When it comes to affordable, reliable satellite tracking, SPOT is a household name for adventurers, businesses, and lone workers alike. Their lineup of devices includes the SPOT Gen4, SPOT Trace, and SPOT X, each tailored for different tracking and communication needs. In this post, we break down what each device offers and help you decide which might be the best fit for your needs.
SPOT Gen4: The Rugged Personal Safety Tracker
The SPOT Gen4 is a compact, handheld satellite tracker ideal for personal safety and off-grid communication. It’s especially popular among hikers, climbers, remote workers, and travellers heading into areas with no mobile coverage.
Key Features:
- Customisable tracking intervals (2.5, 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes)
- SOS emergency button that connects directly to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Centre
- Check-in button for simple one-way "I’m okay" messages to friends and family
- Motion-activated tracking to preserve battery life
- IP68-rated for dust and water resistance
The Gen4 strikes a solid balance between functionality and price, offering critical peace of mind when you’re off the grid.
SPOT Trace: Automatic Asset Tracking
If you're looking to protect your valuables, the SPOT Trace is your go-to solution. This discreet tracker is designed to monitor and report the movement of vehicles, boats, equipment, or other high-value assets.
Key Features:
- Anti-theft alerts when motion is detected
- Automatic tracking intervals from 2.5 to 60 minutes
- Low battery and power-off notifications
- Compact and easy to mount discreetly
- Powered by 4x AAA batteries or USB connection
SPOT Trace is ideal for businesses and individuals who want reliable location updates on their assets, even in areas with zero mobile coverage.
SPOT X: Two-Way Messaging with Built-In Keyboard
For those who need more than one-way communication, the SPOT X steps up with two-way satellite messaging and its own dedicated mobile number.
Key Features:
- Two-way SMS and email messaging via satellite
- Integrated QWERTY keyboard (no smartphone required)
- Built-in SOS button linked to 24/7 emergency services
- Tracking intervals ranging from 2.5 to 60 minutes
- Built-in rechargeable battery (10 days of 10-minute tracking on a full charge)
The SPOT X is perfect for those venturing into extremely remote areas and wanting to stay in touch with family, colleagues, or rescue services, without relying on a mobile phone.
Did You Realise…?
If you're comparing SPOT devices, especially the Gen4 and SPOT X, there's a powerful alternative worth considering: the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
This palm-sized device packs in:
- Two-way satellite messaging
- Interactive SOS
- Global Iridium coverage
- Compact design that pairs seamlessly with your smartphone
The inReach Mini 2 offers many of the benefits of the SPOT X, including messaging and emergency response, but in a smaller form factor with Garmin’s ecosystem of maps, weather forecasts, and navigation tools.
Whether you're safeguarding a vehicle with the SPOT Trace, tracking your own movements with the SPOT Gen4, or sending messages with the SPOT X, there's a SPOT device to suit a wide range of adventures and operational needs. And if you're after even more advanced navigation and communication in a compact package, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 could be your perfect companion.
