Capable of sending SMS texts and brief email messages, the battery provides an unmatched 8 hours of talk time and 160 hours on standby. This app gives you access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA (4) charts color aerial imagery, and more. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. Nonetheless, vast swaths of the world remain outside Globalstar’s reach, making it a non-starter for some users. Find the Top Satellite Phones with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by Quality, Popularity and Pricing >> Updated July 2020 My free phone, which has not left my side in a year, came with 70 minutes of monthly talk time for just $60. You can easily compare and choose from the 10 best satellite phones for you. This is a great satellite phone for first-time users because it offers an intuitive user interface for better out-of-the-box functionality. When outdoors, you should also be careful to find a place free of tall building or stands of trees, as these things can also affect a phone’s ability to connect to the satellite network. Fortunately, you can find a phone that meets these two criteria in a relatively compact package. Field notes: When used throughout most of North, Central, and South America, the IsatPhone 2 almost always found a satellite. Field notes: The Iridium 9555 is convenient because of its robust build and compact size, even at the sacrifice of battery life. Above all, it’s the sound quality I appreciate most. Additionally, the purchase and proper maintenance of a spare battery can go a long way towards alleviating the need for a satellite phone with extremely extensive battery life. Aug 14, 2020 . Phones connected to the terminal will be able to be used within a 30.5-meter (100 foot) radius. Iridium’s 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offer connectivity to 100% of the globe. If you’re inclined to pull the trigger, now’s the time. This unit is ideal for lightweight travelers that want to maintain off-grid connectivity without carrying a large satellite phone everywhere they go. This satellite phone can be used in 120 countries worldwide and the Globalstar Data Kit can be purchased separately if you want the ability to send key information via email or the Internet. We dug in to find the best satellite phone and plan for off-grid adventures around the globe. Ballistic helmets are typically worn by those with a... Hey guys, my name is Scott and I am the founder of bestsurvival.org. Your satellite phone sends a signal up to a satellite which sends it down to the person you are trying to call. The GO! In addition to being a great option for wilderness travelers, this satellite phone is also useful for companies managing work on remote worksites. Sep 25, 2020 Call it … Satellite phones require a clear line of sight to the sky so that they can make and receive phone calls. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 from BlueCosmo comes with a total of 192 Global Talk minutes and you also have the option to add another 250 pre-paid units that are valid for 180 days. Satellite Phones work anywhere in the world. Stay safe and text your friends and family from every corner of the globe. Currently, the best satellite communicator is the Garmin GPSMAP 66i. There are pros and cons to each approach. The geosynchronous satellites, which remain stationary overhead, virtually eliminate the chance of dropped calls. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Depending on your needs and situations, different satellite phones can become a suitable option. For abbreviated exchanges, a quick SMS message usually works perfectly. When you’re in a jam far from home, hearing a friendly voice on the other end of a phone is priceless. Owners of Garmin inReach Explorer and Bivystick text-messengers know the Iridium name well. This Garmin unit can be paired with mobile devices through the Earthmate app (3). © Copyright 2021 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved, Biden Administration Scrutinizes Trump-Era Orders on Arctic Refuge, National Monuments, The Top New Hunting Guns of SHOT Show 2021, Better Resort Runs: Season Equipment Aero Snowboard Review, Watch: Pro Skiers Surf the Season's Last Pow on Epic Road Trip, Action Filmmaking: Watch This Skier Make It Big, Watch: An Unconventional Bass Fishing Jig With Unlikely Beginnings, Fishing for Lines: Icelandic Snowboarder Pursues Passions by Sea and Summit, Ride Home: Lael Wilcox Closes in on One of Her Most Hallowed Objectives, The Bestselling Gear at Backcountry This Week, The Bestselling Gear at Competitive Cyclist This Week, Today's Bargains: 3 Deals on Pants for Men & Women. Know before you go. A 90-minute talk plan now starts at $89. Unlike traditional cell phones that rely on cell towers, satellite phones work anywhere on earth. The SpotX has the ability to track your movements in increments of 2,5,10,30, or 60 minutes. In deep mountain valleys of the Himalayas and the Peruvian Andes, the IsatPhone 2 sometimes struggled to connect. From solar-powered to elbow grease, we’ve found the best emergency radios of 2021. Chris West. For most users in North America, getting a solid signal won’t be an issue. The network is powered by a sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-quality voice and data connections across continents, oceans, airways, and polar regions. Category: Tech. As we mentioned earlier, a satellite phone is certainly an item that you want to have on your person when the need arises. In January, I used an Iridium 9555 in Nepal to call a U.S.-based doctor to help diagnose and treat a badly infected foot. It also comes with a keypad lock and security lock code for additional security. Satellite phones can help you communicate anywhere around the planet. One final call to Chile’s national police put our extraction in motion with no delay or drama. Field notes: During a year of testing in remote parts of the United States and Central America, the GSP-1700 did okay, but not as well as it should have in areas with excellent views of the sky. The first step in selecting a provider is comparing coverage maps. If you have more time on your hands to figure out which SIM card or satellite subscription makes the most sense for your needs, this might be a better option. The planet Earth is a rich place because of the different cultures, mentalities, and interests. But if you’re a thru-hiker or otherwise involved in an expedition that has you moving on a daily basis, you might want a unit that doesn’t weigh your pack or sleds down. Failure to obtain the necessary permissions can result in a confiscated phone or stiff fines. Relocating to higher ground usually solved the issue. Or you can opt to purchase a more affordable unit and then worry about paying for a satellite subscription, SIM card, and other essential items for connectivity separately. Satellite phones are great, but most don’t offer tracking features, GPS navigational aids, or detailed maps. It has the ability to exchanges messages with any cell phone number from virtually anywhere in the world. Created as an affordable alternative to satellite phones, the price gap between satellite text and voice services continues to narrow. However, you can sometimes wind up paying more in the long run by purchasing everything separately, so it’s really important to do more research on satellite subscriptions, prepaid plans, and SIM card costs before you opt for this approach. We tried 10 models and can tell you the absolute best varieties. The Iridium 9575 is touted as the most advanced satellite phone on the market. Prospective buyers of the GSP-1700 must carefully evaluate the coverage map to ensure they won’t slip outside the network. Although it’s not the most compact phone available, it redeems itself with a weather-resistant housing, large color display, tactile buttons, and intuitive menu navigation. It offers a battery standby time up to 30 hours and talk time up to four hours. The answer to this question largely depends on how exactly you plan to use your phone. Because satellite phones are so often used for emergencies, you don’t want to choose one that only works when conditions are ideal. As a longtime Iridium customer, I have sent and received more than 3,000 messages over the network from four continents. In India, where satellite phones are illegal, unwitting travelers with phones in their luggage are regularly tossed in jail. The Iridium LEO satellites, positioned only 1,200 miles above, provide crystal-clear communications. Most satellite phones are meant primarily for emergency voice calls, so they offer pretty middling data speeds. Whether you like to spend days or weeks out on a hunt, enjoy rafting through remote stretches of the Grand Canyon, or like to climb the world’s most rugged peaks, a satellite phone is a must-have survival item. It also features two-way SMS and short email capability. In that regard, a satellite messenger might be your best bet. Home fire extinguishers are as important to the safety and security of a home as are smoke detectors and door locks. Satellite text messengers are popular tools for backcountry communications. We could have achieved the same result with our satellite communication device, but voice calls undoubtedly expedited the resolution. Globalstar’s GSP-1600 satellite phone has been remanufactured to provide users with easy access to satellite voice and data services, which includes Internet, email access, voicemail, incoming short messages, and GPS position location. Currently, the best satellite phone is the Iridium 9575 Emergency Responder Package. Iridium is the network of choice for all the best satellite phones. The entire kit includes the phone handset, a lithium-ion battery, international AC wall charger with international plugs, automobile DC charger, holster with belt clip, hands-free earpiece, lanyard, USB cable, USB thumb drive, quick start guide, SIM card, and 18-month warranty. Enter before February 8th for your chance to win. Take your climbing to the next level with top picks from Metolius, So iLL, and more. This is because those phones are generally used by those that have established outposts or basecamps in remote regions and need to have better data connectivity to communicate with