professional, and now move away from Freedom and Annual plans, and instead there are three levels of service: Essential, Standard, and Premium.

The most basic Essential consumer plans allow for 50 text messages, tracking intervals of every 10 minutes, and an activation fee of $40 with overage charges for additional text messages, weather services, and location requests. The $50 Premium monthly plan offers tracking every 2 minutes and unlimited tracking points, text messages, location requests, and more.

ZOLEO Plans

ZOLEO ranges from $20 to $35 to $50 per month and steps from 25 messages to 250 to unlimited along the plan choices. You can add $6 per month for location shares and get unlimited check-in messages. Overages for each message is $0.50 for the first two plans. ZOLEO has a $20 activation fee.

SPOT Plans

The SPOT X plans range from $12 to $40 per month with six different plans. Expect to get anywhere from 20 custom messages to hundreds or even unlimited messages. The SPOT Gen4 features two plans, either $12 or $15 per month, depending on if you sign up for a year or go month-to-month. The nearly identical plans both come with unlimited check-in or help messages and basic tracking. SPOT has a $30 activation fee.

ACR Plans

The Bivy Stick has four plans — all available at a discount for a yearly contract or more expensive for a month-to-month contract — ranging from $15 per month to $65. The basic plan includes 20 credits, which can be used as a message or tracking, with overages of $0.75 per credit. Each step up includes additional credits and services until unlimited credits with group tracking. Bivy has no activation fee, instead differentiating the monthly price based on contract length.

Motorola Plans

The Motorola Defy contracts with Bullitt Satellite for their subscription coverage, and currently offers some of the cheapest monthly plans available for a satellite messenger. The cheapest, the SOS Assist plan, offers only SOS assistance for just $5 per month. The plans build from there, adding options for 80 and 300 messages per month in the Everyday and Premium plans. Finally, a Freedom plan is offered with 250 messages per year for $60.

Size, Weight, and Batteries

While most satellite messengers are compact, some do come lighter and smaller than others (here’s looking at you, inReach Mini 2 and Bivy Stick). And that may be great in certain situations. If you’re lugging tons of equipment with you, a few ounces or an inch or two in size may not matter, and you can embrace the SPOT X, but if you want something you can carry in your hand while you run or clip to a small pack while you bike, for example, these specifications will hold extra importance.

Another specification to watch is battery life, especially if you plan on long adventures or already have a set routine for charging devices (will micro-USB or USB-C require you to bring an extra cord?) while on an adventure.Most satellite messengers aim to provide extended 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, tracking intervals, and active screen time.

Almost all sat messengers today, with the exception of the SPOT Gen4, sport an integrated rechargeable battery that can be juiced up in the field from a solar panel or power bank. Some, like the Garmin inReach Messenger, even offer reverse USB-C charging that can perk up your other electronics if needed.

Durability

New brands need to start somewhere but decide if you’re willing to start with them. The likes of Garmin and SPOT have led the satellite messenger categories for years, so have built-in dependability in terms of quality of product. But that doesn’t mean that ACR or ZOLEO aren’t there yet. All the messengers we tested, except for SPOT-branded devices, use the trusted Iridium satellite system for reliable coverage, so we don’t expect issues there.

Then there’s the durability of the device itself. Each device has undergone testing to earn an international IP number. Both the Garmin devices nor the Bivy Stick weren’t tested against dust and earned a 7 for water (an IPX7 rating represents this), which allows for water immersion protection up to three feet for 30 minutes.

The SPOT X earned an IP67, which offers complete dust protection with the same level of water protection.

The SPOT Gen4 and ZOLEO devices are rated at IP68, complete dust protection with water immersion protection for long periods of time under pressure, the most durable of the devices tested.

Understand how you plan to use your satellite messenger and then choose a device that fits your personal needs.

Price & Value

There’s a pretty broad range of satellite messenger prices out there, with budget-friendly devices asking $150 to all-in-one units $600 units that’ll be your GPS, messenger, and even flashlight. Because everyone has different aspirations outdoors (and needs), consider how you’ll be using your satellite messenger, how frequently, and if custom messaging is important for you. It’s one thing to send a quick ‘I’m OK!’ message on a backpacking trip, and another to coordinate a high-alpine rescue in Nepal.

Budget

The budget satellite messengers prioritize the essentials, with the emergency SOS function being the number one. These units often don’t host any type of on-device message composition and instead rely on pre-selected messages that you manage from home. You’ll also more often be locked into the Globalstar satellite network, which is cheaper to access, but not quite as good as the more prevalent Iridium system.

The ZOLEO Satellite Messenger is an outsized value at $200, as it both uses Iridium birds, as well as hosts an app where you can clack out custom messages. The downside here is a slightly chunky profile, as well as a more limited battery life of 8 days. You also can’t message directly from the device, but so long as you’ve got your phone, you’re covered.

Mid-Tier

Bumping up to $300 to $400 devices gets you a good bit more, and this is where you think most outdoor folks are best served. For one, mid-tier devices all use the gold-standard Iridium network, which has truly global coverage and quick send-and-receive times. You also almost always get an on-device messaging ability, even if it is a little clunky.

An important factor in your choice should also include the price of the subscription, and while it’s gone up slightly recently, the $15 a month you’ll pay for the Garmin inReach Messenger ($300) or inReach Mini 2 ($400) is still a solid deal for the lowest tiered plan. These devices will also last a good bit longer than budget ones, with between 14 and 28 days of runtime.

Premium

Spending the big bucks will get you all the bells and whistles, and the $600 Garmin GPSMAP 67i is part GPS, part messenger, and for those who need a one-and-done unit, this is it. A full-color screen and predictive texting makes clacking out a message easy, and the host of other features really bumps up the value.

For the same price, you could also get into a new Apple iPhone 14, which now hosts satellite messaging. The big question will be how much they’ll charge for the service once the promotional free period runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions