ZOLEO Satellite Communicator – Two-Way Global SMS Text Messenger & Email, Emergency SOS Alerting, Check-in & GPS Location – Android iOS Smartphone Accessory

I don't usually do reviews, but there's amateurs who didn't do their due diligence on this complaining.... So yes, you have to pay a fee which is one of the lowest for what you get in the industry imho. I've got two that I keep on plan or standby depending on the time of yr so my kids and myself on a moto have a back up plan. This is how you keep from dying on complex adventures alone especially. If you aren't wanting a stay alive option, then don't get it. Does it work, yes. Keep it updated and test it, but once set up ours has been very reliable for years. As parents, with a 20yr old on a 18 mile hike on a 14er alone in the rockies, we almost pulled the switch. We can track it as it sends a breadcrumb update to us and we saw the kid stopped for a while with weather blowing in. We were eventually able to message them via Zoleo to confirm they were good and just waiting for it to blow through under cover. Point is, people die more than you think. Zoleo & Garmin In-reach are good devices. We chose this one for our needs as the tracking is great and the phone is always with our people. If you don't want to pay for the safety, then use your phone and hope for the best. Many hikes have service and phones can now message via satellite. Just remember, none let you know exactly where and how to quickly get help with the push of a button and when a life is on the line, the cost is cheap. If you basically sit at home all year, then you don't need this. If you mountain bike, hike, moto in remote areas, travel into crazy places whatever, then you shouldn't leave home without a plan B. Especially if you do it alone! We have also used these as back up communications while our kids are out of state/country in case cell phones etc are down. We had a daughter within 30 miles of the Carolina catastrophe and it was great to be able to reach out to her reliably by text until cell service returned.

A few weeks ago when we were camping/overlanding, my wife asked a great question - what do we do when someone gets hurt or an emergency, and we have no cell signal? A very good question, and where we live cell signal outside of the few major cities and interstate is a bit spotty, and in mountains is non-existant. After some research, we decided to give Zoleo a try. We set it up and tested it on our deck outside (it needs open sky to work), and all the features seemed to work (we didn't try SOS, but everything else). The "I am OK" check button had our location within 30' (it sends GPS coordinates with the OK message), so that seems to work as well. We really just wanted a system that we could get help when needed (I have an overland truck with a roof-top tent. It would take a while to fold up everything even good enough to travel, and sometimes time is important), message folks when needed, or get updates from pet sitter, etc. We didn't need all of the maps and stuff that come with other products (I use other apps to do navigation). We were able to send/receive text messages with it in the middle of nowhere (no cell signal for miles), battery life was great, the app is actually pretty easy to use, and initial activation worked great. My wife and I both set it up together (so either of us can use it), and it was pretty easy to setup contacts and such after you understood the interface (it's not that hard to pick up). I called customer service once (to understand what my emergency contacts would see if we activated SOS), and the person answering the call was very friendly and knowledgeable. For us, this is pretty close to a perfect device for our needs. The cost of the device isn't that bad, its rugged/waterproof, 200hr battery life (we left it on for multiple days - I think 200hr is pretty accurate), the monthly cost gives you more messages than other brands (and you can suspend it after 3 months - they charge $4 per mo. for your account when suspended, and you can turn on/suspend however you like after the initial 3 months...if you turn it on, then they charge you for a month, but you can suspend it for the next month..all done on website), the app is fairly easy to use (we use iPhones). We just wanted to be able to do basic messaging/check-ins/get help, and that is really all this device does (but it does it well). You don't have to have the app running for check-in or SOS, and the device also let's you know some info via lights (you have a message waiting, SOS received, check-in sent ok, you need to charge it, etc). This won't give you a bunch of maps and stuff, so if that is more of your need, look elsewhere. But if your looking for an inexpensive PLB/sat messaging system, then this little guy may be it. It's a newer company, but so far I think they have a winning solution. With the new camping boom, they may have rolled this out at a great time. Very satisfied.

Got to use all the features on the first time out unfortunately. I bought this unit based on some great reviews and had all the features I needed. Ultimately purchased it to communicate with group of snowmobilers during winter rides. I had a break down and was separated on back to back trips this year and wanted a solution. So I took it on a hiking trip over the recent holiday weekend and told a contact (Android phone) once I got up to the camp site, I would send a location pin (IOS phone) and have him guess which location we ended up in in order to test sharing a location and having them find it on their app with offline maps. Just short of the camping spot I ended up breaking my leg. I started texting contacts in my iPhone using the Zoleo device and phone app to find out how far behind the rest of the group was and learned they were about 3 hours behind me. I debated for about 30 minutes about what to do and ultimately ended up pressing the SOS button due to the severity of the injury and remote location. Things I learned from my Zoleo device experience: 1. Response time between texts was very good. Even though I was in a real bad spot against steep sloping terrain with very tall trees on all sides......signal was the only problem based on my injury location. However, I believe the longest time for sending or receiving a text was 1-2 minutes but most of the time it was almost instantaneous. 2. SOS response was excellent. Once pressed they immediately reached out to my emergency contacts. They were in contact with me within 2 minutes and updated me throughout the ordeal. First communication was "GEOS: This is the IERCC, what is your emergency?". 3. Once IERCC determined that it was an emergency, they contacted a sheriff's office around 65 miles away (nearest location by checking Google). The sheriff's office then immediately contacted a local volunteer search and rescue crew. 4. When the search and rescue crew arrived, they were very professional, prepared, and very good at what they do. Very happy about that part. They immediately said they were pleased that I was able to get a very accurate location and inquired about how I did so. I showed them the Zoleo device and the SOS function and they were super impressed but hadn't heard of it before. They were able to use the location pin sent from my Zoleo device and input it into an onX app on their iPhone's and arrived exactly to my location. So there was no time "searching" around and took the guess work of finding me out of the time it took to rescue me. 5. At some point I inquired if I had to do any paperwork with them once finished and they said no. So there was no financial liability with these search and rescue folks. However, once we reached my vehicle I wasn't sure what their protocol was and requested that I drive myself out to the hospital of my choice. Their response was that there was too much liability for them to release me and instead drove me to the forest area boundary to be picked up by a waiting ambulance. So at that point I was liable for the cost of the ambulance and an overnight stay at an unknown hospital. Not really a bad thing in the end but I wasn't sure what the financial implications would be by pressing the SOS button......but I know now. Bottom line: I will never go off grid again without my Zoleo device. It was peace of mind when I got injured and the search and rescue crew gave me great feedback on how it helped them do their job to help me. Also, my contact that was sent the location pin instantly knew exactly where I was at as well, which is why I initially purchased it. Hope this helps anyone looking for something similar in a satellite communication device linked to IOS and/or Android phone.------not affiliated in any way with this company or how the device works------

Definitely was careless to not pick up a GPS unit years ago given the amount of time I spend off the grid, but I finally opted out of peace of mind to get one this year. I’ve read reviews for a while now and really the options boil down to if you want a built in keyboard or not (I.e. ZOLEO vs garmin Inreach) being they’re both on the same satellite network coverage should be roughly the same. Ultimately I opted for the ZOLEO for several reasons. The unit is a simple beacon, it’s rugged, weighs hardly anything, about the same size as a phone (slightly thicker) and holds up against water. I spend a lot of time in backcountry especially on waterways so I didn’t need anything fancy. Next, I’ve read some terrible reviews about garmins software and UX, the need to download multiple apps to manage service and messaging and ZOLEO was just their app for messaging and if you want to use a pairing GPS app (I passed on this). Subscription runs $5/month when idle or $20/month when in use which I believe is slightly cheaper than Garmin and I don’t know if there’s an idle option in Garmins terms. So bad UI and pricing was another strike against InReach devices. In terms of usage, have had minor issues, happened only a couple times where on parts of trips my location ie coordinates were not available when a ping was sent. Again this happened a few times but typically the next interval ping had my location shared. No issues with exposure to elements at all. Messages usually take a 3-4 minutes to relay (when it’s not perfectly clear of obstructions above you) but it’s been as fast as under a minute when you’re in open view of the sky. Haven’t tested the full limits of the battery but no issues running up to a week so far, with battery life stated around 240 hours. For peace of mind, functionality, subscription costs and not needing anything overly complex IMO this is a better buy than the Garmin Inreachs or other GPS units on the market. You get same satellite network as Garmin which is the best one available.

