When you’re off the beaten path, there are more and more options available to get help in an emergency, or keep in touch with loved ones.

Which system will be the best for you, though? Have a look at our handy comparison chart to help you with your decision!

ProductACR – 406 Link
acr
SPOT 4
spot 3
SPOT X
spot x
Garmin inReach Explorer+
inreach exploerer
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin GPSMAP 66i
inreach 66i
Garmin Montana 700i & 750i
montana 700i
Garmin inReach Messenger
Garmin inReach Messenger select quick text option
ZOLEO
zoleo
Motorola defy satellite link
motorola defy satellite link left side
Iridium GO!
Iridium GO! exec
Iridium GO! exec device
Satellite ConstellationLEOSAR-GEOSAR maintained by NOAA34 LEO satellites maintained by GlobalStar34 LEO satellites maintained by GlobalStar66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium + Cellular network + WiFi66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium + Cellular network + WiFiInmarsat and Echostar geostationary satellite networks66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium66 cross-linked LEO satellites maintained by Iridium
CoverageGlobalVirtually Global – mostly inland, some off shoreVirtually Global – 2-way messaging is Americas, Europe and most of AfricaGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalVirtually Global – View coverage map hereGlobalGlobal
Where does your distress signal go?CospasFocusPoint International, Inc. FocusPoint International, Inc. GEOS EIRCCGEOS EIRCCGEOS EIRCCGEOS EIRCCGEOS EIRCCGlobal RescueFocusPoint International, Inc. GEOS EIRCCGEOS EIRCC
Annual or Monthly FeeNot mandatory – annual fee is only used for advanced self tests. Beacon testing can be done without the 406Link service.MandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatory
SOSâś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…âś…
Help – send for help to predetermined contacts ❌✅✅✅✅✅✅✅❌❌only if GEOS Service is declined in the initial setup
Check-in/OK✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅❌
Custom Message ✅ (pre-determined messages only)✅ (pre-determined 120 character messages only)✅✅ (160 character type & send messages either used alone or when paired with iPhone or Android)✅ (160 character messages when paired with iPhone or Andriod)✅✅✅(160 character messages when paired with iPhone or Andriod)✅ (950 character type & send messages when paired when paired with iPhone or Andriod)❌✅✅
Tracking ❌✅ (additional fee)✅✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅❌❌✅✅
2-way Communication via Text/SMS❌❌✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
Make and Receive Phone Calls❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌✅✅
Email Access❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌✅ via Iridium Go! app✅
Weather forecasts❌❌❌✅ (additional service)✅ (additional service)✅ (additional service or Active Weather when paired with cell phone)✅ (additional service or Active Weather when paired with cell phone)✅ (additional service or Active Weather when paired with cell phone)✅❌✅✅
Mapping ❌❌❌On mobile devices using the free Earthmate® app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and moreSync with the Garmin Explore website or the mobile app on your compatible smartphone for navigation, waypoints, courses, activities and collections. Also get access to trip planning and topographical mapping.Preloaded Garmin TopoActive maps of North America. Compatible with other Garmin mapping, BirdsEye, U.S. NOAA charts and more either via the Garmin Explore App or pre-loaded microSD cards or downloads (depends on map and usage).Preloaded Garmin TopoActive maps of North America. Compatible with other Garmin mapping, BirdsEye, U.S. NOAA charts and more either via the Garmin Explore App or pre-loaded microSD cards or downloads (depends on map and usage).Sync with the Garmin Explore website or the mobile app on your compatible smartphone for navigation, waypoints, courses, activities and collections. Also get access to trip planning and topographical mapping.❌❌❌❌
Pairs with IOS or Android devices via Bluetooth❌❌❌✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
Keyboard for on-device message construction❌❌✅No. Use up and down toggle buttons or pair to smartphone for easy typing.No. Use up and down toggle buttons or pair to smartphone for easy typing.No. Use up and down toggle buttons or pair to smartphone for easy typing.✅ Touchscreen QWERTY keyboard to pair to smartphone No. Pair to smartphone for typing.No. Pair to smartphone for typing.No. Pair to smartphone for typing.No. Pair to smartphone for typing.No. Pair to smartphone for typing. Built-in speakerphone and microphone functionality.