Satellite Messengers or Emergency Satellite Messengers (ESMs) have taken the emergency locator beacon industry in a completely new direction.
Not only do they offer the outstanding S.O.S. function, but they’re also adding things like 2-way messaging, navigation, tracking and weather forecasting.
You have the primary ESMs that most people know about, such as Garmin and SPOT but you have other manufacturers breaking into the market and pushing the envelope on additional things people want in this high tech age. Some of these devices include Somewear Global Hotspot, ACR Bivy Stick, ZOLEO and GoTenna Mesh.
It’s exciting to see the power that these new Emergency Satellite Messengers (ESMs) are bringing forward and it will be interesting to watch what happens in the near future.
Let’s take a look at each of the top Emergency Satellite Messengers (ESMs) and see what makes them unique, what they do well and what they may be missing out on.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is Garmin’s new flagship satellite communicator that excels as an all-in-one device, has worldwide maps and has impressive navigation features. Unofficially, the 67i replaces the Explore+ as Garmin’s top satellite messenger.
Here are some of the features of the 67i
- With inReach Technology
- Two-Way Messaging
- Interactive SOS Alerts
- Location Sharing with MapShare
- Longer Battery Life Over the 66i
- Up to 165 Hours in Tracking Mode
- Up to 425 Hours in Expedition Mode
- Track Your Position with Multi-Band Technology
- Expanded GNSS Support
- Get Access to Multiple Frequencies to Improve Positioning Accuracy
- ABC Sensors
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- 3-Axis Electronic Compass
- Download High-Resolution, Photorealistic Maps
- Pre-Loaded Maps of North America
- Outdoor Maps Subscription
- Access to Public Land Information
- Landowner Names
- Hunting Management Unit Boundaries
- BLM Boundaries
- 100% Global Iridium Satellite Network
- Garmin Messenger App
- The 67i Now Joins the Mini 2 with Access to the Messenger App
- Group Messaging
- Transitions between WIFI, Cell Service and Satellite Service, Automatically
- inReach Weather
- Active Weather
- Extensive Navigation Capacity
- Built to Military Standards for Thermal, Shock, and Water Performance
- Includes an LED Flashlight
- Get Automatic Cache Updates
Garmin Montana 750i
The Garmin is a large touch screen satellite communicator that is best used on off-road vehicles. It has a lot of what the GPSMAP 67i offers but it also has City Navigator Maps and Routable Topographic Maps.
Here is a partial list of features for the 700i and the 750i.
- Emergency SOS
- 2-way Messaging
- inReach Technology
- Built-in Topo Maps
- Topo Active Maps
- Public Land Boundaries
- Satellite Views with BirdsEye
- Outdoor Maps+ with a Subscription
- City Navigator Maps with Turn-by-Turn Instructions
- Touch Screen
- 8 MP Camera (the 700i does not have a camera)
- Add Trip Pics on the Map with Geotags
- Ful QWERTY Keyboard for Easy Messaging
- Routable Topographic Maps
- Weather Forecasts
- Military Standard 810 Thermal, Shock, Water and Vibration
- Flexible Subscription Plans
- Global Pole-to-Pole Satellite Coverage with the Iridium Satellite Network
- ABC Sensors
- Syncs with the Astro and Alpha Series to Track Your Dogs
- Wikiloc Trails
- Multi-GNSS Satellite Networks
- Use MapShare to Let Family and Friends Track Your Location
- Expedition Mode to Save Battery
- Vehicle Mounts Available
Garmin inReach Explorer+
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is the most well-rounded ESM due to its worldwide satellite coverage, 2-way messaging, navigation and additional services such as providing weather forecasting.
Here is a list of what the Explorer+ Offers:
- Satellite Communicator
- Built-In Navigation
- Includes Topo Maps & Downloads
- 2-Way Messaging
- 100% Global Iridium Satellite Network (Pole to Pole Coverage)
- S.O.S. Distress Call to 24/7 Rescue Monitoring Center
- Track and Share Your Location
- Pair with Compatible Mobile Devices
- Use Earthmate App to Download Additional Topo Maps
- Comes with Pre-Loaded DeLorme Topo Maps
- On Screen GPS Routing
- Built-In Digital Compass, Barometric Altimeter and Accelerometer
- Optional inReach Weather Forecasts Available
Honestly, this is my number one pick and one I will be adding to my pack soon. It hits the top of my list due to the 2-way messaging, Global Satellite Coverage and the Built-In Navigation. No one else offers all of this in one package, without being synced to a smartphone.
Note since I purchased it and field tested it. This is the best satellite messenger on the market for longer outdoor excursions, especially when you don’t want to be concerned about your smartphone’s battery life or technical problems with them syncing together.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is my 1st choice for short trips, such as day hikes or two day backpacking trips. This is due to the topo maps and weather forecasts, when synced with your smartphone, global satellite coverage and 2-way messaging. You actually can get most all the features the Garmin inReach Explorer+ offers but you have to be synced in order to get some of the same features. Here is a list of what it offers:
- Lightweight and Compact
- 2-Way Messaging
- Global Satellite Coverage with the Iridium Satellite Network (Pole to Pole Coverage)
- S.O.S. Distress Call Answered by 24/7 Rescue Monitoring Center
- Access Downloadable Maps Using the Garmin Earthmate App
- Track and Share Your Location
- Optional inReach Weather Forecasts Available
- Internal, Rechargeable Lithium Battery with 90 Hours of Battery Life
- Pairs with Select Garmin Devices
- Syncs with Smartphones
This small and compact device is not much bigger then a small wallet and can function as a stand-alone device or, pair it with your smartphone and make it nearly as capable as the Garmin inReach Explorer+.
SPOT X
The SPOT X 2-way satellite messenger that has a built-In Keyboard. This may not seem like a big deal but when you are cold and maybe injured and wanting to send a message for help, your fingers will operate better using the keyboard then moving the buttons around to select the letters, one at a time, in order to type out a unique message.
See the list below for its features:
- S.O.S. Distress Call
- 2-Way Satellite Messenger
- Built-In Keyboard
- Connect with Your Smartphone to Have Access to All Your Contacts
- Comes with a Unique U.S. Cell Phone Number
- Communicate Easily with Search and Rescue Teams
- Can be Used as a Standalone Communication Device
- Track and Share your Location with Friends and Family
- Adjustable Tracking Intervals
- Built-In Compass with Programmable Way Points
Note: SPOT does not have worldwide, pole to pole coverage. They cover most of the world but you need to look at their coverage map to see if you can get service in the area you will be traveling to.
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Additional Top Contenders
Here are some additional contenders that will be perfect for many outdoor enthusiasts. Take a look and see how unique some of these are.
Garmin inReach SE+
The Garmin inReach SE+ is nearly identically to the Garmin inReach Explorer+, but without the built-in topo maps. You can still view maps when synced to your smartphone.
Here is a list of what the Explorer+ Offers:
- Satellite Communicator
- Built-In Navigation
- 2-Way Messaging
- 100% Global Iridium Satellite Network (Pole to Pole Coverage)
- S.O.S. Distress Call to 24/7 Rescue Monitoring Center
- Track and Share Your Location
- Pair with Compatible Mobile Devices
- Use Earthmate App to Download Additional Topo Maps
- On Screen GPS Routing
- Built-In Digital Compass, Barometric Altimeter and Accelerometer
- Optional inReach Weather Forecasts Available
Note: I have just purchased the Garmin inReach SE+ and will be field testing it soon. This section will be updated once I have finished the tests.
SPOT Gen4
The SPOT Gen4 One-Way Satellite Messenger is the size of a small wallet and is a powerful ESM that can save your life or let family and friends know that everything is okay. I have the SPOT Gen4 on my pack right now and I love it because it is extremely easy to use and is so small that I don’t even notice I have it on me.
See the list below for what it offers:
- Lightweight and Compact
- 1-Way Satellite Messenger
- S.O.S. Distress Call
- HELP/S.O.V. (Call for Auto Service or Help from Family and/or Friends)
- Customizable Messages
- Tracking & Sharing with Family and Friends
- Customize your tracking rates to conserve battery life
- Motion Activated Tracking (Conserves Battery)
- Add up to 10 Contacts to Your List Before You Leave Home to Share Your Trip With
- Standalone Device
- Flexible Service Plans
Note: SPOT does not have worldwide, pole to pole coverage. They cover most of the world but you need to look at their coverage map to see if you can get service in the area you will be traveling to.
Somewear Global Hotspot
The Somewear Global Hotspot gives any smartphone the global satellite coverage you’ve always wanted. No matter where you are in the world, you can have service.
- Global Satellite Coverage with the Iridium Satellite Network
- Ultra-Lightweight and Compact
- Text Communication
- Location Tracking
- Weather Forecasts
- 24/7 S.O.S. Monitoring Center
- Gives Your Smartphone Global Coverage
Note: The Global Hotspot must be synced with your smartphone in order to have the use of the functions it offers.
ACR Bivy Stick
The Bivystick is an affordable and simple satellite communicator that will give your smartphone global coverage. See the functions below that the Bivystick offers:
- 2-Way Satellite Messenger
- Satellite Connection Anywhere in The World
- Tracking and Location Sharing
- No Contract or Annual Fees
- S.O.S. Emergency Services Using the 24/7 GEOS Response Center
- Detailed 3 and 7 Day Weather Forecasts
- Access Downloadable Offline Maps
- One of the Smallest Satellite Messengers in the World
- 5200 mAh Backup Battery to Charge Your Phone up to 2 Times
- Affordable Monthly Plan with No Commitment or Contract
Note: The Bivystick must be synced with your smartphone in order to have the use of the functions it offers.