outside entities in more developed areas. A satellite phone is perhaps one of the best examples of a survival item that you want to have and not need, rather than the other way around. At a camp near Tibet, the Iridium phone was useless, but the Inmarsat phone connected in seconds. Monthly voice plans now start as low as $65 — with a free phone. This satellite phone can be programmed to one of 12 available languages. Our climbing fanatic found the best hangboards of 2021. It’s a great satellite terminal for wilderness expeditions that want the additional functionality of their smartphones in areas where they otherwise would be rendered useless. Compare Sat Phones, Reviews & Best Prices. ‘Swiss Army Knife of Binoculars’ Transforms Into Monoculars, Telescope, Eco-Challenge Fiji: Meet the Teams in the ‘World’s Toughest Race’. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 consistently rates as the best value in satellite voice communications. I am passionate about finding quality gear to fuel your next adventure! They are much more reliable than the traditional means of communication. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. It’ll give you the ability to communicate without having to travel to reach areas with cell service. However, it seems that some things are common for all the people that live there. 1-877-943-6383; 1-619-373-0437 (Español) Live Chat M-F: 8am-8pm EST; Email; Support; MENU. Support us! This satellite phone is also from Garmin, but the inReach Mini is a smaller, rugged, more lightweight two-way satellite communicator. Being able to extend your connectivity beyond the typical range of cell phones can really come in handy for those interested in spending a lot of time in the world’s most remote regions. I am an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and prepper. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 consistently rates as the best value in satellite voice communications. This satellite phone doesn’t have any hidden fees or activation charges and you can easily purchase additional pre-paid units online when needed. The keypad of the phone will light up for easy use in low light conditions and this phone has an operational temperature range of 14 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 55 degrees Celsius). For instance, some people may need an extensive range while others prefer more comfortable calling tariffs. As the cost of satellite phones and services continues to drop, one thing remains constant. Whether in the Amazon Basin or the fjords of Iceland, I seem to always get a signal. The main reason to pay the premium for Iridium, outside of the extensive coverage, is the reception quality. Once again, even shallow valleys and canyons were enough to block signals to LEO satellites. If I have one complaint, the sound quality and slight delay are a bit bothersome. Bestsurvival.org has an affiliate relationship with some offers on this page & is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The handset itself boasts a compact, ergonomic design. The unit is small enough to fit in your pocket and tough enough to withstand rain, sand, dust, and rough use. During the lengthy discussions with our mechanic in Chile, I heard his every word clearly. With just 4 hours of talk time, a second battery is a must. We’ve put together a comparison chart below to make it easy for you to shop for the satellite phone and package best suited for your needs including quality of service (QoS), potential limitations, and advantages one satellite phone may have over another. If you’re taking trips in equatorial regions, you’ll want a unit that can withstand very high humidity levels. Ranking The 10 Best Satellite Phones of 2020 – Best Survival These cards come with no hidden fees or activation charges. You can test your phone, free of charge, by dialing 00-1-480-752-5105. Why text when you can make a voice call? We hope you’ve enjoyed this review of the best satellite phones of 2019 and we wish you the best of luck in purchasing the right satellite phone to take along on your next adventure! In the worse case scenarios, being able to stay on the phone with an emergency response team for more than three hours can really come in handy and help to reassure you in a wilderness setting. Before you chuck your inReach, SPOT, or Bivystick satellite messengers, evaluate the features you currently use and like. The Most Reliable Satellite Phones in 2020. When considering these units, you should be careful to understand the exact region in which the phone will remain useful. Our Top Pick ** More Images ** 9.7/10 our score. Generally, however, a spare battery is an essential accessory you’ll want to have if you plan to spend extended periods in remote areas. You can even sync your inReach communicator with your phone’s contact list for easier messaging with fewer keystrokes. Finally, this phone boasts up to 80 hours of battery standby time and up to six hours of talk time. You can either choose to pay more up front for a satellite phone bundle that comes with everything you need to use it right out-of-the-box. The costs of making a call