We’ve been deep in the backcountry for years, and our team of guides and iterant wanderers has tested the best satellite messengers on both professional and casual expeditions. Besides getting lost, we keyed in on the most important features you’ll need to get the message out and found the seven ideal devices for any situation.
We’ve put each device through its paces over several years now — testing it all from typing ability to durability while getting dirty in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and the expanses of the Southwest. We even went global with these messengers: challenging reception across Iceland and from the bottom of the world in Patagonia.
While satellite messaging capabilities are coming to mobile phones soon, we still see great utility in carrying a solid device like the Garmin inReach Messenger, our top pick. And if you just need a simple backup device, the budget ZOLEO Satellite Messenger is a solid companion. When push comes to shove, the SOS button is only a press away.
Here are 11 devices that will help you out of a jam, message your team back home, or at least keep you off the side of a milk carton.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Satellite Messengers guide on March 20, 2025, to add our new favorite satellite voice and messenger combo, the Iridium GO!, along with the cutting-edge Garmin inReach Messenger Plus, a splurge-worthy unit that adds voice and image sending abilities.
The Best Satellite Messengers of 2025
Top Picks
- Battery Life: 28 days
- Message Composition: On-device options/in-app
- Weight: 4 oz.
- Water Resistance: IPX7
- Satellite System: Iridium
- Subscription Plan: $14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan
Pros
- Compact size and weight
- Access to global Iridium satellite network
- In-depth functionality
- Extended battery life with reverse USB-C charging
Cons
- Small screen for on-device typing
- Higher initial cost
- Battery Life: 200 hours
- Message Composition: In-app composition
- Weight: 5.3 oz.
- Water Resistance: IP68
- Satellite System: Iridium
- Subscription Plan: $20 /month for 'Basic' plan
Pros
- Budget price
- Combination of on-device and in-app functions
- Ease-of-use
- Stout Iridium satellite network reception
- Medical Assist function connects you to a medical professional
Cons
- Limited on-device functionality
- Cannot type messages directly on the device
- Chunky compared to some other devices
- Battery life: 14 days
- Message composition: On-device options/in-app
- Weight: 3.5 oz.
- Water resistance: IPX7
- Satellite system: Iridium
- Subscription plan: $14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan
Pros
- Compact size and external carabiner for clipping to packs
- Improved screen over predecessor
- On-device navigation abilities (breadcrumb tracking, compass)
- Lightweight at under 4 oz.
Cons
- One of the pricer devices
- No cellular or Wi-Fi coverage
- Antenna isn't quite as good as the Garmin Messenger
- Battery Life: 240 hours in 10-minute tracking mode
- Message Composition: On-device composition
- Weight: 7 oz.
- Water Resistance: IP67
- Satellite System: Globalstar
- Subscription Plan: $11.95 /month for annual 'Basic' plan
Pros
- Familiar QWERTY on-screen message composition
- Ability to compose messages on or off the device
- In-device navigation capable
- Competitive subscription plans with plenty of custom messages included
Cons
- Bulky size
- Globalstar network isn't the most robust (little coverage in polar regions)
- Micro-USB charging instead of modern USB-C
- Battery Life: Up to 425 hours
- Message Composition: On-device options/in-app
- Weight: 8.1 oz.
- Water Resistance: MIL-STD-810
- Satellite System: Iridium
- Subscription Plan: $14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan
Pros
- Full-fledged GPS device with built-in inReach capabilities
- Predictive texting and large color screen for easy composition
- Compatible with Garmin Messenger and Explore apps
- USB-C charging
- Large ecosystem of mounts available
Cons
- Larger overall size
- Pricey if you don't need the GPS abilities
- Network: Iridium
- Satellite coverage: Global
- Antenna: Flip-up, omnidirectional
- Text messaging: Yes, through Iridium GO! app
- Battery life: 5.5-hour talk, 15.5-hour standby
- Display: Monochrome
- Waterproofing: IP65 and MIL-STD 810F
- Size: 4.5" x 3.2" x 1.2"
- Weight: 10.7 oz.
Pros
- Voice calling and SMS texting with high character limit
- Email capabilities
- GPS tracking
- Programmable one-touch SOS button
- Stowable antenna for more compact design
Cons
- Inconsistent connection can make it difficult to convey adequate amounts of information effectively
- Heavy and large compared to other satellite communication devices
- Necessitates smartphone for functionality
- Relatively limited battery life
- Battery Life: 25 days
- Message Composition: On-device options/in-app
- Weight: 4.1 oz.
- Water Resistance: IPX7
- Satellite System: Iridium
- Subscription Plan: $14.99 per month for annual 'Consumer: Essential' plan
Pros
- Full-spectrum connectivity through text, pictures, and voice
- Extremely long battery life
- Reliable satellite network with worldwide coverage
- IPX7 waterproof device
Cons
- Pricier than predecessor
- Added abilities may detract from wilderness experience
Other Satellite Messengers We Trust
- Battery Life: Varies with phone use
- Message Composition: On-device composition
- Weight: 7-8 oz.
- Water Resistance: IP68
- Satellite System: Globalstar
- Subscription Plan: Free for first 2 years, pricing still unreleased
Pros
- Integrated into the phone you already use
- Simple to use and intuitive interface
- Ability to send location pings
- Assists in aiming phone at best satellite signal
Cons
- Globalstar satellite coverage isn't global, and fewer areas are approved for use by Apple
- As an all-in-one device, if you lose it or the battery dies, you're out of luck
- Battery Life: 7 days to 156 days (dependent on tracking)
- Message Composition: Pre-set messages only
- Weight: 5 oz.
- Water Resistance: IPX8
- Satellite System: Globalstar
- Subscription Plan: $11.95 /month for annual 'Basic' plan
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Minimal size and weight
- Inexpensive price and subscription plans
- Powered by easy-to-obtain AAA batteries
Cons
- Lack of functionality
- No two-way messaging, only preset messages
- Not rechargeable
- Battery Life: 120 hours
- Message Composition: In-app composition
- Weight: 3.3 oz.
- Water Resistance: IPX7
- Satellite System: Iridium
- Subscription Plan: $14.99 /month for annual 'Basic' plan
Pros
- Lightweight and easily stowable
- Ample app functionality
- USB-C charging
- GroupTrack ability allows for group messaging
Cons
- Limited battery life
- No on-device messaging ability
- Our device stopped charging after 1 year of use
- Battery Life: 96 hours
- Message Composition: In-app composition
- Weight: 2.5 oz.
- Water Resistance: IP68
- Satellite System: Inmarsat and Echostar
- Subscription Plan: $20/month for annual 'Monthly' plan
Pros
- Budget price
- Minuscule profile and weight
- Tough exterior with drop, shock, and water resistance ratings
Cons
- SOS button isn't protected
- No global satellite coverage
- Need to download an app to compose and respond to messages
- Subscription prices have risen significantly
Satellite Messenger Comparison Chart
Satellite Messenger | Price | Battery Life | Message Composition | Weight | Satellite System | Subscription Plan* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Garmin inReach Messenger | $300 | 28 days | On-device options/in-app | 4 oz. | Iridium | $15 /month |
ZOLEO Satellite Messenger | $200 | 200 hours | In-app composition | 5.3 oz. | Iridium | $20 /month |
Garmin inReach Mini 2 | $400 | 14 days | On-device options/in-app | 3.5 oz. | Iridium | $15 /month |
SPOT X | $250 | 240 hours | On-device composition | 7 oz. | Globalstar | $12 /month |
Garmin GPSMAP 67i | $600 | 425 hours | On-device options/in-app | 8.1 oz. | Iridium | $15 /month |
Iridium GO! | $855 | 15.5 hours | In-app composition | 10.7 oz. | Iridium | $65 /month |
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus | $500 | 25 days | On-device options/in-app | 4.1 oz. | Iridium | $15 /month |
Apple iPhone Satellite Messaging | $699-1,199 | N/A | On-device composition | 7-8 oz. | Globalstar | Unreleased pricing |
SPOT Gen4 | $150 | 7 to 156 days | Pre-set messages only | 5 oz. | Globalstar | $12 /month |
ACR Bivy Stick | $300 | 120 hours | In-app composition | 3.3 oz. | Iridium | $15 /month |
Motorola Defy Satellite Link | $150 | 96 hours | In-app composition | 2.5 oz. | Inmarsat and Echostar | $20 /month |
*Subscription plan amount given for lowest overhead annual ‘Basic’, ‘Essential’, or ‘Safety’ plans

