Satellite walkie talkies are devices that use satellite signals to communicate with each other, without relying on cell towers or radio frequencies. They are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and emergency responders who need to stay in touch in remote areas or harsh environments. Satellite walkie talkies offer many advantages over traditional walkie talkies, such as:
- Global coverage: Satellite walkie talkies can work anywhere on the planet, as long as they have a clear view of the sky. You don't have to worry about dead zones, interference, or roaming charges.
- Reliable and secure: Satellite walkie talkies use encrypted channels to transmit voice and data, ensuring your privacy and security. They also have backup batteries and solar panels to keep them working in case of power outages or disasters.
- Easy to use: Satellite walkie talkies are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with simple buttons and menus. You can easily make calls, send messages, and share your location with your contacts. Some models also have SOS buttons and emergency features to alert authorities in case of trouble.
However, satellite walkie talkies also have some drawbacks, such as:
- High cost: Satellite walkie talkies are more expensive than traditional walkie talkies, both in terms of upfront purchase and monthly subscription fees. You also need to pay for the satellite service, which can vary depending on the provider and the plan you choose.
- Limited features: Satellite walkie talkies have fewer features than smartphones or smartwatches, such as cameras, apps, or internet access. They are mainly designed for voice and text communication, not for entertainment or productivity.
- Size and weight: Satellite walkie talkies are usually larger and heavier than traditional walkie talkies, due to the need for a satellite antenna and a robust casing. They can be bulky and inconvenient to carry around, especially if you have to pack other gear and equipment.
If you are looking for a satellite walkie talkie, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- Battery life: You want a satellite walkie talkie that can last for a long time on a single charge, especially if you are going to use it frequently or for extended periods. You also want a device that can be recharged easily, either by plugging it into a power source or using a solar panel.
- Durability: You want a satellite walkie talkie that can withstand harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, water, dust, shock, and vibration. You also want a device that has a sturdy and ergonomic design, with a comfortable grip and a clear display.
- Range: You want a satellite walkie talkie that can reach your contacts, no matter where they are. You also want a device that can switch between different satellite networks, to ensure the best signal quality and availability.
- Functionality: You want a satellite walkie talkie that can do more than just make calls and send messages. You also want a device that can provide you with useful information and features, such as GPS, maps, weather, compass, altimeter, and more.
Based on these criteria, we have selected the 5 best satellite walkie talkies that you can buy in 2024. Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Garmin inReach Mini
The Garmin inReach Mini is a compact and lightweight satellite walkie talkie that can fit in your palm or pocket. It weighs only 3.5 ounces and measures 2.04 x 3.90 x 1.03 inches. It has a 0.9-inch color display and a simple keypad. It uses the Iridium satellite network, which offers global coverage and reliable service. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 50 hours in 10-minute tracking mode, or up to 20 days in power save mode. It can be charged via a micro-USB port or a compatible solar panel.
The Garmin inReach Mini can send and receive text messages, preset messages, and SOS alerts to and from other inReach devices, smartphones, tablets, or computers. It can also share your location and track your movements on a map. It has a built-in GPS that can provide you with basic navigation and waypoint marking. It can also pair with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, and use the free Earthmate app to access more features, such as maps, weather, contacts, and more. The Garmin inReach Mini requires an active satellite subscription, which starts from $11.95 per month for the basic plan.
The Garmin inReach Mini is ideal for anyone who wants a small and simple satellite walkie talkie that can keep them connected and safe in any situation. It is also compatible with other Garmin devices, such as watches, cameras, and fitness trackers.
2. Bivy Stick Blue
The Bivy Stick Blue is a versatile and powerful satellite walkie talkie that can turn your smartphone into a satellite phone. It weighs 7 ounces and measures 1.5 x 1.5 x 5.8 inches. It has a 1.77-inch color display and a single button. It uses the Globalstar satellite network, which offers good coverage and service in most regions, except for the polar areas. It has a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that can last up to 500 hours in standby mode, or up to 4 hours of talk time. It can be charged via a micro-USB port or a compatible solar panel.
