Satellite communication devices have become essential tools for backcountry travelers who prioritize safety and connectivity during their adventures. The newly released Garmin inReach Messenger Plus aims to challenge established products with its ability to send photo and audio messages. The inReach Messenger Plus weighs 4.1 ounces and has an MSRP of $500.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only satellite messaging device on the market that can transmit photos and audio messages (voice memos) via satellite.
WEIGHT:
4.1 ounces (116 g)
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
can transmit photos and voice memos
reverse-charging capability
integrates with both Garmin Messenger (messaging) and Garmin Explore (navigation) smartphone apps
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the first satellite communications device capable of transmitting both photos and voice memos via the Iridium Satellite Network using the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol. Photo: Garmin.
Editor’s Note: This is a product preview of a device we haven’t thoroughly tested in the field yet. We will update this article in response to new developments.
Watch the Overview Video
Ryan Jordan and Emylene Vandervelden discuss the market context, impacts, and technical features of the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus in this video:
Overview
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is a compact satellite communicator designed for backpackers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It addresses the need for reliable communication when off the grid using the Iridium Message Transport Protocol (IMTP) for audio and photo messaging and navigation via GPS/Galileo/QZSS/Beidou networks. It offers features backcountry users have come to expect, with durable construction, long battery life (a reported twenty-five days on a single charge), two-way messaging, SOS functionality, and basic navigation capabilities via the Iridium satellite network, promising connectivity in remote environments where cellular signals are nonexistent. The device competes directly with other well-known communicators like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and Zoleo, but with a few unique upgrades from the Garmin inReach Messenger that aim to set it apart.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus transmits photos via satellite messaging using the Garmin Messenger smartphone app. Photo: Garmin.
The inReach Messenger Plus has the same features that sets the Garmin inReach Messenger apart from products like Zoleo or the Spot Gen4:
On-Device Display: View incoming messages to send both preset and custom messages (via on screen keyboard).
Group Messaging: Allows users to send group messages via the Garmin Messenger app.
Weather Forecasts: Provides weather updates to help users make informed decisions about their travel plans.
TracBack: A geographical ‘breadcrumb’ feature is usable without smartphone pairing.
Reverse Charging: Connect a smartphone to the device via USB-C to operate a low-battery phone.
In addition to those features, it can communicate using voice and photo messages.
Tech Brief: The Iridium Messaging Transport Protocol
The Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol brings a modern, cloud-native solution to small- and moderate-sized Internet-of-Things messaging needs. The IMT leverages the Iridium Certus satellite modules, offers seamless integration with cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), and uses industry-standard protocols, such as Python and JSON, for data transmission.
The unique feature of IMT that allows the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus to send photos and voice memos is its publish/subscribe (Pub/Sub) messaging model. Pub/Sub simplifies the communication between devices and applications without requiring a constant connection. This means that IMT can handle data packet sizes ranging from 1 to 100,000 bytes, providing flexibility for various applications, from machine-to-machine (M2M) communications to more detailed weather forecasts to photo and voice memo transmission.
Compared to Iridium’s existing Short Burst Data (SBD) protocol, which has been widely used for transmitting smaller packets of data, IMT offers significant enhancements. While SBD is ideal for low-bandwidth, short messages, IMT’s capability for larger packet sizes and integration with modern IoT frameworks makes it more suitable for complex applications. Additionally, IMT’s use of AWS’s cloud infrastructure ensures better scalability, security, and private queue management, providing a robust framework for modern satellite communication solutions, which is a key advantage for backcountry users and IoT devices operating in remote locations.
Market Context
The inReach Messenger Plus is priced at $500, positioning it competitively but at the upper end of the market. The inReach Messenger Plus appears appropriately placed in the market for its feature set. On the more expensive side for many users, it may be highly desirable for users who have a high need (or desire) for more nuanced communication. Staying in touch with loved ones and being able to see pictures and hear their voices can be particularly compelling for long distance hikers, wilderness guides and other backcountry users who spend extensive time away from home.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus (front and side views shown) weighs 4.1 ounces (116 g). Photo: Garmin.
