ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $315.00
Our Overall Rating | 91 out of 100
Pros - Uses satellite to message from anywhere
Cons - Can only custom message through smartphone
Overall - A light and compact safety device
Technical Specifications
Size - 9.1x6.6x2.7cm
Weight - 150g
Our Analysis & Ratings
If you're looking for a device to stay connected in remote areas, ZOLEO offers a solid solution for adventurers. While it lacks the ability to send custom messages directly from the device (instead allowing them to be sent via your phone), its communication network and features are noteworthy and set it apart from others.
Reliability - ZOLEO performs well as a safety device. It operates outside of standard mobile coverage, making it useful for remote locations where mobile signal is unavailable. It also includes a location tracker with an accuracy of about 2.5 meters, which can be crucial for emergency services to pinpoint your location accurately. While we weren’t able to get somewhere as remote as Antarctica to test it, it performed consistently in the mountains.
Ease of Use - The ZOLEO device connects via Bluetooth to an app on your smartphone, which you can then use to send and receive messages through either Wi-Fi/cell or satellite. This just means you need to have your phone always charged and on - often, when we’re on a hike, we keep our phones switched off so we have enough battery at the end. When your phone’s off, the ZOLEO functions more like an emergency beacon - you can simply press the separate check-in or SOS buttons (covered so you don’t accidentally press it) on the side, without needing to access your phone. The device comes with a phone number and requires a minimum three-month subscription to one of their plans, which can be adjusted or canceled online as needed.
Features - It’s important to note that this is not a satellite phone, so it’s a device you can use for location tracking and SOS, and then send or view custom messages through your phone. This means if something happens to your phone, you can only use the SOS and tracking functions. It covers the entire globe, though, which is pretty rare in this category. The device itself is dust, shock and water-resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes) and the rechargeable battery lasts for over 200 hours (over 8 days).
Size/Weight - The ZOLEO is small and compact compared to many other beacons or satellite phones - we found it no hassle at all to carry in our packs and if we weren’t testing it, would’ve forgotten it was there. It’s 9.1x6.6x2.7cm and feels solid, and while this is reflected in the weight, which is slightly higher than some others on the market, it also suggests durability.
Value - The ZOLEO’s stand-alone purchase price places it towards the more affordable end of similar devices on the market. As with all satellite communicators, keep in mind you also have to have an active subscription plan to be able to send messages over the Iridium® satellite network, which is an added cost on top of the device.
Overall - ZOLEO is a great option if you’re heading into areas without reliable Wi-Fi and are comfortable with satellite communication. However, be aware of the additional costs and the dependency on your phone for messaging functionality. On the whole, given its reliability and extremely good coverage, it’s a very strong option for those looking to venture into the wilderness.
