I’m comparing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs All Others. I layout all the satellite messengers I own to help you decide what satellite messenger may be best for you.
Satellite Messengers on Display
- SPOT Gen 3
- SPOT Gen 4
- SPOT X
- SPOT X Bluetooth
- ACR Bivystick
- Somewear Global Hotspot
- Zoleo
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Garmin inReach SE
- Garmin inReach Explorer+
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin Montana 700i
Simple Satellite Messengers
The most simple satellite messengers are the SPOT Gen 3 and the SPOT Gen 4. These are small, lightweight 1-way satellite messengers with SOS.
Everyone should have a satellite messenger on their pack and if you are short on money or only want a simple device, then the SPOT Gen 4 is the primary satellite messenger you should look at.
Best Messenger for Communication
If your priority is communication then the Somewear Global Hotspot and Zoleo are the two satellite messengers I would recommend.
The reasons I say this is that the Somewear Global Hotspot transitions from cellular service to satellite service automatically without you having to change anything.
Zoleo takes it one step farther and will automatically transition from wifi to cell service and finally to satellite service. This is done seamlessly as it costs less money to message in wifi and cellular service over sending messages with satellite service.
Smallest Satellite Messengers
- SPOT Gen 3
- SPOT Gen 4
- ACR Bivystick
- Somewear Global Hotspot
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
Best Messenger for Long Trips
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is the best satellite messenger for long outdoor adventures, primarily due to it being a standalone device plus it has one of the best batteries on the market.
You can still sync the inReach Explorer+ to your smartphone for convenience, but it is not necessary.
Most Powerful Functions
The satellite messengers that have the most powerful functions are:
- Garmin inReach Explorer+
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
You can see my reviews of each of these satellite messengers that goes into depth in field tests that will show you all the functions they have.
My Favorite Satellite Messengers
Here is a list of my favorite satellite messengers ranked in order from top to bottom.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Garmin inReach Explorer+
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Zoleo (if communication is the most important priority)
- SPOT Gen 4 (if simplicity and cost is important)
Final Thoughts
There are many great satellite messengers here and there is not one device that is the best one for everyone. Choosing the right satellite messenger depends on what’s important to you and what kind of outdoor adventures you go on.
Please leave a comment if you have questions and I’ll do my best to point you to the satellite messenger that is the right one for you.
You can see the YouTube video below where I talk in more depth about all of these messengers.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). Display size-0.9 x 0.9 inch
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device, basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds. Display resolution: 128 x 128 pixels
- NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- 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)
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- 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.
- 100% 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. Display type: transflective color TFT
- Pair with mobile devices using the free Earth mate app for access to downloadable maps, U. S. Noaa charts, color aerial imagery and more
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- 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.
- Features rugged military-grade construction and a 5” touchscreen display that’s 50% larger than the previous model; offers easy viewability and includes versatile mounting solutions
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center — two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite network (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices).
- Multi-GNSS (GPS and Galileo) support — plus preloaded TopoActive maps and City Navigator street map navigation; navigation sensors include 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Pro-connected with ANT+ technology, Wi-Fi connectivity and BLUETOOTH wireless networking, giving you direct-to-device access to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads, location sharing, Connect IQ app support and more
- 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
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- 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.
- 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.
- S. O. S. - in an emergency, send an S. O. S. With your GPS location to geos, who facilitates search and rescue
- Check in - let contacts know where you are and that you're okay with a pre-programmed message
- 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 google maps
- Service agreement required.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
- 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.
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