Communication is one of the essential aspects of survival. Using an Off-Grid Satellite Communicator Messenger instead of a cell phone that doesn’t have a signal in certain situations is critical. You need only the most reliable and highest-quality communication devices in an emergency.
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is our pick for the best Off-Grid satellite communicator messenger. It gives you global coverage, has impeccable hardware and battery life, and has the best user experience. It also comes with multiple features not present in other devices.
Most messengers fail in one aspect and excel in another, so getting one with the most features and the fewest faults is essential. This article will explain why we chose Garmin’s device as the best overall. We will also talk about their pros and cons so you can decide what to get. All of these are worth your money!
Best Overall: Garmin inReach Explorer+
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is the best Satellite Communicators Messenger overall. It boasts a lot of features that any avid explorer would want to have. It has a built-in altimeter and accelerometer, all for you to use.
The Explorer+ uses the Iridium satellite system, so you’re assured of global coverage. As the name suggests, all satellite messengers use satellites differently than cell phones do. We talk more about it in our article here, and this is changing in the future!
It’s also excellent for frequent seafarers as it gives you access to the nautical charts of the NOAA. On top of that, it comes with free topographical maps from Delorme. It also can send and receive free text messages.
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ has access to the 24/7 search and rescue service, which you can access through the SOS feature button. Besides that, the device has impeccable battery life.
The screen is colored, which enhances the user experience, unlike other satellite messengers. You can even pair it with a Garmin watch for better communication.
However, it is a pretty bulky device, and it’s on the expensive side. Additionally, if you are under stressful conditions, you may be unable to send your message as the keyboard layout is messy.
Still, we believe you cannot get better than this, and this is our choice for the best satellite messenger of 2023.
Pros
- It comes with multiple features
- Global satellite coverage
- Access to nautical charts and maps
- 24/7 rescue service
- Longlasting
- Excellent user experience
- Affordable, Flexible Satellite Airtime Plans
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
- To access the Iridium satellite network and communicate with your inReach Explorer+ device, you need to have an active satellite subscription.
- Faulty keyboard layout
Best for Family Trips: ACR Bivy Stick Communicator
This communicator is as straightforward as possible. It allows its user to communicate via WiFi, cellular, or satellite and has 100% global coverage. The good coverage is because it also uses Iridium which has an assortment of satellites scattered everywhere.
It’s also a waterproof device enabling you to take it to humid rainforests. It’s also very light and would fit in your bag easily. One of its standout characteristics is its 24-hour SOS service provided by Global Rescue, so you’re covered at any time.
It also comes with an app that sends and receives messages and displays maps even when you’re offline. This device is also good for family trips, as the location of each Bivy Stick will show up on the app.
A common problem with it, however, is that it does eat up your phone battery quickly. The app also needs some work, for it tends to be slow. This is a major concern as the app is where a lot of communication goes through, and this should always be ready.
Pros
- 100% global coverage
- 24-hour SOS service (Global Rescue)
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- The app is glitchy and freezes occasionally
- App drains the battery quickly
- Heavy reliance on the Bivy app
Best for First-Time Explorers: Garmin inReach Mini 2
This model is widely touted as among the most reliable satellite messenger and for a good reason! It’s compact and very lightweight, and also water-resistant.
It also has a tracking device called TracBack that allows you to return to where you started. The Garmin Explore app is also one of the most seamless satellite apps, allowing you to create activities on the app itself!
You can even access topographical mapping, and you’re accurately alerted on where you’re going even if you stay in place. It also has impeccable battery life, lasting for around 14 days.
However, some complain about its navigation, especially if you’re using the device at sea. Some also complain that the company charges way too much for messages.
Furthermore, the app is challenging to configure for those using satellite messengers for the first time.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and water-resistant
- Has excellent tracking mechanisms
- Excellent all-in-one application
- Comes with topographical mapping
- Good directional information
Cons
- Has bad navigation at sea
- Expensive charges for messages
- Hard to configure
Most Durable: Zoleo Satellite Communicator
Zoleo is a global messaging device for smartphones and uses the same satellite as the Garmin Explorer+ and the Bivy Stick, so you are assured of global coverage.
The Zoleo device tethers/links with the free Zoleo app on your smartphone when there is no outside cell coverage. Messaging is also kept very cheap, using the lowest-cost network transmitters.
The hardware, on the other hand, is shock-resistant and very durable. It also repels water and dust very well. It can withstand the unforgiving cold and should still be operational at -20 degrees Celsius.
It also has a battery that lasts eight days. Long, but not as long as the Garmin. It also has an excellent location-sharing service, which comes at an additional price.
However, the problem with this is that the plans tend to be very expensive. If you don’t understand the system and the app, you may accidentally be adding charges. Additionally, you may experience delays in messages, especially if you’re far from urban areas.
Pros
- Global coverage satellite
- Sturdy, durable, and compact
- Long-lasting and can withstand extreme cold
Cons
- Expensive plans
- Unfamiliarity with the system may cost you
- Messaging delays in remote areas
Best Low-Cost: Spot4 Gen 4 Satellite Messenger
The selling attribute of this messenger is its low cost. At the push of the SOS button, emergency authorities are alerted to your location via GPS.
You can even use this when you’re not trekking. You can place it on a belt and attach it to an elderly so that you always know where they are. It comes with various accessories, including straps, a USB cable, some carabiners, and extra batteries.
You can also easily send your GPS coordinates to your family and friends at the push of a button.
The problem with this, however, is that the connectivity with the satellite is quite weak. There are times when the message does not at all transmit. It’s also a bit hard to set up, and the manual does not seem to be clear, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Pros
- Relatively cheap
- Straightforward and easy to use
- Excellent GPS mechanisms
Cons
- Weak connectivity
- Hard to install, especially for first-time users
- The manual is hard to follow
Most Straightforward: Spot X 2-Way Satellite Messenger
One of the great things about Spot X is that you can use it as a standalone device. It also isn’t as complex as the other messenger devices.
Like the Spot4, it has many accessories, including a warranty card. The warranty card only proves the maker’s confidence in coming out with the device. It uses the Globalstar satellite and can be used to update your loved ones on your location.
It also comes with 14 premade messages, which cuts back on precious time. It’s also a very affordable device, and the plans are quite manageable.
The one problem with it is that it tends to be slow and may also not work well on rainy days. Lastly, it’s not as accurate regarding location as the other devices we’ve featured.
Pros
- Can be used as a standalone device
- Very straightforward and easy to set up
- Affordable and has cheap plans
Cons
- Not as fast as other devices
- Does not work well on rainy days
- Location is often not accurate
Final Thoughts
Satellite communicator messengers are vital technology guaranteeing your safety when you’re out and about. Whether you’re looking for a host of features like in the Garmin inReach Explorer+, or something more straightforward, this list has something for everyone.
We hope you’ve found the right satellite communicator messenger for you here. Please see our other interesting articles on communication, like “Do Cell Phone Boosters Work In Cities?” and “What Is Laser Communications?”