Garmin inReach subscription plans start at $15 per month, with options for higher messaging limits and additional features such as premium weather forecasts, at additional cost. (Garmin does not list pricing for voice and photo messages yet, but it seems likely there will be a premium.) The pricing structure can be annual or flexible, allowing users to pause their subscription during off-seasons (or upgrade their subscription for 30 days at a time for big adventures) which is a welcome feature for seasonal adventurers.
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus (Compared to...)
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the only satellite messaging device capable of transmitting both photos and voice memos. See how it compares to other devices.
Garmin InReach Messenger Plus
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Messenger
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
SPOT Gen4
battery life (active tracking at 10-15 minute intervals, 8 hr/day)
25 days
10-14 days
20-30 days
6-8 days
20-40 days
battery type
rechargeable lithium
rechargeable lithium
rechargeable lithium
rechargeable lithium
4xAAA
interface
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Micro USB
Micro USB
reverse charging
yes
no
yes
no
no
photo messaging
yes
no
no
no
no
audio messaging
yes
no
no
no
no
messaging
2-way
2-way
2-way
2-way
1-way
group message conversations
yes
yes
yes
no
no
send check-in messages from device*
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
send custom messages from device*
yes
yes
yes
no
no
send custom messages from app*
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
activate SOS from device
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
seamless messaging (network-independent)**
yes
yes
yes
yes
n/a
tracking
yes
yes
yes
limited (Location Share+)
yes
local storage of track data
no
yes
no
no
no
start/stop from device
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
track retrace
yes (TracBack)
yes (TracBack)
yes (TracBack)
no
no
satellite network
Iridium (communications) and GPS/Galileo/Beidou (other)
Iridium
Iridium
Iridium
Globalstar
SOS monitoring
Garmin Connect (formerly IERCC)
IERCC
IERCC
IERCC
IERCC
plan costs
$15 - $65
$15 - $65
$15 - $65
$20 - $56
$12 - $15
weather forecasting (integrated)***
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
view forecast on device***
yes
yes
yes
no
no
mapping/navigation on device
no
yes
no
no
no
mapping/navigation in app
yes
yes
no
no
limited
visual display
yes
yes
yes
no
no
show incoming messages?
yes
yes
yes
no
no
smart watch integration
yes
yes
yes
limited
no
waterproofing****
IPX7
IPX7
IPX7
IPX8
IPX8
user rating @ REI
n/a
4.2 / 5.0
4.0 / 5.0
4.2 / 5.0
2.9 / 5.0
companion app
Garmin Explore & Garmin Messenger
Garmin Explore & Garmin Messenger
Garmin Messenger
Zoleo
The Spot App
App Store rating
3.6 / 4.4
3.9 / 5.0
4.4
4.1 / 5.0
2.1 / 5.0
dimensions
3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches
3.9 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches
3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches
3.6 x 2.6 x 1.1 inches
3.5 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches
weight
4.1 ounces
3.5 ounces
4.0 ounces
5.3 ounces
5.0 ounces
msrp
$500
$400
$300
$200
$150
Features
Some unique features that set the inReach Messenger Plus apart from everything on the market today (including other Garmin products) include its photo and voice message sharing.
Photo: Garmin.
The features that set it apart from other brands in the marketplace include its on-device display, group messaging features, TracBack, and reverse charging (all of which are also found on the inReach Messenger.)
Photo Sharing
Unique among satellite communicators, the inReach Messenger Plus supports photo sharing, allowing users to send images along with their messages.
This feature adds a level of richness to communications, whether it’s capturing a stunning landscape or sending visual information during an emergency.
Photo sharing makes the inReach Messenger Plus stand out, offering a more engaging way to keep in touch. The inReach Messenger Plus connects to the Garmin Messenger smartphone app and connects to the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) to send photo and audio messages. Older inReach devices use Short Burst Data (SBD) packets when sending messages and cannot send photos.
