ZOLEO vs Garmin Messenger

What are the differences between the ZOLEO vs Garmin Messenger, and how are they the same?

ZOLEO

Garmin inReach Messenger

What They Have in Common

  • SOS Emergency MessagingZOLEO
  • Global Pole-to-Pole Satellite Coverage
  • Two-way Messaging
  • MapShare or Check-in Messages
  • Weather Forecasts
  • Pair with ZOLEO App or the Messenger App
  • Long Battery Life
  • Both Devices Use WIFI, Cell Service, and Satellite Service
  • Lightweight and Compact

How are They Different

ZOLEO

  • ZOLEO Must be Paired with Your Smartphone to Message and to get Weather Forecasts.
  • Has Access to Maps via Check-in and Location Share.Garmin inReach Messenger
  • Dedicated Phone Number

Garmin Messenger

  • Has Access to Messaging, Weather Forecasts, Tracking and More on the Device Itself.
  • Does Not Have Access to Topo Maps.
  • Marine Weather Forecasts

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, but the major items I believe are the most important.

ZOLEO

Garmin inReach Messenger

My Thoughts After Field Testing

Both of these devices are the best satellite communicators on the market when you look at them only for their communication features.

If you’re interested in navigating or seeing quality maps, than neither of these devices would be right for you.

These devices are best for people that already have a way to navigate or don’t need to navigate. Again, they are extremely powerful communicators and should be seen that way, in my opinion.

Check out the YouTube video below for more information.

Sale
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator – Two-Way Global SMS Text Messenger & Email, Emergency SOS Alerting, Check-in & GPS Location – Android iOS Smartphone Accessory
  • 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.

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.

support-hiking-emergency-beacon

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2 thoughts on “ZOLEO vs Garmin Messenger”

  1. I would like to know that even though you pair both units using Bluetooth, they will not augment the features of GAIA. Does the pairing augment the GPS in the iPhone?
    Since the GPS on an iPhone 11 is not that great I want to make sure that using GAIA and Zoleo or Inreach will make the tracking and position more accurate. Please clarify. Respectfully, Bert

    Reply
    • I have not done an in-depth test on this, other than to say, I have checked the accuracy many times using my Garmin inReach devices by themselves and also a lot when paired to my iPhone, using the Explore App. The accuracy has always looked similar, but I will add this to my list to test further.

      Thanks for bringing this up.
      Rick

      Reply

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