Satellite phones are a true game-changer for anyone venturing into remote areas beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks or duringemergencies or natural disasters. Unlikestandard smartphoneswhich rely on cellular networks made up of physical towers, satellite phones communicate directly with satellites orbiting approximately 500 miles above the Earth. This ensures reliable connectivity even in the most isolated and challenging locations.Staying connected in areas with poor or non-existent cellular coverage can be incredibly difficult, making a satellite phone an invaluable tool. Over the years, I've used a variety of satellite phones and communicators during off-grid adventures. Sometimes, I rely on them to stay in touch with others, while at other times, they serve as a safety precaution in case of emergencies. The ability to hit an SOS button and summon help, even in the most remote environments, provides unparalleled peace of minda feature I'm grateful to have but have yet to use (and hope I never will).Satellite connectivity is an essential communication lifeline for many people, including emergency responders, military personnel, remote field researchers, and avid adventurers. However, accessing these networks often comes with a steep price, requiring expensive subscriptions that may not be accessible to everyone.What is the best satellite phone right now?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 right now is the Starlink Mini, simply because it's one of the cheapest ways to access the full internet, and everything that offers, when on the go.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. Sort by All The best satellite phones and communicators of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon There is no end of satellite phones and communicators out there, but when it comes to looking at what they offer, their features are incredibly limited, while the price of monthly contracts is sky-high.Enter the Starlink Mini. While the dish will set you back a fair chunk of change, you then get access to high-speed internet across huge swathes of the globe.Read the review: How I turned the Starlink Mini into an almost perfect off-grid internet solutionThere's a lot to like about the Starlink Mini package, from the fact that you get true internet access, high-speed data transfer, the ability to use it on the move in a vehicle, and a dish that's small, lightweight, and can even be run from a power bank.Starlink Mini tech specs: Dimensions: 430 x 334 x 79 mm |Weight: 1.53 kg with kickstand & 15 m cable |Services: Satellite internet |Battery life:N/A|Operating temperatures: -22F to 122F|IP Rating: IP66 Pros Best system for off-grid internet High-speed data transfer Lightweight Cons Problems with cable There is no end of satellite phones and communicators out there, but when it comes to looking at what they offer, their features are incredibly limited, while the price of monthly contracts is sky-high.Enter the Starlink Mini. While the dish will set you back a fair chunk of change, you then get access to high-speed internet across huge swathes of the globe.Read the review: How I turned the Starlink Mini into an almost perfect off-grid internet solutionThere's a lot to like about the Starlink Mini package, from the fact that you get true internet access, high-speed data transfer, the ability to use it on the move in a vehicle, and a dish that's small, lightweight, and can even be run from a power bank.Starlink Mini tech specs: Dimensions: 430 x 334 x 79 mm |Weight: 1.53 kg with kickstand & 15 m cable |Services: Satellite internet |Battery life:N/A|Operating temperatures: -22F to 122F|IP Rating: IP66 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon 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 home.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 it 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.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: 50F to 122F|Durability: MIL-STD 810F |IP Rating: IP65 Pros Acts as a satellite hotspot so that multiple devices can connect to it Good battery life Good selection of accessories Cons Expensive 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 home.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 it 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.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: 50F to 122F|Durability: MIL-STD 810F |IP Rating: IP65 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon While satellite communication is now built into the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel, the companies that make messengers need to up their game. Garmin has now unveiled its new inReach Messenger Plus, one of the first satellite communicators to provide photo and voice messaging capabilities in addition to text messaging, location sharing, and SOS communications.With the inReach Messenger Plus, you can enhance your outdoor adventures by sending 30-second voice messages, text messages up to 1,600 characters (including emojis), and sharing your route and GPS location, allowing family and friends to track your journey. Additionally, it accesses weather forecasts to stay informed while exploring the great outdoors, making this device an essential companion for adventurers.As a standalone satellite communicator, the inReach Messenger Plus ensures you're never out of touch, and even if your smartphone battery dies or gets damaged you can still notify contacts of your status, share your location, and send SOS messages.The inReach Messenger Plus is rugged and has an IPX7 water-resistant rating, which means it's built to withstand the elements and survive accidents better than most devices.Garmin inReach Messenger Plus tech specs: Dimensions: 78 x 64 x 23 mm |Weight: 117.2 g |Services: Satellite messaging, location tracking, SOS, and photo/voice message service |Battery life: Up to 25 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode|IP Rating: IP7X Pros Compact messenger device Handles SOS, text, photos, and voice notes Great battery life Cons No physical keyboard Many features rely on smartphone Subscription plans are pricey and somewhat confusing While satellite communication is now built into the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel, the companies that make messengers need to up their game. Garmin has now unveiled its new inReach Messenger Plus, one of the first satellite communicators to provide photo and voice messaging capabilities in addition to text messaging, location sharing, and SOS communications.With the inReach Messenger Plus, you can enhance your outdoor adventures by sending 30-second voice messages, text messages up to 1,600 characters (including emojis), and sharing your route and GPS location, allowing family and friends to track your journey. Additionally, it accesses weather forecasts to stay informed while exploring the great outdoors, making this device an essential companion for adventurers.As a standalone satellite communicator, the inReach Messenger Plus ensures you're never out of touch, and even if your smartphone battery dies or gets damaged you can still notify contacts of your status, share your location, and send SOS messages.The inReach Messenger Plus is rugged and has an IPX7 water-resistant rating, which means it's built to withstand the elements and survive accidents better than most devices.Garmin inReach Messenger Plus tech specs: Dimensions: 78 x 64 x 23 mm |Weight: 117.2 g |Services: Satellite messaging, location tracking, SOS, and photo/voice message service |Battery life: Up to 25 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode|IP Rating: IP7X Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon 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 lets 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.Also: I held the world's thinnest foldable phone, and it made my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 look outdatedOne 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: -4F to 140F |Durability: MIL-STD-810G for shock |IP Rating: IP67 Pros SOS feature Low-cost solution Physical keyboard Cons Limited features Physical keyboard is a bit small 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 lets 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.Also: I held the world's thinnest foldable phone, and it made my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 look outdatedOne 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: -4F to 140F |Durability: MIL-STD-810G for shock |IP Rating: IP67 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon 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 simpleto the.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: -4F to 140F|Battery life: Up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode |Durability:N/A |IP Rating:IPX7 Pros Cheaper than a dedicated sat phone Packed with features Cons Not a true satellite phone 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 simpleto the.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: -4F to 140F|Battery life: Up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode |Durability:N/A |IP Rating:IPX7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less 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:-4F to 131F |Durability:| IK04 |IP Rating:IP65 Pros Fully-featured satellite phone Robust Near global coverage Good battery life Cons Big and bulky Expensive 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:-4F to 131F |Durability:| IK04 |IP Rating:IP65 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon 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:14F to 131F|Durability:N/A |IP Rating:N/A Pros Satellite and GSM Rugged Cons Doesn't offer global coverage (doesn't cover north or south America) Battery life could be better No coverage in the US 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:14F to 131F|Durability:N/A |IP Rating:N/A Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best satellite phone? So, which satellite phone is best for you? Three factors in particular come into play: What do you need the satellite phone for? Expeditions? Hiking? Emergency use?How much are you willing to spend? Prices start at just over $100 and quickly jump into the thousand-dollar range.The network. Not all satellite networks have global coverage.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. Best satellite phonePriceWhere to BuyServices OfferedSatellite NetworkGlobal CoverageDimensionsBattery LifeOperating TemperaturesDurabilityIngress ProtectionStarlink Mini$599AmazonFull internet accessStarlinkStarlink is available in over 100 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe and South America.300 x 250 x 40 mmNo built in battery-22F to 122FN/AIP67Garmin inReach Messenger Plus$499AmazonText messages, photos, and voice notesIridiumGlobal78 x 64 x 23 mmUp to 25 days50F to 122FMIL-STD 810FIP65Iridium GO!