Now that the New Year is upon us, so are new challenges, opportunities, and adventures. You might be planning for an upcoming challenge like rowing the Atlantic, preparing for a critical work operation in a remote location, or simply looking to upgrade your current satellite phone to one of the best devices available on the market.

In this post, we highlight our five most popular satellite phones so you can find the right one for your needs.

Prices correct as at January 2025.

Iridium Extreme - $1,349.00

Rugged and built to endure the toughest environments, the Iridium Extreme delivers global connectivity and features an SOS button to call for professional rescue assistance when things take a serious turn.

Features:

• GPS tracking
• SOS button
• Military-grade durability
• Water and dust resistance (IP65)

Weight: 8.7 oz (247 g)
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches (140 x 60 x 27 mm)
Worth remembering: The Iridium Extreme comes with a price tag that matches its advanced capabilities and features, so it’s important to budget accordingly if you opt for this top-tier model.

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Iridium 9555 - $1,129.00

The Iridium 9555 is a solid choice for those who need basic, reliable global voice communication beyond the reach of standard networks. Built to perform in challenging conditions, it’s water, shock, and dust resistant.

Features:

• Global connectivity
• Enhanced SMS capabilities
• Ergonomic design
• Durable construction

Weight: 9.4 oz (266 g)
Dimensions: 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches (143 x 55 x 30 mm)
Worth remembering: Unlike the Iridium Extreme, the 9555 is a more streamlined option without built-in SOS or GPS. Be sure to consider the demands of your trip to determine whether this phone meets all your needs.

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Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 - $788.00

Built for adventure, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 delivers clear voice communication and comes equipped with an integrated emergency button and location tracking, ensuring you stay visible when off the grid.

Features:

• Near-global connectivity
• Built-in SOS functionality
• Pre-programmable interval tracking
• Exceptional 160-hour standby battery life

Weight: 11.2 oz (318 g)
Dimensions: 6.7 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches (169 x 52 x 29 mm)
Worth remembering: The IsatPhone 2 is slightly bulkier and heavier compared to other options, and it doesn’t offer true global coverage. It won’t work in areas like Antarctica or the extreme northern polar regions.

View Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 satellite phone >>

Thuraya XT-LITE - $708.00

The Thuraya XT-LITE is designed for budget-conscious users who need dependable communication within the regions covered by the Thuraya satellite network.

Features:

• Long battery life
• Affordable calling rates
• Lightweight design
• User-friendly interface

Weight: 6.5 oz (186 g)
Dimensions: 5.0 x 2.1 x 1.1 inches (128 x 53 x 27 mm)
Worth remembering: Network coverage is the key consideration for this phone; Thuraya devices do not work in North or South America, as their network only covers regions like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.

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Thuraya XT-PRO - $949.00

The Thuraya XT-PRO is a rugged and feature-rich satellite phone designed for professionals and adventurers who need reliable communication within Thuraya’s coverage area. With advanced GPS capabilities and a glare-resistant screen, it’s built for outdoor use.

Features:

• Advanced GPS systems (GPS, BeiDou, Glonass)
• Glare-resistant Gorilla Glass display
• Long battery life (up to 9 hours talk time)
• Water and dust resistance (IP55)

Weight: 7.8 oz (222 g)
Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches (138 x 57 x 27 mm)
Worth remembering: The Thuraya XT-PRO is ideal for users operating in Thuraya’s network regions but does not offer connectivity in North or South America, so plan your trips accordingly.

View Thuraya XT-PRO satellite phone >>

Which Satellite Phone is Right for You?

Choosing the right satellite phone depends on your priorities and where you plan to use it. If global coverage and extreme durability are top priorities, the Iridium Extreme and Iridium 9555 are excellent choices for adventurers and professionals facing the toughest conditions. For an affordable, lightweight regional option, the Thuraya XT-LITE is a great fit, while the Thuraya XT-PRO includes built-in GPS, BeiDou, and Glonass capabilities to ensure the highest flexibility in any region. Lastly, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 stands out for its exceptional battery life and reliable connectivity, making it a dependable choice for remote travelers and emergency situations.