Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator 1.3" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.4
(1,289 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 1,289 reviews
5 Stars
907
4 Stars
186
3 Stars
92
2 Stars
41
1 Star
63
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator 1.3" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Customer Rating
5
Keeps me in reach
on June 9, 2024
Posted by: Radicle
I took my new inreach mini 2 for a trial run in the Laurel Highlands of PA and was initially disappointed. I'm glad I did this before taking it out backpacking alone in a secluded area where I depended on it. On my trial run I was very disappointed with its lack of ability to find and send my location and messages. The tree canopy on these small mountains does not give a clear view of the sky anywhere, and the garmin was essentially useless. What I learned from this is that apparently the test function should be used at the start point of the excursion, not at home before leaving. I assume this was my problem because after testing with open sky at the campground it worked flawlessly, even in forest.
For my first solo wilderness with the inreach I stood in the road at the entry point before heading into the forest and hit the test button. It took a few minutes to signal a successful test. But after this it was quite impressive. I was able to navigate the trailless forest using the inreach mini 2, and sent my location and messages home flawlessly. I was very impressed. Hopefully I will never use the SOS button, but I now feel confident that it is really there if needed. I am very happy with the size, light weight, and ability to function in the forest (at least after initial synch with open sky).
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 10, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
A Big Improvement
on June 9, 2024
Posted by: HIker-Diver-Rafter
I bought the Mini 2 as a replacement for the Mini and possibly the Explorer+. The Mini worked for me, but I found the battery life and GPS sensitivity did not fully meet my needs. The Explorer+ had better battery life, a map display and a better interface for typing messages, but it is larger and heavier. I am a SCUBA diver and the dive housing for the Mini greatly expanded its utility, but the relatively short battery life negated much of that capability. I found the Mini didn't quite cut it on two rafting trips through the Grand Canyon due to the poor sensitivity of the GPS, which was necessary to download weather forecasts. After using the Mini 2 for a couple of weeks I've very pleased with the enhanced battery life and GPS performance using the GPS Multi-GNSS Setting. The Mini 2 navigation and satellite communication are greatly enhanced using the Explore and Messenger smartphone apps. Kudos for Garmin keeping the size and shape the same so that the Mini 2 fits in the same dive housing! The only place where the Mini 2 is a bit deficient is with stand-alone navigation (no maps) and stand-alone entry of text. I can foresee applications where the limitations of carrying and charging a phone just isn't going to be practical, forcing a reliance on the stand-alone functions. Given the inherent limitations of the size and shape of the device that might be asking a bit too much. Overall, I'm very pleased with the upgrade of the Mini 2 over the original Mini and am looking forward to using it to its full potential.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 10, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great product, the plans need work.
on June 10, 2024
Posted by: AaronOR
The Garmin Inreach Mini 2 is a great product. Works awesome! But Garmin need to update their plans to be competitive with other companies. Had I known about the new ACR satellite messenger I would have purchased it instead.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 10, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great safety tool for peace of mind
on June 11, 2024
Posted by: Seansmd
Great for you and family peace of mind while out exploring
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 12, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love the Bluetooth with iPhone!
on June 11, 2024
Posted by: 25-06man
I like the improvements. I’ve never had to use my old unit for an emergency (thank goodness) but it was very difficult to use to communicate with back home with general emails. This new mini with the Bluetooth allowing it to use the phone to type solves that issue completely.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 12, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Too many apps
on June 11, 2024
Posted by: KDK_AK
Have not used it in the woods yet. I am just figuring out how to use it. I feel like there are too many apps involved. The billing is also confusing. You are instructed to test it before each use but you have to pay extra for more than 5 test messages. I would think that necessary service would be included. Much of the instruction is online and won't be much help if you are somewhere without service. I may be able to give more stars once I get used to it but there seems to be a pretty steep learning curve in the beginning.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 12, 2024
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Mini 2. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Battery life
on June 12, 2024
Posted by: Blind boomer
I love everything about it except the battery life. The battery drained from full to zero in about 32 hours with partial tree cover. (AT). Tracking set to 20 min. Bluetooth connected to phone. Farming off overnight. So it needs to be charged every night.
Instructions might be clearer on which of the plethora of garmin websites should be used with it, I’m using Explore.
Until iOS 18 comes out, I won’t leave home without it. Even after that I’ll probably continue to use it. It. Makes me look like a YouTuber with it hanging from my pack strap!
Instructions might be clearer on which of the plethora of garmin websites should be used with it, I’m using Explore.
Until iOS 18 comes out, I won’t leave home without it. Even after that I’ll probably continue to use it. It. Makes me look like a YouTuber with it hanging from my pack strap!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 12, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
worth every penny and some
on June 12, 2024
Posted by: Ed G-sky
It is tiny device with long lasting battery and great functionality. Remember, Mini 2 is just part of the package. With it you get access not only to the device but to a great application that expands its use x10 times and RESCUE INSURANCE coverage at a small price!!. Satellite messaging, maps, waypoint, GPS tracking, compass and S.O.S button(!) in your palm worth more than $$
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 12, 2024
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin