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
(25 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 25 reviews
5 Stars
16
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
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
2
Not great
on July 26, 2026
Posted by: Anonymous
So far it has almost been useless. I invited 2 people to Garmin Messenger and both accepted, but I do not see them in my contact list to send messages to. I sent a direct text message to my wife. She was connected to WiFi and was getting other text messages, but did not get my InReach text message until we were back on a Cell network. Had I been in danger, she would have gotten the email WAY too late.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors.
on July 15, 2026
Posted by: Grandad
My wife and I are 68 years old and enjoy the outdoors and especially riding our sise by side in the mountains of Colorado. We decided to invest in the Garmin messenger so we have communication anywhere we travel.
We recently tried it out in an area with no cell service and sent text messages, the unit worked perfectly.
Hopefully we will not need it for a real emergency but it's good to know we have it.
Thanks Garmin.
We recently tried it out in an area with no cell service and sent text messages, the unit worked perfectly.
Hopefully we will not need it for a real emergency but it's good to know we have it.
Thanks Garmin.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Delivers on Claims
on July 9, 2026
Posted by: GSB4LCR
The product lives up to all of the claims. The features are wonderful and the ability to link to your Mobile phone is terrific. The buttons on the front could be a little better, however, it is adequate.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Review of Messnger Plus
on June 29, 2026
Posted by: DAG26
The instructions to navigate and use Messenger Plus are not detailed...I have had to call Garmin twice so resolve problems. Once it is set up it works fine, but the battery life is less than I expected, and syncing to a different phone is not straight forward. The feutures a great, especially tracking and the weather reports.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great asset on the boat.
on June 16, 2026
Posted by: Out and About
We used the inReach when we crossed the Gulf of Mexico from Tarpon Springs to Panama City. We were cell range for 24 hours or so but with the inReach we were able to text with friends and family. Added to the fun of the trip.
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
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
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