Photo Quality with the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
The Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol allows for data packets of up to 100,000 bytes to be transmitted at a time. This is what allows large files like photos and audio to be transmitted via the Iridium Satellite Network.
Photos that are transmitted from a user’s smartphone via their Garmin inReach Messenger Plus are about 0.9 MP (e.g., 1080 x 810 for a typical landscape-oriented iPhone photo) and about 200 KB to 300 KB in size (this depends on the photo complexity).
When the user activates the Garmin Messenger smartphone app with a non-satellite data connection (i.e., WiFi or cellular), the app syncs with a higher-quality version of the photo via the Amazon AWS Virtual Private Cloud environment. This version of the photo is about the same pixel density but with less compression, and is about 50% larger (in terms of file size) than the photo that was originally transmitted.
Left: A photo of Ryan Jordan hiking in Wyoming’s Snowy Range, as originally transmitted by the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus via satellite using the Iridium Message Transport protocol (download this image here). Right: The same photo synced from the Amazon AWS Virtual Private Cloud environment after the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus returned to a high-bandwidth (WiFi / Cellular) connection (download this image here). Photo: Ryan Jordan.
Voice Messaging
In addition to text and photo messaging, the inReach Messenger Plus offers the ability to send voice messages. This feature adds a personal touch to communications and can be particularly useful when typing is inconvenient (e.g., when injured or in very cold temperatures) or when conveying nuanced information. Voice messaging provides a versatile way to stay connected, blending the immediacy of talking with the reliability of satellite communication.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus can transmit voice memos of up to 30 seconds in length. This also uses the Iridium Messaging Transport Protocol. Photo: Garmin.
Reverse Charging
Additionally, the inReach Messenger Plus includes a safety reverse charging feature that allows it to charge a connected smartphone, providing enough power to send custom text messages via the Garmin Messenger app. This capability adds an extra layer of security, ensuring you can maintain communication even when your phone’s battery is running low, making it a reliable companion for prolonged expeditions in remote areas.
The ability to charge an almost-dead smartphone can be exceptionally valuable in situations where a rescue could be hours (or days) away.
On-Device Display
The inReach Messenger Plus features a simple monochrome display that shows essential information such as message status, battery life, and satellite connectivity. While the screen is minimalistic compared to color displays, it’s designed to conserve battery life and provide all necessary information at a glance. The interface on the device itself is straightforward, but still offers essential feedback without the need to engage with the companion apps.
Group Messaging
One of the nice features of the inReach Messenger Plus is its group messaging capability. This feature allows users to communicate with multiple contacts simultaneously via the Garmin Messenger app, making it easy to coordinate with a group during backcountry trips. Whether planning a meetup spot or sharing updates on changing conditions, group messaging ensures everyone stays informed without the hassle of managing separate conversations.
It’s also important to note the functionality this feature provides Garmin to Garmin communication for groups with multiple Garmin devices. In remote areas where cellphone service is rare, this useful feature can be invaluable.
Off-Grid Navigation
The inReach Messenger Plus includes off-grid navigation capabilities, such as tracking your route and marking waypoints. These navigation tools are sufficient for basic route planning and keeping track of your progress in unfamiliar terrain. The inReach Messenger Plus also allows users to send their waypoint coordinates to their contacts from the device, without pairing to the Garmin Explore app from a smartphone.
The inReach Messenger Plus allows users to share their planned routes with friends and family directly from the Garmin Explore app. This feature not only keeps loved ones updated on your location and progress but also adds a layer of safety by providing others with detailed information about your planned path. Route sharing can be valuable in remote areas where conditions change rapidly and rerouting may be necessary.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus pairs with the Garmin Explore smartphone app to provide a full suite of navigation functionality. Photo: Garmin.
This feature can also be used in urban areas where you want to track your route, and collect information about topography, or record other route details while training for a trek or ultrarun.
Garmin TracBack function using the smartphone interface. No smartphone required, however, to use it effectively. Photo: Garmin.
