Garmin's inReach Messenger Plus: Evaluating Its Performance
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus, the latest addition to Garmin's line of satellite communication devices, is making waves in the outdoor community. This powerful device, considered a significant leap since the original inReach, offers enhanced features that cater to a niche audience with specific needs for voice notes and image messaging via satellite.
During a 5-hour hike in open skies, using low-power mode and 10-minute location tracking, the battery percentage of the Messenger Plus remains unchanged, demonstrating impressive battery efficiency. The device allows users to send voice notes and images via satellite when paired with a phone, a feature not available on the original inReach Messenger.
However, the Messenger Plus is best suited for those who prioritize these advanced messaging features and are willing to invest in a device that caters to these specific needs. For users with more basic communication requirements, the original inReach Messenger remains a capable choice, albeit with older technology and slower data transfer.
The Messenger Plus boasts a battery life of up to 25 days at 10-minute tracking intervals, along with the ability to safety charge connected devices until its battery drops to 25%. This makes it an attractive option for those who require frequent communication or longer outdoor expeditions.
In terms of cost, the Messenger Plus retails at approximately $500, $200 more than the original. However, the added features and improvements in battery life and communication efficiency may justify the higher price point for those who value these advancements.
The Messenger Plus is compatible with the Garmin Explore app, allowing navigation features. It also uses the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) system, a faster and more modern messaging system compared to the older Short Burst Data (SBD) used by the original inReach Messenger.
For those considering an upgrade, it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits. If your communication needs demand frequent messaging, especially sending photos or voice memos, or you need faster and more robust satellite communication, the Messenger Plus offers significant advantages due to its new hardware and software. However, if your needs are more basic or you want to keep expenses lower, the original Messenger remains a capable choice.
Both devices require a subscription service to operate, and Garmin has updated their subscription plans for the Messenger Plus to accommodate image and voice messages. However, these plans can be expensive, especially for heavy users. An inReach subscription cost calculator has been created to help determine the actual cost based on usage.
In conclusion, the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is worth upgrading to if you value the advanced messaging features and faster speeds and can justify the higher cost. If your communication needs are basic or you want to keep expenses lower, the original Messenger still performs well. Both devices offer impressive battery life and are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts who value reliable satellite communication.
- The Garmin Messenger Plus, with its navigation features, is compatible with the Garmin Explore app, providing precise direction for hiking in the forest.
- During a hiking adventure, the Messenger Plus outperforms its predecessor, offering the ability to send images and voice notes via satellite for enhanced communication using modern technology like the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) system.
- Those planning longer expeditions may find the Messenger Plus more advantageous, as it boasts a battery life of up to 25 days at 10-minute tracking intervals, and it can also safety charge connected devices.
- For those prioritizing advanced communication features, the Messenger Plus's higher price tag of approximately $500 might be rationalized due to its improved battery life, communication efficiency, and the added ability to send voice notes and images via satellite.
