Garmin inReach vs Apple Message via Satellite : Why I’m Switching to Apple

INTRO

Hey there, guys and gals! This is Chris with Ignited by Nature, and welcome back. Today, I’m doing a quick, high-level comparison between two key tools for outdoor communication: the Garmin inReach and Apple’s new Message via Satellite feature. Whether you're heading into the backcountry or just want peace of mind while off the grid, both options are great—but there’s a big difference that’s making me switch.

SECTION 1: GARMIN INREACH

First up is the Garmin inReach. I’ve used both the Garmin inReach Mini and Mini 2, and both devices are well-known for their reliable satellite communication. With them, you can send and receive messages, share your location, check weather, track your activities, and even trigger an SOS to emergency services if things go south.

It’s been my go-to for years because it allows me to stay in touch, even in the most remote areas. Both devices use apps—either Earthmate or Explore—that allow you to text via your phone and use a plethora of other Garmin functions, interfacing seamlessly with your phone.

But here’s the catch: the Garmin inReach requires a subscription. Plans can start around $15 a month for basic use, but to unlock the full features, like unlimited messaging and weather updates, you're looking at closer to $50 a month.

For me, I’ve been paying for the $50-a-month plan for almost two years now. I live in an area where I don’t have cell service once I leave the house and don’t get it again until I reach town.

The inReach has given my wife and I peace of mind by allowing us to stay in communication when traveling to and from town for business, while also providing the option to reach emergency services if necessary. It’s also been incredibly useful when I’m out hunting or hiking.

SECTION 2: APPLE MESSAGE VIA SATELLITE

Now, Apple recently introduced their Message via Satellite feature, which I have been using since September 2024. It’s available on newer iPhone models—14 and up. Shout out to my buddy Forrest for turning me on to this feature, by the way!

This feature allows you to send emergency texts when you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, using satellites to connect you directly to friends and family at home.

It’s not as feature-packed as the Garmin inReach—you can’t send messages quickly, check the weather, or track your location in real-time—but it gets the job done in emergency situations.

With Message via Satellite, you can text, send your location, and even request emergency services. However, you do have to stay connected to the satellite to send and receive messages, which can be a bit of a hassle.

You may find yourself rolling around in your sleeping bag at night trying to find the satellite or moving around in circles on top of a mountain just to stay connected, but for me, the slight inconvenience is worth the cost difference. I will add that over the past 6 months of using this product and as of January 2025 I can say that this service has improved significantly for the iPhone and the messaging feature once connected is fast and responsive, way more so than it was when in first started using this feature in September of 2024.

Also, I did want to add that I’ve heard some podcasters and YouTubers criticize it for being difficult to use, but many of them are either selling Garmin products or are sponsored by Garmin.

I’ve used this service heavily during my hunting season—about four weeks of heavy field use—and during daily traveling to and from town for the past six months, and it has worked great.In fact, my wife and I unfortunately had to use emergency services via Message via Satellite this past December.

Basically, my wife was in a car accident driving down into Boise. She didn’t have cell service where she wrecked, but we were able to stay in contact using Apple’s service, and it worked perfectly for us. She was also able to contact emergency services and get help using this service which was awesome because I wasn’t able to get over to her for almost and hour and a half.

So, with all that being said, here is the real kicker with Message via Satellite: it’s free for two years with most new iPhones, models 14 and up. No monthly subscription, no extra fees. And for someone like me who just needs peace of mind while off-grid or driving home, it’s hard to argue with a service that’s free and still offers emergency satellite communication. Plus, it’s one less thing to charge in the backcountry, and I’m all about minimizing my electronic footprint and carrying less.

SECTION 3: WHY I’M SWITCHING TO APPLE

At the end of the day, I’m switching to Apple’s Message via Satellite because it’s free and gets the job done. As much as I’ve loved using the Garmin inReach, paying $50 a month for satellite messaging when I can get emergency communication for free on my iPhone is a no-brainer.

Also, I use ONX Hunt maps for navigation, so the mapping feature on the inReach isn’t necessary. I’ll lose some of the advanced features Garmin offers, like real-time tracking, weather updates, and two-way messaging, but for most of my trips, the free satellite service from Apple is all I really need.

If you’re like me and don’t need constant satellite connection but want that safety net when you're off the grid, Apple’s Message via Satellite is worth considering—especially while it’s free.

CONCLUSION

Thanks for reading and remember to stay connected to the wild! If you found this article helpful, subscribe  to my mailing list for more outdoor gear reviews and adventures. Also, leave a comment below and tell me what you think about satellite communication. Once again, I’m Chris with Ignited by Nature. Until next time, guys and gals!