What is interesting about Garmin’s TracBack tool is that it does not need to be connected to a smartphone. TracBack allows a wanderer to venture on unmarked trails and be guided back to their starting point once a trek with no destination is over. This can be helpful for the hunter and gatherer hobbyist, the photographer looking for the perfect angle, or anyone else who likes to take a road less traveled. None of these features is particularly surprising from Garmin but the amount you can do without smartphone connection is an intuitive and welcome touch.
Checking the Weather
Access to weather forecasts is critical when venturing into remote areas, and the inReach Messenger Plus delivers by providing weather updates through its app. Users can check the latest forecasts for their current location or planned route, helping to make informed decisions about travel plans. The ability to receive weather data off the grid is a valuable feature that enhances safety and preparedness. What sets the inReach Messenger Plus apart from most competitors is that this can be accessed from the device, no smartphone needed.
Weather report as shown on the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus device display. Photo: Garmin.
Conclusion
The satellite communication device marketplace includes devices with three distinct use cases. First are users who will prefer a device which is a network-independent messaging device which needs smartphone capabilities (like the Zoleo). Second, are users who want adequate messaging and fuss-free tracking and navigation, (for example inReach Mini 2 users). Finally there are users who primarily want communication and tracking during emergencies (Spot Gen4 type). A fourth use case developed when Garmin released the inReach Messenger, which focused on communication with loved ones with some peace of mind features to let friends and family vicariously experience the route traveled, and know where to send help in case of emergency.
The inReach Messenger Plus represents a significant advancement for the fourth use case, offering reliable connectivity, robust design, and user-friendly navigation and safety features with a more personal touch to communication. It stands as a strong contender against established models, providing a valuable tool for those who venture into the backcountry but want or need more connection with home. As always, thorough testing and real-world use will be essential to fully validate its capabilities, but initial impressions are promising.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only satellite messaging device on the market that can transmit photos and audio messages (voice memos) via satellite.
WEIGHT:
4.1 ounces (116 g)
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
can transmit photos and voice memos
reverse-charging capability
integrates with both Garmin Messenger (messaging) and Garmin Explore (navigation) smartphone apps
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1-the cost is too high. $500? 2-It’s a matter of time before Apple and Android adopt this and you are able to send/receive pics over satellite. 3. Why do we need to be so connected? Can’t these photos/voice memos wait until you are within cell phone range-which in the US, is almost everywhere now. Long term, out of country trips I could see some use in a medical situation, but other than that, no.
Note that the authors of the review have not actually tested this device. I would like to see reviews of actual use and specifically just how long it takes to transmit one of those large photo files. Thinking that just getting a connection that will allow that much data could take a long time…
My coverage is fine. When I’m going to the wilderness I can text or phone my wife before I leave cell phone range. It may be worse coverage than some other carriers.
Another thing is if you’re near a wifi router with xfinity, you can connect to that. Like, whenever I go by a Les Scwabb. Or the pub I go out to eat at. I can surf the web without having to use my 1G of data.
Occasionally I think I’m on the xfinity wifi, but I’m actually using data. It quickly eats up that 1G of data. I have it notify me when I go past 0.5G so that shouldn’t happen.
It seems Garmin has changed their subscription plans starting today as well. No more annual plans. Monthly only and you can no longer suspend your service. Just reduce it to a $7.99/month SOS only plus pay-as-you-go for other features. You can stay grandfathered into your annual plan as long as you don’t change the level. If you update your InReach Message app, it will tell you all about it.
@Ryan Jordan. I appreciate all of the in depth information on this device, but I feel this comes across as an infomercial for the product. I know you don’t take sponsorships or compensation from products you review, but it really feels like a paid spot. The video and copy seems to just be rehearsed ad copy. It seems to lack the unbiased critical eye I have come to appreciate from your reviews. I don’t mean any of this as insult, just the sense I get on this review.
Locale: Primarily Desolation Wilderness, Yosemite, and SEKI
How much juice can you get with the reverse charge on these messenger devices? With the excellent battery life of phones/watches/headlamps these days, I am wondering if I need a battery bank even for a 4-5 day trip. I only use the inreach 1 for messages a few times a day and that old model does ok for that time, my coros watch easily lasts that whole time, the iphone probably could too if I am not using caltopo that much, and a headlamp only gets 30-45 minutes a night max.
