Introduction

This gear guide focuses on satellite messaging-centric devices—tools that prioritize messaging over mapping or navigation. Unlike navigation-first devices like the Garmin inReach Explorer or GPSMap series, the products featured here are designed primarily for off-grid communication.

Updates

  • May 20, 2025 – Introduction streamlined to clarify device classification;
    context expanded on Garmin Messenger Plus multimedia messaging; added section on iPhone and Pixel satellite SOS; performance testing addresses smartphone limitations; editorial conclusions and purchasing recommendations updated to reflect new market context in 2025; “Do Not Buy” rationale updated with framing about decision criteria; added the HMD OffGrid to the comparison table.
  • November 15, 2024 – added “Performance Tests” section – device and network performance tests for inReach, Zoleo, and iPhone to test device and satellite network performance (Iridium vs. Globalstar).
  • September 18, 2024 – added the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus.
  • May 24, 2024 – updated specifications to reflect new model availability and product updates; updated some conclusions based on our additional long-term testing and performance comparisons; added four messengers to our “Do Not Buy” list.

Context: types of satellite messengers

1-way vs. 2-way messengers. Satellite messengers are categorized in many different ways. The most common is to characterize them as either 1-way or 2-way messengers. A 1-way messenger can send messages out but cannot receive messages. The SPOT Gen4 is a typical example.

Standalone vs. paired messengers. Standalone messengers provide basic messaging functionality, including the ability to send a preset check-in message or initiate an SOS response. However, pairing the messenger to a smartphone (and the messenger’s companion app) is the only way to access a messenger’s full capabilities. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a typical example of a standalone messenger, but pairing it with a smartphone and the Garmin Explore app provides easier access to messaging features and more robust mapping. On the other hand, the Zoleo Satellite Communicator and Somewear Global Hotspot provide minimal functionality as standalone devices and require pairing to their companion apps to use them productively as messaging devices. The Garmin inReach Messenger falls in between these two extremes.

Garmin inReach Mini 2

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers the most performance (tracking, navigation, and messaging) in the smallest size of any satellite messenger on the market. It's our recommendation when you want to have the insurance of a standalone device if you don't want to use your smartphone or your smartphone fails in the backcountry.

See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear

Messaging vs. tracking, mapping, and navigation. All messengers can send messages, but only 2-way messengers can receive them. Some messengers provide the mapping and navigation features of standalone GPS devices or apps. Also, the tracking and location-sharing features available in satellite messengers vary widely.

Photo and Voice Memo Sharing. The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only device capable of transmitting photos and voice memos via satellite. It uses the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol to accomplish this. See our Garmin inReach Messenger Plus review for more information.

The Messenger Plus’s support for multimedia messaging – specifically, photos and voice memos – marks a significant shift in how satellite messengers can be used in remote settings. These capabilities increase the device’s utility for expedition leaders, field researchers, and risk managers who need to communicate context beyond plain text. The underlying technology (Iridium Messaging Transport protocol) is purpose-built for this kind of low-bandwidth media transfer, and in field use, it’s been surprisingly reliable.

In terms of connecting to our friends and family, we appreciate the Messenger Plus’s photo sharing capabilities, which enhances our communications experience with them while we’re away.

Garmin inReach Messenger PLUS

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
See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear
tent in snow
This image was sent via a Garmin inReach Messenger Plus from Ryan Jordan to his wife, from one of his trips into the remote wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Smartphone Satellite Messaging

With the release of recent iPhones and the Google Pixel 9 series, basic satellite SOS messaging is now built into consumer smartphones. These features allow users to send short emergency messages when outside cellular coverage, without a separate device. However, they rely on directional aiming and clear skies, and only support one-way communication. For casual users or backup scenarios, these are useful tools. But for multi-day wilderness expeditions, a dedicated satellite messenger remains a more robust and reliable option.

Comparison: inReach vs. Zoleo vs. SPOT vs. Somewear messengers

The two most popular messaging devices in the Backpacking Light Community other than the Garmin inReach Mini 2 are the Garmin inReach Messenger and the Zoleo Satellite Communicator. Both have their strengths and limitations, and are worth comparing:

Highly Recommended
Recommended
WEIGHT:
4.0 oz (113 g)
WEIGHT:
5.3 oz (150 g)
Description:

Lighter and smaller than a Zoleo and a more pocketable form factor than a inReach Mini 2, the Garmin inReach Messenger boasts a very long battery life, reverse charging, and a display that doesn't require a smartphone for monitoring weather, incoming messages, and more.

Description:

Requires a smartphone to get the most out of it, but arguably offers the best service package of all messengers, including more usable test modes and access to non-emergency medical assistance. Other benefits include an assigned (fixed) messaging number and long-form messages that don't get truncated.

WHAT'S UNIQUE:
  • long battery life
  • buttons and mini-display provides access to all functions without a smartphone
  • smart watch integration
  • mapping/navigation features accessible with a smartphone
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
  • a unique SMS number is assigned to the device
  • long messages are not truncated and split up
  • no-cost professional medical assistance is available for non-emergency situations
  • seamless messaging across cellular and satellite networks
MAIN ISSUES:
  • long messages are truncated and split into multiple messages
MAIN ISSUES:
  • limited access to functions without a smartphone
  • somewhat bulkier and heavier
  • limited mapping/nav features
Highly Recommended
WEIGHT:
4.0 oz (113 g)
Description:

Lighter and smaller than a Zoleo and a more pocketable form factor than a inReach Mini 2, the Garmin inReach Messenger boasts a very long battery life, reverse charging, and a display that doesn't require a smartphone for monitoring weather, incoming messages, and more.

WHAT'S UNIQUE:
  • long battery life
  • buttons and mini-display provides access to all functions without a smartphone
  • smart watch integration
  • mapping/navigation features accessible with a smartphone
MAIN ISSUES:
  • long messages are truncated and split into multiple messages
Recommended
WEIGHT:
5.3 oz (150 g)
Description:

Requires a smartphone to get the most out of it, but arguably offers the best service package of all messengers, including more usable test modes and access to non-emergency medical assistance. Other benefits include an assigned (fixed) messaging number and long-form messages that don't get truncated.

WHAT'S UNIQUE:
  • a unique SMS number is assigned to the device
  • long messages are not truncated and split up
  • no-cost professional medical assistance is available for non-emergency situations
  • seamless messaging across cellular and satellite networks
MAIN ISSUES:
  • limited access to functions without a smartphone
  • somewhat bulkier and heavier
  • limited mapping/nav features

The following table compares the Garmin inReach Messenger to the Zoleo Satellite Communicator, SPOT Gen4, SPOT X, ACR Bivy Stick, Garmin inReach Mini 2, Somewear Global Hotspot, the Motorola Defy, and the HMD OffGrid. This collection of messengers spans the range of both 1- and 2-way satellite messengers that offer different capabilities with messaging, tracking, mapping, and navigation – and their functionality when paired with a smartphone (or not).

Scroll to the right to view all columns of this table.

Garmin inReach Mini 2Garmin inReach Messenger PLUSGarmin inReach MessengerZoleo Satellite CommunicatorSPOT Gen4SPOT XACR Bivy StickSomewear Global HotspotMotorola Defy Satellite LInkHMD Off Grid
battery life (active tracking at 10-15 minute intervals, 8 hr/day)10-14 days25 days20-30 days6-8 days20-40 days8-15 days3-5 days7-10 days4 days3 days
battery typerechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithium4xAAArechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithiumrechargeable lithium
interfaceUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CMicro USBMicro USBMicro USBUSB-CMicro USBUSB-CUSB-C
reverse chargingnoyesyesnonononononono
text messaging2-way2-way2-way2-way1-way2-way2-way2-way2-way2-way
photo messagingnoyesnononononononono
audio messagingnoyesnononononononono
group message conversationsyesyesyesnonononononono
send check-in messages from device*yesyesyesyesyesyesyesnoyesno
send custom messages from device*yesyesyesnonoyesnononono
send custom messages from app*yesyesyesyesnoyesyesyesyesyes
activate SOS from deviceyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
seamless messaging (network-independent)**yesyesyesyesn/anoyesyesyesno
trackingyesyesyeslimited (Location Share+)yesyesyesyesnot yetyes
local storage of track datayesnonononononononono
start/stop from deviceyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnon/ano
track retraceyes (TracBack)yes (TracBack)yes (TracBack)nonononononono
satellite networkIridiumIridiumIridiumIridiumGlobalstarGlobalstarIridiumIridiumInmarsatEchostar/Viasat
SOS monitoringIERCCIERCCIERCCIERCCIERCCIERCCGlobal RescueIERCCFocusPointOverwatch x Rescue
plan costs$15 - $65$15 - $65$15 - $65$20 - $56$12 - $15$12 - $30$20 - $70$8 - $50$5 - $30$7 - $15
weather forecasting (integrated)***yesyesyesyesnonoyesyesnono
view forecast on device***yesyesyesnonononononono
mapping/navigation on deviceyesyesyesnonolimitednononono
mapping/navigation in appyesyesyesnolimitedlimitedlimitedlimitednono
visual displayyesyesyesnonoyesnononono
show incoming messages?yesyesyesnonoyesnononono
smart watch integrationyesyesyeslimitednononononono
waterproofing****IPX7IPX7IPX7IPX8IPX8IPX7IPX7IPX8MIL-STD-810HMIL-STD-810H
user rating @ REI4.2 / 5.0n/an/a4.2 / 5.02.9 / 5.03.0 / 5.0n/an/a3.3 / 5.0n/a
companion appGarmin Explore & Garmin MessengerGarmin Explore & Garmin MessengerGarmin Explore & Garmin MessengerZoleoThe Spot AppThe Spot App, Spot X BluetoothBivySomewearBullitt Satellite MessengerHMD OffGrid
App Store rating3.9 / 5.03.9 / 5.03.9 / 5.04.1 / 5.02.1 / 5.03.0 / 5.03.6 / 5.04.2 / 5.02.6 / 5.0no ratings
dimensions3.9 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches3.6 x 2.6 x 1.1 inches3.5 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches7.5 x 5.8 x 2.0 inches4.5 x 1.9 x 0.8 inches3.0 x 3.6 x 0.8 inches3.4 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches3.7 x 2.37 x 0.47 inches
weight3.5 ounces4.1 ounces4.0 ounces5.3 ounces5.0 ounces7.0 oz3.4 ounces4.0 ounces2.5 ounces2.1 ounces
msrp$400$500$300$200$150$250$250$280$150$200

