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
Questionable battery but worked well enough
on March 9, 2023
Posted by: Iceberg
Bought this for a big solo trek and wanted to have the piece of mind. The plans were easy enough to sign up for. Tho I do with they sent a "about to renew". I had the bread crumbs set to every 2 hours during the day and 4 hours at night and still the battery only lasted a few days. I did utilize the messaging feature and that seemed to work well with the app. Sometimes the messages had trouble sending despite direct access to blue skies but alas I didn't buy it for seamless cell reception so that wasn't really an issue.
Response from GarminBy Garmin , Outdoor, March 14, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Not a fan of app
on March 6, 2023
Posted by: Regooo
I had an Old but ‘lost’ SE . The Earthlink app is much better . I returned the messenger after activating. Purchased used Explorer SE MAP and very happy
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, March 6, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Only moderately pleased.
on February 23, 2023
Posted by: BEN49
I use this primarily on a boat for out of cell service communication. While that works well, I was very disappointed that it cannot link with Garmin Explore to view map location on phone. Instead I need to wait until I have cell service to view on MapShare and of course, have my other chart plotters and gps on my phone. I just had hoped it would be more versatile.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, March 6, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Duh, how do you work this thing
on February 19, 2023
Posted by: Perplexed72
I still haven't figured out how to tell if the satellites have been acquired. I've tested it twice under circumstances similar to where I plan to need it. More study required.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, February 21, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
on February 16, 2023
Posted by: Robert G
It's expensive for sure, especially tacking on the subscription costs and SAR insurance, but having been severely injured previously without an SOS button, I'm very happy to have this device, especially in the US where cell reception isn't guaranteed. Fortunately haven't used the SOS feature yet, but the messaging system, pairing it with a smartphone works quite well and satellite connection has been established always in under five minutes. Good piece of kit to have.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
The Perfect Hunting Companion
on February 1, 2023
Posted by: Dylan P
from Winnipeg, MB, CA
I really like the extended battery life on this unit, don't ever have to worry about a charge on a week long hunting trip. This is perfect if you already use your phone for mapping and don't have a need for the extra weight of a full GPSMAP unit. The Garmin Messenger app was easy to use and sign up for. Overall I like the idea of a global communication device and while satellite communicators are still emerging Garmin seems to be the best implementation so far.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Simple to use and works great!
on January 26, 2023
Posted by: GatorDoc
I spent alot of time researching the various other messenger devices but the simplicity of the Garmin combined with the reliability of the iridium satellite network was perfect. I gave used it offshore fishing twice and it's done everything I've asked it to do. Minimal delay in messenges. My wife is no longer angry when I return to the dock because she has been updated on our whereabouts throughout the day.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 27, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
InReach Messenger Drawbacks
on January 19, 2023
Posted by: Rubber_Duck
So far we are very disappointed with the Messenger. We transitioned from an original Inreach Mini, so we have some valid basis for comparison. The buttons are too difficult to push, the documentation is lacking, and actual "in the field" use is not very intuitive. I wish we had our Mini back.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 26, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin