In This Article
Introduction
Let me start by saying I am NOT an expert on satellite communication or personal location devices. I’m just a hiker who wanted to know what device was best for my PCT thru-hike and went down the rabbit hole of research (Google, YouTube, FB hiking groups) to find out. What I found was that there are many reviews of specific devices and some comparison reviews of two or more devices, but I didn’t see a good overview of all the different types of devices and their features.
As you will see, different devices are suited to different needs, so there really is no “best” option, even if you will commonly see one or two recommended more than the rest. I hope that this article will help you decide what kind of device might meet your needs and that it will help you create a shortlist of possible devices to research further.
- The first is that new iPhones (14 and later) now offer satellite service. It started as a very basic option (no two-way communication, just the SOS feature) but with the launch of iOS 18 you can send, via satellite, any message, not just emergency ones, potentially making it a real game changer that can replace all of the items I so carefully researched for this article. There still aren’t many reviews available, but Backpacker has an interesting review that basically says it’s great except for one big drawback, which is that that it won’t work at all unless there is absolutely no regular signal. That means, if you have even one bar showing but it’s not enough to actually do anything, it won’t work. I’ll keep monitoring the situation to see if that changes in the future. As for the service itself, it uses the Globalstar network instead of the better Iridium network. Reports are that similar functionality will hit Android phones soon but I am not sure when so keep watching for that (they usually will hit Pixel phones first and I think maybe an emergency SOS feature might already be available on the most recent version).
- The second new option is the new Motorola Defy Satellite Link (and corresponding Bullitt Satellite Messenger app) that will compete with the two-way devices mentioned below. Its obvious advantage is price and size. It is only $99 with subscription plans starting at only $5 per month and it only weighs 2.4 ounces (70 g). Bullitt Satellite Connect (BSC) makes use of GEO (geostationary) satellites operated by Inmarsat and EchoStar and managed by Bullitt’s satellite network service partner Skylo (details are a bit unclear but most likely not as good as Iridium). SOS assistance is also available with Bullitt Satellite Connect, courtesy of FocusPoint International, which manages 24/7 monitored response centers that handle emergency messages and assistance requests, escalating to emergency services as required. As it is new, there aren’t yet many reviews, but GearLab has one and notes the dealbreaker is that the SOS button on the device is fully exposed to potential inadvertent triggering. Andrew Fez also wrote up an early-look comparison of the new Motorola device versus his Zoleo that might be of interest.
- SpaceX & T-Mobile are launching “Coverage Beyond” satellite texting (and promises of voice/data in the future). It will leveraging Starlink, SpaceX’s constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. T-Mobile says the service says it should work with “the vast majority of smartphones already on T-Mobile’s network,” but I haven’t seen any specifications for what phones are compatible.
Three Types of Devices
There are three basic types of emergency devices:
- Personal location beacon (PLB) devices offer an emergency SOS signal function with no subscription needed and a long battery life. You only use a PLB in an actual emergency situation. PLBs use the NOAA (COSPAS-SARSAT) satellite system for their distress signal rather than the Iridium and Globalstar satellite systems popular with the other communication devices. They use a separate homing signal for location tracking after the distress signal has been sent. Your PLB must be registered in the country where you live (and the device may be pre-programmed with a code of the country where it was purchased, so buy it in your home country). If you travel to another country, your device will inform your GPS coordinates to your registration country and they will contact the rescue team of the country where you are. The registration of a PLB is valid for two years and thus you should re-register it every two years.
- One-way satellite communication devices offer SOS, one-way only communication via preset messages, and sometimes tracking features as well. A plan is required for all features, including SOS. This can be useful if you only want to keep loved ones updated on your progress, location and safety, but don’t need two-way satellite communication ability (e.g., you can wait until you have mobile service).
- Two-way satellite communication devices offer SOS, two-way communication, tracking, and sometimes other features. They typically pair with your mobile phone and an associated app to accomplish basic or advanced features. A plan is required for all features, including SOS. This is the most robust (and expensive) option and is good for when you want to be sure you can stay in touch with loved ones whether you have mobile phone service or not.
Features
The first, most fundamental, decision you need to make is whether you want communication and/or tracking features or you just want a device in case of an emergency requiring medical attention or an evacuation. If the latter, a PLB (probably combined with your mobile phone when you have service) is the best choice. It’s a one-time purchase, fairly light, and the battery lasts for year (typically 5-10 years).