* For this comparison, we define a “check-in” message as a preset message that can be sent to a group of contacts you specify and a “custom” message that can be specified on the device to say whatever you want it to say (via a physical or online keyboard). Some devices offer the ability to send more than one type of preset message (e.g., the Spot Gen4 calls these two message types check-in and custom messages, but neither are customizable without configuring them via a live internet connection).

** Seamless messaging refers to a device’s ability to maintain message conversations in one place (i.e., inside the device app on your smartphone) across cellular, WiFi, and satellite networks.

*** Some devices (e.g., Garmin inReach Mini 2) offer integrated (built-in) weather forecast requests and display on the device and in-app. Other devices (e.g., Spot X) do not, but third-party services may be used to deliver text-based weather forecasts via satellite messaging features).

**** IPX7 – Can withstand incidental exposure to water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. IPX8 – can withstand continuous immersion of water exceeding 1 meter in depth (devices are usually hermetically sealed).

For most users, a dedicated 2-way messenger on the Iridium network remains the gold standard for wilderness use, balancing coverage, reliability, and functionality. Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 and Messenger Plus continue to lead this category. Zoleo offers a viable alternative with a strong smartphone app and excellent reliability. Budget-oriented or app-paired-only devices have improved, but still come with trade-offs that limit their suitability for extended or high-risk trips.

Performance Tests

Satellite Messenger Performance Test Results

This table shows the average results of 170 message send and receive tests we conducted between a satellite messenger in a remote location ("remote user environment") and a cellular phone user with a 5G signal strength greater than -50 dB (excellent reception). All tests were conducted side-by-side with several satellite messaging devices. The "message send relay time" is the time delay between sending a message from the satellite device to receiving the message on the cellular phone. Updated: November 15, 2024.
Remote User Environment, Test Type# test locationsinReach Messenger PlusinReach Mini 2ZoleoSpot XApple iPhone 14
open sky, message send failure rate70%0%0%9%4%
open sky, message send relay time738 seconds37 seconds41 seconds164 seconds141 seconds
heavy tree cover, message send failure rate40%1%1%17%12%
heavy tree cover, message send relay time485 seconds94 seconds112 seconds382 seconds294 seconds
deep mountain valley, message send failure rate60%1%4%21%18%
deep mountain valley, message send relay time691 seconds73 seconds135 seconds873 seconds649 seconds

Minor differences were observed between devices on the same network. This is expected since each device attenuates signals differently due to their chipset data processing and antenna technology. Newer devices seem to perform a little better than older devices.

Significant differences were observed between satellite networks.

