In-Depth ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Review & Guide
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
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If you primarily use your smartphone as your outdoor navigation device, and are looking for satellite messaging and SOS when out of cell phone service (like with InReach), the ZOLEO is a great option. It’s a small box that you pair with your phone to send and receive messages over the Iridium satellite network. And the ZOLEO will automatically send over your phone’s data networks if they are available, saving you the cost of a satellite message. If your phone (or Bluetooth connection) dies, the ZOLEO will still function (SOS, check-ins, location sharing) by using buttons on the unit. It’s well thought out, rugged, and an effective tool.
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UPDATES:
11:22 - Status bar doesn’t indicate when a message has been sent. It only shows when a send/receive is in progress (in addition to other device details). The checkmark next to a message (and audible tone emitted from device) indicates when the message has been sent. Just a clarification so it is not confusing for viewers.
14:54 - Check-ins can only be sent to SMS and/or email contacts at this time. Sending to other ZOLEO app users will be available in a late Aug/early Sept release.
17:58 - You can also purchase insurance directly from GEOS by visiting my-geos.com/
21:26 - A check-in only counts as one message regardless of the number of contacts the check-in is being sent to. If configured to be sent to 3 contacts, only one message will be consumed when sent.
One important note about the emergency and check-in contacts (if they don't have the Zoleo app) - if they have turned on any type of filter to block inbound text messages from unknown numbers, then your check in or text messages won't get delivered. Have them add your Zoleo (or InReach) number to your contact entry in their phone and then your messages will go through. Good review - I love my Zoleo! And I'm thankful that the only time I've pressed the SOS button was for a scheduled test.
Great point, thank you 👍👍 Adding the tip to the guide well. Glad you are having good luck with the Zoleo, it's a solid piece of gear.
Exactly why folks should test gear before intended use.
Excellent review. Clear, concise. Thanks!
Thanks! Very informative. Using on my boat to go inshore fishing out of cell range.
Thanks for posting this informative video. Made it easier to familiarize myself with the Zoleo device and app.
This was a big help! Excellent review.
Great video. Thank you for the thorough, tried and tested, review.
Thanks for the review, I was wondering if it would work through the top of my backpack and you answered my question!
Great video. Thank you for taking the time. I am technically challenged & you have helped me with all info on the ZOLEO. Thank you very much !!! 🤙🏼
Wow. I’m glad I found this. I’m a mountain biker living in Ohio so we don’t have big back county like the Western US, but we do have areas where cell coverage is limited or coverage gaps while I’m on trails. This would be perfect as it seamlessly jumps between cell network and satellite and provide SOS coverage giving my family comfort I can be reached.
I was going to do InReach Mini, but that now seems like overkill for my use case.
Great job! Very thorough; you answered all my questions in your video!
Thank you 👍
Thanks for the information. Just right for me at this point.
Thank you for this excellent review.
Great review and how-to. Thanks
Very helpful video. I am not buying one at this time, but is certainly a possibility in the future and will use your site to do so if I do. Thanks for doing a nice review
A very good review. I am based in the UK. I have looked at the Garmin inreach, but after watching this. I may change my choice. I am starting training, to build up my walks, overnight stays this will be UK and Spain. I'll run a few more reviews. Take care
Tnks for all that detsiled info.. Very usefull to know wish one to get.. Tnks again
Seamless good for snowmobile. In and out of signal regularly
Thanks great review! Lots of good info and recommendations
👍
Awesome! Thanks!
Great review.
Excellent review, love to see you put something similar together for the latest generation of Bivy Stick for comparison.
Just got one. I asked ACR for a trial / test unit, but they never got back to me, so ended up just buying one. Stay tuned...
2022 Black Friday special at REI...price dropped from $200 to $150. I just snagged mine! Go get yours💪
This video helps me a lot. I will be traveling alone by car to some remote spots and I wanted something like a PLB with a little more capabilities. The ZOLEO sounds perfect for me to be able to check in to let friends know my location and I'm ok, along with getting help if needed. Thank you. I will be sure to use you link to purchase one.
Thank you and yes, the ZOLEO is perfect for that type of thing
Nice Review. I found the InReach Mini, even the V2 interface horrible. In addition, I find it difficult read the Mini screen with my glasses due to the small print size. I decided to switch to Zoleo. I use my iPhone for Nav with Farout for major trails, and satellite for coms. The ability to seamlessly switch to cellular when in range is a nice cost saving. In addition, my family who is not the most tech-savvy found Zoleo much easier to deal with since it has its own phone number. They just add my Zoleo number to their contacts, and it makes it very easy for them to receive and send messages.
Thank you !
Good review. Tnaks.
you're awesome! was unaware, been dragging my feet on doing the sub on my 66i. sounds/looks great for me. not chatty just need light messaging when out of service
Yea, the basic plan is great on this guy. Just enough to send some messages out when you need to and have SOS.
@@Hikingguy we're in evac mode within hours (fire) but will hook up via you're link and researching setting up others as well. thanks
@@billhackley3540 oh man, stay safe and fingers crossed for you guys
Great video
Thanks!
Big thank you!!!
I never thought of putting my phone in airplane mode to save battery on longer backcountry hikes. Thanks for tip.
GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU
Good job
Great review!!! One question when you suspend the service do you get to keep your unused texts? Also I couldn't find the complete guide on your website???
I am going to pick one of these up for $170 tomorrow from someone who used only a couple times hiking in the mountains. I am a little excited to get it.
Nice review. I’ve had such terrible luck with “satellite communicators” hit or miss messages I’ve switched over to a device of last resort- the ACR PLB. Proven and so much more robust rescue technology. As you know the real key here is how many watts the transmitter emits. 1.6w for the InReach vs. 5w for the ACR PLB. Cheers!
Yea, the PLB is def more industrial, and the 5w helps, but the satellites for PLB are MEO, so much higher (6,300 to 12,500 miles) as opposed to LEO for Iridium ((100 and 1,000 miles)
And PLB's are OFFICIAL devices connecting directly with US Air Force rescue center.
Those other devices connect to Lord knows where..... And you hope they are awake enough to finally call the rescue center.
Could be a costly delay.
If you want luxury of texts etc. Buy both; but don't bet your life on the other "gadgets". Planes/Trains/Boats don't.
Interesting Review, thank you 👍😊
This was an extremely helpful review. Do you have one for the Garmin inReach Messenger?
Will review it soon - Motorola Defy coming any day too
Thank you for the great information. Has much changed with the Zoleo since you posted this two years ago(besides the plan info and pricing)?
A bit has - I'm working on a followup review now
Nice..
Thank you so much for the in-depth breakdown! I have watched your other videos and I think the Zoleo would work best for my use case, but I wanted to get your input incase anything has changed in the last year. I plan to use this to check in with my wife when I solo hike. I have a Garmin 32x eTrex GPS device for navigation, but need a way to communicate if i'm running behind schedule or need further help. I know does the job and has a great price point, but are there better or cheaper options out there? Or do i just sell my 32x and buy a GPSMAP 66i and have all functions in one device? Much thanks!
If the basic (consumer safety) subscription for the inReach works for you, I'd probably go with the 66i. They should be going on sale now that the 67i is out and it's still a very good unit especially if you're coming from an eTrex.
Excellent. can i control frequency of when msg go out, except in emergency. I don't want to have msg go regularly due to costing.
f.y.i from the help desk. . .
Note that when you send a Check- In, you may have several check in contacts designated, whom each will receive a check in message. This will still always count as one check-in message on your plan.
If you add the optional Location Share + (LS+) feature to your plan, you will be able to send unlimited location updates as well as unlimited check-in messages.
Thanks for the thorough run through! I’m thinking about picking up this or the in reach. Primary for overhanding in areas where there is no cell service. 2 questions: is your purchase link still good? And is there any reason you’d choose the in reach over this for an overland / camping commutator to stay in touch with family for weeks at a time? Thx!
Links are still good, thank you for the support! And I think this is great for overlanding, best balance of price and functionality when overlanding, you don't need all the nav bells whistles
I was looking at this and wanted the insurance, but your link to Geos now takes me to IERCC and under supported devices Zoleo is not listed. Do you know of another option to get the search and rescue insurance for a Zoleo-used device?
Is the initial 3 month requirement for a plan only once? Or every time you reactivate lets say if you use seasonally for a few months and do not do the $4 hold fee?
Send a message to one email. Setup an email rule to forward to a distribution list.
great video. I have a zoleo i recently purchase but was thinking of pairing it with a garmin gps for navigation purposes. Do you think its good enough that I would not need an garmin inreach device? I was looking at the 66i or the montana 700 i
If you have a Zoleo, getting another inReach is overkill (and would cost a lot with dual subscriptions). Grab a GPSMAP 65s or 66sr and you'll be solid. Or just use your phone with Gaia GPS if you're only hike in fair conditions.
Does zoleo pinpoints the coordinates of where you are in the map like Inreach just want to be sure.
Thank you so much for this review, I read through the text version also and both are super helpful in learning about this device. I'm wondering if you'd know if its possible to have the app installed on multiple phones at once? I travel with my everyday phone, a work phone, and an old phone I use for a GPS with Gaia. Yes I love backups for my backups. If one of the phones stopped working could I open the app on another phone and continue as normal with messages and check ins? I appreciate any feedback and thanks again for the great reviews!!
Yup, you can pair it with multiple phones, no prob, just make sure you have the ZOLEO app on the phone and unpair before you repair, I think that does the trick
@@Hikingguy Thanks I was looking for that same answer / question.
Hi what were some of the other maps apps? I use Alltrails and AllForks, I would like to see if there are better that work in Canada. Thanks. Great video.
Try Gaia GPS, that's my goto app for phone maps.
i just watched your ZOLEO review and the GARMIN in Reach review. Would you say that these reviews are still current? May be there are better devices, better plans or one unit had significant upgrades that make it much more desirable.
Thank you
czcams.com/video/e6vq6IAyACI/video.html
Looks like the plans have changed since this video was posted. It now has unlimited free satellite check-in messages.
One drawback- in order to set up you need to have cell service. I’m unable to get text message where I’m at so I can’t finish setting up my Zoleo.
Im pretty sure that a location check in with the 6.00 plan is unlimited checkins. I'm unsure or unable to make the device give me location to upload my own downloaded map and show me my own breadcrumbs.
What is the point of a dedicated phone# or email? Doesn't texting or emailing work just as well?
Zoleo is a IP68 meaning its dust proof and good up to 1.5 M for max of 30 min
With the new tracking subscription being offered, will it allow you to track your own hike at the end of the day, for example the miles that you have hiked, etc.
I wouldn't use it as a GPS tracker - just use your phone, you'll get a better quality recording - try Gaia GPS free
Hi Cris - I think Glibal rescue are now the default SOS service for Zoleo? Assumung this is the case, do you know if you also need a Global Rescue membership?
They handle the SOS but I don't think you can get supplemental insurance through ZOLEO, but not 100%, it's been a while since I went deep on the ZOLEO. Always wondering when a new unit is coming...
Thanks for the excellent overview. I have a couple of questions. If you move back into an area with cell phone reception and someone sends a message to your Zoleo sms number rather than to your cell phone number, will you receive that message over your mobile network? Does it "count" as a cell phone message rather than a satellite message from a cost standpoint? I also wonder what happens if you are out of cell phone range and someone sends a message to your Zoleo when it is turned off. Suppose you turn the Zoleo back on again only after you have moved into cell phone range. Must you switch your phone to ariplane mode in order to find out whether there are messages previously sent via satellite that are waiting for you?
1 - yes, you get it via cell data connection in the ZOLEO app
2 - only messages sent or received over sats count - if it came via cellular data, no charge aside from any cellular data usage
3 - it will check for messages when you turn on and if you are in cellular range, it will use that, otherwise sats
Who do you send the message when you press the check button on the device? The thing has no screen..
Thank you so much for this in-depth review. I am deciding between the Zoleo and In-Reach Mini 2. I feel like I recently read that Zoleo is having issues with their reliability. Specifically, a technical issue that has led to delays in message delivery for some users. I am leaning toward the Zoleo because I am not super-techy and I am not really wanting to text when I'm backcountry, I just want safety. However, reliability is the number one concern. Any advise?
For the price and what you're looking for, the ZOLEO is prob the best move. And for delays, it happens with them all at points, so I wouldn't sweat it.
@@Hikingguy Thank you, I appreciate your quick response!
Great review. Is it possible to text from one zoleo to another Zoleo device directly. In other words let’s say you live in a major city and there’s a disaster that shuts down all power and cell towers. In that scenario can you send and receive texts directly without cell phone towers? Thank you 🙏🏻
Not 100% on this but I do know the messages come back to earth before going back out to another device - if ATT is down again you should be okay because it's not part of a cellular setup, but if data / comm centers are down in a big way, there might be issues
Good review. Thanks. I currently have a Somewear satellite communicator. Had it for 2 years and have been happy with it. But, I think my battery is starting to fail. Testing that now to be sure. Have you any experience with the Somewear? If I need to get a new one I'd be open to a different brand. Garmin would be over the top I think. Plus, Garmin confuses the heck out of me. With my 62s GPS I feel like I have to relearn the thing every time I use it. So Zoleo looks like a good option. Thanks.
I haven't used a Somewear - if they would have sent one I would have gave it a try but no dice there - I'd say that a ZOLEO is probably the best bet if you are coming from a similar experience (the Somewear)
@@Hikingguy Chris - Thanks for your input. Placed my order with REI through your site for the Zoleo.
@@kevinfridman6154 Thank you !!!👍🙏
So the Check-In (with lat/long location) is just a button push (like The Spot), and counts as one message against your monthly quota?
It's too bad the language isn't more standard - Location Sharing is just "Tracking". It's confusing because a Check-In shares your location.
Location is, "I'm here." Tracking is "Follow my route."
My daughter my son-in-law and my grandkids live on a mountain in Puerto Rico.. after hurricane Maria hit them we had no communications with them for 4 months!!!!. A device like this would be perfect to activate before the hurricane hit and they could let us know they are okay
Yea, this would be perfect for that - and sorry to hear about the situation - I have a friend who was hit hard by Maria too.
The newest versions of the ZOLEO look the same, but they’re now using the iridium satellites.
Looking for guidance on these type of units for use in open water crossing ..
It will work in water - for Zoleo you might want a float case - this Garmin inReach model is set up for marine & floats on its own - amzn.to/3zNK0bi
I found your blog review while checking your hike report for Crystal Lake/Hawkins Ridge and I am glad I did. I've been postponing getting an InReach Mini satellite communicator due to cost. The zoleo is a great alternative and will be getting one this week. No biggie, but you left out one group of users: People with a dedicated GPS and a phone. I have a Montana 680 and don't need the tracking functions of InReach or a phone app.
I have a couple of use questions that I will ask zoleo support, but maybe you know the answers. Is there a way to block incoming messages? I'm thinking that if you give your zoleo number to someone they may text that by mistake. Or maybe that's not an issue? Also can you do a top-off via the satellite system, or do you need a data connection?
Thank you and yea, it sounds like the Zoleo is a good option given your use case. I'm not sure about the blocking, but for the top-off, I think it can happen over sat - support.zoleo.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405308644503-What-is-a-top-up-bundle-and-how-much-do-top-up-bundles-cost- for more info
I see....just respond to the notification that is sent (at 50% and 100% use for the Basic plan) and get billed next cycle. I spoke with support and there is no way to block or suspend incoming messages. But if you happen to get lots of spam they can change your number by request.
Can I buy used ZOLEO? If the seller does not give me an account, can I register a new account to activate the device?
Another question is that they force me to use a three month contract, if I only pay for the first month and then lock the credit card for the second month, they won't be able to charge my credit card, is this ok? Thank you very much.😀
Hi Will the SOS function anywhere on the planet - IE ocean passages? How long will the SOS function keep transmitting? Thanks
Yes works worldwide. Check the article on HikingGuy for the specifics.
Does this automatically "breadcrumb" track your movement like the inreach does at I thinkg every 10 min so rescue can find your location even if you don't send it?
Yes
Great review but I just received my new Zoleo and found your video, so I can't give you a credit thru the link! Anyways, I consider myself techy but can't figure out how you got the "Hiking Guy" header on your 'check-in" message. Mine get sent with "I'm OK blah, blah, blah.." so somebody getting this is going to wonder who the heck is sending me this message!!
Found it! It's the device "nickname"
I was wondering if you could almost use this like a normal phone (everyday use) because price is almost the same..can you call/text unlimited with the big plan? Thank you
You can,and you can't you can text ,ive got one it's 50 dollars unlimited text , but you can't call at all or send pictures and you Absolutely have to be outside!!! It only connects to satellites
I wish there was a plan between the two. 50 messages is not enough for me for a week long camping trip, but 250 is overkill.
Yea, I wish there was a "pay per message" or similar too from someone
Se podrá hacer un vídeo en vivo desde un helicóptero en medio de un desierto??
Yes! Very good video! I'm a 64-year-old male that is in good health, who is thinking of doing a bit of hiking and camping like I did in my 20s. All of my family have died out, with the exception of my moldy old sister, who could care less about me. However, it would be nice if I screw up that my corpse could be returned for burial, rather then cluttering up a mountain or park! Definitely need to have one of these in my Christmas stocking. Thank you large for your excellent video!
I am 74. Trust me 64 is not old. Get out and do what you want. Enjoy life
If you buy it in Australia can you use it in NZ in terms of pulling NZ weather reports and SMSing NZ contacts? Does it work with messenger apps like Whats App?
Only works with built in messaging app. Works with any contacts and you can get NZ weather.
Can a single device be connected to two phones? Say if something happened to my boyfriends phone then I could use mine to communicate if I needed to.
Simple question is this better or motorolla? As motorolla works with 22,000 height satellite but it does not cover worldwide? So I need atleast worldwide coverage so which is better?? And does zoleo even work with satellite? And at what height??
overall this is more reliable - uses worldwide Iridium network
Can you reactivate from a suspension state just using the ZOLEO if you don’t have cel service on your phone?
No
So if we go to order through your site I’m just not sure if it’s going through your page for credit
Any clear way to see that it is, thanks
Thank you, yes, just click the links on my page and it helps support the site. Thank you!
If cell service is down, can one communicate just through ZOLEO’s when no smart phone or computer is available to communicate with?
With text messages, yes
With users paying per incoming message we don't want to be paying for SPAM. Can we set up filter to block all email and text messages but those on a list?
you can contact customer support and: 1: Send them the numbers and they will block them. or 2: They will assign a new number.
Having to charge two devices and worrying about that while out exploring isnt great and it gives you two points of failure. Would it be that hard for them to add a screen to the device like Garmin? I think having a backup device is a good idea but not great when one device relies on the other to work.
Zoleo is not limited for dependency on your 'smart device' phone or tablet, you can throw those away, Zoleo will still send check-in and SOS message on stand-alone by itself.
Hey Hiking Guy, one question. As everybody might know that Iridium satellites will continuously go end of life and run out of service, is the Zoleo then useless or can it still operate e.g. with StarLink or other satellites?
It will still work - Iridium is always launching new sats and I don't think they have plans of sunsetting the whole service, you're good
thanks that is what I was trying to decide. I live in east tn and hike the smoky mountains so tons of tree cover and hard to get a signal. I tried using my phone but it kills the battery in a few hours so I really want a stand alone gps.
Try putting your phone in airplane mode - the GPS will work - and then using something like the ZOLEO to text / SOS. > this might be helpful > blog.gaiagps.com/save-phone-battery-life/
Does this only transmit text messages or can you also use it, connected to your phone, to make WiFi cell calls?
It only does text, no voice.
You say that check-ins decrement the message count, but right now Zoleo are saying check-ins are unlimited on all plans (subject to fair use, I suspect). This may have changed since your review.
Also you say location share is better on Garmin: it sort of is except on the 'safety' plan, where each ping costs 10p (UK), which can ramp up to a hefty bill on a through hike - £180 a month! Makes the £4.50 for Zoleo tracking look pretty good. Though it would be nicer if Zoleo offered a track map we could share as URL, instead of spamming clickable pings to an interested party's inbox.
Yes things have changed since this video went up over a year ago. Waiting for them to potentially offer a new device (its been out a while) and review it also.
Will the SOS button and signal work if one does NOT have a subscription plan active or perhaps during the time out period?
nope
@@Hikingguy ok, thanks. That might be too good to be true. However I bet the units would sell good if just SOS.
Being new to this tech I did some research. There are SOS only units with no subscription. Then I learned the IPhone 14 has out of service range SOS.
Now rather than buying a SOS only unit, think I will get a new phone.
So can you send text with your zoleo if your phone is in airplane mode?
Yes - it uses satellites
Can I use it off shore I am a commercial fisherman and want to know if I can use it off shore to stay in contact with my family at home
Yup this will work
Does it share longitude latitude with end user without extra plan.
You can include it with a check-in as part of the regular plan
Ok so you cover the text and the SOS but nothing on how to use wifi and cellular service how do they work?
? czcams.com/video/Ls0ZCyTomuM/video.html
Question: What if my phone dies, can I still keep sending check-in messages? Like the one shown in the video: "I am okay with location"
I am planning to summit Mt Whitney by the end of May and as we expect it to become very cold there and I think my phone will not survive for longer. I expect it to be with a power bank but you never know.
: This statement from your blog answers this: "Most importantly for me, the ZOLEO was designed to allow SOS, location sharing, and check-in without a phone. So if your phone does die, you can still use the most important functions without a problem." - Short answer YES
Yup, will work with hardware buttons only
Why would I need it my iPhone does same thing
Those price plans though. 5 dollars a month is 60 a year, slims the price difference between devices pretty quickly.
Mines 50 a month for unlimited texts and check ins
If I have a zoleo but my phone is dead---can i use my zoleo with no plan-------for SOS ?
You can use it without a phone but not without a subscription.
If it's connected to your
Bluetooth and your cellphone plan itself is out of service it does still work, I've had this happen through Hiking the Appalachian trail and it worked flawlessly
When I see devices that still use the deprecated micro USB connection I generally feel an upgrade to USB C must be imminent, and I'll wait for that.
Perhaps why you see them $50 off at most places.
@@Popcornbeetle Good to know. Clearly you're not going to take hundreds of items to the landfill because the the connector has been changed, so the chance to save a few bucks is probably an advantage to many. I recently waited a few months to get an eReader because until a few weeks ago, none of them had USB-C. Part of my thinking is along the lines of, "If I buy something now that has Micro USB, there will be a new model out soon, and what other upgrades might the newer model also have?" Indeed for eReaders, besides the connection there were in fact a number of significant upgrades in the newer model, and it was worth the wait. One thing I seem to notice with newer devices, if they have Bluetooth, the new BT standards are much easier to live with than the old. So to me, a micro-usb interface seems to be saying, "I'm old technology".
@@MountainParameters great point and when it comes to my outdoor gear, consolidation on a std is important. Just bought a new headlamp with C, so I’m slowly moving over. Don’t want another device with micro usb if I can hold out.
One more question...does the Zoleo work when your phone is on airplane mode and battery conservation?
yes
with bluetooth on to connect to ZOLEO that is
Yes with Bluetooth