If you (or your loved ones!) decide you need to stay in touch reliably, regardless of mobile phone service, you will want a satellite communication device. These devices vary on features and price. The following are features hikers commonly consider.
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | Ranges between $150 and $450 |
| Weight | There is a big range on size and weight. The lightest on this list is 3.35 oz. (100 g) |
| Messaging | One way or two-way? How many different types of preset messages and can you customize them? Can you send a message (preset or custom) directly from the device or only from the mobile app? Can you send via cellular, WiFi, or satellite depending on availability or only via satellite? |
| Dedicated phone # | Does the device have a dedicated phone number so loved ones can contact you as they would anyone else? |
| Subscription Plans | This is where things get complicated! Things to watch out for include: activation fee; monthly vs. annual plan; minimum contract period; ability to pause or cancel your plan (and associated fees) or to switch between plans; number of messages included; preset messages (usually unlimited) vs check-ins (sometimes unlimited, sometimes pay as you go); rollover of unused credits/messages; overage fees; tracking time increments; and costs for weather updates. Of course, the value of the various device subscriptions will depend on your usage needs. A one-time, 2-week trek in Nepal will be different than a long thru-hike, and both will be different than if you are a year-round active hiking enthusiast. Things like annual vs. monthly cost, the ability to pause your account (and for how long), and activation fees will make some devices better or worse value depending on your needs. Likewise, the number of messages you plan to send each month and/or the tracking you want to use will make a big difference. Plans typically range from $12-20 per month for a low-use annual plan to $50 per month for an unlimited annual plan. Flexible plans are more expensive and often have additional fees and penalties. |
| Infrastructure | Which satellite system is used, Iridium or Globalstar. Most reviews I read claim Iridium is better. |
| Tracking | Can your device track your progress and, if so, in what time increments? NOTE: tracking will significantly impact your battery life. |
| Weather | Can you download weather forecasts specific to your current location? If so, is that included in your plan or pay as you go? |
| Maps | Can you download maps for offline use? Can you set waypoints? Can loved ones track your progress on a web portal map? Can you download tracking points and or create a map of your hike for later reference? |
| Battery Life | This will vary by the size of the device and the nature of your usage. |
| Miscellaneous | Is the device waterproof? Will the device float? What type of charging cable does it use? |
Of the list above, I think the four most important for many hikers are:
- The ability to communicate only by pairing with a mobile phone or directly via the device
- Preset messages (customizable or not) vs. customized messaging
- Size/weight
- Price
The Contenders
Now that you know what types of features to consider, let’s take a look at the most popular options on the market.
Personal Location Beacons (PLB)
There are three main PLB devices that I have seen discussed and recommended for hikers.
ACR ResQLink 420 and 425
The ACR ResQLink 425 View model ($369.95 on Amazon) is 5.3 oz. (150 g), has a 5 year battery life (with a test feature to verify it is still working), 28 hours operational battery life, and a digital display which shows live beacon status and GPS coordinates. It is waterproof and floats and has a built-in strobe and infrared strobe to facilitate nighttime or other low visibility rescues. The 420 ($319.95 on Amazon) is essentially the same device without the digital display and a slightly lower active battery life (24 hours).
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1
The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 ($309.95 on Amazon) is 4.14 oz. (116 g), has a 7 year battery life (with a test feature to verify it is still working), 24+ hour operational battery life, and has a cradle mounting system that can be easily fitted onto your backpack. It is waterproof (does not float unless you use the supplied free flotation pouch) and it has a built-in strobe to facilitate nighttime or other low visibility rescues.
McMurdo FAST FIND 220
The McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Personal Locator Beacon ($255 on Amazon) is 5.4 oz. (152 g), has a 6 year battery life (with a test feature to verify it is still working), 24+ hour operational battery life, and has a cradle mounting system that can be easily fitted onto your backpack. It is waterproof (does not float unless you use the supplied free flotation pouch) and it has a Morse code flashing SOS light which can be used to attract attention.
Satellite Communicators
My goal here is not to provide a detailed look at each of these options. Instead, I will provide a basic table with the key features I mentioned above and a short note about whether and/or how those features are supported so you can get an idea about which may or may not suit your needs. After you have a shortlist of devices you are considering, definitely visit the product pages and search for online reviews to get more details.
NOTE: I have included direct links to the subscription plan pages for each device.