The change in Garmin’s subscription plan might be the result of changes in the way that Iridium charges for intermittent access. I have a Bivystick that I bought a few years ago. The main attraction for me was that I could deactivate the account in the off-season and reactivate it the next spring—no maintenance or reactivation fees, just the monthly charge. But this year, Bivystick started to charge a reactivation fee. That might be because Iridium is now charging them to activate a connection.
BTW, I’m ok because my device is grandfathered to the old system. But the reactivation fee makes Bivystick less attractive for new buyers.
Does anyone know whether the new Messenger Plus or original Messenger are able to record on device breadcrumb tracks while hiking (like the Mini or Mini 2, or any other Garmin GPS) which could be downloaded after a trip by connecting the device via USB?
I know the Messengers can send a track via satellite to Garmin Explore but in my experience this is much less granular than an on device track (since an on device breadcrumb records points very few seconds rather than minutes), and requires an expensive plan with shorter (but still relatively long) tracking intervals.
I am able to use an InReach mini to record tracks and provide SOS/messaging capability but would value the much longer battery life of the messenger (and don’t need the additional navigation functions).
After T-Mobile and Starlink will start providing SMS service in areas without cell coverage to users with any LTE phone–no iPhone 14+ required, it will be a game changer.
I built my own Iridium messaging device as a passion project in 2018-19. I did this by taking the hardware design for a generic microcontroller, created my own PCB layout, assembled it, wrote the firmware for the microcontroller. Then I had to write two phone apps (one for Android and one for iOS) and write web APIs to communicate between the Iridium gateway and Twilio (SMS provider). It worked and I still have the hardware, but I am waiting for T-Mobile to solve this problem using standard LTE phones.
I’ve been using an InReach since it was known as a DeLorme InReach SE (before getting acquired by Garmin)
I use the freedom plan and suspend for about 9 months out of the year, and then switch to the “Safety” plan on and off for a few months in the spring, summer, and fall.
I do not like that I’m being forced to maintain some minimal paid monthly plan because the reactivation fee is now prohibitively expensive to justify suspending/re-activating throughout the year.
If this is the game that Garmin is gonna play, then I will definitely jump ship when some of the phone base alternatives become available.
EVERYTHING is being turned into an expensive monthly or yearly subscription: cable/streaming channels, software licenses, printer ink (HP, which I do not use). I’m tired of being bled by corporations looking for ever-increasing quarterly financials.
Help me understand please. Is Garmin’s new “Enabled” actually a Plan, and does it fit me.
$8 per month x 12/yr = $96/yr.
My Mini has, in the past, been active on Freedom Plan 6-8 months/yr. At $15/ mo plus addition of annual fee, that is $30-$60 more than monthly fees for new “Enabled”, though it is not treated as a Plan.
However, I’m not clear on added fees per type of message under “Enabled Plan”, and Garmin web seems a bit obtuse to me, perhaps even done intentionally.
Has anyone located on Garmin site a definitive statement that “Enabled” is a plan and a clear Plan fee schedule?
Beyond emergency SOS contingency, my messaging comprises:
1 per day preset “I’m safe and located here” to wife and daughters sent about 40 times per year when no cellphone.
5 weather reports per year, about.
6 free form messages per yr, combined in & out, about.
At following web link, I THINK (wish?) I’m seeing a very ageeable $0.10 per preset and $0.50 per free form text and per weather showing a column for “Enabled”.
However, “Enabled” is otherwise treated as “Not a Plan” in contrast to the other 3 plans being marketed; and I wonder if I am understanding “Enabled” correctly.
I am all for having a device to send out an sos and do primitive communications for emergencies. But this new device goes too far for me. I like being out in the wilderness specifically to be NOT connected, not communicating, not texting, emailing, etc. Yuch to all this constant “connected”-ness.
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