Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.3
(238 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 238 reviews
5 Stars
149
4 Stars
47
3 Stars
19
2 Stars
14
1 Star
9
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Customer Rating
2
Why can't it just be easy?
on March 28, 2025
Posted by: This is my nickname bro
It seems like garmin has gone to great lengths to make the device nearly impossible to share with your wife, son, daughter, or friend. Because they want you to purchase everyone their own device. By doing so the complexity of using it has rendered the device nearly useless.
You need different apps for talking and tracking and the instructions are non-existent, unless you want to spend a couple hours searching the help site and user forums.
Example- they don't tell you exactly how to use the garmin messenger app. So we assumed we both needed it on our phones to chat back and forth. Nope, that was a mistake because then the device couldn't decide which one of us it belonged to. It re-assigned itself over to my wife and when I really needed to use it in the backcountry, it was a failure. It just kept saying "assigning device to your account", or something, which it couldn't do because I had no cell service.
I can't wait until satellite service for cell phones makes these expensive pieces of junk obsolete!
If you are shopping for a satellite device I would recommend a different device. One that isn't so locked down by a greedy company. (Zoleo is what I'm swapping this garmin for)
You need different apps for talking and tracking and the instructions are non-existent, unless you want to spend a couple hours searching the help site and user forums.
Example- they don't tell you exactly how to use the garmin messenger app. So we assumed we both needed it on our phones to chat back and forth. Nope, that was a mistake because then the device couldn't decide which one of us it belonged to. It re-assigned itself over to my wife and when I really needed to use it in the backcountry, it was a failure. It just kept saying "assigning device to your account", or something, which it couldn't do because I had no cell service.
I can't wait until satellite service for cell phones makes these expensive pieces of junk obsolete!
If you are shopping for a satellite device I would recommend a different device. One that isn't so locked down by a greedy company. (Zoleo is what I'm swapping this garmin for)
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
on March 28, 2025
Posted by: Brett V
Works great. Small and compact while still being able to send messages without the app if your phone dies or gets disconnected from the device. Battery lasts a long time with regular use.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
1
Doesn't work
on April 23, 2025
Posted by: NewMexico
Does not work at the location it was purchased for.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great peace of mind
on April 28, 2025
Posted by: Ben F
Even with increasing apple satellite messaging abilities I think a dedicated messenger is great to have. Light and has a long battery life. I like that you can use it to charge other devices in a pinch. I understand why some are critical of this but the ability to charge a headlamp or phone when needed can be just as crucial as having an inreach and the battery life is long enough to do both. The cost of garmin plans have come down but is still a bummer
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
5
simple, functional, essentional
on May 7, 2025
Posted by: Jonathan K
I've used this so far on two cycling trips. each time it allowed me to stay in communication with my friends and family even when well outside of cell service, and knowing that I could get help if needed, even in the worst of circumstances, give me the confidence to stay out longer and be more adventurous.
I had no issues with phone connection so far, and the flexibility to turn my subscription on and off is great too.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
1
Could not send text
on May 13, 2025
Posted by: Foxx
I have the inReach Messenger and should've got the inReach Mini 2. I brought this about 5 months ago. I "tired" to used it for my thur-hike last week. Messages would go through and I couldn't get them. I watch the tutorials on how to use it and nothing. It is what it is! I will be trying to sale it soon.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Still getting used to it
on May 20, 2025
Posted by: P. Louis
It’s taking me some practice to learn the features like track back. My quick messages didn’t go through, but probably something I did wrong in setup. I like being able to see my route & milage on my URL.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
No problems.
on June 13, 2025
Posted by: Away from.home guy
I purchased the inReach just before a Canada fishing trip where we're out of connectivity range.
The setup is straightforward. Once I dotted the I's and crossed the T's, the device worked perfectly. Evenings at fish camp I turned on the inReach and turned on the phone and the connections just sort of happened. In no time I was texting with my wife. Wait times were barely noticeable. Everything worked as described by Garmin.
The unit is easy to use and affordable. Five stars.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin