With the arrival of the New Year comes new challenges, opportunities, and adventures. You might be spending the next few months preparing for an epic rowing trip across the Atlantic Ocean, planning a crucial work operation involving remote deployment, or simply looking to upgrade your current satellite phone solution to one of the market's leading devices.
This post puts our five most popular satellite phones in the spotlight so you can decide for yourself which one is best for your needs.
Prices correct as at January 2025.
Iridium Extreme - £1,304.40 (Inc. VAT)
Rugged and built for harsh environments, the Iridium Extreme has global connectivity and SOS capabilities to call for professional rescue operations should the situation turn serious.
Features:
- GPS tracking
- SOS button
- Military-grade durability
- Water/dust resistance (IP65)
Weight: 247g
Dimensions: 140mm x 60mm x 27mm
Worth remembering: the Iridium Extreme does come with a price tag worthy of its capabilities and features so be sure to set realistic budgets before opting for this top-tier model.
View Iridium Extreme satellite phone >>
Iridium 9555 - £1,080.00 (Inc. VAT)
The Iridium 9555 is a solid contender for anyone needing basic but reliable global voice communication beyond the reach of traditional networks. It's a phone you can trust in wild environments and is water, shock, and dust resistent.
Features:
- Global connectivity
- Enhanced SMS capabilities
- Ergonomic design
- Durable construction
Weight: 266g
Dimensions: 143mm x 55mm x 30mm
Worth remembering: unlike the Iridium Extreme, the 9555 is a more pared down satellite phone. It doesn't come with integrated SOS or GPS, so be sure to evaluate every scenario of your trip or adventure as to whether this option suits you.
View Iridium 9555 satellite phone >>
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 - £822.00 (Inc. VAT)
The ruggedised and adventure-ready IsatPhone 2 from Inmarsat offers crystal clear voice communication abilities together with integrated emergency button as well as location tracking to keep you visible when you go offgrid.
Features:
- Near-global connectivity
- Built-in SOS functionality
- Pre-programmable interval tracking
- Exceptional battery life of 160hrs standby
Weight: 318g
Dimensions: 169mm x 52mm x 29mm
Worth remembering: the IsatPhone is a bulkier, heavier phone than other similar options, and doesn't offer truly global connectivity; you wouldn't be able to make contact with it from places such as Antarctica or the far northern polar regions.
View Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 satellite phone >>
Thuraya XT-LITE - £520.80 (Inc. VAT)
The Thuraya XT-LITE is designed for cost-conscious users who need to stay securely connected from within any of the countries served by the Thuraya satellite network.
Features:
- Long battery life
- Cost-efficient calling rates
- Lightweight build profile
- User-friendly interface
Weight: 186g
Dimensions: 128mm x 53mm x 27mm
Worth remembering: Thuraya's network coverage in general should be one of your biggest considerations; you cannot use a Thuraya phone in North or South America as it only covers EMEA & APAC regions.
View Thuraya XT-LITE satellite phone >>
Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL
The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL is the world’s first dual-mode, dual-SIM sat phone, bridging the gap between satellite and terrestrial communications by using both a satellite SIM card and a cellular SIM card for interchangeable 4G services.
Features:
- Dual-SIM (GSM and satellite)
- Advanced GPS systems (GPS, BeiDou, Glonass)
- Water/dust resistance (IP55)
- Powerful battery of 100hrs standby
Weight: 222g
Dimensions: 138mm x 57mm x 27mm
Worth remembering: connectivity issues may cause a pause for thought with this option; in a similar vein to the Thuraya XT-LITE, the XT-PRO DUAL is not truly global like its Iridium or Inmarsat counterparts.
View Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL satellite phone >>
Selecting the right satellite phone depends on your priorities and intended use. For global coverage and extreme durability, the Iridium Extreme and Iridium 9555 are excellent options, ideal for adventurers and professionals in harsh environments. The Thuraya XT-LITE offers an affordable, lightweight solution for regional coverage, while the Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL provides dual-SIM flexibility for those balancing satellite and GSM networks. Finally, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 stands out for its long battery life and reliability, making it a dependable choice for remote travelers and emergency preparedness.
