Satellite phones have been used a long time before cellphones – and they’re still being used a long time after some of the most important technological advancements for smartphones.
And since they are still very popular nowadays, that means they’re being manufactured and sold worldwide.
But how do you know which satellite phone should you get?
In this post, you will find our review list of best satellite phones you can get on the market, but also some of the uses you could find useful for a satellite phone in 2020.
Why Would You Need a Satellite Phone?
If we have some of the most advanced cellphones (smartphones) in the modern age – why would you still need a satellite phone?
Even though you might think of satellite phones as an old technology – they have something that cellphones have.
The ability to make phone calls from anywhere on the earth, even where the cellphones can’t. But how?
The primary infrastructure of a satellite phone is out of this world – and we mean this literally. Since satellite phones don’t rely on terrestrial phone networks as cellphones do – they rely on satellites that orbit all around the world.
This allows them to beam their data directly to and from a satellite which enables effective communication around the Earth – no matter where you are.
Best Satellite Phones
Modern satellite phones are probably not what you have imagined so far. They kept the way they are made, however, they feature modern designs which positively affect their weight and the way they are being used.
Down below, you will find the top 5 satellite phones that will offer reliability and allow you to make calls anywhere where cellphones won’t.
Iridium 975 Extreme
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”350″ identifier=”B007I782J4″ locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RFzwjYBXL.jpg” tag=”lemy0f-20″ width=”500″]
Iridium 975 Extreme is a military-grade satellite phone which includes highest ingress protection (IP65) in the industry that is light to carry around and yet you won’t have to pay extra attention to it.
On a single battery charge, it can last up to 30 hours on stand-by. However, if you’re having phone calls – then the battery can last up to 4 hours.
975 Extreme satellite phone has the ability to handle two-way short SMS and even email messages. The illuminated weather-resistant keypad is very easy to use and no matter if you find yourself in extremely hot or cold weather – 975 Extreme can work in a temperature range from -10 degrees Celsius to +55 degrees celsius.
At the point of purchase, you can choose whether you’d like to receive this satellite phone with a blank (empty) prepaid SIM card or you’d like to purchase a SIM card with activated minutes.
However, even if you decide to purchase a blank prepaid SIM card, you will easily manage it online whether you want to activate it, top up the credit, or make any additional changes.
We believe that this is one of the best satellite phones on the market for everyone whose main goal is to have a conversation anywhere around the world.
Even though Iridium 975 Extreme doesn’t feature any internal storage, camera, or a music player – it’s one of the most reliable satellite phones that won’t ever let you down.
BlueCosmo Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01AKR983M” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51G5bYCe4EL.jpg” tag=”lemy0f-20″ width=”500″]
BlueCosmo is very well known as one of the main satellite service providers which also features some of the best satellite phones you could get your hands on.
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 features one of the best batteries in satellite phones with a standby time of 160 hours and a talk time of about 8 hours.
Even though the battery life of talk time isn’t as good as some other satellite phone brands – it’s definitely a satellite phone that can outlast any other phone in a standby mode.
IsatPhone 2.1 offers near-global coverage and one of our favorite features is the GPS location & tracking with an SOS button. At a press of a button, you would declare SOS and you would get help from GEOS no matter where you find yourself in the world.
Setup is fairly simple, however, for the emergency button (SOS) to work properly, you will have to go through the registration process with GEOS which could take a while.
Other than that, Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 is a fairly affordable satellite phone that can communicate with a satellite which is about 22,000 miles in space which is as cool as it is useful.
BlueCosmo Iridium 9555
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01FY9W6GM” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Dc4D3c9yL.jpg” tag=”lemy0f-20″ width=”500″]
BlueCosmo Iridium 9555 features one of the rare true global satellite networks that could keep you connected no matter where you go thanks to the largest & most reliable network that features over 66 operating satellites around the globe.
At the same time, Iridium 9555 is the most affordable Iridium satellite phone – and if you know at least the basics, you’d know that the Iridium is the go-to brand if you are looking for the best satellite phone.
Therefore, with the ability to connect with anyone around the globe at any time, you won’t have an issue carrying this satellite phone as it’s fairly portable thanks to its compact design. It’s one of the smallest satellite phones Iridium ever made – but it’s still as efficient as its older “brothers”.
On a single charge, the battery can last up to 30 hours on standby, and can only provide about 4 hours of talk time.
What’s worth mentioning is that you will also receive a prepaid SIM card included in the package which will allow you two-way SIM and short email capability features.
Thuraya X5
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B07MVKKWCX” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41smRtBgg-L.jpg” tag=”lemy0f-20″ width=”500″]
Thuraya X5 is the most advanced satellite phone which even features a modern touchscreen capability that really changes the way satellite phones are made.
However, it still features and relies on the advanced omnidirectional satellite antenna which ensures uninterrupted communications around the globe.
You won’t have a problem catching the signal – in fact, you will be able to even walk and talk even in satellite mode.
What’s so advanced about X5 satellite phone is the ability to support 2G/3G/4G frequencies across the world so you can communicate on any frequency you desire.
With the IP67 rating, you won’t have any issues dropping this satellite phone on the rocks, dirt, dust, or even in the water. It’s water-protected as well as rugged to withstand even the harder beating.
You will be able to use X5 satellite phone with any of the Turaya SIM cards but also with any GSM SIM cards. Our favorite thing is the ability to combine both types of cards and have them inside the phone at the same time.
This will leave you prepared even in the moments you might feel the most unprepared for. The only downside is that this satellite phone doesn’t offer coverage in North and South America.
Globstar GPS-1600
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”420″ identifier=”B000H0VE80″ locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518WzPql-oL.jpg” tag=”lemy0f-20″ width=”500″]
Globstar GPS-1600 is one of the most affordable satellite phones and even though it might seem outdated to most of the users at first – it actually features everything you would expect out of a quality & reliable satellite phone.
On a single battery charge, you could have up to 4 hours of call time and 19 hours of standby time which is fairly decent.
Some of the most helpful features introduced in the GPS-1600 satellite phone are battery meter so you can know exactly how much battery you have left, signal strength indicator, voice mail notification, up to 99 memory locations with call restrictions, and even a call history log.
One thing you should know is that this satellite phone can’t handle SMS or email messages – but it’s perfect for someone who only relies on the phone calls as GPS-1600 won’t let you down no matter where you go.
We really liked the minute-alert setting which allows you to manage costs by playing a signal every minute during the phone call so you know exactly how much time has passed on the call.
However, we were also surprised by the Globstar security by featuring keypad lock with a security lock code so even if you lose the phone – your minutes won’t get used at all and this will keep your balance and any overtime minutes unused.
Conclusion
Do we believe that everyone should have a satellite phone with them, even if they aren’t traveling, going hunting, or hiking? Yes, we do.
But why?
In the events of emergencies or natural disasters – the only way of communication will most likely be the satellite phones.
We agree that satellite phones can be a pricey investment, but how what other device gives you the opportunity to make contact with the satellites 22,000 miles in the space all around the globe? No other device!
However, if you decide to buy a used satellite phone – you will even get a more affordable deal. No matter what your choice is – you have the best satellite phones you can find on the market and it’s up to you to back up yourself with one of the most portable & versatile phones in the world.