$855Walmart, AmazonSatellite calls and SMSIridiumGlobal114 x 82 x 32 mm5.5 hr talk time, 15.5 hr standby time50F to 122FMIL-STD 810FIP65Garmin inReach Messenger Plus$499AmazonText messages, photos, and voice notesIridiumGlobal78 x 64 x 23 mmUp to 25 days50F to 122FMIL-STD 810FIP65SPOT X$250Amazon, REISatellite SMS, automatic positioning, and SOSGlobalStarGlobal166 38 24 mm240 hours-4F to 140 FMIL-STD-810GIP67Garmin inReach Mini 2$299Amazon, Walmart, Best BuyTwo-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routingIridiumGlobal2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inchesUp to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode-4F to 140FMIL-STD-810IPX7Thuraya XT-LITE$599Amazon, WalmartSatellite calls and SMS, GSMThurayaNot in North/South America128 53 27 mm6 hr talk time, 80 hr standby time14F to 131FN/AN/AInmarsat IsatPhone 2.1$790AmazonVoice calls, SMS, GPS trackingInmarsatNearly Global16.9 x 7.65 x 2.9 cm8 hr talk time, 160 hr standby time-4F to to 131FIK04 shock resistance ratingIP65Note: Prices and availability may vary. Show more Which is the right satellite phone for you? 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... Starlink Mini Access to the internet as a whole. Forget about just being able to send messages or access the weather, with a Starlink Mini and a view of the sky, you can get high-speed internet from over 100 countries. 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. Garmin inReach Messenger Plus A small, tough messenger that can handle text, voice notes, and photos, and also be an emergency SOS device. this can be used with your smartphone or standalone in an emergency. 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. 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. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a satellite phone/communicator. 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. Show more How did I choose these satellite phones? 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.Price: The price tag is always a factor, especially for those who are going to use their satellite phone only occasionally.Coverage: Not all satellite networks offer global coverage, so knowing this in advance is important.Use case: Are you looking for a traditional satellite phone, or do you want something more specialized, like a satellite hotspot or emergency beacon?Reviews: What are others saying about these devices? I looked at reviews on Amazon, Reddit, and a bunch of other outlets to get a consensus of the hardware and the satellite service.Hands-on experience: Over the years, I've used a number of these devices, sometimes briefly, sometimes for several weeks or months. This allows me to get a better understanding of the device. Show more FAQs on satellite phones What is a satellite phone? 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. Show more What is a satellite communicator? These are devices that, like satellite phones, connect to an orbiting constellation of satellites orbiting thousands of miles above the Earth, typically in low Earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO). These satellites relay signals between the phone and ground-based stations, which then connect the call to the regular phone or data network.Some are standalone devices that have built-in keyboards, while others rely on a connection to a smartphone for the keyboard and display. Show more How much do satellite phones/communicators cost? 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. Show more Can I use a satellite phone indoors? 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. Show more Aren't the latest iPhones also satellite phones? 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 Show more Can a satellite phone replace a smartphone? 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. Show more Which satellite network is the best? 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.Depending on the satellite network, sat phones can provide near-global coverage, even in the most isolated locations. Popular satellite networks include:Iridium(provides global coverage using a constellation of LEO satellites).Starlink (provides global coverage using a constellation of LEO satellites).Inmarsat(uses GEO satellites for wide coverage, excluding polar regions).GlobalstarandThuraya(regional coverage with partial global access). Show more Do satellite networks offer global coverage? Not all do. In fact, coverage varies considerably between the networks.StarlinkStarlink coverage is available in over 100 countries. Coverage map can be found on the company's website.IridiumIridium offers global coverage. Live map of satellite locations are available fromIridiumwhere.com.GlobalstarGlobalstar coverage maps can be found on the company's website.InmarsatInmarsat has nearly global coverage. Maps can be found on the company's website. Show more Can you get a satellite phone that doubles as a regular phone? 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. Show more How reliable are SOS devices, such as the SPOT X or Garmin inReach? 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. Show more Other satellite phones worth considering ZDNETs Smartphone Guide Smartphone Roundups Smartphones Reviewed & Compared Smartphones Explained ZDNET Recommends