The best satellite phones of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET

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Satellite phones are an absolute game-changer if you're venturing into remote areas that lay beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks, or during times of emergencies or natural disasters. Unlike standard smartphones that rely on cellular networks made up of physical towers, satellite phones communicate directly with satellites orbiting about 500 miles above Earth, ensuring you stay connected even in the most isolated locations.

Maintaining contact in an area with inadequate cellular coverage is challenging, so a satellite phone can be invaluable. I've used a variety of satellite phones and communicators during off-grid adventures. Sometimes I use them to stay in touch with others, and other times they're a precaution in case of emergencies, allowing me to hit the SOS button and summon help -- a feature I thankfully haven't needed... yet.

Also: The best rugged phones

Satellite connectivity is a crucial communication lifeline for many, from emergency responders and military personnel to remote field researchers and avid adventurers. Unfortunately, accessing a satellite network usually requires a hefty subscription.

If you're keen on staying connected no matter where you roam, ZDNET has done extensive research and hands-on testing with some of the best satellite phones and gadgets on the market. Our top pick, the Iridium GO!, can connect up to five devices to its hotspot, supports up to five hours of talk time, and boasts impressive durability.

Check out our complete list to see how other favorite models from Spot, Garmin, and more compare in terms of features. You'll find the perfect satellite phone or communicator to suit your habits and budget.

This mobile satellite router connects to the Iridium satellite constellation, and you get enough data bandwidth to check emails, use Twitter, pull up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. You can connect up to five devices to the Iridium Go! hotspot. What I like about this setup: You unbox it, power it up, let it see the sky, and then it acts much like a Wi-Fi router that you might have at your office.

This is not a cheap kit, and it's designed for those who truly want to go off-grid. It includes not only the Iridium Go! base station and AC travel charger with an international adapter, but also comes with a solar charger and a desktop charger. Additionally, the unit offers up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life and up to 5.5 hours of talk time. Its various features make it ideal if you're looking to stay connected while exploring remote areas. Its compact design measures 114 by 82 by 32 mm and weighs only 305g, making it easy to carry around.

Review: Iridium GO! Turn any smartphone into a satellite phone

The router offers both satellite calls and satellite SMS, allowing you to communicate with others even in areas without cellular coverage.

The Iridium Go! operates within a temperature range of 10℃ to 50℃ and meets MIL-STD 810F standards, meaning it can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions. With an IP65 rating, it's also dust-tight and can withstand water jets from any direction.

Reviews and comments are divided -- those who have bought one are over the moon with its capabilities, ease of use, and the power it offers. Other reviewers have lamented the price ($855), but that's not more than a premium smartphone.

Iridium GO! tech specs: Dimensions: 114 x 82 x 32 mm | Weight: 305g | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS | Battery life: Talk time: 5.5 hours, standby time: 15.5 hours | Operating temperatures: 50°F to 122°F | Durability: MIL-STD 810F | IP Rating: IP65

Spot is another company that offers satellite trackers and messengers. There's the , a two-way device that looks a lot like an old Blackberry, the , which let you send check-in and SOS messages, and the , which allows tracking things like cars and suitcases.

Spot X features a physical keyboard that is easy to use, especially if you prefer tactile buttons to touchscreens. The device is durable, too, meeting MIL-STD-810G standards for shock resistance and boasting an ingress protection rating of IP67. At 166 by 38 by 24 mm and weighing 198g, the device is fairly portable and can last up to 240 hours.

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One of the Spot X's most impressive features is its SOS button, which you can use in an emergency situation. This is a particularly useful feature if you engage in outdoor activities and can find yourself without cellular coverage.

Reviewers on Amazon and Reddit all say that while the device's interface can be a bit slow -- think cellphone-from-a-decade-ago slow -- the backlit Blackberry-style keyboard and screen are game-changers because they mean you don't need to rely on a separate smartphone to text rapidly. Yes, it's bigger than communicators that rely on an on-screen keyboard or your smartphone to act as a keyboard, but it's a self-contained bit of kit.

Spot X tech specs: Dimensions: 166 × 38 × 24 mm | Weight: 198g | Services: Satellite SMS, automatic positioning, and SOS | Battery life: 240 hours | Operating temperatures: -4°F to 140°F | Durability: MIL-STD-810G for shock | IP Rating: IP67

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight handheld GPS receiver with a built-in satellite communicator that enables two-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routing globally (active satellite subscription required). It has Bluetooth connectivity and is water-resistant.

Users can share their location with loved ones back home and get accurate heading information using the digital compass. The device can sync with the Garmin Explore app and website for trip planning and topographical mapping. It can also pair with Garmin devices to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS. Garmin actually makes many satellite-enabled devices, from the simple to the .

Read the review: Garmin inReach Mini 2 review

The Mini 2 has a battery life of up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode, features a monochrome display that's easy to read in all lighting conditions, and is waterproof with an IPX7 rating. It has USB-C for easy charging and connectivity with other devices.

