ZOLEO Review (2025 Update)

Even though it’s been out for a few years, the ZOLEO is still going strong in 2025. I’ve got friends who swear by it, and after putting it through its paces myself, I can see why. It’s simple, rugged, and affordable, and for some folks, it’s a better fit than a Garmin inReach. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the ZOLEO does, where it shines, and whether it’s the right satellite communicator for you.

This review reflects my honest experience and was not paid for by ZOLEO. If you want to support independent reviews like this, please use my affiliate link, it’s also the lowest price I could find.

Features that Still Shine in 2025

• Seamless Messaging - ZOLEO gives you a real phone number and email address. You can message with the same app whether you're on Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite, and it automatically switches to the best option. Garmin units don't have their own number (they use a software workaround in the Messenger app).
• Suspend Your Account - Garmin killed the ability to suspend your account in their recent program updates. Suspend your ZOLEO for $4/month. So if you don't use it for a few months a year, it's much more affordable than Garmin.
• Global Coverage - It uses the same Iridium satellite network that Garmin inReach devices do, which means full global coverage and reliability.
• Lower Upfront Cost - The ZOLEO unit itself usually comes in cheaper than any Garmin inReach device. If you want basic satellite messaging and SOS without breaking the bank, this is a good pick.
• Medical Assist Now Included - One of the newer perks is Medical Assist. You can contact a medical professional for advice before triggering SOS. It’s a smart middle ground if something feels off but isn’t a clear emergency.
• Rescue Insurance Now Available -ZOLEO now offers optional rescue insurance for around $40. It helps cover the cost of an actual rescue, which adds peace of mind without requiring a separate policy. You can also sign up for the Overwatch & Rescue subscription service, which is like AAA.
• Proven Ruggedness - People have been using ZOLEOs for years in rough conditions. It’s held up well in the real world—dust, rain, snow, scrapes. It’s not flashy, but it works.

Real-World Experience

I’ve used the ZOLEO on and off for years, and overall it’s been reliable and durable. Messaging is seamless and works exactly as advertised—you can move between Wi-Fi, cell, and satellite without even thinking about it. It just sends.

That said, the GPS sometimes takes a little longer to lock in than Garmin, which can mean check-ins take a minute or two longer to go out. I’ve had the occasional failed send too, but that’s become less common over time. Nothing that’s made me want to stop using it, and nothing that’s left me stranded.

What is ZOLEO?

The ZOLEO is a satellite communicator designed to work hand-in-hand with your smartphone. Unlike Garmin’s inReach devices, ZOLEO doesn’t have a screen or full interface on the unit itself. Instead, you pair it with the ZOLEO app on your phone via Bluetooth, and that’s where you handle things like messaging, weather forecasts, and settings.

But even without your phone, the ZOLEO isn’t useless. There are physical buttons on the device for SOS, check-in, and location sharing. Each button is backed up by LED indicators, so you can tell what’s going on without needing a screen. I appreciate that they're pretty simple to understand, green means something worked, red means it didn't.

Here’s what it can do:

• Two-way messaging (through the app) via satellite, Wi-Fi, or cell service—whichever is available
• Unlimited check-in messages that say "I'm OK. My Location is..." with a map link
• Breadcrumb trail location sharing with your contacts (optional $6/month add-on)
• Weather reports for your current or custom locations
• SOS functionality, with 24/7 emergency response coordination through GlobalRescue
• Medical Assist messaging with health professionals (included with all plans)

The biggest weakness? You’re depending on your phone for nearly all of the advanced functionality. If your phone dies, breaks, or can’t connect, you’ll be limited to one-way SOS and check-ins.

ZOLEO Plans and Subscription Costs

Depending on how you use your ZOLEO, it could be cheaper or more expensive than a Garmin inReach plan.

If you send a lot of messages or want the option to suspend service during the off-season, the ZOLEO plans can make a lot of sense.

Battery Performance

The battery performs well. It's advertised at 200+ hours with message checks every 12 minutes. However, sending messages and check-ins will drain the battery more. The nice thing is that you can configure the settings to check less often and conserve battery.

Here's what I saw during my testing:

• 12 minute message checks + 12 minute location shares - 88 hours
• 12 minute message checks + 1 hour location shares - 140 hours
• 12 minute message checks only - 190 hours

I think these numbers are respectable and should do well on backpacking trips and thru-hikes. And if you want to get more out of it, you can always increase the check intervals and turn off location sharing.

ZOLEO vs Garmin inReach

There are several Garmin inReach models out there, but the one that lines up best with the ZOLEO in terms of price and function is the inReach Messenger. They both use the Iridium satellite network, both rely on your smartphone for messaging, and both include SOS functionality. The main differences come down to navigation, battery life, and ecosystem.

Here’s how they stack up:

If you're already in the Garmin ecosystem or want better integration with navigation tools and devices like watches and handhelds, the inReach Messenger makes sense. But if you're looking to save money and want a simple messaging-first device, the ZOLEO still holds its own.