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Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator

Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator

4.7(39 ratings)

Best price now

$299.99at DiveCatalog.comChecked 6 h ago

Compared across 19 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Price facts

  • Last seen at $299.99 at DiveCatalog.com on Nov 10.
  • Checked at 19 stores.

Our take on the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator

The Garmin inReach Messenger is a palm-sized satellite communicator that sends and receives two-way text messages and shares your GPS location beyond cell coverage. It pairs with the Garmin Messenger app for group chats and longer messages, and it can hand off to Wi-Fi or cellular when those are available to save satellite use. It weighs 4 oz and runs up to about 4 weeks in tracking mode on a charge. It suits hikers, hunters, backcountry skiers and boaters who want a check-in and SOS device without a full handheld GPS screen. Against the inReach Mini 2 it trades the color topo display for a simpler screen, a lower profile and a built-in battery that doubles as a phone power bank.

Best forBackcountry hikers and huntersSolo travelers and overlandersBoaters and anglers out of cell rangeFamilies wanting a check-in and SOS device
Pros
  • Two-way satellite texting with delivery confirmation
  • Global Iridium coverage with SOS to Garmin Response
  • Switches between Wi-Fi, cellular and satellite automatically
  • Compact and light at 4 oz
  • Battery lasts up to about 4 weeks in tracking mode
  • Can top up a phone from its battery
Cons
  • Requires an active satellite subscription for messaging and SOS
  • Small screen and no topo maps, unlike the inReach Mini 2 or GPSMAP
  • Satellite messaging can lag compared with cellular texting
  • App needed for the best group and long-message experience

Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator prices at every store

  • GOHUNT ShopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit GOHUNT Shop
  • Garage Grown GearNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Garage Grown Gear
  • DiveCatalog.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit DiveCatalog.com
  • GarminNew

    In stockSold by United States

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Garmin
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • REINew

    In stock

    $300.00Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit REI
  • DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $299.99+ $9.99 shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit DICK'S Sporting Goods
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $209.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Pacific Coast AvionicsNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Pacific Coast Avionics
  • Bass Pro ShopsNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Bass Pro Shops
  • Performance BicycleNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Performance Bicycle
  • MyPilotStoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit MyPilotStore
  • Backcountry.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Backcountry.com
  • Hodges MarineNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Hodges Marine
  • Cabela'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Cabela's
  • The GPS StoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit The GPS Store
  • Sierra Bicycle SupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Sierra Bicycle Supply
  • Sportsman's WarehouseNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Sportsman's Warehouse

Also available at

  • OSATCheck price at OSAT
  • PAST OutdoorsCheck price at PAST Outdoors
  • Paragon SportsCheck price at Paragon Sports

Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator price history

Lowest price we've seen: $299.99 on Nov 11 at Garmin. Tracked across 16 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

  • 4.7 / 539 ratings

Owners rate it highly for reliable off-grid messaging and simple setup. Most praise the small size and battery life; complaints center on the subscription cost and the slow, terse satellite messages.

What people mention
  • ReliabilityPraisedOwners say messages get through where phones have no signal.
  • Battery lifePraisedReviewers report days to weeks of use per charge in tracking mode.
  • SetupPraisedPairing with the Messenger app and activating the plan is described as quick.
  • SubscriptionCriticisedBuyers dislike that an ongoing satellite plan is required for messaging and SOS.
  • Message speedMixedUsers note satellite texts can take longer than cellular ones to arrive.
  • ScreenCriticisedThe small display limits on-device reading and typing without the app.

About the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator

Description

The Garmin inReach Messenger is a compact, rugged satellite communicator to keep friends, family, and hunt partners in reach using seamless global two-way messaging when you're outside of cell coverage. Use it to check in with contacts, read and reply to their responses with QuickText messages, and share your GPS location data if you’d like. More detailed texting and group messaging are made easier by using the Garmin Messenger app. Seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi networking, cellular, and satellite networks giving you the best connectivity and cost-efficiency for all your communications.

Specs

Weight

4 oz

Dimensions

3.1" x 2.5" x 0.9"

Battery Type

Rechargeable

Battery Life

Up to 4 weeks when tracking intervals are set to 10 minutes with full sky view and up to 2 weeks with moderate tree coverage Up to 6 days when tracking intervals are set to 2 minutes with full sky view and up to 3 days with moderate tree coverage

Compatible Apps

Garmin Messenger App

Waterproof

IPX7

Manufacturer Warranty

Limited

Questions and answers

Do I need a subscription to use it?
Yes. Two-way messaging, location sharing and SOS require an active inReach satellite plan. Without one the device is largely limited to basic functions.
How is it different from the inReach Mini 2?
The Messenger has a simpler screen, no topo maps and a battery that can charge a phone. The Mini 2 adds a color display with navigation and is aimed at map users.
Can I text from my phone through it?
Yes. It pairs over Bluetooth with the Garmin Messenger app, so you type on your phone and the device sends over satellite. It also uses Wi-Fi or cellular when available.
How long does the battery last?
Garmin rates it up to about 4 weeks with tracking on, with shorter life under heavy messaging. Real-world use depends on how often you send and track.
Does it work worldwide?
Yes. It uses the Iridium satellite network, which covers the globe including polar regions, so it works on remote trips abroad.
What's in the box?
The communicator, a USB-C charging cable, a carabiner and documentation. A satellite plan is sold separately.
Where is the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator cheapest?
At DiveCatalog.com, for $299.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator?
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 39 ratings.
Where can I buy the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator?
22 stores we checked sell it, including GOHUNT Shop, Garage Grown Gear, DiveCatalog.com, Amazon, Garmin.

Buying guides that pick the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator

  • Best satellite messengers for emergency SOS

Stores we've priced the Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator at

  • Backcountry.com deals and prices
  • Bass Pro Shops deals and prices
  • Best Buy deals and prices
  • Cabela's deals and prices
  • dickssportinggoods.com deals and prices
  • Performance Bicycle deals and prices
  • rei.com deals and prices
  • Sierra Bicycle Supply deals and prices
  • The GPS Store deals and prices
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