While the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a versatile and feature-packed device, it does have a couple of potential downsides to consider: it requires an active satellite subscription, which can add to the overall cost of the device, and its messaging capabilities are limited to text-based communication.

User reviews show a high level of satisfaction for this satellite communicator, and having used one, I understand. It's a fantastic bit of kit that offers peace of mind.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 tech specs: Dimensions: 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inches | Weight: 3.50 oz | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS | Operating temperatures: -4°F to 140°F | Battery life: Up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode | Durability: N/A | IP Rating: IPX7

Now, we move on to something that looks and acts like a phone. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 is a fully-featured satellite phone with near-global coverage and good battery life.

The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 offers the ability to make and receive voice calls, send and get SMS, and track your position with GPS from anywhere on the globe. (Well, mostly -- satellite coverage at the north and south poles is poor. Outside of those areas, people will get excellent coverage.)

It has an IK04 shock resistance rating, and the entire package is IP65 rated for dust- and water-proofing. The built-in lithium-ion battery offers eight hours of talk time and 160 hours on standby.

Online reviews echo that it's big and bulky, but it's a reliable satellite handset if you're looking for voice, SMS, and tracking. It's tough and built for the outdoors, and despite dropping one on the ground several times, and following that up by dropping it into a lake, I couldn't break the one I tested.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 tech specs: Dimensions: 16.9 x 7.65 x 2.9 cm | Weight: 318 g | Services: calling and text-to-text and text-to-email | Battery life: 8 hours talk time and 160 hours on standby | Operating temperatures: -4°F to 131°F | Durability: | IK04 | IP Rating: IP65

The new Motorola Defy Satellite Link functions as a satellite hub to send messages, or an SOS signal, from your connected smartphone, whether that be an iOS or Android device. It's not a huge thing to carry, measuring 82 x 62 x 11.2mm and weighing only 70 grams.

The Motorola Defy is reasonably priced, starting at $106, with low-cost satellite subscription plans that make it a must-have for anyone who travels in an area with no cellular coverage.

Read the review: Give iPhone or Android satellite messaging powers with this handy device

Given the price of the hardware and the low-cost subscription plans, it is worthy of being in your vehicle as an emergency messaging device. It is perfect for hikers and outdoor adventurists who travel on shorter trips or who carry along an external battery pack on longer trips.

The reviews highlight how cheap this satellite communicator is compared to the competition.

Motorola Defy tech specs: Dimensions: 82 x 61 x 11.2 mm | Weight: 70 grams | Services: Satellite messaging through connected phone and SOS | Operating temperatures: -22°F to 131°F | Battery life: Up to four days | Durability: MIL-STD-810H | IP Rating: IP68

Is it a satellite phone? Is it a regular GSM phone? The Thuraya XT-LITE is both, all using a single SIM card. Better still, it automatically switches from satellite to GSM without any hassle... so no forgotten calls because you're out of coverage.

The Thuraya XT-LITE has a battery life of up to six hours of talk time and 80 hours of standby time. The phone comes with a travel charger and USB cable. It is easy to use and can be programmed in various languages. Overall, it is a decent, rugged, no-frills satellite phone.

The Thuraya satellite network does not offer coverage in the US, so this is a satellite phone for when you're in other territories.

Thuraya XT-LITE tech specs: Dimensions: 128 × 53 × 27 mm | Weight: 186 grams | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS | Battery life: Talk time: Up to six hours, Standby time: Up to 80 hours | Operating temperatures: 14°F to 131°F | Durability: N/A | IP Rating: N/A

So, which satellite phone is best for you?

Three factors in particular come into play:

For example, if you want an affordable communicator that has global coverage capabilities, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 fits the bill. Want a budget communicator option? The Motorola Defy fits the bill. Meanwhile, if you want a satellite phone that can switch from GSM to satellite easily, the Thuraya XT-LTE is a wise choice.

Note: Prices and availability may vary.

Selecting the right satellite phone depends on your requirements and priorities. It's essential to prioritize why you need the phone and your own budget. This will help you to select the best phone at the best price, and more importantly, you'll have a communication tool that works where you are when you need it the most.

Below are the key considerations and how each phone aligns with specific purposes:

Choose this best satellite phone...

If you want...

Iridium Go!

Global coverage and the ability to create a hotspot for multiple devices. The Iridium Go! is the best choice because it offers satellite calls and SMS, has good battery life, and is MIL-STD 810F certified for durability.

Spot X

Something for occasional use or emergency situations. The Spot X is a good choice because it has an SOS feature and is low-cost, but it has limited features and a small physical keyboard.

Motorola Defy

A low-cost subscription with satellite coverage across the US. It's excellent for an emergency device or one for trips shorter than four days. You need a Bluetooth connection and the proprietary messaging app, but the pricing opens up satellite messaging to more people.

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Occasional satellite communication and SOS support. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is ideal because it is affordable, lightweight, and offers a range of features such as two-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routing.

Thuraya XT-LTE

A satellite phone that also acts as a smartphone. The Thuraya XT-LTE is the best option if you want both satellite and GSM capabilities in a rugged device ideal for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer global coverage and has a limited battery life.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1

A classic satellite phone with global coverage. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 offers voice calls, SMS, GPS tracking, and a programmable emergency assistance button. It is, however, big, bulky, and expensive.

Cost: Satellite communication tends to be more expensive than cellular services. The cost of the phone itself, along with the service plans and price per minute for calls, can be significantly higher.

Size and Weight: Satellite phones are generally bulkier and heavier than modern smartphones, which might be a concern if you need to minimize their load.

Data Speeds: While some satellite phones offer data services, the speeds are usually much slower than what you're accustomed to with 4G or 5G cellular networks. This may affect the usability of internet-dependent applications.

Satellite Visibility: Different satellite systems, such as Iridium, Globalstar, and Inmarsat, offer different types of coverage of the globe, so bear this in mind when you're choosing a system for your adventures.

When selecting the best satellite phone, I tested some of the devices and took into consideration other devices and various factors, such as price, availability, coverage, and use case. I carefully analyzed each device and weighed the pros and cons before arriving at my conclusions.

A satellite phone is a mobile device that uses satellites to communicate instead of cell towers. The primary function of a satellite phone is to make and receive calls and SMS messages from virtually anywhere in the world, including remote areas without cell coverage.

These are devices that, like satellite phones, connect to an orbiting constellation of satellites, but rather than being focused on voice calls, their focus is sending and receiving SMS and email messages. Some are standalone devices that have built-in keyboards, while others rely on a connection to a smartphone for the keyboard and display.

Satellite phones and satellite communicators can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and capabilities of the device. Service plans also vary in cost depending on the provider and coverage area.

No. Satellite communication units require a clear view of as much of the sky as possible, as they communicate directly with satellites orbiting the Earth.

You can use external antennas and repeaters if you require a more permanent solution for indoor use.

Well, sort of.

Apple has added a feature called "Emergency SOS via satellite," which allows you to contact emergency services when you're in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Apple said that "Emergency SOS via satellite" would be free until about November 2024. After that, Apple plans to start charging for the service, although right now we don't know the price.

This service is currently available in the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe.

Also: iPhone 15 Plus review

Not really. They're big, bulky, expensive, and the data rates are awful compared to even 3G. Instead, they offer services that regular smartphones cannot match.

If you're an avid hiker or camper, you know that remote areas don't have the best cellular service. This is where satellite phones come in handy: they give you access to communication in areas where cellular companies don't.

It's less about which is the best and more about what bits of the planet you want coverage on. Every network offers maps and details of coverage. Keep in mind that not all networks offer global coverage.

Check coverage at the time of purchase because it can (and does) change regularly. Doing so ensures you have the right phone and network for where you need it.

Not all do. In fact, coverage varies considerably between the networks.

Iridium offers global coverage. Live map of satellite locations are available from Iridiumwhere.com.

Globalstar coverage maps can be found on the company's website.

Inmarsat has nearly global coverage. Maps can be found on the company's website.

Satellite phones, like the Thuraya XT-LITE, offer features that you typically find on cellular phones, such as calling and messaging. While the Thuraya XT-LITE does not offer global coverage and both North and South America are not covered, it has a unique ability to toggle between a GSM network and satellite communications. This means that you don't have to worry about dropped calls in remote locations.

Plus, the phone only requires one SIM card. Additionally, it has a rugged body, making it a durable option for outdoor adventures. Keep in mind that satellite phones still have drawbacks compared to smartphones, such as bulkiness and limited data rates.

Based on my personal experience, satellite phones are highly reliable and serve as a great insurance policy if you're heading out into remote and uncharted territories. Since they operate on satellite communication, they offer a wide range of coverage that is not available with cellular service, especially in mountainous regions or areas with limited network coverage.

Satellite devices do have some limitations, such as slower communication speeds than smartphones. It's important to keep this in mind when planning for emergency situations or other time-sensitive communication needs.

While the market isn't necessarily flooded with options for satellite phones and gadgets, there are other products worth considering. Here are a few I recommend:

The Iridium Extreme 9575 satellite phone handset, plus 600 minutes, is valid for 365 days. This is a fantastic deal for a satellite phone.

The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a great alternative satellite phone to consider because it allows two-way global messaging in a compact design.

The Garmin Montana 700i is an alternative satellite phone that combines GPS and GALILEO satellite networks with inReach technology, for a reliable and versatile communication and navigation tool.

The ICOM IC-SAT100 is a rugged satellite phone alternative that utilizes the Iridium satellite network, making it an excellent choice if you need reliable communication in harsh environments.