9 Best Satellite Phones for 2022

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 is amongst the most sought-after global satellite phones on the market. It promises tons of features to ensure you always stay online. The phone suits travelers, adventure seekers, and people that live in remote areas.

You can use this device for calls, texts, and voicemail services. Sending and reading emails is fairly okay because of the 2.1-inch display. And you can do it from anywhere, thanks to Inmarsat’s network coverage worldwide.  

The battery provides enough juice for talk times of up to 192 minutes on a single charge. When on standby, it can stay with power for at least six days. Recharging is pretty fast and takes around 3.5 hours.   

IsatPhone 2 is a great pick if you need a satellite phone with GPS. You can use this option to track your location when on the move. Speaking of which, its foldable antenna can extend by five inches for better accuracy.  

The handset has a 2.5mm connector for hands-free calling. Bluetooth extends connectivity for using a wireless audio device of choice. Besides that, there’s a USB slot for using the gadget as a computer modem to access the web.

This unit has a rugged design built using high-grade plastic materials. It can withstand shocks, dust, and splash water. Additionally, temperatures of 4°F (-20°C) to 131°F (55°C) are a no match for the outer casing. 

Oddly though, this device’s 11.21oz (318g) weight makes it one of the heaviest satellite cell phones. It feels chunky to hold and walk around with. But like the GPS-1700, folding out the antenna slightly improves handling. 

The asking price of around $520 is pretty steep. We didn’t like the low-resolution LCD screen as well. Additionally, the T9 text messaging keypad isn’t comfortable to use. 

Altogether, it’s great for making calls and even has a dedicated SOS button to call for help.

Looking for a satellite phone for hiking, adventure, entertainment, and business use? Get the Thuraya X5 Touch. It's fully loaded with smartphone features to make your life easier. 

The handset comes straight out of the box, screaming bells, and whistles. On the front sits a shiny 5.2-inch full HD touchscreen and a two-megapixel selfie cam. When you flip it, you'll find an eight-megapixel one for capturing pixel-perfect snapshots. 

Under the hood is a Snapdragon 625 8-core CPU that powers this marvel. It runs on Android version 7.1.2, that's slightly outdated but still works. You get 16GB internal storage and 2GB RAM for multitasking. 

The X5 Touch could easily pass as the best sat phone if it wasn't for limited network availability. Currently, Thuraya lacks satellite coverage in the Americas despite serving 160+ countries. But it has a dedicated SIM slot for use in regions with GSM/LTE.

You're guaranteed to love the 3800mAh battery that offers an impressive 100-hour standby. Calls can last approximately half a day if you talk throughout without pausing. Running out of juice shouldn't be an obstacle because it ships with a 3-amp fast charger. 

 And it gets interesting:

The X5 Touch has an ingress protection (IP) of 65. That means it can repel dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. Likewise, it's MIL-Standard 810G compliant for resistance against vibrations, shocks, and extreme temperatures.

The $1,300 price tag is, however, way above the average cost of a satellite phone. Another thing is the RAM is inadequate for such a multitasking powerhouse. What's more, we noticed it tends to overheat when under heavy usage.

That said, its smartphone capabilities make it worth every penny. You'll have access to over three million apps from Google Play Store. Its other features include but are not limited to: 

• Gorilla Glass protection 
• GPS 
• Wi-Fi 
• Bluetooth 
• FM radio 

This Iridium satellite phone is a simple yet so practical global communication device. You can use it for calls, texts, and email access without fail. It’s an absolute daily driver for personal and business use due to its lightweight design.

Starting with the construction, you'll find it rugged, tough, and comfortable to hold. You get a retractable 6-inch antenna on the top left for better signal reception. The bottom and sides feature:

• mini-USB port, 
• 2.5mm audio jack port
• a slot for charging

It has a T9 keypad that's a little clucky but convenient to use. The standard keys for accepting/canceling calls and navigation buttons exist. Its weatherproof casing shields it against water and humidity.

You can use this Iridium phone from any corner of the planet. That's because Iridium's satellite network covers 100% of the earth's land, air, and sea surfaces. You'll appreciate the stable connectivity, crystal-clear calls, and fast data transfers.

Nothing is exciting about the 1.7-inch monochrome LCD screen. But it has adequate backlighting to read text even under low lighting. Additionally, it has signal strength, notifications, and charge level indicators. 

The supplied 2200mAh battery provides roughly a day of power. The call time averages around 250 minutes alongside 30 hours of standby. At a price tag of around $1,000, this almost feels like a rip-off. 

But wait: 

Subscriptions on Iridium's network are affordable and flexible. You get to benefit from low-cost plans starting from $55.99/month. Its vendors also allow customers to roll over unused minutes, so you don't run out of talk time.  

This satellite phone by Iridium can work as a data modem too. The option is great for email access and browsing the web from your computer. Unfortunately, the mini-USB port is way slower than X5 Touch's USB-C.

In a nutshell, it stands out for network coverage, durable design, and ease of use. You also get a phonebook for saving up to 100 contacts and a loudspeaker.

If you're looking for the smallest satellite phone, the InReach Mini 2 is for you. Though it doesn't support voice calls, it's the closest you can get to owning one. It offers fast two-way messaging alongside other outstanding features. 

Here's the breakdown:

The InReach Mini 2 is simple, ultra-portable, and fit for lightweight traveling. It weighs only 3.5oz (100g) and packs an upgraded battery that lasts 100 hours. Unlike the previous version, the software is more refined for easy handling.

You can use this two-way messenger to send short messages to loved ones. It has scroll buttons on the sides for typing, albeit at snail speeds. But there's a preset tool to create text and sync it to your gadget from a computer.

Garmin rides on the Iridium sat phone network to provide users with global connectivity. Reaching out to loved ones from anywhere shouldn't be an issue. As mentioned earlier, the InReach Mini 2 doesn't support phone calls.

But you know what? 

Location tracking is the main highlight of this palm-sized communicator. It's great for sharing your progress with your loved ones and workmates. Furthermore, it has power saving mode to keep you connected for days.

InReach's weather update service sends real-time forecasts while on the move. You can also request information about other regions for better planning. However, this option costs around $1.00 for every notification you receive.

On the flip side, our tests show that the device can feel slow to use sometimes. That's due to the rugged, waterproof casing that causes the buttons clunky to press. The tiny 0.99-inch LCD screen also strains the eyes during broad light.

The $330 price tag fits the budget for users that need a cheap satellite phone. Of course, it doesn't support calls, but you get Bluetooth for connecting to your smartphone. You can pair it to your iOS/Android app to manage your activities.

The Extreme 9575 is a sturdy Iridium phone designed to stand the taste of time. It features a military-grade outer shell resistant to drops, dust, and humidity. You'll enjoy 100% satellite coverage to pay more attention to your escapades.

This device has a curvy shape with rugged sides for better grip. You get the usual retractable antenna that stretches outwards to enhance signal quality. A hidden SOS button is also fitted at the top to prevent pressing it by mistake. 

Dialing numbers on the phone isn't a challenge due to the large keys. The experience becomes shaky once you switch to composing messages. But that shouldn't be of concern if you prefer short texts for two-way communications.

Location tracking crowns it the best satellite GPS phone for backpacking. It relies on Google Maps for navigation and error-free directions. A separate cloud-based tool pings your position to update other connected devices.

It's not all rosy, though!

The tiny monochrome screen is similar to the one on Iridium 9555. The same goes for the low four-hour talk time battery life. Another thing, the mini-USB is slow and outdated for a device of its class.   

On the bright side, you get a phonebook with a storage capacity of 100 contacts. A 2.5mm audio jack enables you to go hands-free when needed. Best of all, you'll enjoy Iridium's cheap subscription plans. 

Satellite phone prices are high, as you're aware by now. The nearly $1,600 cost for this device can be out of reach for many. Still, its location tracking prowess and global network availability is worth the price.

The Montana 750i is a flashy GPS navigator that can be mistaken for an Android satellite phone. It has an intuitive user interface and a large touchscreen for ease of use. There's also an eight-megapixel camera to capture beautiful memories. 

Here's what it has to offer: 

The gadget feels nice to hold and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Its 14.4oz (410g) weight is hard to go unnoticed when you use it for the first time. That's because of the durable body that meets the US military grade standards.

The massive 5.0-inch touchscreen arouses the experience of using a smartphone. We found it to be super bright even under direct sunlight during tests. It's also responsive and snappy when using gloves under normal climatic conditions

Garmin provides CityNavigator maps for use in urban areas when driving. An alternative version called TopActive can help you find your way in remote locations. While that sounds exciting, buying a map costs around $99.

The satellite phone tracking features of this device are like no other! It uses GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites for high location accuracy regardless of the region. An 18-hour battery life also ensures you never worry about going off-course.

As earlier said, you can take eight-megapixel photos using the back-mounted camera. From our experience, the quality comes close to what your smartphone takes. But there's noticeable noise and a lack of details under low lighting.

Another area of concern is the touchscreen is hardly usable when wet. The display's 400 X 800 resolution is a significant drawback for this monster. Conversely, the full-size QWERTY keyboard is excellent for fast typing messages.