This device was designed to facilitate two-way communication between its smartphone app and the rest of the world, and allow you to signal for help via satellite in the case of a dire emergency. It excels at the latter, whether it is used as a stand-alone PLB/ELB or in conjunction with a smartphone and its Zoleo app. The battery life is incredible, and the plan is incredibly low-cost ($20/month with an optional $6/mo 'unlimited check-ins' feature), give that this device is capable of functioning literally world-wide. (See the MFR website for a few legally-restricted areas of operation - Sudan, North Korea, Taliban-controlled areas of Afghanistan, etc.) The Zoleo smartphone app lets the geek in you see exactly what's going on with your device, to include the received signal strength of the satellite constellation, and live status reports on the status of your in- and outbound messages. This device is not for everyone, though, and you probably should view some youtube videos comparing this Zoleo Satellite Communicator with other devices you are considering buying, such as the Inreach, SpotX, Somewear, and the like. There are differences, but in the end I love this Zoleo, as I am practically married to my smartphone, and the Zoleo app gives me a seamless experience between the "IRL" and "off-grid" world. Incredible device, excellent customer/technical support, incredible battery life, and a great smartphone-based satellite communications-enabled device!

The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is an outstanding piece of technology for anyone venturing beyond cellular coverage. It offers unparalleled connectivity and peace of mind, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, traveler, or simply someone who wants to stay connected off the grid. Seamless Global Messaging: This device bridges the gap between the Iridium satellite network, cellular, and Wi-Fi seamlessly. The ability to transmit text messages and emails over the lowest-cost network available is incredibly efficient and reliable. Life-Saving SOS Feature: Knowing I can send an SOS alert with my GPS location to a 24/7 emergency monitoring center is invaluable. The option for non-emergency Medical Assist is another thoughtful feature, adding another layer of safety during trips. Dedicated Contact Details: The assigned SMS number and email are fantastic. Friends and family can easily reach out to me directly, even when I’m far off the grid, which has been a game-changer for staying connected. Check-Ins and Location Sharing: The unlimited check-ins and optional location-sharing features are perfect for letting others know I’m safe. Including GPS coordinates in messages ensures my contacts always know exactly where I am. Built Tough for Adventures: With an IP68 rating, this device is built to handle rugged environments. The battery life is phenomenal—lasting over 200 hours, it has never let me down on multi-day trips. Affordable and Feature-Packed: The monthly plans start at just $20, which is a small price to pay for the security and functionality ZOLEO provides. Bonus features like weather forecasts and support for long messages (up to 900 characters) make it even more versatile. If you need a reliable satellite communicator that’s easy to use, durable, and packed with features, ZOLEO is the way to go. It’s worth every penny for the connectivity and peace of mind it delivers. Highly recommended!

While the entry price is attractive in comparison to other products, the devil is in the detail. Downsides include: - Web interface. The site is inexplicably slow in comparison to every other website on the internet. Why? - Priority to cell. When you send a message via the app -- the only way to send a message, the Zoleo checks whether there is a land cell signal. If there is, the message is sent that way. Only if there is no cell signal (how strong does it have to be?) does it send the message via satellite. This matters when you are trying to test the system before a trip; to truly check that the Zoleo is doing its job you need to add yourself to the distribution list and then put your phone in airplane mode and wait. With a clear shot to the sky, you should get a check-in message to your Zoleo app. When you take the phone off airplane mode you get a repeat delivery of the message, this time by cell text. - Account. Let's say you want to suspend your service -- you're not going to travel for a while. If you suspend it mid-way through the service month, your service is immediately suspended even if you're paid up for the month. If you want a partial credit you have to ask for it. Compare this to Garmin where you can suspend literally the second after you pay for a month and you have available service for the month that is paid up. - Account, phase II. Tracking is an additional $6. If you selected that in a previous month, suspended, then reactivated in a future month there is no way to preemptively deselect this add-on. So you reactivate, you get charged $6 and...yeah...you have to call Zoleo to ask for your six bucks back. - Tracking. As far as I've been able to determine, there is no "tracking" function. You can send your current location in a check-in message but there's no way for your family to look at your track online in case they ask "where'd Billy go, I haven't heard from him lately?" So what's the $6 tracking good for then? In all these cases, while it's not perfect Garmin is far better than Zoleo. In regard to the last complaint I listed, a "I'm going on a trip" message to your loved ones gives them a link to an online map that shows where you are in real time -- depending on how often you set your device to update its location. That's been my experience.

I recently purchased the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator for a hiking trip in New Hampshire, and it performed beyond my expectations. This device is a lifesaver for staying connected in remote areas with no cell service. I used it in the White Mountains, and it never once dropped signal, providing consistent, reliable communication the entire time. Whether I was sending check-in messages, sharing my location, or preparing for emergencies, the ZOLEO delivered every time. The device itself is well-designed and feels high-quality. It’s compact and lightweight, easily fitting into my hiking pack or pocket without adding bulk. The setup was straightforward, and pairing it with my smartphone via the ZOLEO app was a breeze. The app is intuitive, making it simple to send messages, check weather updates, or trigger an SOS if needed. I also appreciated the long battery life, which lasted through several days of heavy use without needing a recharge. The monthly subscription fee is reasonable for the peace of mind it provides, especially compared to other satellite communicators I’ve researched. The plans are flexible, which is great for someone like me who only needs it for occasional outdoor trips. My only wish is that the base price included a few more messages, but the service is so reliable that I don’t mind the small cost. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who ventures into areas without cell coverage, the ZOLEO is a fantastic investment. It worked flawlessly in New Hampshire’s rugged terrain, and I feel much safer knowing I have it for future adventures. Highly recommend!

La possibilité de suivre avec des points GPS régulier sur une appli maison est un vrai plus. On peut aussi importer les rapports CSV dans Google Earth

As I will be doing a lot of solo back country hiking / camping in Arizona shortly, I was looking for a product that would keep me in touch with love ones when out of cell phone signal, as well as giving me the assurance of calling for assistance should I injure myself etc. I done a lot of research and chose the Zoleo GPS Communicator over all the other brands as this gave me everything I needed at a reasonable cost. The set up was so easy and after making some test SMS and emails was confident that I will be able to keep in touch with people back home. The unit itself is small and feels high quality. This item will take some knocks in its stride. You do need to sign up for a monthly subscription but out of all the others on the market this one gave more buck for my money and also gave me the option to suspend or cancel after 3months which will suit me just fine. I obviously have not tested the SOS function and hope I never have to So far happy with the purchase Update….. Have just got back from almost a month off grid in the US backcountry. It would not be right to not of give an update. This tiny little box was fantastic! It kept me in touch, not only with mt SOS buddies, but anyone else I wanted to (upto 5 additional people). There was never a time I had any concerns while out solo. It sent out OK updates to all my contacts along with a breadcrumb trail. It never let me down once. Another great thing was, it held its charge for just over 7 days. Fantastic piece of kit. Can not recommend this enough if you do solo trips where there is no mobile signal or patchy. I am now using this in the windscreen of my car driving around the U.K. as a back up for when mobile signal drops

Me ha gustado mucho. Funciona fenomenal con una relación calidad precio excelente. Fácil de poner en marcha, vincular al móvil y contratar plan satelital. Servicio postventa eficiente(eso si en ingles porque te atienden desde EEUU aunque puedes hacerlo vía SMS con la ayuda de la IA). Una tranquilidad ir con él a zonas sin cobertura porque no solo tienes el SOS sino que puedes contactar vía SMS satelital.

Totalmente confiable para la transmisión de mensajes. De fácil configuración y con un app muy sencilla de usar. Mis amigos y familia en cualquier momento pueden ubixarme y comunicarse conmigo.

Easy to set up. Worked first time. Affordable. Will save your life. No brainier