Check out the Best Satellite Communicators of 2023 and find out what I would choose after four years of testing them.
Top Satellite Messengers
- Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Garmin inReach Messenger
- Garmin Exlorer+
- SPOT X
- SPOT Gen 4
- ACR Bivy Stick
- ZOLEO
What Satellite Communicator Would I Buy Again After Testing for 4 Years?
This is a harder question to answer for you, and it definitely depends on your priorities and how you use your satellite messenger, but here’s what I would do after testing these for almost four years.
I would always have either the Garmin inReach GPSMAP 67i or the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on my pack, combined with wearing the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar adventure watch, plus I would have the satellite communicator synced with my iPhone.
I primarily do a lot of day hiking along with hunting, camping and fishing and one of the things I value most is convenience and having most everything in one device.
Check out the YouTube video below where I run through this conversation in more detail.
Garmin GPSMAP® 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping
- Large 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Enable two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium satellite network, and trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center (active subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices)
- Access preloaded TopoActive mapping from Garmin, view satellite imagery, and navigate with multi-band GNSS support and sensors
- When paired with your compatible smartphone, you can access active weather forecasts and Geocaching Live
- Use with the Garmin Explore website or app on your compatible smartphone to help you plan trips and more
- Get access to a wide variety of premium mapping content delivered directly to your device via Wi-Fi technology with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription
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Garmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator, Featuring TopoActive mapping and inReach Technology
- Large 3 inch Sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the geos 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, two-way messaging via the 100% Global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription required)
- Preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device Birdseye satellite imagery downloads (no annual subscription), includes multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors
- Cellular connectivity lets you access active weather forecasts and geocaching live
- Compatible with the Garmin explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 35 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode and 1-minute tracking mode (display off), 200 hours in Expedition mode with 30-minute tracking
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
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Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
- Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC 24/7-staffed monitoring and coordination center for help in an emergency (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- In reach explorer+ device adds preloaded Delorme topo maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Sale
Spot X with Bluetooth 2-Way Satellite Messenger | SOS Protection | Handheld Portable 2-Way GPS Messenger for Hiking, Camping, Cars| Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage | Subscription Applicable
- SYNC WITH BLUETOOTH: Connect to SpotX to cellphone so you can communicate with family or even search and rescue; Use as a standalone communication device with it's own dedicated US mobile number to receive messages
- PEACE OF MIND: Send S.O.S. to 24/7 Search & Rescue service, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, receive confirmation when help is on the way; Message any cell number or email address virtually anywhere
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or emergency rescue their exact GPS coordinates
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SpotX Device, strap and carabiner, micro usb data/power cable, quick start guide, SOS mirrored sticker, warranty card and kickstand
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Grab a Spot X 2-way Satellite Messenger; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiking | Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage | Subscription Applicable
- HELP/SPOT S.O.V. - Request help from your friends and family at your GPS Location or ask for help from professional assistance organizations
- CUSTOM MESSAGE Let contacts know where you are by sending a pre-programmed message with your GPS location.
- TRACK Automatically send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using cloud-based mapping.
- S.O.S. - With the push of the S.O.S. button, SPOT’s 24/7 global search & rescue service provides your GPS location coordinates to local authorities for the quickest response to your emergency.
- CHECK IN - Let contacts know where you are and that you’re okay with a pre-programmed message.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
ACR Bivy Stick Two-Way Global Satellite Communicator Device - SOS, SMS, Tracking, Weather Report, and Share Location
- No activation or annual fees | Global satellite coverage (Iridium)
- Send and receive messages via satellite | Weather forecasts via satellite
- SOS monitoring via satellite (Global Rescue) | Location tracking and sharing via satellite
- Map display and navigation | Offline maps
- One-touch Checkin (available directly from device and via the app) | Hundreds of mounts available
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Sale
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Larger sized adventure smartwatch, with Solar Charging Capabilities, rugged outdoor watch with GPS, touchscreen, wellness features, black DLC titanium with black band
- Long-running solar powered multisport GPS watch with scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and always-on 1.4” display uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life; a built-in LED flashlight keeps you going after dark
- Battery performance: in smartwatch mode, up to 28 days while indoors or up to 37 days with solar charging in 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day; in GPS mode, up to 89 hours indoors or up to 122 hours with solar charging continuously in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
- Take your training to the next level with endurance and real-time stamina tracking, training status, advanced performance metrics and 30+ built-in sports apps
- Get 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (not available in all countries), stress and enhanced sleep tracking (this device is intended to give an estimation of your activity and metrics; it is not a medical device)
- Navigate the outdoors with a higher level of positioning accuracy, thanks to new multi-band frequency and GNSS network support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) plus built-in sensors for 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
- Find freedom and adventure with preloaded TopoActive maps — plus maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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