While satellite text messengers have become popular tools for backcountry communications, the trusty satellite phone still has a place in our expedition tool kits. And with subscription plans becoming downright affordable — with some even offering a free phone — why text when you can make a voice call?

　　For abbreviated exchanges, a quick SMS message usually works perfectly. For conversations demanding a high degree of detail and large volumes of information, however, nothing beats a voice-to-voice dialogue. Weve been using satellite phones since before, and now after, theyve been cool — and weve watched the technology advance in that time. Along the way, weve traveled to some pretty deep places on this planet and stress-tested the market of sat phones to manage our needs for expedition communications.

　　From the summit of Denali to the Amazonian tangle, our explorers have cut through the static to bring together this list of the top satellite phones (and one worthy messenger) on the market today. All of these handhelds will get your call out when it matters most, and while the humble sat phone may seem dormant for now, there are big things on the horizon. Rest assured, well be disappearing into the bush with those, too, to measure their worth.

　　If satellite phones are new to you, consider digging into our in-depth Buyers Guide and FAQ after our selections. And to measure each phone against the other, our Comparison Chart should be able to make the connection. Otherwise, dial in and check out the best sat phones weve used to date.

　　Editors Note: We updated our Satellite Phone guide on May 14, 2024, to include new testing information from our expeditions in Alaska, as well as add the Garmin inReach Messenger — a satellite device that does almost everything a sat phone does — but better.

　　The Best Satellite Phones of 2024 Best Overall Satellite Phone: Iridium 9555 Best Budget Satellite Phone: Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Best Satellite Phone for North America: Globalstar GSP-1700 Best Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Messenger Best Overall Satellite Phone Iridium 9555 Specs Network Iridium Satellite Coverage Global Antenna Internally-stowed, omnidirectional Text Messaging Yes, T9 predictive text Battery Life 4 hour talk; 30 hour standby Display Monochrome Waterproofing N/A Size 5.6” x 2.1” x 1.1” Weight 9.4 oz.

　　Pros Extensive global coverage and high-quality voice coverage Affordable monthly plans Compatible with an externally-mounted antenna Call timer to manage plan usage Cons Global coverage doesnt include U.S. embargoed areas Not waterproof rated Does not host a GPS chip GJ Staff Owners of Garmin inReach Mini and Bivystick text-messengers know the Iridium name well. As longtime Iridium users, weve sent and received thousands of messages over the network from four continents. Whether in the Amazon Basin or Icelands fjords, with enough time, we always get a signal on the Iridium 9555 ($1,150).

　　Although its often one of the most expensive options for voice calls, the 9555 is still affordable when you look at the whole package of service plans. An Iridium 10 Monthly Plan nets you 10 minutes of voice a month for $65, but the value swings heavily toward the user when you take into account that incoming calls and text messages are free. That’s not cheap, but thats half the cost of what it was just a few years ago.

　　The main reason to pay the premium for Iridium, outside of the extensive coverage, is the reception quality. Our testers have used an Iridium 9555 in Nepal to call a U.S.-based doctor to help diagnose and treat a badly infected foot, as well as coordinate glacier flights out of the Ruth Gorge in the Alaska Range. The Iridium LEO satellites, positioned only 1,200 miles above, provide crystal-clear communications across the entire globe.

　　The Iridium 9555 is convenient because of its robust build and compact size, even at the sacrifice of battery life. With just 4 hours of talk time, a second battery is a must. We also like having the programmable SOS button linked to the GEOS dispatch center for easy emergency notifications. Above all, we appreciate the sound quality the most. During the lengthy discussions with our mechanic in Chile, we heard his every word clearly.

　　The downside of LEO satellite reception is most noticeable in valleys and canyons where the line of sight to satellites overhead is compromised. Dropped calls arent uncommon, as satellites streak across the sky and sometimes travel out of reach. All the same, Iridium makes a superb phone backed by an impressive network. If youre after a satellite phone that simply works everywhere, and is backed by years of stellar support, the Iridium 9555 is our top suggestion today.