ZOLEO
The ZOLEO is one of the newest satellite communicators on the market. See the functions below that the ZOLEO offers:
- Two-Way Satellite Messenger
- Satellite Connection Anywhere in The World
- Tracking and Location Sharing
- Flexible Subscription Plan
- S.O.S. Emergency Services
- Detailed Weather Forecasts
- Access Downloadable Offline Maps
- TOPO Maps when Synced with Your Smartphone
- The Number One 2-Way Satellite Messenger on the Market
- Uses Wifi First, Followed by Cell Service, and Finally Satellite Service, Without You Having to do a Thing.
Note: The ZOLEO must be synced with your smartphone in order to have the use of the functions it offers.
Differences Between ESMs
Emergency Satellite Messengers (ESMs) all offer an S.O.S. distress call but also add things like 2-way and 1-way messaging, tracking and sharing, navigation and weather forecasting. They are all different so do your homework and find out which one is right for you.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the first four ESMs I listed can all standalone without needing to be synced to your smartphone. This may or may not be important to you. Being able to standalone without my smartphone going dead is important to me. These standalone devices are:
- Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Garmin Montan 700i
- Garmin inReach Explorer+
- Garmin inReach SE+
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- SPOT X
- SPOT Gen 4
The Somewear Global Hotspot, Bivystick, ZOLEO and the Garmin inReach Messenger must be synced to your smartphone but one of these may absolutely be the right device for you. Evaluate how you and your family or friends use these devices and pick what fits your life.
You can research more on the emergency locator beacons here at Emergency Radio Reviews.
The Bottom Line
These are all great devices that can make your adventure more enjoyable and even help save your life or someone you come into contact with.
There is no perfect ESM for everyone. We all have different needs and desires so you have to do your research to help determine which one is right for you. I have built this site to help with exactly that so please leave a comment below, ask a question or send me an email and I will respond quickly.
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Note 1: The primary reason I don’t recommend the Go Tenna Mesh is that is primarily designed for groups at large events and not in remote areas of the world.
Note 2: The Somewear Global Hotspot is not shown as the product is not available on Amazon.
You can Email me by selecting the email link on my Contact Page or leave a Comment Below.
Check out this YouTube video below of the Top 11 Satellite Messengers of 2023.
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Hello Rick. Thanks for sharing this post on The “Big 3” Personal Locator Beacons. I know this is base on what you like but I must tell you that you are doing a great job. It’s not easy to pick out of numerous products and brands with various specifications. The SPOT X 2-way satellite messenger looks beautiful and attractive. For me, the built-In Keyboard is a big deal and an added advantage too
Thank you for the compliment. You are right that many things I talk about here are more focused on how I like to use these and what’s important to me but I try to show what each one offers. The built-in keyboard is a big deal, I think, and I have just ordered a SPOT X. It should arrive later this week and then I will be able to field test it to see just how well it works.
Rick
It is almost nothing new that the emergency satellite beacons and messengers are the new cool when it comes to getting the emergency message to reach out when in a distress situation. Since their full introduction, people have embraced their usefulness and I am one of the few who have done that too. Though I have bought the garmin inreach explorer, I have yet to make use of it. I always get fascinated by the special features of not having to consider my phone’s battery before going for it. Thank you so much for sharing
You are very welcome. I hiked and backpacked for over 30 years without using one or even knowing what was available but now I always have one with me. Even when I am on a trail close to the city with a lot of hikers, I want to get in the habit of having it with me plus I want to know everything it can do.
You should play around with it a little.
Rick
I think these satellite messengers are cutting edge. I remember when the Garmin GPS first came out.
It was awesome to get from place to place.
But when going hiking I would get concerned about being lost or able to communicate.
I like the Garmin inReach Mini. It’s small and compact and has all the features I would need.
It’s also great that it will sync with my smartphone. At least in an emergency, I could contact someone.
Are these very expensive?
Hi Rob. The prices range from just over $100 to over $450. Some have subscription plans and others don’t have any contracts. It takes a little research but there are so many options to choose from that there is one that is right for everyone.
Rick
Personal, I find it difficult, tiring and time consuming to move the button around to select the letters one at a time in order to type a unique message… So #3 which is Spot X is something I love so much. The features are cool tool; I can easily access my contacts from my other devices. I also love the built-in compass with programmable way points.
Well Barry…my new SPOT X just arrived in the mail today so I will be able to tell you soon just how much I also like it. I will be getting both of the Garmins, probably before January, so I will be able to compare them side by side on how easy or difficult it is to type in custom messages compared to the SPOT X.
Thanks for your thoughts on the SPOT X.
