The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

Satellite messengers started with the need for reliable emergency contact, but have expanded into full-blown two-way communication devices. We’ve been getting deep into the backcountry for years, and our team of guides and iterant wanderers have tested the spectrum of sat messengers on both professional and casual expeditions. Besides getting lost, we even learned a thing or two along the way.

In our search for the best satellite messengers we covered it all — from pure SOS beacons to long-form texting machines — but placed a focus on the keyword: messenger. With our extensive background testing gear in real-life situations, we put each device through its paces over several years in differing situations — testing it all from typing ability to durability while getting dirty in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and the expanses of the Southwest.

Gathered here are nine devices that will help you out of a jam, message your team back at home, or at least keep you off the side of a milk carton. To better understand the ins and outs of satellite messengers, visit our buyer’s guide, FAQ, and detailed comparison chart. Or, check out some of the key categories that help you understand how a satellite messenger best fits your needs:

Editor’s Note: We updated our Satellite Messengers guide on March 20, 2024, to add the iPhone Emergency SOS functionality found on Apple iPhone 14 and 15s. This is the new wave of satellite messaging, and we’re here for it.

The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

• Best Overall Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Messenger
• Best Budget Satellite Messenger: ZOLEO Satellite Messenger
• Most Feature-Rich Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Best On-Device Communicator: SPOT X
• Best GPS Device Satellite Messenger: Garmin GPSMAP 67i

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Satellite Messenger Comparison Chart

Satellite Messenger	Battery Life	Message Composition	Weight	Satellite System	Subscription Plan*
Garmin inReach Messenger	28 days	On-device options/in-app	4 oz.	Iridium	$11.95 /month
ZOLEO Satellite Messenger	200 hours	In-app composition	5.3 oz.	Iridium	$20 /month
Garmin inReach Mini 2	14 days	On-device options/in-app	3.5 oz.	Iridium	$11.95 /month
SPOT X	240 hours	On-device composition	7 oz.	Globalstar	$11.95 /month
Garmin GPSMAP 67i	425 hours	On-device options/in-app	8.1 oz.	Iridium	$11.95 /month
iPhone Emergency SOS	N/A	On-device composition	7-8 oz.	Globalstar	Unreleased pricing
SPOT Gen4	7 to 156 days	Pre-set messages only	5 oz.	Globalstar	$11.95 /month
ACR Bivy Stick	120 hours	In-app composition	3.3 oz.	Iridium	$14.99 /month
Motorola Defy Satellite Link	96 hours	In-app composition	2.5 oz.	Inmarsat and Echostar	$5 /month

How We Tested Satellite Messengers

We’d be lying if we said we’ve never gotten ourselves lost. Thankfully, the crew at GearJunkie is a savvy bunch, and our trials and tribulations have led us to be big proponents of carrying along a satellite messaging device when headed out into the backcountry. Here, we’ve compiled our collective knowledge around the little life-savers and called out the best of the best sold today.

Nick Belcaster contributed heavily to this guide, leveraging his time as a wilderness guide in the North Cascades of Washington State and copious time spent hammering out ‘I’m OK’ messages from the backcountry. He has utilized satellite messengers to get updates on closing-in wildfires, arrange for supply drops, and assist in extracting injured clients. Assisting him is a team of AMGA mountain guides, ice climbers, trail runners, and many other GearJunkie athletes who use sat messengers daily to keep in contact from afar.

All devices detailed in our selection were tested over multiple months, by multiple gear experts, and in varying conditions throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest. Whether hiking, biking, climbing, ski-touring, or simply putting the devices through their paces, the satellite messengers underwent a mixture of experiences to test them in real-life use cases. 

While checking out the satellite messengers in the field, we assessed durability, connectivity, ease of use, functionality, and battery life. Beyond our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular and bestselling devices on the market, as well as a broad range of price points and features. And rest assured, as new devices hit the market, we’ll continue to put them to the test to see if they have what it takes when it matters.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Satellite Messenger 

Every satellite messenger features a mixture of different functions and designs. Users may find some fit their expected adventures better than others, so it isn’t always a one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the best satellite messenger. 

Before you dive into a satellite messenger, be careful to go over features and functionality to see what you think you’ll need for how you expect to use the device. You also should keep in mind that the cost of ownership of a satellite messenger is more than the initial purchase price. While you can get a device for as little as $150 and spend up to $400, each one requires a subscription service to allow it to connect to satellites for communication, even emergency communication. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your top satellite messenger selections, we suggest looking over the company’s subscription plans to see what’s included in the differing options. Features you may find essential may come at a steeper per month price than you want to pay. 

Emergency Support and Messaging

Know that a satellite messenger’s main goal is to provide emergency support when needed — every messenger comes with an on-device SOS button, but they also can help keep you connected to friends and family in non-emergency situations when cellular coverage is not possible. 

You likely won’t use your satellite messenger as you would a smartphone — and if you don’t expect to, you can select something such as the ZOLEO or SPOT Gen4 — but understanding the capabilities of your device can help with expectations. For example, messages sent via satellite may well take up to 20 minutes to send, even in ideal situations with the best on-device communicators the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and SPOT X.

Deciding which device to go with will depend upon your needs, as well as how often you plan to use it. Below we dive into the three main types of satellite messengers: SOS beacons, app-assisted communicators, and all-in-one devices.

Differing Styles

There are three main styles of satellite messenger, although overlap does exist. The most basic offers a simple SOS function and pre-set messages, all sent from the device without tethering to a phone, such as the SPOT Gen4. These devices are best thought of as a ‘set it and forget it’ option, and you’ll be limited to sending messages that you’ve pre-written at home.

It’s important to note that communication is one-way, which makes these devices most similar to personal locator beacons (PLBs) — which combine a satellite SOS function with a 406 MHz tone for rescuers to hone in on.

The next type offers these same functions, but then includes an app — think ZOLEO, Motorola Defy, and Bivy Stick — that connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone for additional two-way messaging and functionality. This is a great step up in terms of functionality in our opinion, and being able to craft custom messages has often gotten us out of a jam when outdoors, like changing itineraries or rendezvous points.

The third style includes the aforementioned features, but then also offers on-device functionality, from message composition to weather forecasting, as seen in the Garmin inReach Messenger, Garmin inReach Mini 2, and SPOT X. These messengers are best for folks who want it all, or want the ability to leave their phone at home. Because they operate independently of a separate device, these messengers also have the most built-in safety of the bunch.

Satellite Messenger Networks

First, it’s important to make a distinction between the two types of satellite systems that a satellite messenger will depend on. Global Navigation Satellite Systems, or GNSS, are satellite networks that provide location and speed information to devices like handheld GPS units. The most well-known of these is the GPS system, which is managed by the U.S. government, though other international systems exist.

Satellite messaging systems, like Iridium and Globalstar, provide communications information between the transmitter and receiver, and both services feature low earth orbit satellites covering much of the Earth. In fact, the polar orbit of Iridium satellites allows it to cover even the poles, while Globalstar has points on Earth it doesn’t reach. Because of this, Iridium devices will be the best choice for those traveling to polar regions.

Other satellite networks such as Inmarsat orbit the planet in a geostationary pattern, with 15 satellites that are located along the equator. Because these satellites track the orbit of the Earth they remain in the same place. This means that coverage is best between the 60° latitudes, and that you may occasionally lose connection in deep valleys where your line of sight is obscured.

Iridium has more satellites (66) than Globalstar, but Globalstar sends them higher to provide additional coverage. Another key difference is Globalstar relays with Earth-based transmission stations, which can cause a greater delay in messaging than the satellite-to-satellite relays from Iridium. No matter which device you choose, check the coverage areas of its satellite provider to ensure it covers your planned adventures. 

When you send a message, your device will queue it up for the next time that is it in contact with the satellite network. While these systems offer broad coverage, it may take a few minutes for a satellite to pass overhead and into view of the satellite messenger. Finding a clearing or promontory can greatly improve your reception.

​​Emergency Coordination

For obvious reasons, we didn’t live-fire test the response time of emergency responders. But every satellite messenger comes with an SOS button that summons emergency help. Each company contracts with a service provider to coordinate a response, and while we don’t have data from every one, we do know that those buttons do get pushed a good bit: Garmin recently fielded its 10,000th inReach SOS call.

Many satellite messengers also allow you to test their SOS service to ensure that it is operating as normal. On Garmin devices, you’ll need to schedule an SOS Assistance Test, which provides a time slot for you to test the service. On SPOT devices, you’ll need to enable the SOS Test Mode in your online account before attempting.

Once your message goes out, it’s relayed to an emergency coordination center. Garmin recently purchased GEOS, now owning one of the leading emergency operations. ZOLEO contracts with GEOS. ACR’s Bivy uses Global Rescue and SPOT contracts with FocusPoint International. All of these services are on the other end when you trigger an emergency call.

What Happens When You Trigger an SOS?

When you make the call to trigger an SOS, you’ll need to uncover and depress the SOS button to summon help. This will send a message to the emergency service provider that you have contracted with through your subscription. It’s important to know that without a current subscription, SOS service does not work.

On Garmin devices, these SOS messages are given a higher priority in the Iridium satellite system to ensure that they get to where they need to go. No matter the service, the functionality is similar, with the company working with local search and rescue teams to coordinate a response to your SOS call. 

Some devices, like the Garmin inReach Messenger, SPOT X, and ZOLEO Satellite Messenger, allow you to send custom SOS messages to the emergency response service. This can be incredibly helpful when coordinating a rescue, and often an emergency coordinator will put you in contact with the local Search and Rescue (SAR) to better assist you. Response times can vary from a few hours to a few days, depending entirely on terrain, weather, and resources.

It’s important to note that some more simple devices, like the SPOT Gen4, will only display an LED light to confirm that an SOS message has been sent, and not necessarily received. This has caused some to panic during an emergency, and opt to send multiple SOS messages — ultimately delaying their rescue.

Messaging, Weather Updates, and Tracking

Thankfully, the majority of us will never need to hit that SOS button, instead relying on our satellite messengers to communicate with others, seek out weather updates, and track ourselves on excursions. Most devices offer two-way messaging, with the exception of the SPOT Gen4, meaning you’ll be able to both create and receive messages from abroad.

A 160-character limit is typical of most SMS and email messages sent from satellite messengers, with slight variation from provider to provider. These messages can also be appended with your GPS location, giving those on the outside some peace of mind knowing where you’re at.

Types of Messages

Messages fall into one of two categories: Preset, Predefined, or Check-In messages, and Custom messages. Messages in the Preset category are those that are arranged before setting out on our trip, and typically relay messages such as “I’m Okay,” “I’m Starting My Trip Here,” or “I Made it To Camp.” These messages are very often unlimited and don’t count against your subscription allotments.

Custom messages are those that are created on-the-fly, and can either be produced on-device or through an accompanying app. These messages are not limited to who they can be sent to, but they will count against your subscription if you have a messaging limit. Don’t fear if you go over, however, all providers will spot you extra messages, at a typical 25-50 cent rate per message.

Weather Forecasts

Certain satellite messengers, like the Garmin and ZOLEO devices, also utilize their satellite connections to deliver weather forecasts directly to your messenger. These forecasts will display the high/low temperature, conditions, wind speed and direction, and precipitation chance of either the location you are currently in, or a location of your choosing.

Garmin devices also offer an extended forecasting option (at $1 per), which bumps out the forecast window from 4 to 8 days, and offers a finer interval of forecast reporting. There is also the option to request a marine forecast, which includes information on wave height, currents, and visibility.

Tracking

Tracking your progress can be a handy tool for both yourself, as well as those following along at home. This tracking is most often broken down into different intervals, allowing you to adjust the frequency at which a location is recorded. SPOT devices provide tracking at all levels of subscription, whereas Garmin offers it unlimited at the mid-tier subscription rate, and ZOLEO offers it as a ‘Location Share+’ add-on for $6 /month extra.

When it comes to the pay-to-track crowd, we will note that the Bivy Stick is a particularly poor deal when it comes to tracking: A monthly basic plan allows 20 credits, which are shared between messages and tracking and can quickly be chewed up at one credit per 30 minutes at the five-minute tracking interval. You can par down your tracking interval to once every hour, but functionally we find this to be too coarse for accurate tracking.

Applications

We can’t go too far without needing an app for that these days, and it’s the same in the world of satellite messengers. A few of the key devices tested, such as the ZOLEO and Bivy, require you to connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone to use the app for custom messaging, and most of the functionality (really, anything other than the SOS or “OK” message). 

Garmin, while allowing for on-device messaging on both the inReach Messenger and inReach Mini 2, has a strong app that makes messaging much simpler than on the device. We’ll note that even some Garmin smartwatches integrate with the devices for easy wrist-triggered SOS messages.

The SPOT X doesn’t rely as much on an app, but it is there for additional functions. And it works just swell. The SPOT Gen4 is the only device we tested that doesn’t tie into an app for its in-field functionality. 

The Functionality You Need

What you need out of a satellite messenger depends on the adventures you’ll go on. Are you a one-day or weekend trip adventurer who is generally in cellular coverage, but wants access to the SOS function for those emergency situations when cellular coverage might not be available? If so, going basic may be enough. 

Are you planning multiday trips out of cellular coverage and want to not only have emergency functions, but also messaging capabilities? That will require a device that can handle your plans. Understand what type of adventurer you are and select a messenger—and service plan—to fit those needs. 

Satellite Messenger Subscription Plans

Beyond your one-time purchase price, you’ll also need to select a subscription service to render the device useful. Typically offered as monthly plans, you can select how many messages you can use, how much tracking you can do, and so forth. Carefully look through service plan options before you buy so you don’t get stuck with a device you don’t want to pay to stay active. 

Garmin inReach Plans

The Garmin plans offer great flexibility in pricing (as low as $15 and as high as $65 per month), which also impacts what you get. The plans are broken up into two tiers: Consumer and Professional, as well as two different types of payment structures: Freedom Plans and Annual Contracts.

The most basic monthly consumer plans allow for 10 text messages, tracking intervals of every 10 minutes, and an activation fee of $30 with overage charges for additional text messages, weather services, and location requests. The $65 monthly plan offers tracking every two minutes and unlimited tracking points, text messages, location requests, and more. 

ZOLEO Plans

ZOLEO ranges from $20 to $35 to $50 per month and steps from 25 messages to 250 to unlimited along the plan choices. You can add $6 per month for location shares and get unlimited check-in messages. Overages for each message is $0.50 for the first two plans. ZOLEO has a $20 activation fee. 

SPOT Plans

The SPOT X plans range from $12 to $40 per month with six different plans. Expect to get anywhere from 20 custom messages to hundreds or even unlimited messages. The SPOT Gen4 features two plans, either $12 or $15 per month, depending on if you sign up for a year or go month-to-month. The nearly identical plans both come with unlimited check-in or help messages and basic tracking. SPOT has a $30 activation fee. 

ACR Plans

The Bivy Stick has four plans — all available at a discount for a yearly contract or more expensive for a month-to-month contract—ranging from $15 per month to $65. The basic plan includes 20 credits, which can be used as a message or tracking, with overages of $0.75 per credit. Each step up includes additional credits and services until unlimited credits with group tracking. Bivy has no activation fee, instead differentiating the monthly price based on contract length. 

Motorola Plans

The Motorola Defy contracts with Bullitt Satellite for their subscription coverage, and currently offers some of the cheapest monthly plans available for a satellite messenger. The cheapest, the Essential plan, offers 30 messages a month for just $5 per month. The plans build from there, adding options for 80 and 300 messages per month in the Everyday and Premium plans. Finally, a Freedom plan is offered with 250 messages per year for $60.

Size, Weight, and Batteries

While most satellite messengers are compact, some do come lighter and smaller than others (here’s looking at you, inReach Mini 2 and Bivy Stick). And that may be great in certain situations. If you’re lugging tons of equipment with you, a few ounces or an inch or two in size may not matter and you can embrace the SPOT X, but if you want something you can carry in your hand while you run or clip to a small pack while you bike, for example, these specifications will hold extra importance. 

Another specification to watch is battery life, especially if you plan on long adventures or already have a set routine for charging devices (will micro-USB or USB-C require you to bring an extra cord?) while on an adventure. Most satellite messengers aim to provide extended battery life for long trips into the backcountry, but it’s important to remember that this battery life can be limited by the number of messages sent, tracking intervals, and active screen time.

Almost all sat messengers today, with the exception of the SPOT Gen4, sport an integrated rechargeable battery that can be juiced up in the field from a solar panel or power bank. Some, like the Garmin inReach Messenger, even offer reverse USB-C charging that can perk up your other electronics if needed.

Durability

New brands need to start somewhere but decide if you’re willing to start with them. The likes of Garmin and SPOT have led the satellite messenger categories for years, so have built-in dependability in terms of quality of product. But that doesn’t mean that ACR or ZOLEO aren’t there yet. All the messengers we tested, except for SPOT-branded devices, use the trusted Iridium satellite system for reliable coverage, so we don’t expect issues there. 

Then there’s the durability of the device itself. Each device has undergone testing to earn an international IP number. Both the Garmin devices nor the Bivy Stick weren’t tested against dust and earned a 7 for water (an IPX7 rating represents this), which allows for water immersion protection up to three feet for 30 minutes. 

The SPOT X earned an IP67, which offers complete dust protection with the same level of water protection. 

The SPOT Gen4 and ZOLEO devices are rated at IP68, complete dust protection with water immersion protection for long periods of time under pressure, the most durable of the devices tested. 

Understand how you plan to use your satellite messenger and then choose a device that fits your personal needs. 

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