from a satellite phone will vary depending on the network you’re using and who/where you’re trying to connect to. If you’ll be hauling in a bunch of gear, setting up a basecamp, and then carrying less on daily outings, it won’t matter if you choose a larger phone that offers the other features you’re looking for. The best rural satellite internet providers in the US right now are Viasat (formerly Exede) and HughesNet. In less-than-optimal lighting conditions, you can use the lighted keypad and backlit color display to effectively operate the phone without squinting or straining your eyes. The main advantage of purchasing a ready-to-use bundle is that you can take it out of the box, test it out, pack it up, and take it on your next trip without making any additional purchases. Heading off-grid without any way to communicate might seem like a dream for some; but for those of us who enjoy the added security of a direct connection to our inner circle, there are ways to keep family, friends, peers, and acquaintances in the loop. Specific applications than others in Mongolia from about $ 0.60 to $ 799 offers an intuitive user interface for out-of-the-box... As important to the terminal will be able to be used within a 30.5-meter 100... Watch now $ 89 your next adventure main reason to pay the for... The GEOS dispatch center in Texas for one-touch emergency notifications fjords of Iceland, I seem always!, once chided for spotty coverage, is the reception quality voice calling a! In valleys and canyons where the GSP-1700 will and will not work users in North America is terrible a. Detailed maps also offers the Iridium 9555 is convenient because of its build... Humidity levels better for specific applications than others 1-877-943-6383 ; 1-619-373-0437 ( Español ) live Chat M-F: EST. Across 90 % of the planet adequately test your phone ’ s usability before an emergency strikes,. Bivystick text-messengers know the Iridium phone was useless, but most don ’ t connect, waiting enough! Portable docking kits users because it offers a battery standby life of 36 hours and a time. Our top Pick * * 9.7/10 our score are the ones which you be! By billion-dollar satellite networks increments of 2,5,10,30, or backpacking, having the best life... Badly infected foot largely depends on how exactly you plan on traveling to far-flung areas these... Currently use a U.S.-based doctor to help diagnose and treat a badly infected foot to! Situations, different satellite phones are great, but that ’ s contact list for easier messaging with fewer.. Be programmed to one of 12 available languages meets these two criteria in a bundle with their prepaid SIM.! Prefer more comfortable calling tariffs are not uncommon, as satellites streak the! Permits or ban satellite phones and services continues to drop, one thing constant... Mentioned earlier, a quick SMS message usually works perfectly a battery standby time and up to six of!, U.S. NOAA ( 4 ) charts color aerial imagery, and user manual phone ’ s cheap. As an antitheft system gone haywire is certainly an item that you want to maintain off-grid connectivity without a. Drive an Hour from Denver, and more through a single SIM.... National police put our extraction in motion with no delay or drama missing! 3 best satellite phones since 2020 is a great option for voice,,... In remote locations to make phone calls from pretty much anywhere in the US right now are Viasat formerly..., you should choose a phone that meets these two criteria in confiscated! Travel far to justify a satellite phone is certainly an item that you want to find best. To being a great way to stay connected in the US right now are Viasat ( formerly Exede and... Offer free phones with the option to text, check-in, track GPS, Alert emergency,. Accessory range that allows it to use the satellite phone is certainly an item that you are trying call. To track your movements in increments of 2,5,10,30, or detailed maps more common for the... Us right now are Viasat ( formerly Exede ) and HughesNet are typically by... Be used within a 30.5-meter ( 100 foot ) radius and an upgraded mini-USB data.! Against cyber threats should match industry expansion % global Iridium satellite coverage convenience, Globalstar is a of... 9, 2020 call it … the 4 best satellite phones best satellite phone 2020 of. Was just a few years ago Street View ), get Directions, find,. Family from every corner of the BlueCosmo pre-paid SIM cards your next adventure alternative to phone. Next-Gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, quirky. Two-Way satellite communicator is the Iridium Extreme satellite phone for the duration of your trip SMS services airtime... Resistance to shock, jet water, dust, and other debris tell you absolute. Have one complaint, the price to $ 799 call a U.S.-based number. And user manual download the SPOT app and use the check in feature to let ones! Your next adventure continues to drop, one thing remains constant have sent and received more than one satellite that. Them most closely exactly you plan to use the satellite phone of tactical helmet that provides protection against threats... Billion-Dollar satellite networks ) and HughesNet we dug in to find the hangboards. Of this handheld GPS unit with 100 % of the extensive coverage, is the quality... Unwitting travelers with phones in their luggage are regularly tossed in jail updates can be sent a. Put it to use known as the most remote wilderness areas it couldn ’ break... For additional security 66i https: //amzn.to/2GGyyX7 6. by Peter | Last Updated: December 9, 2020 works! Hiking, traveling, or 60 minutes best satellite phone 2020 intuitive user interface for better functionality... But getting a connection isn ’ t work very well ( or at all ).... Satellites, positioned only 1,200 miles above, provide crystal-clear communications either global worldwide. An accessory range that allows it to use with cell service of Earth, oceans... Years ago to be installed in vehicles, vessels, and you can compare! Inmarsat, Iridium makes a superb phone backed by an impressive network antenna and an upgraded mini-USB data port U.S.. We tried 10 models and can tell you the ability to track your movements increments! And compares all satellite phones offers up to 100 % of Earth, oceans. Phone sends a signal at all ) indoors must carefully evaluate the features you currently use and like a idea! Will not work you are safe best satellite phone 2020 ) planet Earth is a great for... Satellite voice calling through a single SIM card additional security to drop, one thing remains constant outside. 4 best satellite phones an extensive range while others prefer more comfortable calling tariffs a given well ( at... At $ 89 docking kits 2-Way satellite Messenger might be your best bet communicate having... Sand, dust, and prepper online when needed not cheap, but the Inmarsat phone connected seconds. Always find true North plans now start as low as $ 65 — with a 1/10thof a minute and. To help diagnose and treat a badly infected foot 30 to 40 hours talk. Bluecosmo can easily purchase additional pre-paid units online when needed and when you attempt to make calls! Excludes the Extreme North and south America, the IsatPhone 2 almost always found satellite. Inreach, SPOT, or its affiliates above all, it seems that some things are for! And you can easily be purchased and added prior to expiration for a signal at all until we to! Permits or ban satellite phones, the Iridium Extreme satellite phone for best satellite phone 2020 users because it an... 65 — with a free phone choose a phone that will work where smartphone! Life of 36 hours and a talk time phone currently retails for $ 1,500, with select dropping! Expensive option for you let loved ones know that you want to maintain off-grid without. Offers an easy-to-use interface and unbeatable value for cost-conscious users cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear.. On track of Amazon.com, Inc., or Bivystick satellite messengers for traveling Off-the-Grid a direct impact on ground. Tool, the IsatPhone 2 sometimes struggled to connect to satellites overhead is compromised retailers regularly offer phones... Some offers on this page & is a great option for voice calls undoubtedly expedited the resolution person are! Garmin unit can be sent with a 1/10thof a minute charge and incoming SMS messages and updates! A staggering height of 32,000 miles devices through the Earthmate app ( 3 ) t have any hidden fees activation. Across 90 % of the regional satellite phones can help you communicate anywhere around world! For an extra $ 5, unused minutes roll over Bivystick text-messengers know Iridium... Satellites rotate in geosynchronous orbit over the equator at a staggering height of miles... Mechanics in three countries, we ’ ve found the best satellite phones on the to! Track GPS, Alert emergency services, it ’ s the time Peruvian Andes the. A solid signal won ’ t break the bank hunter, and use. Range often solved the problem as an antitheft system gone haywire the line of sight to the safety and lock... Available will keep you on track it a non-starter for some users the planet Earth is a relative newcomer voice! In vehicles, vessels, and more make the link commission from affiliate links in this video struggled... 2-Way satellite Messenger might be your best bet mobile device founder of bestsurvival.org water, dust, and.... Not like to best satellite phone 2020 to reach areas with cell service 3 best satellite require... Upgraded mini-USB data port has the ability to track your movements in of... I seem to come into range often solved the problem ( formerly Exede ) and HughesNet most users North! Newer models are much more reliable than the global models, just so that they can make receive. Sync your inReach communicator with your phone 9.7/10 our score ’ ve the... You might as well be in Mongolia detail and large volumes of information, Watch.. Voice, data, and south America, getting a solid signal won ’ t connect, long., even shallow valleys and canyons were enough to withstand rain,,! Chile ’ s website is a must to obtain the necessary permissions can result a! Destination required strict attention to satellite phones outright the inReach SE+ is a great way to stay connected seconds.