The Montana 750i can easily pass as the best sat phone. You can communicate using texts if the lack of calls doesn't bother you.

The XT-LITE is an entry-level satellite phone with GPS for navigating challenging environments. Its fairly good battery life provides a six-hour talk time and lasts three days on standby. As for the price, you can get this gem for around $565.

This phone is a stripped-down version of the Thuraya XT-PRO. It provides essential functions minus all the pomp and shine of its bigger brother. All the same, it retains the powerful omnidirectional antenna with a promise of reliable connectivity.

Making calls from this handset is okayish using the traditional dialer. The T9 keys are sizable but lack enough spacing for comfortable typing. You, however, get a dedicated navigation button for using the in-built features hassle-free.

This device offers encrypted satellite phone communications round the clock. To do this, Thuraya employs advanced endpoint protection (AEP) to keep bad guys away. It's the same tech that banks use to safeguard your money.

There's a nice collection of nifty tools at your disposal. These comprise a calendar, calculator, world clock, etc. You also get a phonebook.

The GPS location tracking feature does a fine job of displaying on-screen directions. Additionally, it can calculate distances between locations on your routes. The XT-LITE Chinese version offers BeiDou navigation that works just as well. 

As earlier mentioned, Thuraya's network doesn't cover North and South America. The good news is it's compatible with GSM networks available in the mentioned regions. Sadly, this device only supports 2G instead of the more robust 3G/4G/LTE networks.

This unit lacks weatherized protection against rough conditions. But the phone only weighs 1.76oz (150g), so carrying it in your pocket won't be difficult. On the whole, it's a pleasant satellite phone for hiking and use in regions with spotty cell coverage.

The InReach Explorer+ is a two-way messenger and GPS navigator that's a must-have for adventure. It's feature-rich, compact, and reliable for rocky mountainside regions. However, its $450 high price tag is comparable to what ordinary satellite phones cost.

The InReach Explorer+ offers text-to-text messaging for interactions.

But:

This device lacks voice calling capabilities. However, it's a great companion if you need a tracker to bring along for your trips. 

Communication is via the Iridium network that provides global satellite coverage. The gadget includes an SOS hotkey for activating search and rescue operations. A rubber cap, however, hides it to prevent you from triggering false alarms.  

The InReach Explorer+ has pre-installed maps for North America. Before using it, we advise that you upgrade the device to ensure they're up to date. You can also download and install alternatives for other regions from Garmin's website.

And it gets better:

Garmin offers customers unlimited cloud storage to organize trips for free. You can configure waypoints, routes, and messages and sync them directly to your device. Even the best global satellite phones on the market don't offer such convenience. 

This device's body is IPX7 certified to survive rugged countryside terrains. It can endure accidental exposure to water and extreme humidity. Withstanding external shocks from unintentional drops shouldn't be something to worry about.

The color LCD screen is small but understandable for a device of its size. Typing text on this gadget is another challenge that needs practice. Even though it's compact, the 7.47oz (212g) weight is slightly heavy to carry in your pocket.

Overall, this incredible device qualifies as a fishing and hunting satellite phone. The features like free cloud storage, trip planning, and maps are worth every cent

There's no iPhone satellite phone, but you can get an Android-based one. Or go with the SPOT X if you still fancy the Blackberry. You'll get a GPS, compass, two-way messaging, worldwide connectivity, etc.

This device steps out of the box, ready to transform your world. Its wide 2.7-inch monochrome screen is crystal-clear and readable under sunlight. You also get a complete QWERTY keyboard for typing text continently.

Globalstar will provide you with satellite coverage in North and South America. Other regions it covers include Europe, Australia, parts of Asia, and Africa. You may opt for an Iridium device if you want to travel without limitations.

A dedicated US number is available on the SPOT X. Sending messages to any standard mobile phone shouldn't be a problem. Furthermore, you can post status updates to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The device is a wonderful substitute for a satellite GPS phone for navigation. Its digital compass supports programmable waypoints to plan your routes. In addition, you can configure tracking based on different preset time intervals.

A weatherproof body is a fantastic addition to this Blackberry-like satellite messenger. It works comfortably between temperatures of -4°F (-20°C) and 140°F (60°C). The device can also wade off splashes of water from any direction.

On the downside, you may struggle to use the device at night due to the poor illumination. We also noticed that the keyboard stuck when typing text fast during testing. The six-hour charging time can be a deal-breaker for users to add salt to injury.

So, what does this satellite phone-like messenger cost? 

Approximately $200! 

That's a massive bargain if you're short on cash. It's great for camping, hiking, and traveling.