The Bivy Stick Blue can send and receive voice calls, text messages, and SOS alerts to and from any phone number or email address. It can also share your location and track your movements on a map. It has a built-in GPS that can provide you with accurate coordinates and elevation. It can also pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and use the free Bivy app to access more features, such as maps, weather, contacts, and more. The Bivy Stick Blue requires an active satellite subscription, which starts from $17.99 per month for the basic plan.
The Bivy Stick Blue is ideal for anyone who wants a flexible and powerful satellite walkie talkie that can work with their existing smartphone and apps. It is also compatible with other Bivy devices, such as the Bivy Stick Orange and the Bivy Watch.
3. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a smart and reliable satellite walkie talkie that can provide you with seamless communication across different networks. It weighs 5.3 ounces and measures 2.6 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches. It has a 0.9-inch LED display and a single button. It uses the Iridium, cellular, and Wi-Fi networks, which offer global coverage and service. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 200 hours in check-in mode, or up to 8 days in power save mode. It can be charged via a micro-USB port or a compatible solar panel.
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator can send and receive text messages, preset messages, and SOS alerts to and from any phone number or email address. It can also share your location and track your movements on a map. It has a built-in GPS that can provide you with accurate coordinates and elevation. It can also pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and use the free ZOLEO app to access more features, such as maps, weather, contacts, and more. The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator requires an active satellite subscription, which starts from $20 per month for the basic plan.
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is ideal for anyone who wants a smart and reliable satellite walkie talkie that can switch between different networks and provide them with a consistent and dedicated phone number and email address. It is also compatible with other ZOLEO devices, such as the ZOLEO Cradle and the ZOLEO Remote Check-In Button.
4. SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger
The SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger is a rugged and durable satellite walkie talkie that can offer you peace of mind and convenience in any situation. It weighs 7 ounces and measures 6.54 x 2.9 x 0.94 inches. It has a 2.7-inch backlit display and a full QWERTY keyboard. It uses the Globalstar satellite network, which offers good coverage and service in most regions, except for the polar areas. It has a rechargeable lithium battery that can last up to 240 hours in 10-minute tracking mode, or up to 10 days in power save mode. It can be charged via a micro-USB port or a compatible solar panel.
The SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger can send and receive text messages, preset messages, and SOS alerts to and from any phone number or email address. It can also share your location and track your movements on a map. It has a built-in GPS that can provide you with accurate coordinates and elevation. It can also pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and use the free SPOT X app to access more features, such as maps, weather, contacts, and more. The SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger requires an active satellite subscription, which starts from $11.95 per month for the basic plan.
The SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger is ideal for anyone who wants a rugged and durable satellite walkie talkie that can offer them a dedicated phone number and email address, as well as an SOS button and emergency features. It is also compatible with other SPOT devices.
5. Thuraya XT-LITE
The Thuraya XT-LITE is a high-quality and convenient satellite walkie talkie that can offer you clear and stable voice communication. It weighs 6.6 ounces and measures 5.01 x 2.13 x 1.06 inches. It has a 2.7-inch touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. It uses the Iridium satellite network, which offers global coverage and reliable service. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 6 hours of talk time, or up to 80 hours of standby time. It can be charged via a micro-USB port or a compatible solar panel.
The Thuraya XT-LITE can send and receive voice calls, preset messages, and SOS alerts to and from any phone number or email address. It can also share your location and track your movements on a map. It has a built-in GPS that can provide you with accurate coordinates and elevation. It can also pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and use the free Thuraya XT-LITE app to access more features, such as contacts, call history, and settings. The Thuraya XT-LITE requires an active satellite subscription, which starts from $11.95 per month for the basic plan.
The Thuraya XT-LITE is ideal for anyone who wants a high-quality and convenient satellite walkie talkie that can offer them clear and stable voice communication. It also has an SOS button and emergency features, as well as a dedicated phone number and email address. It is also compatible with other Thuraya devices, such as the Thuraya Solar Charger and the Thuraya Car Charger.
Each of these satellite walkie-talkies has its own features and advantages, and you can choose the one that suits you best based on your needs and preferences. If you want to know more about satellite walkie talkie, please contact us.