Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.3
(259 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 259 reviews
5 Stars
162
4 Stars
51
3 Stars
21
2 Stars
15
1 Star
10
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Customer Rating
4
Good stuff
on October 4, 2023
Posted by: brent W
Great tool. Simple. Works great. I wish I could change the quick texts (the unlimited ones). They are not customizable on the messenger.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great for messaging and battery life
on October 3, 2023
Posted by: Brian HH
Very easy to use for messaging and battery life. I had an inreach mini V1, but switched to the messenger for two reasons. #1 in shady countries it is not as suspicious looking. The inreach mini can bring some unwanted questioning or confiscation. #2 I wanted an easier messaging experience that used the same messaging app when using wifi, cell data, or satellite. The inreach mini V1 would only send messages via satellite. I also purchased an inreach messenger for my wife, so she can easily communicate with me if something happens. The inreach mini v1 was too complicated. The inreach messenger connects fast to satellites and the messages have been sent and received with no issues using data, Wi-Fi and satellite. The messenger app is user friendly, simple. I do wish it would connect to the Garmin Explore app to at least show your position on the map. Or, it would be great if Garmin would create a page on the Messenger app that showed you your location on a map as well as your location points that you have dropped to share with those tracking you. And in addition to that extra page on the Messenger app, an option to drop and name waypoints along the way. all in all it is an excellent product for messaging, emergencies, and for your people to be able to track you when they need to.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, October 9, 2023
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Battery life surprise
on October 2, 2023
Posted by: AtwoodBeer
In general, real happy with the Messenger. However, I charged it to 100% on a Saturday and Tuesday I left on backcountry hike. As I was hiking I looked at battery life and was shocked to see only 32% so 68% reduction in just a few days. I think I figured out the issue which is that it was sitting in the house those days and it could not connect with satellites in which case battery life is much less than advertised. Once in the field, it only went down a few percentage points each day. So just a heads up on that.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, October 9, 2023
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Simple messenger
on September 24, 2023
Posted by: Toytac00
Great unit for messaging and tracking for friends and family. Small, light, and easy to use while bluetooth to phone. My biggest issue with it is that there is no way to track yourself. Others can see where you are but you cannot. If it was compatible with garmin explorer app or if the garmin messenger app had a MAP tab at the bottom that could show where you were this unit would be perfect. Since it can already track your path and bluetooth to your phone I know it has the capability to show you where you are. GARMIN, please add this feature/capability!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, September 26, 2023
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
love it!
on September 23, 2023
Posted by: Chelseaco
I bought this 3 weeks ago for elk hunting (sometimes solo) at high altitude in the Colorado mountains. It has all the features I need in a device like this, messaging, ability to send my location, and SOS of course (and other features I don’t really use). It was an obvious choice for me over the mini 2 with the longer battery time, upgraded antenna and lower price. It has worked great so far for messaging.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, September 26, 2023
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Wish I bought this 10 years ago
on September 23, 2023
Posted by: shmeecor
Makes me
Feel so much more secure on the trail as a woman. Definitely 10000% worth it!
Feel so much more secure on the trail as a woman. Definitely 10000% worth it!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, September 26, 2023
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Works great and is really small and light!
on September 20, 2023
Posted by: Dylan A
from Livermore Falls, ME, US
It does exactly what it is advertised to do! Ot pairs with my Fenix 7x Saphire. My only complaint is that the messaging plans should be much cheaper, but I knew that before I bought it, and I still pay for the plans!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Provides Peace of Mind
on September 20, 2023
Posted by: SloMo
After researching available options, I bought the Messenger for an off-grid trip in northern Maine. I subscribed to the Freedom Safety Plan and purchased SAR insurance. The unit was easy to set up and test and worked seamlessly when utilizing either cell or satellite connections. The audio signal it emits upon sending and receiving messages was a welcome confirmation that I was in contact with my family, letting them know that all was well.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, September 21, 2023
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin