This is an in-depth field test comparison between the ACR Bivy Stick vs ZOLEO satellite messengers.
What They Have in Common
- SOS
- Two-Way Messaging
- Sync with Smartphone
- Topo Maps Available on Smartphone App
- Tracking & Location Sharing
- Global, Pole to Pole Satellite Coverage
- Weather Forecasts
How They Are Different
- ZOLEO Transitions Seamlessly from Wifi, to Cell Service, to Satellite Service
- ACR Bivy Stick Offers Greater Detail on Maps and Filters for Map Information
Two-Way Messaging
Both of these satellite messengers offer great 2-way messaging, however, the ZOLEO wins this head-to-head confrontation as it allows the user to access wifi, cell service and then satellite service. ZOLEO will always attempt to access the least expensive method of transmitting messaging, which is wifi, and end up using satellite service, which is the most expensive method of sending and receiving messages.
Both ACR and ZOLEO do a great job of two-way messaging, however, it’s an easy decision to go with the satellite communicator that can transition easily from being inside a building with wifi or cell service then going to the outdoors with no service, other than satellite service, without you having to give any thought to the change or where you are.
The outright winner in this head-to-head comparison is ZOLEO.
If seamless communication is your priority, then stick with ZOLEO.
Topo Maps
For me, topo maps are more important than seamless messaging, as I use my satellite messenger for day hikes and other outdoor adventures.
The ZOLEO does not offer a map icon at the bottom of the ZOLEO app, but makes you select a Location Share+ message to click on. You have to select the map image again, before getting to the map page, where you can zoom in and out and go to different locations you may be interested in. See the images below.
Below are some examples of the map you will see in the ZOLEO app.
The ZOLEO maps are very good, but not excellent. Consider the ACR Bivy app and what it offers. It offers many different icons, from trails, to camp sites, to off-roading to snow shoeing and much more, plus you can filter to limit what is displayed. See some examples below.
You can see from the images above that you start with all the possible interests the ACR map offers, but then after I filtered by snowshoeing, it only shows the snowshoeing trails, which is powerful and extremely convenient.
There is no doubt, in my opinion, that the ACR Bivy Stick wins this head-to-head comparison, by a wide margin.
Tracking & Location Sharing
Both of these satellite messengers offer great tracking for family and friends that may want to follow you on your adventure or allows them to know you are safe. The first few images are of the ZOLEO Location Share+.
To be perfectly honest with you, I was driving on this test, with the ZOLEO sitting on my truck dash board, as I wanted to see how it worked in cell service and then again in satellite service. It worked perfectly.
This next test was with the ACR Bivy Stick tracking. Here is an image of what it looks like in tracking.
You can see both of these satellite messengers offer great tracking information so this one is a toss up for me.
Global Satellite Coverag
This is an easy comparison as they both use the Iridium Satellite Network and offer global, pole to pole coverage.
Nothing more to say on this one.
Weather Forecasts
Here are some examples of the weather forecasts you will see for both the ZOLEO and the ACR.
I believe that both of these satellite communicators offer weather forecasts by Dark Sky, so the information displayed is only subtle changes in how the weather is displayed.
Final Thoughts
The ZOLEO is slightly larger, and heavier, but offers the best communication, with wifi, cell service and then satellite service. The ACR Bivy Stick offers good messaging but much more powerful maps with filtering that allows you to focus in on what you’re interested in, plus the map icon is located at the bottom middle of the smartphone app.
They both offer SOS and Tracking that you can select directly from the device itself.
In many ways these satellite messengers are equals, however, if you priority is communication, then the winner is ZOLEO, but if topo maps are your priority, then the ACR Bivy Stick is the winner.
Personally, I give the ACR Bivy Stick the win in this head-to-head comparison.
- GLOBAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR & SATELLITE PHONE ALTERNATIVE - 100% global Iridium satellite coverage for two-way SMS text messaging + Email, GPS tracking, maps & navigation, emergency SOS, weather reports, and location sharing. Compatible with iOS & Android apps. Subscription required. Monthly: (Basic $19.99 | Plus $34.99 | Unlimited SALE $39.99). Annual: (Basic $14.99 | Plus $29.99 | Unlimited SALE $38.99). One time 3-month commitment per device, then month-to-month. Plans available globally.
- SOS EMERGENCY RESCUE - Feel safe with Global Rescue's round-the-clock SOS monitoring. Activate SOS with the dedicated button or through the app, communicate with emergency services, and share your GPS location when you need it most. Get rescued anywhere in the world.
- UNLIMITED CHECK-IN MESSAGES & GPS LOCATION SHARING - Effortlessly send unlimited & customizable check-in messages that include your GPS location with this advanced outdoor communication device. Use the dedicated check-in button on the device or through the app to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts. A shareable webpage displays a map with your GPS coordinates and a check-in breadcrumb trail, allowing others to follow your journey.
- GROUP MESSAGING & TRACKING - Keep your crew connected with GroupTrack, featuring group messaging and location sharing for up to 12 people. Monitor your team off-grid using the Bivy Stick and app or in-network via a web browser. Ideal for search & rescue, guiding services, remote workers, outfitters, adventure racing, overlanding groups, and more.
- OFFLINE MAPS & NAVIGATION - Download detailed maps from around the world to ensure you're never lost, even without cellular service. Easily navigate and track your location off the grid using device-based GPS with this satellite messenger. The Bivy app offers over 50,000 adventures to explore, with 20 different adventure types available. Monitor your pace, mileage, altitude, and more on your journey.
- TRI-NETWORK COVERAGE & APP-TO-APP MESSAGING - Benefit from least-cost routing with priority given to Wi-Fi, followed by cellular, and then satellite. Effortlessly connect with others using app-to-app messaging, your dedicated phone number, or email. Choose ACR Bivy Stick, the leading alternative to satellite phones for unrestricted two-way communication, and the freedom to initiate and receive messages confidently.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- Global satellite messaging: Stay connected beyond cell coverage, use ZOLEO with your smartphone to transmit text messages and e-mails over the Iridium satellite network, cellular or Wi-Fi using the lowest-cost network available (service plan required)
- Emergency SOS: Send an SOS alert with your GPS location to 24/7 emergency monitoring center if something goes wrong, or access Medical Assist for non-emergency help
- Dedicated SMS number: An assigned ZOLEO SMS number and email enables contacts to reach out directly when you're off the grid
- Check-in: Send unlimited check-ins via the ZOLEO device or app, included in your plan
- Location sharing: Include GPS coordinates in a message or check-in, or share waypoints at regular intervals (optional add-on)
- Rugged with long battery life: IP68-rated for superior durability; over 200 hours of battery life
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Check out this YouTube video of the ACR Bivy Stick vs ZOLEO satellite messengers.
If you would like to see ALL the Satellite Messengers in another review, see my Emergency Radio Reviews.
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