ACR Bivy Stick
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $199.95 (Amazon) |
| Weight | 3.35 oz. (100 g) |
| Preset Messages | Yes; unlimited in all plans but only one message and it is not customizable |
| Standalone Messaging | No |
| Custom messaging | Via the app but only by satellite (no seamless use of cellular or WiFi) |
| Dedicated phone # | Yes |
| Subscription Plans | Basic – $17.99 ($14.99 annual) – 20 credits; overage – $0.75/Credit Plus – $29.99 ($24.99 annual) – 60 credits; Overage – $0.50/Credit Unlimited – $49.99 ($44.99 annual) – Unlimited credits — All plans include unlimited check-in messages and detailed downloadable maps. 1 credit per message. 1 credit for basic weather reports and 2 credits for detailed reports. Unused credits roll over. No activation fee, hidden fees or contracts BUT the basic plan is only available after an initial 4 month Plus or Unlimited plan purchase. |
| Infrastructure | Iridium and Global Rescue |
| Tracking | Yes The intervals and credit costs are: 2 minutes (min) with 1 credit per 12 minutes, 5 min. with 1 credit per 30 min., 10 min. (default) with 1 credit per hour, 30 min. with 1 credit per 3 hours, and 60 min. with 1 credit per 6 hours. |
| Weather | Yes; costs 1 (basic) or 2 (detailed) credits |
| Maps | Yes; can download for offline use; can set waypoints |
| Battery Life | 120 hours with normal usage (Lithium Ion Polymer, 1400 mAh) |
| Miscellaneous | USB-C charging. Compatible with all GoPro mounts. |
Garmin inReach (Explorer+ and Mini)
- Better battery life
- An improved user interface along with basic on-screen mapping
- USB-C charging
- $50 more expensive than the original model
- Improved navigational features (breadcrumb trail, on-board compass that displays heading even when stationary)
- Higher resolution screen
- Quicker GPS acquisition by using four satellite networks
- An automatic track-back feature, helping to return the user to their point of origin
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $339.99 – Mini (Amazon) $699.97 – Explorer+ (Amazon) |
| Weight | 3.5 oz. (100 g) – Mini 7.5 oz. (213 g) – Explorer+ |
| Preset Messages | Yes (up to three customizable messages) |
| Standalone Messaging | Yes Messages can be read and typed (albeit painfully slowly) using its small screen and virtual keyboard. |
| Custom messaging | Yes (satellite only) |
| Dedicated phone # | No |
| Subscription Plans | Safety – $14.95 ($11.95 annual) – 10 messages; Send/track points and location requests – $0.10 each) Recreation – $34.95 ($24.95 annual) – 40 messages Expedition – $64.95 ($49.95 annual) – Unlimited messages — All annual plans require a $29.95 activation fee (no fee to change plan). Enrollment in Freedom (monthly) plans requires a $34.94 annual fee. All plans include unlimited preset messages (3 different customizable). Basic weather is 1 message for Safety and Recreation plans. Premium weather is $1.00 each. Tracking maximum is every 10 mins for Safety and Recreation plans, every 2 mins for Expedition plan. Overage charges – $0.50 each for Safety and Recreation plans. |
| Infrastructure | Iridium and IERCC |
| Tracking | Yes |
| Weather | Yes |
| Maps | Yes |
| Battery Life | Mini – 90 hours at default 10-minute tracking mode (1,250 mAh) Explorer+ – 100 hours at default 10-minute tracking mode (3,100 mAh) Mini uses about 10% of the battery over a week just sending out one check-in message a day |
| Miscellaneous | As of 2021 still using micro-USB charger instead of Type-C. Needs to be propped up with a rock or piece of gear for the antenna to point to the sky. No cellular or WiFi messaging capability in the mobile app. |
Higher Ground SatPaq
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $379 (SatPaq website) |
| Weight | 4 oz. (112 g) |
| Preset Messages | Yes |
| Standalone Messaging | Yes (480 characters) Seamless messaging in and out of cell signal. |
| Custom messaging | Yes |
| Dedicated phone # | No |
| Subscription Plans | 150 messages – $55 ($0.37 per message) 1,000 messages – $180 ( $0.18 per message) 10,000 messages – $1750 ($0.175 per message) — Messages sent or received over satellite are billed on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can purchase prepaid bundles of messages (MessagePaqs). Unused messages expire after one year (365 days) unless service is renewed. An initial charge of 70 Message Credits is billed for the use of SOS Emergency Services regardless of whether initiated over the satellite or over cellular or WiFi. In addition, each message sent or received over the satellite as part of SOS Emergency Services will be billed one Message Credit. Weather and Dr. Dex will be billed one Message Credit when sent over satellite. These are considered information services rather than a 2-way communications feature, so we only bill for the response which contains the information requested. The Message Credits currently in your account will not expire as long as your account remains active. To maintain an active account, you must add Message Credits in any denomination of MessagePaq at least once per year. If no addition of Message Credits is made to your account in a one year period (365 days), your account becomes inactive and all Message Credits currently in your account will expire. |
| Infrastructure | GEO (geostationary earth orbit) satellites, IERCC Higher Ground has licensed bandwidth on a single, very high altitude satellite that “sees” all of North America and sees it from the same angle all the time. With this arrangement, relative to the other two-way satellite messaging technologies available, they can offer inexpensive service and, once acquired, stable satellite connection over time. |
| Tracking | No |
| Weather | Yes (Dark Sky) |
| Maps | No |
| Battery Life | A fully charged battery will send/receive about 150-200 messages and will retain charge for about 4-5 months in storage. |
| Miscellaneous | Only covers the United States! Requires attachment to smartphone and cumbersome aiming. Water resistant not waterproof. All messages (routine and SOS) can only be sent from within the app. |
Somewear Global Hotspot
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $279.99 (Somewear Website) |
| Weight | 4 oz. (115 g) |
| Preset Messages | Yes You can share your current location as a preset messages or as a waypoint (via the power button). |
| Standalone Messaging | No |
| Custom messaging | Yes (seamless use of cellular, WiFi and satellite) |
| Dedicated phone # | No |
| Subscription Plans | Ultralight – $8.33 (annual contract required; 10 satellite messages or 75 satellite track points; $1/ea. for additional messages). Plan 1 – $15 (20 satellite messages or 150 satellite track points; 50¢/ea. for additional messages). Plan 2 – $30 (75 satellite messages or 600 satellite track points; 50¢/ea. for additional messages). Plan 3 – $50 (Unlimited satellite messages and satellite track points). — All plans include unlimited cellular and WiFi messaging, 10 minute tracking, and weather reports (each report is costs 1 message). Plans 1, 2 and 3 receive the first month free when you sign up with an annual plan. All plans require a one-time activation fee ($25 for Ultralight and Plan 1, $35 for Plan 3). There are no additional fees for pausing/starting your monthly subscription. Data does not accumulate/rollover month to month. Each additional pin drop is approximately $0.08 once you exceed your plan’s allocation (Ultralight plan is $0.16). |
| Infrastructure | Iridium, IERCC |
| Tracking | Yes |
| Weather | Yes (Dark Sky) Every time you request “Weather” you will receive a 24-hour report and a weekly report with temperature, precipitation and sunrise/sunset data. |
| Maps | Yes Maps cannot be downloaded over satellite. Maps support custom waypoints. |
| Battery Life | 10 days with 10 min interval tracking |
| Miscellaneous | Uses Micro USB charging When it’s laid flat on the ground, as it’s designed to, its antenna points at the sky. while guiding, text conversations do not get disjointed when the connection changes. The device gives little indication about its operations. It doesn’t beep or vibrate, and it has just one external white-only LED light with three blinking patterns (for on, pairing, and tracking modes). |
SPOT Gen4
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $149.95 (Amazon) |
| Weight | 5.0 oz. (142 g) |
| Preset Messages | Yes Check-in location messages can be sent to up to 10 people. You can set up custom preset messages. |
| Standalone Messaging | Yes You cannot type custom messages but you can send preset messages from the device. |
| Custom messaging | No |
| Dedicated phone # | No |
| Subscription Plans | Basic – $14.95 ($11.95 annual) – Unlimited Help and check-in messages and tracking. — There is a $19.95 activation fee and an annual $24.95 fee for the Flex Charge plan. There are additional services you can choose, including enhanced mapping, the Global Overwatch & Rescue™ Plan, a product replacement plan, and SPOT S.O.V. (roadside vehicle assistance). |
| Infrastructure | Globalstar, FocusPoint International, Inc. |
| Tracking | Tracking, in frequencies of 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes (all included with the basic subscription), plus a 2.5-minute interval with a $6.25 service upgrade. Can be motion-activated (instead of just running continuously) to conserve battery life. |
| Weather | No |
| Maps | Yes Requires separate fee ($2.50 or $5.00 depending on features). |
| Battery Life | Uses 4 AAA rechargeable batteries that can send 1,250 Check In and Custom Messages when fully charged. |
| Miscellaneous | Can send outgoing messages only, limited to: SOS, Help, Check in/OKAY, and custom (must be pre-programmed). Help messages let you request help from your friends and family at your GPS Location in non-life-threatening situations. SPOT’s satellite network (Globalstar) is not as extensive or as reliable as Iridium. Micro USB |
SPOT X
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $249.95 (Amazon) |
| Weight | 7.0 oz. (198 g) |
| Preset Messages | Yes You can customize 14 preset messages. |
| Standalone Messaging | Yes SPOT X is the only device with a keyboard. |
| Custom messaging | Yes |
| Dedicated phone # | Yes |
| Subscription Plans | Basic – $14.95 ($11.95 annual) – 20 custom messages ($0.25 each additional) Advanced – $29.95 ($19.95 annual) – 100 custom messages ($0.25 each additional) Unlimited – $39.95 ($29.95 annual) – unlimited custom messages ($0.25 each additional) — All plans require a $19.95 activation fee. Annual contract Plans can be paid monthly or if paid one time get all allotted messages in advance. Flex charge plans require an annual $24.95 fee. No charge applies to changing to a more inclusive annual plan; a $24.95 fee applies to changing to a less inclusive annual plan. All plans include unlimited check-in and predefined messages. Basic plan has no movement alerts; other plans have 30 min, 60 min, 4 hr, 12 hr alerts. There are additional services you can choose, including enhanced mapping, the Global Overwatch & Rescue™ Plan, a product replacement plan, and SPOT S.O.V. (roadside vehicle assistance). |
| Infrastructure | Globalstar, FocusPoint International, Inc. |
| Tracking | Yes Basic – 10, 30, 60 minutes (tracking will have to be reset after 24-hours) Advanced – 5, 10, 30, 60 minutes Unlimited – 2.5, 5, 10, 30, 60 minutes Advanced and Unlimited plans can use motion-activated tracking (instead of just running continuously) to conserve battery life. |
| Weather | No |
| Maps | Limited (you can only get access to maps when synced with your smartphone when you are in cell service) Built-in compass and programmable waypoints. |
| Battery Life | 240 hours (tracking set at 10 minute intervals) |
| Miscellaneous | Micro USB Messages can be predefined, custom, or posted to social media. No ability to display signal strength. Many users report that the SPOT satellite network (Globalstar) is not global nor as reliable as Iridium. Some users complain that the keys are too small and it is hard to press only the letter you intend. |
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
| Feature | Notes |
| Price of Unit | $199.99 (Amazon) |
| Weight | 5.3 oz. (150 g) |
| Preset Messages | Yes/No “Okay” check-in message button only (no preset messages). |
| Standalone Messaging | Yes/No There is a physical Check-In button, but you must use the mobile app to send custom messages. |
| Custom messaging | Yes |
| Dedicated phone # | Yes |
| Subscription Plans | Basic – $20 (25 satellite messages; $0.50 additional messages; unlimited cellular and WiFi messages) InTouch – $35 (250 satellite messages; $0.50 additional messages; unlimited cellular and WiFi messages) Unlimited – $50 (Unlimited satellite messages; unlimited cellular and WiFi messages) — All plans require $6 add-on to get unlimited preset messages (with location sharing) and tracking $20 activation fee. No account suspension in the first 3 months; suspended plans incur a $4 per month fee; re-enable a suspended plan without activation fee. |
| Infrastructure | Iridium, IERCC |
| Tracking | Not included in plans but available for an additional $6 per month fee. |
| Weather | Yes (Dark Sky) |
| Maps | Yes |
| Battery Life | 200 hours when checking messages every 12 minutes. |
| Miscellaneous | Messaging works seamlessly across cellular, WiFi and satellite. Waterproof and floats. Plans currently available only in USA, Canada, Australia, but work globally. Micro USB. |
About the SOS Function
The various satellite devices use either the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) (formerly owned by GEOS but bought by Garmin in 2020) or Global Rescue to monitor and handle your SOS call and dispatch the appropriate Search and Rescue based on your location. PLBs use whichever service is in operation in the country where you register the device, which is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States.
Depending on your location and needs, you may be responsible for any cost associated with a rescue operation. In the U.S., many states provide SAR services for free. You should check this before you start a long thru-hike. I have read that most or all of the PCT is free, but I haven’t verified this. If you know for sure about any of the Triple Crown trails, please let me know in the comments.
Also note that some countries require prior permission for the authorized use of a satellite communication device and some countries have banned the use of satellite communications devices. In addition, United States embargoes prohibit providing satellite communications products and services in some countries. The list of countries provided by ARC includes: China, Cuba, India, Iran, North Korea, Russia (and Crimea region of the Ukraine), Thailand, Vietnam. The list provided by Garmin includes those and adds: Georgia, Myanmar, Sudan, and Syria.
About the Weather Function
Some of the devices use Dark Sky. Andrew Skurka claims that it poorly predicts mountain weather. It was also purchased by Apple so it is unclear if it will continue to be supported in the future.
False Sense of Security
Having some sort of emergency signalling device is very prudent, but keep in mind that you will need a clear view of the sky, possession of the device (and, depending on which you are using, a functioning smart phone) on your person, and the physical ability to activate the SOS feature. Any or all of these essentials may not be in place when you most need them. Whenever possible, try to hike with others, keep loved ones informed of your itinerary and regularly check in, and have some kind of plan in place in case you become unreachable.
Which One to Choose?
If you just spent some time reviewing the features for each device, you may be scratching your head a bit about which device is best for you. I feel your pain. I am still trying to decide for myself as I write this.
I like the simplicity of a basic PLB, especially since I don’t really need to maintain always-on contact with family. I am fine with just messaging via my mobile phone if and when I have service. But, I also like the idea of having one of the lighter two-way communication devices with a rechargeable battery and the ability to activate and de-activate a plan for my infrequent long hikes. I also think the various features that the associated mobile apps offer are a nice little added bonus as I probably care more about weather alerts and mapping than I do about tracking or always-on messaging.
So, as I write this, my short list includes the ACR Bivy Stick, inReach Mini, and Somewear Global Hotspot.
I have read too many negative things about the quality of the SPOT network to consider either of those devices.
I hesitate to add the Zoleo to that list because of the weight and the $4 inactive plan fee.
Somewear seems like the best value for plan pricing but at the moment it is sold out. I don’t know if that is due to COVID-related supply chain issues or if it indicative of a possible problem with the future of the company and it’s service.
Everyone raves about the inReach Mini and there is something appealing about its size, weight and on-device functionality, but it’s pricing isn’t well suited to my infrequent usage needs and I don’t like that it has no cellular or WiFi messaging capabilities. It would also be nice if it used a Type C USB cable (NOTE: the newer Mini 2 does).
I think in the past the Bivy Stick had some negative reviews but it seems like it has improved a lot (especially its mobile app) since being bought by ACR. I don’t like that you are required to purchase one of the higher-leel plans for four months before you can switch to the lower plan or pause the account but it’s low initial price does help offset that additional cost.
Here’s my totally subjective look at best options for the different features on offer.
| Feature | Best Options |
| Price of Unit | ACR Bivy Stick Zoleo |
| Preset Messages | SPOT (14 customizable) Garmin (3 customizable) |
| Standalone Messaging | Garmin inReach Explorer+ (touchscreen) SPOT X (keyboard) Garmin inReach Mini (cursor based) |
| Custom messaging | Zoleo (dedicated mobile phone #; switches seamlessly between mobile, WiFi and satellite) Somewear Global Hotspot (switches seamlessly between mobile, WiFi and satellite) |
| Weight | ACR Bivy Stick (3.35 oz.) Garmin InReach Mini (3.5 oz.) Somewear Global Hotspot (4.0 oz.) |
| Annual cost for SOS functionality | PLB devices (no subscription required) Any satellite communicator except SatPaq |
| Subscription for Seldom Use Case | Somewear Global Hotspot ACR Bivy Stick Zoleo SatPaq (US only) Garmin (annual fee) |
| Subscription for Regular, Low Frequency Use | SPOT or Garmin if mostly using preset messages SPOT or ACR Bivy Stick |
| Subscription for Regular, High Frequency Use | All devices comparable for unlimited plans (about $50) |
| Infrastructure | PLB devices (most reliable satellite network) ACR Bivy, Garmin, Somewear, Zoleo (all use Iridium) |
| Tracking | Garmin Somewear Global Hotspot |
| Weather | A bit hard to compare but one YouTube review showed Garmin with the best weather. |
| Maps | Garmin ACR Bivy Stick Somewear Global Hotspot |
| Battery Life | Difficult to say as it depends on your usage scenario. Based on product descriptions: Somewear Global Hotspot, SPOT X, and Zoleo. |
I hope you found this overview of PLB devices and satellite communicators useful. If you have any personal experiences, opinions, or recommendations, please leave a comment.
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