These network-level differences have become even more relevant with the introduction of satellite messaging in smartphones like the iPhone and Pixel. While these phones offer a lower entry point to emergency satellite communication, they also come with critical limitations – such as the need for precise directional orientation during message sending and lack of two-way messaging continuity. In our tests, iPhone messages on Globalstar were less reliable than those sent through dedicated Iridium-based devices.

The Globalstar network provides regional coverage, operating primarily in areas between 70° N and 70° S latitudes (i.e., excluding polar regions). Satellites in the Globalstar network do not have inter-satellite links. Therefore, messages are relayed only when a satellite is in direct line of sight with a ground station. In addition, gaps in coverage may occur in remote areas far from ground stations or under obstructions (e.g., dense forests). When using satellite messaging devices on the Globalstar network in mountainous regions, we’ve commonly experienced message delays of several minutes, with a much higher incidence of delivery failures than Iridium devices. In particular, the small (low power) antenna used in iPhones requires a directional orientation of the phone towards the satellite to maximize data throughput speeds. The iPhone software guides you to turn the phone during this process. Sometimes, as one satellite leaves the sky view and another one enters, this directional change could be dramatic. The process is inconvenient at best, and results in frequent message send failures if you ignore it.

The Iridium network provides global coverage (including the poles), utilizing a low-earth orbit constellation of satellites arranged in overlapping paths. Satellites are cross-linked, allowing for more reliable and faster communication in more remote or obstructed areas (e.g., canyons, forests). When compared side-by-side with Globalstar devices (we used Spot X and Apple iPhone in our tests), Iridium devices (Garmin inReach and Zoleo) were consistently faster and more reliable.

Highlights: Satellite Messengers

  1. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Messenger at REI

    The Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers the most performance (tracking, navigation, and messaging) in the smallest size of any satellite messenger on the market. It's our recommendation when you want to have the insurance of a standalone device if you don't want to use your smartphone or your smartphone fails in the backcountry.

    See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear
  2. Garmin inReach Messenger PLUS

    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.

    See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear
  3. Garmin inReach Messenger

    Lighter and smaller than a Zoleo and a more pocketable form factor than a inReach Mini 2, the Garmin inReach Messenger boasts a very long battery life, reverse charging, and a display that doesn't require a smartphone for monitoring weather, incoming messages, and more.

    See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear
  4. Zoleo Satellite Communicator

    Requires a smartphone to get the most out of it, but arguably offers the best service package of all messengers, including more usable test modes and access to non-emergency medical assistance. Other benefits include an assigned (fixed) messaging number and long-form messages that don't get truncated.

    See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear
  5. SPOT Gen4

    Not as feature-rich as other messengers, but the Spot Gen4 offers a very long battery life and is the only messenger that uses replaceable/disposable batteries (Lithium AAA).

    See it at REI See it at SPOT
  6. Spot X

    The only messenger with a built-in Blackberry-style QWERTY keyboard, the Spot X is one of the few messengers that's (supposed to be) easy to message without a smartphone. However, keyboard response times are slow, and customer support at the parent company is notoriously difficult to work and slow to respond for plan changes, cancellations, or technical support.

    See it at REI See it at SPOT
  7. ACR Electronics Bivy Stick

    Small, light, simple, rugged, and durable. Needs a smartphone to access messaging features. A somewhat expensive device for what you get in the context of the rest of the market today, but durability is its strong suit.

    See it at ACR
  8. Somewear Global Hotspot

    The Somewear Global Hotspot is a relatively expensive device but offers a cheap base plan. Requires a smartphone to access messaging features.

    See it at Somewear Labs

Do Not Buy (Updated May 24, 2024): At this time, we can no longer recommend the ACR Bivy Stick or Somewear Global Hotspot for general backpacking use (although we acknowledge there maybe be narrow use cases for each). In addition, SPOT has never addressed the hardware (button delay) issues associated with the SPOT X and continues a years-long pattern of unresolved, poor customer support. In spite of the latter, the Spot Gen4 remains on our list because of its reliability and more modern hardware and software integration – but buyer be warned if customer support is needed. Finally, because of delays and other issues delaying the deployment of the Bullitt network, we can’t recommend the Motorola Defy right now – it’s coverage is limited to CONUS (no Alaska still) and its reception in canyons and under tree cover is extremely poor when compared to both Iridium and Globalstar. These recommendations may change as the market evolves.

These recommendations reflect a combination of technical reliability, long-term support concerns, and real-world performance in backcountry conditions. Devices are not disqualified for niche use – but in our opinion, they no longer represent the best value or dependability for most users.

Related

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