　　$1,180 at AmazonCheck Price at Blue Cosmo Best Budget Satellite Phone Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Specs Network Inmarsat Satellite Coverage 90%, no polar coverage Antenna Fold-out; directional Text Messaging Yes Battery Life 8 hour talk; 160 hour standby Display Color Waterproofing IP65 Size 6.6” x 2.9” x 1.1” Weight 11.1 oz.

　　Pros Great value for the price Integrated GEOS SOS response Ability to send GPS locations Excellent battery life Cons Coverage isnt truly global, and leaves off the polar regions Directional antenna will require care to keep aligned GJ Staff The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 ($899) consistently rates as the best value in satellite voice communications, in our opinion. Third-party retailers regularly offer free phones with the purchase of a yearly contract, and our free phone — which has not left our side in a year — came with 70 minutes of monthly talk time for just $60.

　　The first obvious difference between this and the Iridium 9555 is the satellite network: Inmarsat. With history all the way back to 1976, the network provider currently operates 15 geostationary satellites at 22,236 miles above the Earths surface, with coverage between latitudes of -82° to 82°. This means that polar regions dont currently have any reception and that connection times can be a bit extended due to the extreme height of the birds. Even still, audio quality is high, and once youre connected to a satellite, its tough to lose the call.

　　As a technical tool, the IsatPhone 2 includes several useful features. The dedicated SOS button connects to the GEOS dispatch center in Texas for one-touch emergency notifications. Capable of sending SMS texts and brief email messages, the battery provides an unmatched 8 hours of talk time and 160 hours on standby. Although it’s not the most compact phone available, it redeems itself with weather-resistant housing, a large color display, tactile buttons, and intuitive menu navigation.

　　When used throughout most of North, Central, and South America, the IsatPhone 2 almost always found a satellite. The geosynchronous satellites, which remain stationary overhead, virtually eliminate the chance of dropped calls. But getting a connection isn’t always a given. In deep mountain valleys of the Himalayas and the Peruvian Andes, the IsatPhone 2 sometimes struggled to connect. Relocating to higher ground usually solved the issue.

　　If we have one complaint, its that the sound quality and slight delay are a bit bothersome. Then again, it’s impressive for a signal bounced off a tiny satellite 32,000 miles away. When it comes to getting into a quality satellite phone without busting the bank on the entire expedition, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 is our choice.

　　$873 at AmazonCheck Price at Blue Cosmo Best Satellite Phone for North America Globalstar GSP-1700 Specs Network Globalstar Satellite Coverage North America, most of South America, Europe, Japan Antenna External; directional Text Messaging Yes Battery Life 4 hours talk; 36 hours standby Display Color Waterproofing No Size 5.3 x 2.1 x 1.5 Weight 7.1 oz.

　　Pros Good deals can be found on this device U.S. phone number with no added fee Compact design Fast uncompressed data speeds Cons Satellite coverage map isnt extensive, and there are numerous dead zones Phone isnt made anymore, and support may be limited GJ Staff Best known as the network behind the ubiquitous SPOT Messenger, Globalstar is a relative newcomer to voice communications. The Globalstar GSP-1700 ($499), the brand’s first and only phone, is a fine product with 4 hours of talk time, fast data speeds for quick transmission of texts and coordinates, and voice quality on par with (if not better than) Iridium. As an added convenience, Globalstar phones use a U.S.-based phone number without an additional fee, which means anyone calling you wont pay extra for talking to a satellite phone number.

　　Good deals on the GSP-1700 come and go, and we should note that the brand has officially ceased production of this phone, so any you buy will be old stock (or a refurbished unit). Still, Globalstar continues to offer service plans for the GSP-1700, so it can be an excellent deal if you can get your hands on one. Monthly service plans start at $100 and come with 150 minutes of voice, with each additional minute being 99 cents.

　　Prospective buyers of the GSP-1700 must carefully evaluate the coverage map to ensure they won’t slip outside the network. For most users in North America, getting a solid signal won’t be an issue. If you plan to venture into Asia, Africa, or popular destinations in Central and South America, however, you’re better off with Iridium or Inmarsat.

　　While theyre still available, the Globalstar GSP-1700 may be the cheapest way to get into a true satellite phone out there. Coverage isnt as global as some of the other satellite voice providers, but if your adventures are more so looking to explore the least-visited corners of North America, this sat phone has the chutzpah to make it happen.

　　$340 at Amazon Best Satellite Messenger Garmin inReach Messenger Specs Network Iridium Satellite Coverage Global Antenna External; fixed Text Messaging Yes, on-device or through connected app Battery Life 28 days w/ a message every 10 minutes; 1 year standby Display Monochrome Waterproofing IPX7 Size 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 Weight 4 oz.

　　Pros Garmin Messenger app makes for seamless texting Integrated SOS functionality Extended battery life and can be used to reverse charge devices Compact size compared to satellite phones Allows for location tracking Cons Not a true satellite phone in that it doesnt support voice calls Using without a phone can be a bit challenging GJ Staff Yeah — not a true satellite phone, but theres a good reason we opted to include the Garmin inReach Messenger ($300) in our lineup of satellite devices: Pure versatility. With a far more modern texting interface and extended battery life, many explorers today are opting to leave the sat phone behind and go with a robust messenger instead. Stacked side-by-side, the trade-offs can be well worth giving up the ability to make voice calls.

　　For one, texting can be very set and forget, and with a device like the Messenger you can hold conversations over hours at your own leisure — even while moving. This can be a boon for those who are on a tight timeline or just want to check in throughout the day instead of an evening chat. Granted, you wont be able to trade information as quickly as you would on the phone, but with a good connection, it can still be quite quick.

　　The inReach Messenger also uses the same Iridium network that our favorite sat phone does, and benefits from all of the same robust service — just without the extra data load of moving audio around. And while the texting functionality of most sat phones is stuck in the 90s, the modern and slick Messenger app that tethers your inReach device to your phone makes texting seamless.

　　Cutting out the speakers and extra tech for audio also frees up a good amount of space for battery, and the Messenger absolutely trounces even the best satellite phones when it comes to longevity. If you were to send a message every ten minutes, you could do so for 28 days straight with a full sky view. In standby mode, thats an entire year, and thats not even to mention the fact that you can reverse charge your devices from the Messenger if you need to.

　　If the need for audio is primary for you (and were not saying everyone should do without — there are definite expeditions we wouldnt leave without a sat phone on), then sticking with the real deal like the Iridium 9555 is a safe bet. But if youre after a device that can trade messages quickly, prompt an SOS call, deliver weather forecasts, and do it all with extra gas in the tank, the Garmin inReach Messenger should certainly be considered.

　　$300 at REICheck Price at Backcountry Satellite Phone Comparison Chart

　　Redbull athlete Paul Guschelbauer stuck with the author on the side of a mountain at 17,200 feet in the Atacama; (photo/Christophe Noel) Some winters ago while traversing Chile’s Atacama desert, our Toyota Hilux inexplicably died, leaving us stranded on a mountain at 17,000 feet. After a volley of sat-phone calls to friends and mechanics in three countries, we diagnosed the problem as an antitheft system gone haywire. One final call to Chile’s national police put our extraction in motion with no delay or drama. We could have achieved the same result with our satellite communication device, but voice calls undoubtedly expedited the resolution.

　　Breakdowns in the Andes aside, you don’t have to travel far to justify a satellite phone. Cellular service in the backcountry of North America is terrible. Drive an hour from Denver, and you might as well be in Mongolia. The GearJunkie team plays host to a number of far-flung adventurers who regularly leave cell service in the dust, and while satellite messengers get all the attention these days, theres undeniable utility in being able to hash out a conversation when you are truly deep in an expedition.

　　No backyard testing would suffice in testing these sat phones, and we put in the effort to get out there to challenge them. Most recently, tester and mountain guide Eli Spitulnik used these devices to keep in contact while he climbed a first ascent on Mt. Bradley in the Alaska Range, as well as a follow-up ascent of Denali where he guided a team of climbers on the West Buttress. Being off the grid for four weeks at a time requires dialed-in communications, and Eli used these sat phones for everything from getting in-depth weather to hailing the teams glacier pilot.