Rick
Satellite messengers are just the perfect companions of hikers, mountain runners or just a normal tourist in a new environment. Ever since I have learnt of the advantages attached to the use of all these, I ensure that I do not go on any hiking without taking it along because I know it can really prove to be the difference in the special scenarios. I would also advise anyone to go for the ones that can stand alone without being synced with mobile phones as that ensures more chances of getting reached since their batteries always last for a long time.
I’m with you Ramos. I like some of the cool features of the devices that have to be synced but my cell phone loses power to quickly and I would have to carry a portable charger with me if I were to use those. I like to keep things simple and my pack as light as possible so the Garmin inReach Explorer+, Garmin inReach Mini and the SPOT X are my number top choices. Actually the Garmins are my two favorites, due to the worldwide global coverage.
Rick
Hi Rick,
When an adventure like hiking. mountain climbing, camping, or other outdoor activity, suddenly turns into an emergency, sometimes it is what one has or does not have that makes the difference. This is where ESMs become crucial.
I support you on the advantage of standalone ESMs compared to smartphone-dependent ones because anything could happen to a phone and it’d be pretty useless at the worst hour of need. For instance, it might fall off a cliff or the battery could go dead on day 2 or 3 of an emergency case where one is lost among some huge canyons.
–
Boniface from AndroidBix
I agree with the smartphone issue. My phone loses it’s charge within 24 hours when I use it to check in on my AllTrails App or try and take very many pictures. I don’t want to carry around a portable charger because it just adds significant weight and takes up valuable space.
Rick
I am a big outdoor enthusiast. Safety is vital especially when hiking. Having a personal locator is a cheap alternative to getting lost for days. We hike the Porcupine Mountains, in Upper Michigan this past summer. I had bought the Garmin Mini from Amazon and having it was a huge relief knowing if something where to happen (getting lost or we were in danger) we could signaled for help. Cell phones don’t always work in remote areas. Our cell phones had no service, so I am thankful we had it with us.
These are some very good reviews.
I’m glad you made the decision to have a back up plan. Not only does it give us peace of mind but also our family and friends.
My daughter is on a search and rescue team here in Colorado and she is telling me stories every week where people have been caught in tough situations and have had no way to message or call for help.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Rick
Hi there, do you know if any of these can be charged via USB? I’ve been looking for a new Garmin with the topography for my husband to use while hunting but I want to get a solar charger for it so it has to charge via USB.I really like the Somewhere Global Hot Spot I’ll be checking into that; it might help us get cell service at our property with out having to run the generator for the satellite WiFi.Thanks for all the great information.
Hi Stephanie. I have the SPOT Gen3 now and just purchased the SPOT X and I do know that the Gen3 has a USB connection so it can be charged. You would need to check into solar devices that can provide a charge, but I’m glad you brought that up because that is something interesting to consider.
I will write about that soon as I have made a note to research it.
Rick
I have never considered buying an ESM, but after reading your review, I’m rethinking the importance of having one. I would agree that while it’s nice that these can be linked to a cell phone, the fact that the first few you mentioned do not have to be connected is (to me) important. If I’m in need of assistance, I don’t want to be held up by a cell tower.
How much do these typically cost? As you mentioned, I will have to do some more research, but this is something I will have to look further into.
Thank you for your insight!
Beth
Hi Beth. The main thing I like about the stand-alone models is that I don’t have to worry about my cell phones battery life, which is always poor, or having to carry around a portable charger.
The costs range from just over $100 to $450 or $500, but this is a small expense to pay when you want to or need to stay connected.
I chose to buy the SPOT Gen3 first because there was a sale on it and I was able to buy if for $96. Money is an issue for me also, so that is part of what goes into my decision making process. I just knew that I needed to get an ESM on my pack to give me some insurance or back up plan.
Rick
So I carefully observed the “Big 3” Personal Locator Beacons just like you have stated on this page due to 2 primary reasons and I found your favourite become my favourite too due to its wonderful features… Although, not a big deal as you have stated, don’t you think it’d be nice if a keyboard is added to it for easy typing? I type alot
I agree that a keyboard would be nice on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ but then it would make the device nearly twice as large and heavier. I’ll bet you that Garmin has thought that through and decided it was best to leave it off.
Thanks for the great comments.
Rick
The global coverage, pole to pole is also a bid deal for me. I’m not currently traveling to areas outside of SPOT’s coverage so it’s not currently an issue.
I am working my way toward purchasing the Garmin inReach Mini and then the Garmin inReach Explorer+. I want to leave the best for last…or at least what I believe is the best.
I have the SPOT Gen3 already and really like it but the SPOT X actually arrived in my mail today, so I’m thinking the Gen 3 will be getting some rest. It will be great to have the Gen3 around for someone else in my hiking group though.
Rick