Experts can identify the relative performance of these devices, evaluating different products for different uses. These experts are especially useful when we have questions about the SOS functions and adaptability for messaging in an emergency.
This article will discuss eight amazing products, which are among the best satellite communicators. From this list of satellite communicators, you can choose according to your needs, preferences, and liking.
Garmin inReach® Explorer+ Handheld Satellite Communicator
Product Description
The Garmin inReach® Explorer is the most famous satellite communicator that normally uses the medium satellite network. You can pair this satellite communicator with a variety of mobile devices.
To get the satellite communicator in a go, you can download the free Garmin Earthmate® app and the input for sending the messages. You can do all you want with the help of the Garmin inReach® Explorer.
Posting directly to social media can also be possible with the help of the Garmin inReach® Explorer. With the help of this satellite communicator, you can even receive messages as SMS and email. Sometimes, you might have a single message coming to you through different channels, so SMS messaging is now possible in any part of the world.
You can track and share the location with your friends and family with the help of the inReach® Explorer satellite communicator. You can also perform two-way text messaging from anywhere, all possible with the help of the 100% global Iridium® satellite coverage.
This device allows you to pair the Garmin satellite communicator with many mobile devices with the help of the free Earthmate® app, from which you can access a downloadable map, color aerial imagery, and more. There is a built-in digital compass, an Indus satellite communicator, and also a barometric altimeter and accelerometer. In this communicator, there is an explorer and device in reach, which adds preloaded Delorme topo Maps with onscreen GPS routing.
Pros
- The battery life of this satellite communicator is very good.
- Comes with Earthmate® app for global accessibility.
- Easy to use and lightweight.
Cons
- According to one negative customer review, the device was not giving the required performance.
SPOT Gen3® Satellite GPS Messenger
Product Description
The SPOT Gen3® satellite device is an amazing GPS messenger. This model is lightweight and smaller in size, which makes it a more portable satellite communicator than other models.
The SPOT Gen3® satellite GPS gives new tracking options, where you can select both unlimited tracking and extreme tracking. You can preset your communicator to send and track the speeds of your adventures, runs, or hikes.
There is a GEOS international emergency response coordination center that is provided via a push-button, representing an SOS. The GPS coordinates, as well as different pieces of information, are now available in this satellite communicator.
This model also comes with a check-in feature. With the help of the check-in feature, you can let your family and friends know exactly where you are. Using this communicator, you can send a pre-programmed text message with GPS coordinates attached. You can also send an email with a link to Google Maps to your contacts with your exact coordinate location.
With the help of the SPOT Gen3® satellite GPS messenger, you can check in at any part of the world, and your contact will know where you are. You can also check in with pre-programmed messages. In case of an emergency, you can send an SOS with your GPS location. This is very helpful in facilitating the search and rescue mission to find you.
Your contact can also know where you are via a pre-programmed custom message with your GPS location. In case of an emergency, you may request help from your friends and family at your GPS location. You may also ask for help from professional assistance organizations.
This messenger can track you automatically, and you can send and save your location in real-time. Your contacts may also track your progress using Google Maps.
Pros
- Durable and reliable satellite communicator with GPS tracker.
- Great going and receiving messages service.
- Great option for cheap tracking.
- According to one review, this model provides great peace of mind for trackers and solo hikers.
Cons
- According to one negative review, the battery life is limited.
Garmin inReach® Mini GPS Satellite Communicator
Product Description
The Garmin inReach® Mini is a high-quality satellite communicator. The good thing about this communicator is that it is as little as half the size of most other models. Even so, the display resolution of this communicator is 128 * 128 pixels. Despite the device’s small size, its signal coverage is relatively strong.
It is very easy to choose pre-programmed messages with this device. The inReach® Mini uses the same ecosystem as other devices, but it lacks color stream mapping. This device receives and sends messages just like the other devices, but it lacks the input mechanism of a joystick. On the side of the device, there is a button that you can press to avoid accidental pressing in your pocket.
You can also send customized messages with the help of the Earthmate® app available to this device. If your contact is registered to a government inReach® account, then the contact will see received messages as an SMS message.
This device is a mini GPS satellite communicator that is also lightweight, making this model portable so that you can take it anywhere you would like. In this satellite communicator, there is also two-way text messaging capability using the 100% global Iridium® network.
You can also use this device to access downloadable maps, color aerial imagery, and U.S. NOAA charts. This is made possible with the help of compatible devices, as well as a free Garmin Earthmate® app. There are both basic and premium navigation packages available for this device.
This satellite communicator also comes with an optional weather forecast service. This service provides detailed updates and live information on the climate and weather in your area.
Pros
- An efficient two-way messaging device.
- Smartphone interface works very well.
- Small in size and lightweight.
Cons
- Limited support for satellite-based texting (no cell or Wi-Fi).
- Texting can be tedious due to the device’s small size.
Garmin inReach® Explorer+ Handheld Satellite Communicator
Product Description
The Garmin inReach® Explorer is the best satellite communicator that uses the Iridium® satellite network. With this model, you can get more coverage, as compared to the SPOT X. For this purpose, you must download the Earthmate® app to enable texting or other functions, such as geo-locations and weather forecasting.
You can post directly from the device to social media with the help of the Garmin inReach® Explorer. Alongside posting to social media, you can also send and receive messages, as well as emails. With this satellite communicator, you can send messages with the confidence that these messages will reach their intended recipient. Your recipients can receive messages as both SMS messages and emails. You will receive a sound notification upon delivery and receipt of your message.
This model is a great device that provides you with 100% global Iridium® satellite coverage. Two-way text messaging is made possible from anywhere in the world with the help of this satellite communicator.
This model accelerates the interactive SOS function to the 24/7 reach and rescue monitoring center. Your friends and family may also track your location and share the location if needed.
This satellite communicator has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can also pair the communicator with different mobile devices with the help of the Earthmate® app. This communicator also comes with a built-in digital compass and a barometric altimeter and accelerometer.
Pros
- Share your location with your friends and family in real-time.
- Integrate the satellite communicator with a variety of mobile devices.
- Preloaded maps with onscreen routing.
Cons
- According to one negative review, it is necessary to activate the communicator, like a cell phone, so that you can use the Bluetooth®, SOS, and Loridian GPS texting features.
Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld Satellite Communicator
Product Description
The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is a handheld satellite communicator that is famous for its large screen. The screen size is 3 inches, and the good thing about the communicator is that it has a sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing.
This communicator contains a two-way messaging function, so you can send messages to your loved one, as well as receive messages back. You can also communicate with your community by posting to social media accounts from this device.
Sharing your location from any part of the world is possible with this communicator, and you can send your location directly to a friend or to your family. In this way, you may remain in touch with your home base so that they do not have to worry about you.
You can pair your device with a compatible smartphone, so you can also receive active weather reports and updates at any time on this device.
Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS makes it easy on the eyes with a sunlight-readable, 3-inch color display.
This device gives you two-way messaging through the 100% global Iridium® satellite network, and also has preloaded Garmin topo mapping. This can be possible with a direct to-device birds-eye satellite imagery download. This incredible handheld satellite communicator supports navigation sensors to keep track of your location at all times.
This device comes with an internal, rechargeable lithium battery that gives you 35 hours of battery life in the 10-minute tracking mode. You can also access the active weather forecast and geo coaching live, which is compatible with Garmin, to explore the site.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- Screen size is 3 inches and bright enough that you can see it on a sunny day.
- Works in almost all weather types; no need to wait for a clear sky.
Cons
- Does not show any voice notifications.
- Response time of sending and receiving messages is inconsistent and can take minutes to hours.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Two-Way Global SMS
Product Description
The ZOLEO satellite communicator is a new device in the market that gives you a modern and efficient service. The price of this communicator is competitive, and the hardware is also high-quality.
Text messaging with this communicator is extremely effective. With this device, you can send messages without interruption and also use your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
This model is an amazing satellite communicator that works very well. ZOLEO uses auxiliary services, such as the Iridium® satellite network to keep you connected at all times. Keep in mind that you can use all the features when you using the relevant app.
The battery life of ZOLEO is outstanding, giving you 200+ hours of battery life, or 8 days of checking messages every 12 minutes.
This device also gives you two-way satellite communication. From the ZOLEO satellite communicator, you can receive complete information about the device’s GPS location, as well as the Iridium® satellite.
You can get this information on your smartphone, as well as your tablet. There are different subscription packages which give you unlimited satellite messages, in addition to Wi-Fi and SOS messaging.
