Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Messenger Plus SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo & Voice Messaging 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black/Red
Average customer rating
4.4
(20 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 20 reviews
5 Stars
13
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Star
1
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Messenger Plus SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo & Voice Messaging 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black/Red
Customer Rating
5
Reliable
on April 18, 2026
Posted by: Ariyan
I am very happy with this product.very reliable and solid performance in canyons and mountains.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Needed Messaging and tracking
on May 6, 2026
Posted by: Jayme A
I needed offshore communication and satellite tracking so family on land could confirm my location; this device is perfect and works perfectly... I distribute the tracking page to the families of friends on my long trips so they have peace of mind.. very happy
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Difficult to show people how to track my progress.
on May 12, 2026
Posted by: Bear in the Woods
I used the messenger on a backcountry trip. It was very difficult to show people how to track my progress.
It appears to be a robust build and I hope it would work for SOS. Text checkin messages don't seem to go anywhere. The same thing with regular messages . Probably it will be great after we figure out how to use it. Very difficult for me to figure it out. I have another trip planned for Bears Ears in Utah next month, so still trying to figure it out.
It appears to be a robust build and I hope it would work for SOS. Text checkin messages don't seem to go anywhere. The same thing with regular messages . Probably it will be great after we figure out how to use it. Very difficult for me to figure it out. I have another trip planned for Bears Ears in Utah next month, so still trying to figure it out.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Should be more clearly documented
on May 25, 2026
Posted by: Crazy Swede
Like 99..9% of people who buy something like this I have not needed it so this review doesn’t cover the most important feature and benefit of carrying it.
The setup was documented clearly enough and wasn’t too frustrating. Testing the satellite texting is also easy enough, but testing the non-emergency messaging was not. The manual doesn’t include a clearly demarcated and easy to follow section on non-sos use.
The scenario I have found myself in is being outside of cell phone coverage when experiencing an accident or mechanical breakdown (bicycling). I can’t make a normal phone call, but I am within several hours by car as long as I can communicate to friends that I need help and can tell them exactly where I am.
The setup was documented clearly enough and wasn’t too frustrating. Testing the satellite texting is also easy enough, but testing the non-emergency messaging was not. The manual doesn’t include a clearly demarcated and easy to follow section on non-sos use.
The scenario I have found myself in is being outside of cell phone coverage when experiencing an accident or mechanical breakdown (bicycling). I can’t make a normal phone call, but I am within several hours by car as long as I can communicate to friends that I need help and can tell them exactly where I am.
I finally figured it out after learning that when messaging the location data is NOT sent by default as the manual suggests. You must select it my clicking on a small icon that in no way seems indicative of location. I have not yet tested to see how it works without the phone app and so far the manual is NOT making that easy.
I graduated from college a long time ago, which might either explain why I find the manual frustrating or why ithink it needs improvement. Emergency devices should NOT be this difficult to use.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin