There are many beautiful reasons to spend a few days off the grid. Maybe you’re on an extended fishing trip. Maybe you’re going hunting in the wilds of Montana. Maybe you’re hiking or backpacking on the Appalachian Trail.
These are all wholesome, satisfying ways to spend time while away on your vacation. But they also come with risks. What if your boat engine fails, leaving you stranded? What if you break a leg while you’re hunting or backpacking? An emergency beacon can make the difference between life and death in these cases.
That’s why we’ve searched far and wide for the best personal locator beacon available online. We ended up with 7 personal locator beacon reviews that we think represent the cream of the crop. We’ve chosen a wide selection of devices, whether you’re looking for a barebones GPS emergency beacon or a more advanced satellite messaging device.
And, of course, we’ve looked for both premium choices and the best bargains.
Best Personal Locator Beacons
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1. Garmin InReach Mini
Garmin InReach Mini
$299.99 in stock
2 used from $285.99
Free shipping
Features
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using the 100% global Iridium network (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required)
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device, basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds
The Garmin inReach Mini is a pocket-sized personal locator beacon that you can carry anywhere.
Key Features
- Operates on the Iridium network
- 5-watt transmitter
- GPS-enabled
- Locks onto both GPS and GLONASS satellites
- Allows two-way messaging
- Weighs 3.5 ounces
- 50-hour battery life
- Measures 3.9” x 2” x 1”
The Garmin inReach Mini has a lot in common with Bruce Lee: it may be small, but it’s fast and furious.
To begin with, let’s look at how it tracks your location. Like most Garmins, the inReach Mini tracks both American GPS and Russian GLONASS satellites, so you can keep an accurate fix on your location even if one system or the other is out for some reason.
Not only that, the Mini is lightweight. Really lightweight. It only weighs 3.5 ounces, and it still offers 50 hours of continuous distress broadcast. Press the button, and emergency services will have an accurate fix on your location for over 2 days.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Rapid, reliable signal acquisition
Cons
- Requires a subscription
This emergency beacon weighs only 3.5 ounces, less than the beef patty on a quarter-pound burger.
2. Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
$429.00 in stock
4 used from $349.99
Features
- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- In reach explorer+ device adds preloaded Delorme topo maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a full-featured GPS device that also includes a locator beacon.
Key Features
- Operates on the Iridium network
- 5-watt transmitter
- Works as a GPS and a 2-way messenger
- Locks onto both GPS and GLONASS satellites
- Built-in compass and altimeter
- 8 GB of internal memory
- Includes a free 1-year subscription
- Weighs 7.5 ounces
- 16-hour battery life
- Measures 1.4” x 4.2” x 6.3”
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is primarily designed as a GPS device. It has 8 GB of internal memory for storing aftermarket maps and comes with a 1-year free subscription to the Iridium satellite network. As long as you have a subscription, you can send a distress signal via 406 MHz as you would with any other personal locator beacon.
Even without a subscription, the Explorer+ functions as a perfectly serviceable Garmin GPS. As a result, many people forego the free subscription while they’re hiking locally, and only activate it when they go on a long trip. While you can only pull this trick once, it’s a good way to save some money.
Pros
- Also works as a GPS
- Acquires a signal easily
- Can be loaded with additional maps
- Can be used for two-way messaging
Cons
- Requires a subscription
- Expensive
If you’re a fan of Garmin’s reliable GPS devices, you’ll enjoy the Explorer+.
3. Spot 3 Satellite GPS
Spot 3 Satellite GPS
$162.00 in stock
3 used from $162.00
Features
- S. O. S. - in an emergency, send an S. O. S. With your GPS location to geos, who facilitates search and rescue
- Check in - let contacts know where you are and that you're okay with a pre-programmed message
- Help/spot S. O. V. - request help from your friends and family at your GPS location. OR, ask for help from professional assistance organizations
- Custom message- let contacts know where you are by sending a pre-programmed message with your GPS location
- Track- automatically send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using google maps
The Spot 3 Satellite GPS Messenger is a tiny, compact personal locator beacon that also works as a two-way messaging device.