With the help of ZOLEO, you can access global messaging coverage everywhere on Earth, transmitting over the lowest-cost network available. You can send messages anywhere and email anyone with the help of the ZOLEO communicator.
This device gives you a dedicated SMS phone number and email address so that you can remain closely connected to your friends and family.
Pros
- Compact and durable model.
- Send the messages via satellite, as well as cell service and Wi-Fi.
- Send SOS and check-in messages on the device and in the app.
Cons
- You cannot send custom messages to or from the device.
- Live tracking is unavailable with ZOLEO.
Garmin inReach® Mini GPS Satellite Communicator
Product Description
The Garmin inReach® Mini GPS is an amazing satellite communicator that allows connectivity to various mobile devices. This device is an effective, lightweight tool that lets you remotely connect in multiple ways, both sending and receiving messages.
You may also obtain a weather report with the help of an optional weather report to enrich your weather forecast service.
The Bluetooth® wireless technology in this device is a convenient way to pair your mobile devices with this communicator.
This model is a mini GPS satellite communicator that is compact and lightweight. Using this communicator, you may conduct two-way text messaging with the help of the 100% global Iridium® network. But first, be sure that you are subscribed to this satellite network on your device.
With this communicator, you may access downloadable maps, such as the U.S. NOAA chart, and receive detailed updates about the weather with the Iridium® service. You can also send and receive messages to your mobile device, as well as to any of your tablets, by pairing the device with the satellite communicator.
Pros
- Interactive SOS and 24/7 search.
- Contact your friends and family.
- Share your exact location.
Cons
- According to one negative review, the battery life is limited.
SPOT X® 2-Way Satellite Messenger
Product Description
The SPOT X 2-Way is the latest model in the SPOT communicator series. Using this device, you can communicate with anyone, anywhere, in any part of the world. However, this device is unsupported in the North American region.
With the SPOT X, you can send and receive messages from an email address or phone number. These communicators are the best if you wish to remain in close contact with loved ones. With this small gadget, you can also post to different social accounts so that you may remain connected to your friends and family wherever you go.
The SPOT tracking system is also present in this device, where you can select different time intervals of tracking. The SPOT X2® is a two-way satellite messenger through which you can exchange messages with any cell phone number, as well as any email address. You can also send an SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue center.
This model includes a tracking system that gives your friends and family your location at all times. This device also contains certain features that quickly and easily let others know where you are. The good thing about this satellite messenger is that you can post on social accounts, so that your friends and family can remain in close contact with one another, as well as with you.
Pros
- Strong battery life.
- You can send messages as well as receive them.
- Lightweight and portable model.
Cons
- According to one negative review, this satellite communicator looks too much like a walkie-talkie.
- The keyboard buttons are very small, similar to those on a Blackberry cell phone.
Buying Guide
You must look for certain factors before purchasing a satellite communicator.
Offline Maps
With the satellite communicators listed above, you can download an offline map of your immediate area through an application on your phone.
Who Is Texting on Your Device?
The SMS feature should be present in satellite communicators and you should be able to know who is texting to the device. You should also be able to take your satellite communicator with you and send messages to your contacts.
SOS Button
Your satellite communicator should have an SOS button with which you can send for help in one go. People also call this function a life or death tool. If this button is not present, then the device cannot alert people if you are in immediate danger.
Service Contract
When you purchase certain satellite communicator models, you must frequently activate your service account. For some devices, you must pay activation fees and sign a service contract, so it is your choice which device suits you the best. If you do not wish to use a service contract, choose a device that does not require this feature.
Tracking
Tracking a person’s location is becoming easier because of this satellite communicator. You can send an automated updated GPS waypoint to another device, or you can also send the GPS waypoint to an email address. With the help of these services, your friends and family can track your location. This can be made possible by clicking on the link that you send. This link provides a detailed map that displays your exact geographical location. This feature is very important, as these satellite communicators are made for tracking you when you get lost.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you should choose the best satellite communication device for your needs that allows you to communicate with your friends and family, in any part of the world. This article discussed eight high-quality satellite communication device models. You can choose your device according to your choice and liking. In my opinion, the Zoleo satellite communicator is a new and innovative device with which you can send global messages and email your friends. Also, this product gets five stars from customer reviews. However, the Garmin inReach® Mini and Garmin inReach® Explorer are also good options for a satellite communicator that nevertheless come with amazing features. All the listed devices are perfectly good options for satellite communicators.
