11 Best Satellite Phones in 2023
Satellite communications allow you not to lose contact with the outside world anywhere in the world, which cannot be said about mobile phones. It is based on the use of artificial Earth satellites acting as signal relays. Most often it is used by travelers, as well as those who are constantly on the move and need the ability to make or receive a call at any time.
Today, only four companies represent satellite communications and produce corresponding devices for it: Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya and Globalstar.
The material contains the best models of satellite phones according to the editors of the “Experts’ Choice” project. The article is advisory in nature and is not a guide to purchase or other actions.
What is a satellite phone
To work with satellite communications, you need a telephone, which can be mobile or landline. It is a device that resembles in its appearance a classic telephone made in 1980-1990. The presence of an unhidden antenna is one of its distinctive features. In addition, the device receives and transmits signals where a regular cellular phone does not work.
Satellite phones provide global coverage, which means they can work almost anywhere in the world, as long as there is a clear line of sight to the satellite. They are especially useful for people working in remote areas, such as sailors, explorers and searchers.
To establish contact, you only need to be in an open space (not indoors). You should also take care to purchase a suitable SIM card. They are created for a specific operator and cannot be used on another network.
Editor’s Choice
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Iridium 9575 Extreme
A compact satellite phone weighing 247 g that will allow you to stay in touch anywhere in the world. The device is reliable and particularly durable. The phone can withstand strong shocks, as well as low and high temperatures (from -20° to +60°).
The phone has a retractable omnidirectional antenna, but some users write in reviews that its design is rather flimsy. In addition, there is an SOS button, a GPS receiver and a location tracking system. The screen is monochrome. The battery capacity is 2,300 mAh, and the gadget’s talk time is four hours.
The kit also includes a leather case, a set of four plugs for a socket, a Hands-free headset, several USB cables and a charger. Manufacturer’s warranty is one year.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | monochrome |
| Functions | GPS, location tracking, SOS signal |
| Weight | 247 |
| Battery | 2300 mAh |
| Dimensions | 60 x 140 x 27 mm |
Rating of the top 10 best phones for satellite communications
Thuraya XT-LITE
The phone can be used in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. It has a color screen and is also equipped with GPS function and an omnidirectional antenna. The latter, as buyers write, for good communication quality must still be directed clearly to the South.
The autonomy of the device in talk mode is six hours (battery capacity 2,520 mAh). There is no speakerphone on the phone. The kit includes a USB cable for connecting to a computer, as well as a battery. The weight of the gadget is only 186 g.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | color |
| Functions | GPS, omnidirectional antenna |
| Weight | 186 |
| Battery | 2520 mAh |
| Dimensions | 53 x 128 x 27 mm |
ACR 4601 Bivy Stick
“Weightless” (100 g) satellite switch operating on the Iridium network. It is equipped with a location tracking system and an SOS button. The device allows you to communicate with friends, family and colleagues from anywhere in the world. The switch has a simple interface and sleek design. Its owner has access to offline maps with a huge number of mapped routes, a weather forecast, and a profile with tracks and statistics.
The 1,400 mAh battery lasts up to 120 hours in standard standby mode. The kit includes a USB-C charging cable, cord, carabiner, and a ¼-20 mount adapter.
Main characteristics
| Functions | location tracking, SOS signal |
| Weight | 100 years |
| Battery | 1,400 mAh |
| Dimensions | 111.5 x 45 x 20.5 mm |
Iridium 9555
The Iridium 9555 is equipped with a high-contrast monochrome display and a folding antenna, and can be used in different weather conditions (from -20 to +60 °C). The kit includes a charger with several adapters (including a car adapter), a headset, a remote car antenna, and a case. Device weight: 266 g.
The gadget is easy to use, it is not afraid of dust, moisture and even strong impacts. The phone is equipped with a 2,200 mAh battery and has a standby time of 30 hours. The disadvantages of the model, according to buyers, are the fragile antenna, as well as difficulty in setting up when connecting a SIM card.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | monochrome |
| Weight | 266 |
| Battery | 2,200 mAh |
| Dimensions | 55 x 143 x 30 mm |
SPOT X
The device guarantees excellent communication outside the coverage area of the cellular network. It allows you to keep track of your location with Google Maps from SPOT. The switch is also equipped with a compass and the ability to send an SOS signal. With it you can not only make calls, but also send messages to any mobile numbers.
For smooth operation of the gadget, a clear view of the sky without any obstacles is required. The weight of the device is 198 g, but buyers note its rather large dimensions. It comes with a strap and carabiner, an AC wall adapter, and a micro-USB cable.
Main characteristics
| Functions | location tracking, SOS signal, compass |
| Weight | 198 |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 73.7 x 23.9 mm |
Qualcomm GSP 1700
The color display phone can operate within 65 degrees north latitude and temperatures between -20 and +55°C. It is shockproof and reliable, equipped with a special connector for connecting an external antenna and a notebook for 99 numbers.
The weight of the device is 202 g. The autonomy of the gadget in talk mode is four hours. If necessary, you can connect a wireless headset to it via Bluetooth. The set includes a battery and charger. The phone does not receive calls with the antenna folded.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | color |
| Weight | 202 |
| Battery | 2,600 mAh |
| Dimensions | 135 x 54 x 35 mm |
Inmarsat Isat PhonePro
An easy-to-use satellite phone that allows you to maintain contact with loved ones from anywhere on our planet, except the poles. It provides high quality communication and is equipped with an SMS sending function. The gadget operates at temperatures from -20 to +55°C, as well as at humidity up to 95%. The device has a durable, waterproof and dustproof housing, as well as a color display. In talk mode, its autonomy is eight hours.
The gadget supports Bluetooth and eight languages. The phone weighs 279 g. The kit includes a rechargeable battery, a charger with four adapters for different sockets, including a car socket, a wired headset, a strap, and a USB cable.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | color |
| Functions | GPS |
| Weight | 279 |
| Battery Type | Li-ion |
| Dimensions | 170 x 54 x 39 mm |
THURAYA XT
The phone with a color anti-glare screen has a shock-resistant and moisture-resistant body. The autonomy of the satellite device in talk mode is six hours. With its help you can not only make calls, but also connect to the Internet and send SMS messages. In an emergency, the user has the opportunity to call emergency services even without a SIM card.
The gadget has a menu in 12 languages and supports the function of determining the current location. Weight – 193 g. The kit includes a USB cable, a power supply with adapters for different sockets, and a wired headset. Speech delay is a disadvantage noted by buyers.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | color |
| Functions | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, location tracking |
| Weight | 193 |
| Dimensions | 128 x 53 x 26.5 mm |
Qualcomm GSP-1600
The phone, which has an LCD display and backlight, operates on the Globalstar satellite network. It is reliable and suitable for harsh operating conditions at temperatures from -20 to +55 °C. The model menu is in English and Russian. Using your phone, you can maintain contact with people in the form of calls and receiving SMS messages.
The autonomy of the gadget in standby mode is seven hours, weight is 370 g. The location function is present. The set includes a user terminal, a battery and a charger.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | LCD with backlight |
| Functions | location determination |
| Weight | 370 |
| Battery Type | Li-ion |
| Dimensions | 178 × 57 × 44 mm |
Globalstar Telit SAT 600
This phone can be used not only as a satellite phone, but also as a regular cellular phone, which will work from any operator. To do this, you just need to install a SIM card. It has a convenient and simple interface, a particularly durable body and a location detection function.
The model comes with a battery and charger. The weight of the gadget is 340 g. The menu language is English. The model’s standby time is seven hours. The phone has an address book for 99 numbers.
Main characteristics
| Functions | location determination |
| Weight | 340 |
| Battery Type | SAT603BS |
| Dimensions | 160 x 55 x 35 mm |
Inmarsat Isat PhonePro 2
Model with a non-slip, shock-resistant and waterproof body. It provides high-quality communication in any, even the most difficult environmental conditions at temperatures from -20 to +55 ° C and humidity up to 95%. The phone is equipped with a panic button, as well as a location function. The display is high-contrast, high-resolution.
Device weight – 318 g. Talk time – eight hours. The gadget has a speakerphone, Bluetooth 2.0, the ability to send SMS messages, an alarm clock and a calculator. Buyers note the fairly large weight and dimensions.
Main characteristics
| Screen type | high contrast, high resolution |
| Functions | location detection, SOS button |
| Weight | 318 |
| Battery Type | lithium-ion, 3.7 V |
| Dimensions | 170 x 54 x 39 mm |
How to choose a satellite phone
When purchasing a gadget for satellite communication, you need to consider the following parameters:
Area of use
Each phone model is tied to an operator that has a different coverage map. Some have worldwide coverage, such as Iridium, while others only operate in certain regions, such as Globalstar.
Dimensions
If you are planning to buy a phone for travel, then give preference to a compact, lightweight device. It will take up minimal space in your backpack.
Autonomy
The larger your phone’s battery capacity, the longer you can stay connected without recharging. This is especially important if you are located far from electrified objects. A good solution would be a phone with a battery capacity of 2,300 mAh or more.
Degree of protection
Harsh conditions dictate the need to purchase a gadget with a shock-resistant and moisture-resistant body. The temperature regime for which the phone is designed is also of great importance.
Additional functions
Modern models of satellite phones are equipped with various options: GPS, built-in maps, Internet connection, password protection, and so on. When choosing, consider which features will be useful to you.
