Garmin Inreach Mini 2 vs Zoleo: A Detailed Comparison
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Dimensions: 2.04 x 3.90 x 1.03 inches Display Size: 0.9 x 0.9 inches Display Resolution: 176 x 176 pixels Display Type: Sunlight-readable, monochrome, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) Weight: 3.5 oz (100 g) Battery Life: Up to 14 days Waterproof Rating: IPX7 Waypoints: 1000 Courses: 100 Activities: 200 Network: Iridium Subscription: Yes Two-Way Messaging: Yes Location Sharing: Yes SOS Alerts: Yes Compass: Yes GPS: Yes Weather Updates: Yes Bluetooth: Yes- The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a GPS device and a satellite communicator all rolled into one and works with or without a phone, and thus is a standalone device when you want it to be.
- This means you can use these Garmin units or their own to send and receive messages including custom messages, unlimited preset messages, location sharing, and an SOS message all via the Iridium satellite network.
- In addition to this, you can also use it as a GPS for location tracking, and save waypoints, and it has hand features like weather reports and a compass. Everything you need to stay on track.
- While the display is small, it works well and when you need to you can connect it to your phone and use the Garmin Explore app to use more detailed topographical mapping.
- This unit is small, light, packable, fully waterproof, and super convenient to use but you will need an iridium network subscription.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Dimensions: 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 in inches Display Size: None Weight: 5.3 oz Battery Life: 9 days or more Waterproof Rating: IP68 Waypoints: 0 Courses: 0 Activities: 0 Network: Iridium/Cellular/Wifi Subscription: Yes Two-Way Messaging: Yes Location Sharing: Yes SOS Alerts: Yes Compass: No GPS: No Weather Updates: Yes (not offshore) Bluetooth: Yes- The Zoleo Device is a little bit different from the Garmin as this is a satellite communicator, not a GPS, and it requires a cell phone connected to the Zoleo app for it to work.
- Zoleo uses the Iridium Satellite Network as well as Wifi and cell service networks too, and it switches seamlessly between them, only using the satellite connection when nothing else is available.
- Once you have paired your smartphone via Bluetooth and the Zoleo app to the Zoleo two way satellite messenger, you can then use your smartphone to send and receive SMS texts, emails, SOS messages, and location sharing coordinates just like you would when your smartphone has cellular signal.
- You can also get a weather report too, but for the land only. But, unfortunately, this is not a GPS device and therefore will provide you with functional GPS navigation. It will give you a GPS location via GPS coordinates to send to rescue services and loved ones though!
- You can also use the unit as a standalone device for SOS and check in messages as there is a handy SOS button and check in button on the device, so you can always communicate even if your phone battery is dead.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to spend time in the furthest reaches of nature, aka the backcountry for days or weeks at a time, chances are you have thought about buying a satellite communicator.
Satellite communicators are pretty amazing things as they allow seamless communication between you and your loved ones as well as emergency rescue services no matter where in the world you are.
This means you can communicate with anyone who might be worried about you and get rescued when you need it, an awesome additional safety feature. But, which satellite communicator should you buy?
Garmin InReach has been the number one satellite communicator for a long time but there are new options coming into view that are competing for the top spot, one of which is the Zoleo Satellite Communicator.
Join me as I compare in a load of detail, the Garmin mini with the Zoleo Satellite Communicator so you can make sure you have the satellite communicator for your needs.