Key Features
- Operates on the Globalstar network
- 4-watt transmitter
- GPS-enabled
- Optional GPS tracking
- Supports SMS messaging
- Includes a free 1-year subscription
- Weighs 4 ounces
- 150-hour battery life
- Measures 3.4” x 2.6” x 1”
The Spot 3 Satellite GPS Messenger isn’t just a locator device. It’s also a messaging tool that allows you to send 160-character SMS messages to all your friends. The only downside? You need to purchase an annual satellite subscription to cover all of your services.
That said, there are plenty of services involved. For the basics, you get GPS tracking at 10-minute intervals, including the ability to update friends and family on your location automatically via email or SMS. This is a great feature to have, whether you go hiking once a week or once a year. Just make sure to keep your subscription up to date, or you may suddenly find yourself out of touch.
Pros
- Very long battery life
- Can automatically update your loved ones on your location
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Requires a subscription
The Spot 3 is the most affordable reliable satellite messaging device on the market.
4. McMurdo Fast Find 220
McMurdo Fast Find 220
1 used from $450.00
Free shipping
Features
- 406/121.5MHz plb
- Easy to operate
- No subscription needed
- High brightness LED SOS light
- Minimum 24hr continuous operation
The McMurdo Fast Find 220 is a compact, lightweight GPS transmitter that’s designed solely for emergencies.
Key Features
- Operates on the Cospas-Sarsat network
- 4.8-watt transmitter
- GPS-enabled
- Buoyant and waterproof
- Built-in strobe light
- Weighs 4.1 ounces
- 24-hour battery life
- Measures 3.1” x 2” x 1.25”
The McMurdo Fast Find 220 is designed primarily as an emergency transmitter. While it’s buoyant enough for use on a boat, it’s really made as a camping or hiking transmitter; the strobe light isn’t automatic, and the 4.8-watt transmitter is better suited to use on land than it is on the sea.
That said, if you’re using the Fast Find 220 for its intended purpose, you’ll find a lot to like. The compact size is its primary attraction since it will stay out of your way unless the worst actually happens.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Built-in strobe light for emergencies
- Equally useful for backpacking or boating
Cons
- Only works inside the US
This device weighs only 4.1 ounces, so you can slip it into your pocket and forget about it.
5. Spot X
Spot X
$226.90 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- SYNC WITH BLUETOOTH: Connect to SpotX to cellphone so you can communicate with family or even search and rescue; Use as a standalone communication device with it's own dedicated US mobile number to receive messages
- PEACE OF MIND: Send S.O.S. to 24/7 Search & Rescue service, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, receive confirmation when help is on the way; Message any cell number or email address virtually anywhere
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or emergency rescue their exact GPS coordinates
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SpotX Device, strap and carabiner, micro usb data/power cable, quick start guide, SOS mirrored sticker, warranty card and kickstand
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Grab a Spot X 2-way Satellite Messenger; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
Spot X is a two-way messaging and social media device that comes at a very reasonable price for the package.
Key Features
- Operates on the Globalstar network
- 5.1-watt transmitter
- GPS-enabled
- Includes a Google Maps interface
- Automated tracking available
- Allows for two-way messaging and social media posting
- Built-in QWERTY keyboard
- Weighs 6.8 ounces
- 240-hour battery life
- Measures 6.5” x 2.9” x 0.9”
The Spot X is a PLB unit with a few extra features. Not only will it alert authorities to your location, but it will also keep your loved ones updated as well. And if that’s not enough, it also includes two-way messaging and social media integration. Post your location, or even pictures from your hike, and set your friends and relatives at ease.
Conversely, if you’re really in trouble, Spot X provides you with plenty of ways to get help. It includes a powerful 5.1-watt transmitter, and the messaging function allows you to contact friends and relatives directly. And if there’s one thing that beats being able to call the Coast Guard, it’s being able to call your uncle for help.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Helps you keep your loved ones updated on your location
- QWERTY keyboard is familiar and easy to use
- Great value
Cons
- Requires a subscription
If you crave two-way messaging but are addicted to your QWERTY keyboard, this is the ideal device.
