I’ve taken a close look at the Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Messenger in my latest satellite messenger comparison. Is there really a reason to buy the inReach Messenger when you can have the more powerful inReach Mini 2 for not a lot more money?
Similarities
- Garmin Satellite Messengers
- inReach Technology
- Interactive SOS
- 2-way Messaging
- Weather Forecasts
- Tracking
- TracBack
- Global, Pole to Pole Satellite Coverage – Iridium Satellite Network
- Small, lightweight and compact
Differences
- Mini 2 – Maps when Synced with Smartphone
- Messenger – Group Messaging
- Mini 2 – On and Off Course Alerts on TracBack
- Messenger – Switch from Cell Service to Satellite Service
- Messenger – Flat surface to be more stable when sitting on a table
- Mini 2 Price – $390
- Messenger Price – $300
My Thoughts After Field Tests
Initially, I was wondering why Garmin made the inReach Messenger for $300 when you can buy the inReach Mini 2 for $390 and the Mini 2 is much more powerful.
After a lot of thought, I believe these two satellite messengers are made for two different groups. Let me list some reasons to buy the Messenger and then I’ll list the two groups I believe they are made for.
Reasons to Buy the Messenger:
- You have maps or a GPS device but can’t communicate outside of cell service
- You have no electronic device but, again you want to be able to call for help.
Groups the inReach Messenger Works For:
I think the inReach Messenger is best for people that are out in the mountains in an RV or camping in tents, but you want two-way messaging as many of these locations are outside cell service.
Groups the inReach Mini 2 Works For:
The inReach Mini 2 is better for people that are more active in the outdoors and are doing things like hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, kayaking, etc. You will have access to topo maps plus more powerful tracking and TracBack.
Final Thoughts
The inReach Mini 2 costs about $90 more than the inReach Messenger and that is a lot of money for some people, but if you can afford the extra money, I would absolutely buy the inReach Mini 2. If you mostly camp in the mountains in your RV or tent, then having a satellite messenger you can lay out on the picnic table and stay in contact with family and friends then the inReach Messenger may be perfect for you.
I think it really comes down to what you do in the outdoors, so please leave a message below and I’ll do my best to direct you to the right satellite messenger for you.
Check out the YouTube video below of the Mini 2 vs the Messenger.
Sale 
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 010-02602-00 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.).Special Feature:Bluetooth.Water Resistant: Yes
- 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.
Sale 
Garmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator, Featuring TopoActive mapping and inReach Technology, Multi
- 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.
Sale 
Garmin Montana 700i, Rugged GPS Handheld with Built-in inReach Satellite Technology, Glove-Friendly 5" Color Touchscreen
- 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.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Routable Topo Maps; Multiple GNSS Networks, ABC Sensors; inReach Satellite Communication; BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
- 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.
Sale 
Garmin Backpack Tether Accessory for Garmin Devices, Black
- Compatible with multiple Oregon, Alpha, inReach, GPSMAP, and eTrex devices.
- Durable nylon harness wrap
- 2-Inch - 14-Inch adjustable strap
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Sale 
Garmin Quick Release Lanyard, Standard Packaging,Black/Grey,Black/ Grey, Medium
- Attaches To Handheld Device To Wear Around Neck & Keep Hands Free During Outdoor Adventures
- Compatible With Astro 320
- Garmin 010-11733-00 Quick Release Lanyard
- Package weight: 1.4 oz
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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