How We Tested the Best Satellite Messengers
Our Testing Process and Testing Locations

Our Expert Testers

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Satellite Messenger

Emergency Support and Messaging
Differing Styles

Satellite Messenger Networks


Emergency Coordination

What Happens When You Trigger an SOS?

Messaging, Weather Updates, and Tracking

Types of Messages

Weather Forecasts
Tracking
Applications

The Functionality You Need

Satellite Messenger Subscription Plans

Garmin inReach Plans
ZOLEO Plans
SPOT Plans
ACR Plans
Motorola Plans
Size, Weight, and Batteries

Durability

Price & Value

Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium
Frequently Asked Questions
A satellite messenger, which requires a subscription service to operate, connects to a satellite system to send and receive messages. This process is different than the near-instantaneous response of a cellular or WiFi network. The device uses this satellite capability to keep you connected to others when cellular coverage is not available.
If you plan to adventure beyond cellular coverage, you may want to consider having an active subscription to a satellite messenger. The only reliable way to call for emergency services or let loved ones know you’re in a safe place is by relying on satellite messenger coverage.
It is hard to argue that Garmin doesn’t make the best satellite messengers, whether the inReach Messenger or the inReach Mini 2, but that doesn’t mean Garmin is the only manufacturer of quality satellite messengers.
We can recommend Garmin products based on our independent testing, but were also impressed with a mixture of additional satellite messengers from a variety of companies.
In short, potentially. You want to ensure that you have the SOS option on your satellite messenger — a standard feature in the industry — and the ability to send an “I’m OK” message when needed.
How much additional functionality you want to have on your device is up to you. Relying on tethering to your smartphone via Bluetooth requires that your phone doesn’t lose connectivity to your device and your phone stays charged and accessible. The more on-device message composition functionality, the less you need to rely on your smartphone and the device’s app to stay connected.

Be patient when it comes to satellite messages. It may take just a few minutes to send a message, especially with a clear sky and no tree coverage. But getting a connection to a satellite may be tough in some locations, and even the positioning of satellites or heavy cloud cover can alter the timeline of your message.
Keep in mind, there’s no guarantee you can get a signal to a satellite, so some cases may require a high level of patience or willingness to move in order to connect to the satellite.

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