6. RESCUEME
RESCUEME PLB1
Features
- 7 Year Battery Life / 7 year warranty
- 24+ hour operational life
- Free to use, no subscription charges
- High brightness strobe light >1 candela
- 66 channel GPS receiver / Unique mounting clip
The Ocean Signal rescueME is primarily designed for sea rescue, although it’s perfectly serviceable on land.
Key Features
- Operates on the Cospas-Sarsat network
- 4.5-watt transmitter
- Buoyant and waterproof
- Weighs 4 ounces
- 24-hour battery life
- Measures 2” x 3” x 1.3”
The Ocean Signal rescueME is a barebones personal locator beacon. It only sends a distress signal with a homing beacon; it doesn’t provide a GPS location. This means it can take hours longer for emergency services to hone in on your signal.
That said, the rescueME is very easy to use. You can set off the alert in 2 or 3 seconds even if one hand is completely incapacitated. Considering that the entire purpose of an emergency beacon is, well, emergencies, that’s a helpful feature. Combine that with a pocket-sized design and a buoyant, waterproof case, and you’ve got a tool that’s well worth the purchase price.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight
- Easy to operate with one hand
Cons
- No GPS
This personal locator beacon can be operated with a single hand in just a few seconds.
7. DeLorme inReach
DeLorme inReach
4 used from $179.99
Features
- Trigger an SOS and interact back and forth with GEOS, our 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Send and receive 160 character free-form text messages with GPS coordinates to emails or cell numbers anywhere in the world.
- Adjustable tracking intervals from 10 minutes to 4 hours allow you to track your trip and share your location including GPS coordinates, elevation and speed
- Provides 100% global coverage through the Iridium satellite network. Delivery confirmation for all text messages and SOS signals., Color screen with predictive, virtual keyboard for standalone two-way messaging
The Garmin DeLorme inReach can be adjusted to suit your preferences; monitor your location every 10 minutes for maximum accuracy, or every 4 hours to maintain battery life.
Key Features
- Operates on the Iridium network
- 5.5-watt transmitter
- GPS-enabled
- Locks onto both GPS and GLONASS satellites
- Allows for two-way messaging
- Allows for social media updates
- Built-in tracking and location
- Weighs 7 ounces
- 72-hour battery life
- Measures 5.9” x 2.4” x 1”
The Garmin DeLorme inReach is a GPS personal locator that provides two-way messaging and pinpoint accuracy on both GPS and GLONASS satellite networks. These locators offer live location tracking, as well as barometric pressure and elevation updates.
The only thing we don’t like about these devices is that they require a subscription to fulfill their main purpose. While you can use the GPS itself without a subscription, you need satellite service to signal your own location. Pay the monthly fee, or accept that the free version of this tool is only useful for helping others.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Adjustable tracking intervals (from 10 minutes to 4 hours)
- No-contract plans available
Cons
- Requires a subscription
This GPS unit offers 3 full days of battery life, more than you’ll typically see from a transmitter this powerful.
Bottom Line
As you can see, a wide variety of emergency beacons are available. The most important distinction to remember is between emergency beacons and messaging devices. Most of the devices on our list are simple emergency beacons, which simply broadcast your location to emergency services when activated.
However, some are advanced satellite messaging devices, which allow you to send specific messages to specific people. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you click that button.
And remember, your personal locator beacon is required by law to be registered. You can do that here in just a few minutes. Not only does this provide emergency services with important information (your age, sex, and known medical conditions), it’s also necessary to activate your device. Without registration, your PLB beacon is as useful as a hole in the head.
Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert reviews and guidance!
The Review
Best Personal Locator Beacon
Check out the ratings of the best personal locator beacons available today before making a purchase.
Review Breakdown
- Garmin InReach Mini
- Garmin inReach Explorer+
- Spot 3
- McMurdo Fast Find
- Spot X
- RESCUEME
- DeLorme inReach
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