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#1 Best Satellite Phones for 2023 (Updated) | Satellite Phone Store

Satellite Phone Store

The Largest Inventory, The Best Networks & Over 1,698 5-Star Reviews

Before you browse our inventory of satellite phones, it's important to know if it's for emergency back-up, a camping trip, in what region of the world it will be used, etc. These are 3 major things to consider when buying a satellite phone.

Top 3 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Satellite Phone

Where Will It Be Used?

Do you plan to use the satellite phone in mountainous areas or locations far north (40 degrees North or South of the Equator)? This could narrow down the hunt instantly. See coverage maps below.

How Will It Be Used?

Is it for emergency scenarios where you will keep it tested and tucked away in a glove box or safe location? Or is it for a big trip or somewhat occasional travel to locations with limited or non-existent coverage?

Which Service Plan is Best?

Do you want to buy or rent a phone? Do you want a monthly, annual or prepaid plan? While these options are based on user preference, most deals provided by the satellite network providers are found in the monthly and annual plans.

If you need help deciding, our agents are available 24/7 and will be happy to help you with your search. Just call or chat!

Compare the Top 4 Satellite Phones for 2023

Compare and review the best satellite phones & networks for your next adventure. The Satellite Phone Store sells, rents and supports the top satellite phones, data services, and satellite Internet solutions. Learn everything you need to know to make the best purchase decision on which device and plan are best for your needs.

  Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 front view Iridium Extreme 9575 front view Thuraya X5-TOUCH satellite phone front view Globalstar GSP-1700 gold 45 degree angle
  Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Iridium Extreme 9575 Thuraya X5-TOUCH Globalstar GSP-1700
Price $0.00 $1,399.00 $1,699.00 $399.00
Network Inmarsat Iridium Thuraya Globalstar
Coverage Inmarsat Coverage map Inmarsat Coverage map Iridium Coverage map Iridium Coverage map Thuraya Coverage map Thuraya Coverage map Globalstar Coverage map Globalstar Coverage map
Battery 8h Talk/160h stand by 4h Talk/30h Stand by 9h Talk/160h stand by 4h Talk/36h stand by
SOS X
GPS
Size 6.7″H - 3"W 5.5″H - 2.3"W 5.7″H - 3"W 5.3″H - 1.3"W
Durability -20°c +55°c IP65 -20°c +55°c IP65 -20°c +55°c IP67 IPX7
Water res. Jet water Jet water Jet water X
Handsfree X
Bluetooth X X
Camera X X X
Value Best Overall Value Global Coverage Android Touch + GSM Low Cost Service
  View View View View

Shop All Satellite Phones

Why do you need a satellite phone?

GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY

Satellite phones work globally from pole to pole in every remote region of the world. With a satellite phone, you can keep in touch with loved ones, do business and stay connected, with global coverage and excellent voice quality.

MOBILE & RELIABLE

Satellite phones are more durable, shock-resistant, water-resistant, easy to carry, lightweight and reliable. The extended battery life provides the comfort and security knowing when needed your satellite phone will work.

SAFE & SECURE

SAFE & SECURE

Fully encrypted satellite phones are safe and secure for private use of any kind. Government agencies and private industries rely on this privacy. It is recommended to always have a satellite phone when leaving cellular coverage.

Helpful Satellite Phone Videos

Satellite Phone Dialing Instructions
How to dial from and to a satellite phone?
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Voice Mail Setup
IsatPhone 2 Voice Mail Setup Instructions
Unboxing Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone
Initial Setup Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone

What Our Customers Are Saying

4.6
Out of 5.0
A graph showing this site's review totals.
Overall Rating
90%
of customers that
buy this product give
it a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Verified Buyer
“Great value”
Immarsat Satellite Phone
August 29, 2019 by Carleton E. (Florida, United States)
“Great pricing. Fast shipping. Great service plan.”
Verified Buyer
“Great buy”
Fantastic product, fanstastic service
June 14, 2019 by Charles P. (Virgin Islands (British))
“IsatPhone2 is a great product, robust and easy to use with great coverage. Satellite Phone Store offered fast, efficient, friendly service at a great price!”
Verified Buyer
“Great buy”
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone
June 10, 2019 by Anthony (North Carolina, United States)
“Item arrived as described and worked like a champ. I made several test calls and programmed in important numbers and place a few calls just to verify. Should be ready for emergencies. Thank you.”
Verified Buyer
“Great deal”
As expected!
May 13, 2019 by Foreigner (Hungary)
“As expected! Thanks!”
Works perfect
April 9, 2019 by Dave
“I bought this phone for offshore fishing trips couple of times a year and it's working as it should. Been calling family home and conversations are crisp and clear.”

SIMPLE

Satellite phones use a simplified user interface for anyone to understand and navigate easily without confusion. Tactile and light up buttons offer excellent visual and physical feedback.

ADAPTABLE

Use the satellite phone on-foot, in your boat, in-vehicle or in-building with a multitude of available accessories that we carry. SOS and GPS features are available to you. See satellite phone accessories here.

FAST

Phones connect to satellite networks quickly regardless of location. Some sat phones may require up to 1 minute to find and lock on to a satellite in the sky. Antenna must always be extended when attempting to call.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Vs. Iridium Extreme 9575

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone

IsatPhone 2 is Inmarsat's flagship satellite phone and it offers excellent voice clarity with the longest-lasting battery on the market. The solid built quality of this device is a result of excellent engineering and craftsmanship.

Most popular for boating, yachting and sailing - out on the water this phone almost never drops a call. IsatPhone 2 is splash-resistant and not entirely waterproof, but it will withstand rain and high humidity for long periods of time. Inmarsat offers low-cost satellite airtime and flexible monthly plans.

Learn More About the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone Kit

Iridium 9575 Extreme is the latest phone in the Iridium catalog. It offers satisfying voice clarity, a very high grade of durability and it is truly reliable when needed; in particular, high-stress environments where GPS tracking is vital and an emergency SOS button might be necessary.

9575 Extreme PTT is the Push To Talk version of this device and it's commonly used among groups and teams looking to communicate real time via satellite.

Learn More ABout the Iridium Extreme 9575
Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people need satellite phones?

Unlike traditional cell phones that rely on cell towers, satellite phones work anywhere on earth. Once you leave the city, satellite networks are the only networks offering reliable communication. For this reason, we have satellite phones that work anywhere, even in the most remote areas of the world. They offer reliable Voice, Text, GPS, and SOS and do an excellent job keeping you connected anywhere at sea, on expeditions, long hikes, remote job sites, mountains, deserts and even during a natural disaster.

Should I rent or own a satellite phone?

If you need a satellite phone for more than 1 month of the year or multiple times a year it is recommended to buy a satellite phone instead. If you only need a satellite phone for one or two weeks at a time, renting one would be a better option.

How fast can I get a satellite phone?

We can deliver a satellite phone to you as fast as the next day if major shipping companies offer that service to your area. In critical and emergency situations we can often deliver the device to you the same day via courier.

What is Rollover minutes?

Rollover is an option to roll the unused minutes from this month to the next one and accumulate your unused airtime for later use. This option costs $10 per month.

What is a USA phone number?

Satellite phones use international phone numbers and most cellphone users don’t have international calling activated with their carrier. A USA phone number redirect the calls to your satellite phone and allows anyone to reach you free of cost for them, but it will burn minutes from your plan. This option is available only on monthly service plans and costs $10 per month.

What is coverage like in south pacific (aus, nz, fiji, somoa, tonga, and south america, galapogous is. etc.)?

Satellite phones offer excellent coverage in all of these areas and you will experience uninterrupted service.

Can satellite phones send and receive text messages?

Yes, satellite phones work great with SMS services and you are able to send and receive text messages. Additionally satellite phone providers have dedicated pages where anyone can use their service to send free SMS to your satellite phone.

What is the difference between a satellite phone and a cell phone?