　　We measured these phones against one another in terms of connection speed, audio quality, and the number of times we had calls drop — not something any of these phones were immune from. As handheld electronics, we also compared more commonplace specs such as battery life (an important feature when aiming to call from the top of North America), display legibility in harsh or dark conditions, and durability when faced with whipping rain or snow.

　　Each of these devices has been used hard and put away wet, and were confident in each of their abilities to get out a call when you need it most. And while satellite phone technology hasnt evolved much previously, new technology just this year is rapidly advancing, and were likely on the brink of true satellite phone coverage integrated into your regular phone. Well be testing the newest and greatest, and continue to update our list as new devices become available.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Satellite Phone

　　Multi-day expeditions that require a good bit of logistics are where a satellite phone shines; (photo/Chris Anders) Although only three providers dominate the satellite phone market, it’s difficult to know which to choose. Iridium, Globalstar, and Inmarsat all make great products backed by billion-dollar satellite networks. The best option for you hinges on one variable: where you plan to put it to use.

　　The first step in selecting a provider is comparing coverage maps. Iridium’s 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offer connectivity to 100% of the globe. Our experience has proven this to be one of the most reliable satellite voice networks out there, and its only being improved with time.

　　Inmarsat’s 15 satellites rotate in geostationary orbit over the equator at a staggering height of 22,236 miles. At such a lofty position, they cover 90% of the planet only missing sight of the poles. By 2026, the provider plans on having launched three additional new-generation Inmarsat I-8 satellites, which will provide additional coverage and future-proof the service into the 2040s.

　　Globalstar’s constellation of 48 LEO satellites, once chided for spotty coverage, continues to improve. Nonetheless, vast swaths of the world remain outside Globalstars reach, making it a non-starter for some users. Still, if your adventures mainly traverse the coverage zones, subscription plans can be affordable.

　　The Impossible Nature of Direct Comparisons As much as we would love to pick one phone and network as the ultimate winner for every situation, it’s simply not in the cards. Where and when you attempt to make a call has a direct impact on the ability to connect to satellites.

　　While camped in Alaska, we have been able to place a call in the morning with a Globalstar phone, but not in the evening. The Inmarsat phone failed to get a signal at all until we relocated to the next valley over. At a camp near Tibet, the Iridium phone was useless, but the Inmarsat phone connected in seconds.

　　Every phone had moments when it just could not make the link. A shift in time and place is the only remedy.

　　International Travel and Satellite Phones

　　Check out if youre allowed to bring a satellite phone into the country youll be exploring — lest you be labeled a spy; (photo/Nick Belcaster) During the five years weve spent compiling these impressions worldwide, each destination required strict attention to satellite phone regulations. Many countries require expensive permits or ban satellite phones outright. Failure to obtain the necessary permissions can result in confiscated phones or stiff fines.

　　And it gets worse. In a handful of countries (India, North Korea, Libya, etc.), where satellite phones are illegal, unwitting travelers with phones in their luggage are regularly tossed in jail. Know before you go — youll be glad you did.

　　Talk or Text Messaging?

　　With a good sat messenger and your phone, you can get a steady stream of information in and out — just without the talk; (photo/Nick Belcaster) Before you chuck your inReach, SPOT, or Bivystick satellite messengers, evaluate the features you currently use and like. Satellite phones are great, but most dont offer tracking features, GPS navigational aids, or detailed maps. In that regard, a satellite messenger might be your best bet.

　　As the cost of satellite phones and services continues to drop, one thing remains constant. When you’re in a jam far from home, hearing a friendly voice on the other end of a phone is priceless. Also, consider if your communication needs require the use of a satellite at all. For short-range chats between camps on Denali, we find that a powerful walkie-talkie makes it happen.

　　Price Satellite phones arent cheap pieces of technology, and while bounding strides of advancement have been made since their invention, prices still remain relatively high for the privilege of total off-grid voice communications. Still, there exists a range of satellite phones and, with it, a range of features youll have access to.

　　More budget-minded phones like the Globalstar GSP-1700 wont provide the widest coverage, and there are certainly places on the planet where you wont be able to get a call on the Globalstar network. But at a sub $500 price tag and with some of the cheaper service plans available, it can be an excellent way to get into a sat phone — if it covers where youll be going.

　　Its also important to note that almost every text-only satellite messenger is $400 or less, with subscription plans also being more affordable. Consider if having access to voice calls is worth the extra dough youll drop for the privilege.

　　A sub-$1,000 satellite phone like the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 makes a compelling case for itself, and while there are some areas it lacks, it does offer a good amount to make up for it. The biggest difference between this and the premium sat phones out there is going to be the network itself. The Inmarsat satellite network is still robust, but being geostationary and limited in satellites there is some delay in getting a signal.

　　Even still, there are functionalities that the IsatPhone has that even premium sat phones dont, such as a full-color display, GPS capabilities, and extended battery life. Bumping up to the $1,000 and above satellite phones is going to be all about the network, and in our opinion, Iridium reigns here. With global coverage, weve had the best success at getting a call out on the Iridium 9555 than any other phone.

　　FAQ Are satellite phones worth it? In this day and age, there is still a definite need for satellite phones, and it only gets greater the further you are from civilization. While satellite messengers work well for recreational use on weekend or even week-long trips, expeditions require a higher level of communication ability to be able to pull off, and when shuttling around information is essential, you need a device that can move a lot at once.

　　Being able to talk means that you not only get information across faster, but with less confusion and the ability to quickly ask for clarification. This can be the difference between getting the full weather forecast for the rest of the week, and getting the abbreviated synopsis in whatever will fit into 180 characters.

　　Finally, the feeling of being able to hear a loved ones voice is also a large draw on extended trips, and can be worth it all on its own.

　　What to look for when buying a satellite phone? When looking for a satellite phone, consider first where youre going to be using it, as this is the most important aspect of your sat phone, and if theres no coverage, youll be carrying around a useless brick. Iridium is the broadest satellite phone service offered currently, and is a safe bet if your adventures will take you around the world.

　　If youll be heading abroad but dont have the appetite to be a polar explorer, an Inmarsat device can save you a good bit of money, and still provide a high-quality audio connection. Also, consider Thuraya if you only travel to Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

　　Finally, take a look at the nitty gritty specifications for the phone youre looking to purchase.

　　Why are some satellite phones illegal? Satellite phones are illegal in several countries that believe they could be used by militant groups or to transmit sensitive information gathered through espionage. This includes China, Pakistan, Cuba, Russia, Chad, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Libya, areas of Nigeria, and India. Specific laws and regulations vary (for example, you can obtain a permit to use a sat phone in India and Cuba, but will be arrested, no questions asked, in Libya or Chad).

　　To be safe, consult the embassy of the region you are looking to travel to with a satellite phone before doing so to ensure you arent absentmindedly breaking any laws (or strongly held traditions).

　　Can satellite phones lose signal? Like any other wireless device, your reception is only as good as your connection, and with satellite phones being a direct connection device, signal loss can occur as the satellite youre connected to moves through its orbit.

　　This can be combated in a number of ways. For one, ensure that you have as wide of a horizon as possible, with a clear view of the sky. Angle your antenna so that it points toward the sky, or if your phone hosts as an eCompass function like Inmarsat devices do, use it to orient yourself toward the satellite.

　　Iridium sattelites are constantly orbiting and are linked, so service may wane for a few seconds, but will typically recover. Inmarsat satellites, on the other hand, are geosynchrous, meaning that they are a bit tougher to connect to, but once connected, tough to loose signal.

　　How far do satellite phones reach? Satellite phones have some impressive reach, not only in where you can call from but also in how far your signal needs to travel to make that happen. The low earth satellites in the Iridium constellation orbit at a little less than 500 miles above the planet, while the Globalstar birds are at a little less than 900. The geosynchronous satellites of the Inmarsat system, however, are a staggering 22,000 miles, which is quite a long way for your signal to travel — twice!

　　The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024 Failure isnt an option when it comes to choosing a satellite messenger. When you absolutely need to get the word out, here are the best sat messaging devices in 2024.

　　The Best Walkie-Talkies of 2024 A solid set of walkie-talkies can be essential for good backcountry comms, and weve tested the spread to nail down the best for your next adventure.