Garmin’s previous Messenger device used Short Burst Data (SBD) to send messages, but thanks to Messenger Plus’s new hardware which uses Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) it can send messages 300 times larger than SBD. This is why you can now send photos, 30-second voice memos, and 1,600-character texts.

You can see in the image below that photos and audio messages can now be sent and you can still get weather updates like in the previous Messenger version.

Other satellite communication devices include the ACR Bivy Stick, Spot X 2-way and  Zoleo Satellite Communicator but these are not capable of what the InReach Messenger Plus can do and have more limited feature sets. One feature that Garmin has included on the previous InReach Messenger and the new Plus version is the ability to charge your phone from the device itself via the USB-C charging port. In an emergency situation, you can use this “reverse charging” to provide the power you may need without completely draining the inReach Messenger as it will never let the device go below a 25% charge.

To get the full user experience from your Messenger Plus device be sure to pair your device with Garmin’s Messenger App which is available for Android and IOS phones. Once paired with the device it provides a much larger phone screen to text, email, track and check the weather from. If your phone fails you can of course send messages from the Messenger device itself but this is more time-consuming given the limited interface and small screen.

Data subscriptions range from $14.95 - $64.95/month and include 10/25/50 photos and 50/150/unlimited text and weather requests respectively per plan and there is also a 54.99 activation fee.

With the latest iPhone and Google Pixel now capable of sending text messages via satellite connectivity you may be asking why you would need the new Messenger Plus. For starters, you need the latest and greatest version phone along with the updates iOS and the satellite messaging feature is only free for two years—after that, it is not clear what the cost will be. Apple’s iPhone satellite messaging is currently only available in North America and uses the GlobalStar network which has limited coverage in Africa and Asia. So, if you want proven worldwide coverage with the ability to send voice messages, 1,600-character text messages and photos all wrapped up in a light, compact and very durable package then the Messenger Plus device is still the clear winner as far as robust safety devices go.

• NEW - Send images without cell coverage
• NEW - Send voice messages up to 30 seconds long without cell coverage
• NEW - Custom two-way text messages can be up to 1600 characters long
• Send customized pre-set text messages for anticipated situations for free
• Uses Iridium’s constellation of 66 satellites for coverage of the Earth's entire surface (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS)
• Rechargeable internal battery (able to send 250 media messages on a single charge)
• Garmin Explore app adds mapping capabilities and helps plan your trip and manage waypoints
• TracBack mode navigates you safely back to where you started
• Reverse charging allows you to charge your phone for 20 minutes from the USB-C port
• Smart network switching technology sends and receives messages via the most reliable available network only using satellites when needed
• GPS tracking via a personalized MapShare page you can share with friends
• World coverage SOS feature gives you a confirmation message from the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) and 2-way texting allows you to stay in contact with rescue personnel
• Messages have your GPS location embedded for faster finding in emergencies
• Weather forecasting service sends detailed weather data for your location
• Monthly and yearly subscription plans
• The rugged design is IPX7 water-resistant and dustproof
• High-contrast on-device display

Garmin’s new Messenger Plus is an impressive upgrade over the previous version and has enough new features that warrant an upgrade if they are of value to you. Most people will be fine with limited text messaging capabilities and not need the ability to send voice messages and photos but after using these features I could not go back. It makes my communications much more rich and informative and feels like I am just using my cell phone in the middle of nowhere. While I could get by with the previous Messenger device, having used these new features I can honestly say that I enjoy using the Messenger Plus so much more than the previous version. The increase of the messaging character limit alone is worth it as now I can send longer messages and not have to try and be so succinct in my thoughts.

While I do like the ability to send photos and voice messages I did find that they do take several minutes to send given their larger file size. This delay can be annoying when you are used to sending text messages pretty much instantly and it also uses up more battery life in the process.

I do appreciate that the Messenger Plus is the same size and configuration as the previous version, however, it is 10 grams heavier—although you’ll never notice this. The battery life has also diminished slightly as it was 28 days with 10-minute interval tracking and is now reduced to 25.

The price of the new Messenger Plus is substantially higher than the previous version so these new features will set you back $280CAN. This will make the upgrade to the new Messenger Plus a bit more of a think for most people as that is a lot of cash to be able to send voice messages and photos. In addition to this, the data plans have increased in price as well so communicating in a more feature-rich environment will cost you over the long run.