![\"(Photo\/Nick](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DSC7275-700x468-1.jpg\")
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Satellite messengers started with the need for reliable emergency contact, but have expanded into full-blown two-way communication devices.<\/strong> We’ve been getting deep into the backcountry for years, and our team of guides and iterant wanderers have tested the spectrum of sat messengers on both professional and casual expeditions. Besides getting lost, we even learned a thing or two along the way.<\/p>\n In our search for the best satellite messengers we covered it all \u2014 from pure SOS beacons to long-form texting machines \u2014 but placed a focus on the keyword: messenger<\/em>. With our extensive background testing gear in real-life situations, we put each device through its paces over several years in differing situations \u2014 testing it all from typing ability to durability while getting dirty in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and the expanses of the Southwest.<\/p>\n Gathered here are nine devices that will help you out of a jam, message your team back at home, or at least keep you off the side of a milk carton. To better understand the ins and outs of satellite messengers, visit our buyer’s guide<\/strong><\/a>, FAQ<\/strong><\/a>, and detailed comparison chart<\/strong><\/a>. Or, check out some of the key categories that help you understand how a satellite messenger best fits your needs:<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We updated our Satellite Messengers guide on March 20, 2024, to add the iPhone Emergency SOS functionality found on Apple iPhone 14 and 15s. This is the new wave of satellite messaging, and we’re here for it.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCompact size and weight<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn-depth functionality<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExtended battery life with reverse USB-C charging<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall screen<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCost<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Diversity of communication ability gives the Garmin inReach Messenger<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>($300) a place above the rest in the satellite messenger world, and easily landed it as our best overall device to date.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While other devices might rely on satellite communication alone, this Messenger works with your smartphone<\/strong><\/a> to send messages via your cellular network when it\u2019s available, then defaults to the Iridium satellite network when cellular is not. Very slick.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This seamless messaging stream within the app was one of our favorite features and can be a huge boon for people who travel in and out of the backcountry. The on-device options include a handful of pre-programmed menus to scroll through via the screen, and allow you the ability to craft messages (albeit slowly), track your progress, or seek out a weather forecast while abroad.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The compact 3 by 2.5-inch design weighs in at 4 ounces and is a sturdy build, rated to IPX7 water resistance. But unlike other devices of its size \u2014 or even slightly larger \u2014 you still get a small screen to monitor battery life, read messages, and adjust settings, all within the device.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Expect the Garmin inReach Messenger<\/strong><\/a> to fit the needs of any regular adventurer. With its stellar mix of on-device and in-app messaging and functionality in a compact design, the device has something for everyone, earning it the title of best overall device on our list.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCombination of on-device and in-app functions<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEase-of-use<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStout Iridium satellite network reception<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLimited on-device functionality<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The best budget satellite messenger doesn’t have to be the most basic. The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>($200) offers straightforward on-device functionality with a wider suite of options when paired with the smartphone app, building a variety of abilities for a budget-minded adventurer who doesn\u2019t want to skimp on capability.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Satellite Communicator offers basic messaging via the device \u2014 think SOS and a pre-set “okay” message \u2014 and then adds to that with additional options via the smartphone app that includes message composition for both sending and receiving.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Primarily using the Iridium global satellite network, the device can also send messages using cellular coverage. Like the Garmin Messenger<\/strong><\/a>, the ZOLEO device will default to sending a message with cellular or Wi-Fi service if it\u2019s available, and will even receive messages if the device is turned off.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Within the simple app, you can compose specific messages \u2014 though not on the device itself. This was our main quibble with the ZOLEO device, as it can be incredibly useful in coordinating, and having the potential to lose the ability should your phone die is a tough sale. Luckily, the Power On button can send out a pre-set alert that lets a programmed contact know you are doing fine, which is a good addition in our opinion.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In practice, we found that setting up and getting the ZOLEO going to be seamless. And connectivity with Iridium proved successful, even if within the slower confines of satellite communications. The color-coded button on the device indicated we may need to move out of trees to find a better signal, helping speed up the connection time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We enjoyed the durable design of the device, the budget-friendly initial cost, and the added functionality of the app. When taken together, the Satellite Communicator from ZOLEO<\/strong><\/a> offers a solid entry point for someone looking for a satellite messenger without needing full on-device functionality.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Read Review: <\/strong>ZOLEO Makes an Everyday Satellite Communicator, Emojis and All<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Satellite Messengers of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Satellite Messenger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGarmin inReach Messenger\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t28 days<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn-device options\/in-app<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIPX7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIridium<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$11.95 per month for annual 'Safety' plan<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BestOf_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/garmin-inreach-messenger.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tTim Newcomb<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tRead Review:
\n\t
\n\t\tGarmin inReach Head-to-Head Test: Move Over Mini 2, the Messenger Is in Town\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t$300 at REI<\/a>$305 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Satellite Messenger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tZOLEO Satellite Messenger\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t200 hours<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn-app composition<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5.3 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIP68<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIridium<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$20 \/month for 'Basic' plan<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ZOLEO-Satellite-Communicator-with-Water-Drops-e1587584177674.png\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tTim Newcomb<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$200 at REI<\/a>$199 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/garmin-inreach-mini-2-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n