Cell phones do not use satellites, instead they rely on cellular towers for signal. Satellite phones are not limited to the short range of cellular networks and offer global telecommunication at the same rate, anywhere. Where cell phones are limited to the local cellular network coverage and also acquire additional costs when utilizing other cellular networks such as roaming services.

Can you call 911 from a satellite phone?

Yes, you can call 911 from any satellite phone and it will connect you to the local emergency service.

What are good satellite phones for international travelers?

The Inmarsat Isatphone 2 and Iridium 9575 Extreme are great devices for international travelers. They feature a clear voice, sending GPS coordinates, durable and rugged design, long battery life and SOS features in case of emergency.

What are the uses of satellite phones?

Satellite phones have a wide range of application. Because they are the only way of long distance communication outside of cellular and VHF range satellite phones are used in every global industry including: travel, sailing, fishing, remote expeditions, mining, oil extraction, remote construction, emergency response, aviation, shipping etc.

Can we talk from a satellite phone to an ordinary phone?

Yes, with a satellite phone you can call and connect to any number both landline or cellular.

Do satellite phones work everywhere?

Satellite phones work everywhere with a clear view of the sky. Because they work through satellites positioned high in Earths orbit they need unobstructed view to function properly. Satellites offer global coverage from pole to pole, in mountainous regions, deserts and anywhere at sea.

Why are satellite phones so expensive?

Satellite networks have high operating costs and it requires expensive logistics and technology to maintain satellites functioning properly and accurately. Therefore satellite communication technology is still priced higher than usual.

What is the cost for calling internationally?

Satellite phones are not subject to roaming costs. You are able to make calls anywhere in the world to any cellular or landline at the same flat rate cost.

Do satellite phones work in the ocean?

Yes, both Inmarsat and Iridium satellite phones offer excellent coverage in the ocean.

How much does it cost to have a satellite phone?

The lowest priced satellite phone we provide is the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 on sale for $699. We offer discounted device price with select monthly plans on a 12-month contract. Satellite phone service costs start at around $40 per month to keep the device active with 10 minutes of talk time included. The user is allowed to go over the 10 minutes and will be billed additionally at the end of the month.

Will I get charged for incoming calls and text?

No, incoming calls and text are FREE on any service plan you choose.

Can I get Internet on a satellite phone?

Satellite phones do not provide sufficient data connection to use Internet services on your device. For Internet use we recommend satellite Internet devices like BGAN explorer 510 or IsatHub Isavi.

Can satellite phones be used indoors?

Satellite phones need a clear line of the sky out in the open to work. There are however satellite phone accessories such as antennas and docking stations that allow your satellite phone to work indoors.

Can my satellite phone be traced and spied on?

It is very hard to trace and spy on a satellite phone. Eavesdropping on a satellite phone is virtually impossible since the signal travels vertically towards the sky - compared to cellphones where the signal travels horizontally towards the cellphone towers and through this transmission it can be intercepted and decrypted.

How does SOS emergency feature work?

When the SOS button is pressed a preconfigured notification sequence is activated and GEOS 911 services are contacted and your GPS coordinates are sent out. GEOS will attempt to call you immediately to coordinate a rescue mission to your location. Additionally if preconfigured your family members will be notified about your situation.

How to send a text message to an iridium phone?

To send a text message using a cell phone:

  • 1. Compose a new message.
  • 2. In the recipient field, enter the full Iridium phone number starting with a + or 00. I.e. +881623412345 / 00881623412345
  • 3. Type up to 160 characters in the message field and click send.

To send a free text message using the Iridium messaging service
  • 1. Navigate to https://messaging.iridium.com/
  • 2. Enter the Iridium phone number in the field, 8816... without + or 00
    I.e. 881623412345
  • 3. Enter your email reply address in the field
  • 4. Type your message in the message field.
  • 5. Press Send

How do satellite phones work?

Satellite phones work by connecting you through satellites positioned in low or high Earth orbit. This eliminates the need of cellphone towers and allows global satellite network coverage. Additionally, the user pays same rate per minute or text message anywhere in the world.