Better than SPOT X? ZOLEO Review - Pros and Cons

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Review with all the pros and cons. This is an impressive Satellite Communicator, but it isn't all good, there are a few things ZOLEO has overlooked. Check out my video to see all of ZOLEO's pros and cons.
ZOLEO: geni.us/7usdChG
SPOT X $250: geni.us/ZEFr
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
0:52 PRO Number One: ZOLEO's Interface is Intuitive
1:49 PRO Number Two: Check the Weather with ZOLEO
2:29 PRO Number Three: SOS Capabilities
2:58 PRO Number Four: Very Affordable
3:20 PRO Number Five: Alert Notifications
3:37 Its Waterproof
CONS
3:45 CON Number One: ZOLEO is Heavily Dependent on Your Phone
5:40 CON Number Two: It takes a long time to send or receive messages
6:03 CON Number Three: Can't change the Battery (but battery life is good)
6:35 CON Number Four: No Tracking Feature
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[@kensmith7567]

Zoleo released an update today (5/26/2021) that allows for tracking - there is an extra charge of $6 per month but it sounds like it is an unlimited service (admittedly, I haven’t read the small print or subscribed to this yet)

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Of course on the day I published this they would update. They knew I was making this review. I wonder why they didn’t tell me?

[@kensmith7567]

@@MyLifeOutdoors the release was kind of odd. There was absolutely nothing about it on their website the last time I looked (just after the app update hit). I wonder if they are still putting the necessary infrastructure in place to support larger numbers of subscribers. I thought your review was well done and enjoy your content. Please keep it up. - Ken

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@kensmith7567 thanks Ken! And thanks for the info too!

[@JRoss707]

I’m reading about the optional tracking subscription offered on their site,. and it doesn’t give much specifics on it. I suspect that perhaps they are partnering with Gaia GPS, as they partnered in a Memorial Day week sales event where you receive one year of Gaia Premium free with the purchase of the Sat Com. It really a toss up, and I’m not sure if I’m going to go with the Zoleo or the inReach Mini.

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

I have a Zoleo. My fav things are the cost of entry and maintenance for new hikers and backpackers, the weather updates are definitely a great feature. One of the "tricks" I've been using as I get out on longer hikes, is to actually take along an old phone, put it in airplane mode, and set up the Zoleo app on it. Then you won't have to worry as much about the battery life situation and only use it for communication. Definitely agree on being to customize a Check In message. They should be able to easily do this with their software. You should submit the idea to their customer service team! They're pretty responsive and always looking for a way to keep their product competitive.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

just curious, but can you run your phone in airplane mode and still send out messages with the zoleo sat comm?

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

@@wanderingaloudwithmark3057 Yes, that is actually what I do with my phone to save battery.

[@Featheredprop]

@@GIRLplusDOGAdventures This is the answer I've been looking for!! Thank you! Keeping my phone in airplane mode is important to save phone battery.

[@preyingjaws]

Thanks for the info. Con#4 is why I've carried a SPOT Gen 3 for the last 8 years. Family & Co-workers enjoy seeing where I'm at

[@haughtable]

Best review I've seen yet. Of course I pulled the trigger recently when I found Zoleo for $160 and I already carry an extra battery bank for my photo gear. I don't have many people to contact and the weather feature rocks. Well thought out concerns, thanks! Cheers!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Glad you liked it! And thanks for watching!

[@DoseofDirt]

Great review! I recently picked up a Garmin inReach mini, but did consider the Zoleo (researched the options for months!). I went with the Garmin for a lot of the reasons you said. But the price and user friendliness of the Zoleo made it a contender! Thanks for sharing!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Hey! It’s actually letting me respond to this comment. The last few it didn’t let me. A lot of people like garmin. Iv never used it. I’d like to get my hands on one.

[@DaveOffGrid]

Great video Steven! I think the reason I went with my Garmin inReach Mini was because of all the negatives you mentioned in this video. I like having the ability to have preset messages that I can manipulate and be able to see more information on screen on my sat device.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Garmin seems to be the most popular. If it’s as reliable as ZOLEO I could be convinced.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm an InReach user mostly because of the on-device 2-way messaging and scenarios exactly like you encounters in the canoe. That being said, I could see how the price and usability of the Zoleo could be really attractive.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

It was your video that showed me you could send custom messages without your phone on the in reach mini. I’d like to get my hands on a mini. Iv never used one.

[@mattwise9620]

Great video! I just purchased a Zoleo for one of our company's executives to use as a safety contingency when traveling internationally. If it works well, I'll upgrade to a business account and add multiple devices for other executives. I'll update here once we've used it. Personally, I use a Garmin InReach Explorer+ for hiking, backpacking and kayaking. Pros: It has a 100 hour battery life, a good sized color screen and the ability to text free-form messages directly from the device. I went with Garmin because I've used their devices as an amateur triathlete for years and really like them for ease of use and reliability. I opted for the Explorer over the Mini because I didn't want to be reliant on my smartphone. I still use my phone with it, but I have the peace of mind that if i lose or can't recharge my phone, I still have very usable GPS, texting and SOS device with lots of battery. Cons: It's a beefy form factor and weighs 7.5oz. The maps could be better. I often use the onX Maps or Gaia GPS mobile apps instead. It has a lot of trouble getting a signal for messages and to send tracking points when I'm in the forest. However, I don't know that any other satellite GPS wouldn't have the same or similar issue. It's also pricey at $400+ - and I believe it's been discontinued. Still available on the Garmin website and other retailers. Overall, I like it and never hit the trail or water without it. It's actually my second one. I accidentally dropped my original Explorer+ in Puget Sound while kayaking. Oops.

[@duneattack]

Thank you! Great Vid!

[@exploringoregon3241]

Nice video my guy! Keep it up

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks

[@LetsCrushRocks]

Con: for people who only adventure out once or twice per year (like me), there is a $25 activation fee and a 3-month minimum. The most basic plan is $25/mo (with an extra $7.50 for location share) so you would have to pay $100 just to activate it for a single trip. Spot X has slightly more flexible plans ($20 activation + $25 annual flex fee + $15/mo for the basic plan) with only a 1-month minimum.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Very good point! SPOT X maybe more affordable in the long run. But my experience with the spot X is very spotty coverage. Iv had multiple messages never go through. And once had a whole trip we’re my wife never received a single message I sent. I am a long term SPOT user (over 10 years) but ZOLEO has me questioning my loyalty. The reliability, usability, and honestly the ability to check the weather has me wondering if the price is worth it? I’ll stick with spot till my current plan runs out. But then I’m going to have to decide. Thanks for watching.

[@LetsCrushRocks]

@@MyLifeOutdoors Thanks for the extra notes! I recently purchased a Spot X but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I will report back how it goes after my next backwoods trip. -Cheers.

[@LetsCrushRocks]

Worked pretty well in the backwoods of British Columbia. Maybe 1-2 minutes to send a message. Longer if we were at lower elevations with steep mountains on either side and around tall thick trees. I sent several messages with our geo location each day to my wife and several of us used it to send messages to our dads on Father's Day. Having the built-in screen and keyboard was nice so I did not have to also use my cell phone.

[@cougarmeat8803]

Thanks for the note on only two recipients for the check-in message. I looked all over their site and didn’t see that restriction. You can tracking - they call it Location+ - to five different people.

[@whosyourdanny]

You look like a young Marty Stouffer. That's a complement. Thanks for the video.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Well if it’s a complement then thank you.

[@Whens-The-Weekend]

I think it's time for a revisit of this device, as they have added various, albeit paid, features to mitigate some of your cons. Love your channel! #takeaseat

[@HuckOutdoors]

I really like my inReach Mini. I do not see the problem people have with sending messages with the Mini. Garmin also uses a dedicated number when sending the messages out. Good review bud!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks! Garmin seems to be everyone’s favorite. And Iv never used it. Maybe someday. Thanks for watching!

[@HuckOutdoors]

@@MyLifeOutdoors everyone I know that has a Zoleo does rave about the interface.

[@ShortGuysBetaWorks]

Great, fair-minded review! I find phone-dependent devices to be a real problem. Yes, there is the issue of water, like you encountered, but there is also the issue of cold. Cold weather really drains phone batteries quickly. The more "out there" I get, the more I like having a stand-alone GPS/Satellite Communicator. This is why I still carry the (comparatively bulky) Garmin InReach Explorer+ (and have done a review to elaborate more on the above and go into other considerations).

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks! I have been very skeptical of phone-dependent devices too. But the ZOLEO really surprised me. Its not all good as we have both noted. But I really like how simple it is to use.

[@ShortGuysBetaWorks]

@@MyLifeOutdoors ...and simple can mean a lot when the s*** hits the fan.

[@1101CigarLounge]

I'd love to hear ho this compares, in your mind, to the BivyStick, SPOT X and Garmin InReach Mini. Recently I went thru the process of looking at these units and made my choice. I appreciated both your Zoleo and SPOT X videos. For MY PERSONAL uses, looking at all these, I chose the SPOT X, largely because of the $199 price, the tracking ability to drop electronic breadcrumbs, the unlimited use of the 14 customizable, pre-typed messages, and unlimited check-in usage feature to multiple people, all within the "basic" $12/month plan. Low cost of entry + with the unlimited 14 messages I can customize, low actual use costs. Thoughts on how all these compare?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I would love to do a video comparing all 4 units. SPOT and ZOLEO were kind enough to send me units to review. Iv reached out to BivyStick and Garmin but they are ignoring me. I’ll keep trying. Thanks for watching. Oh and I’m glad these reviews have helped you make a decision

[@craigrobertson6082]

I don't have any of these things, yet. Still leaning towards InReach /Spot because I don't want a phone and a tracker. I am an old school navigator type so only use GPS if I have to, map and compass as primary method. I like the check in messages idea. Phone stays in the truck.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

What satellite communicator do you use?

[@stuartwbarry]

Great review thanks. I have had a SPOT for seven years and it’s phone app has always bugged me - and being an older one I can not receive msgs - I may have discovered my upgrade path 👍😎 PS the Phone dependency does allow a smaller device and lower cost sot it’s a trade off I’m happy - and phone battery life can be managed,

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I actually discovered this past week that Zoleo is dependent on your phone for GPS location. Which may be why they can make them cheap…no need for integrated GPS. But that makes me wonder if you send an sos without your phone. How will they know where you are. I think I’m going to have to call them and clarify this.

[@stuartwbarry]

@@MyLifeOutdoors REALLY ... no... that can not be right .... ????

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@stuartwbarry I should say…It seems that way. all I know is I just spent four days in the backcountry and every time I used ZOLEO to check the weather my phone would try to access it’s gps coordinates. I spent four frustrating hours in the rain in my tent trying to check the weather and the app would say “cannot determine location.” The Zoleo was outside with clear view of the sky. My phone was in the tent with me. When I finally made the connection I went outside with my phone and boom. It could see my location.

[@stuartwbarry]

@@MyLifeOutdoors That may be just a phone to Zoleo issue - is weather app not getting coords from Zoleo - not sure it confirms Zoleo does not gave a GPS .. as you say how does the SOS button work otherwise ?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@stuartwbarry yes. To early to tell. I’ll call and clarify. If I’m right this is a fatal flaw.

[@rickjacobson8083]

One thing you don't mention is that if there is cell service available on your phone the Zoleo app uses the cell service to send the message and not the satellite and it doesn't count against your sat message usage I believe.

[@JaraBenes23]

Hi and thanks for the review. I’d like to ask, if We are group of few and the phone connected to Zoleo is lost or dead, is it possible to activate the app on another device in wilderness? Thanks

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Yes. As long as you have the ZOLEO app already downloaded (because you won’t have internet to download it in the wilderness) you can pair it to a second device.

[@Overland_Chuk]

I am in the market but see the fees have increased for Zoleo. I don't need access 365 days a year and besides a $25 activation, three months fees plus 9 months at $5 per seems steep for a three week back country trip. Your Cons helped me to decide, I'm gonna pass. Thanks

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I think there are some rental companies out there if you don’t need it very often. Glad the video helped. Thanks for watching!

[@Stillraining3]

So what's your bottom line preference?...You going back with Spotx or staying with Zoleo? I didn't research enough before I bought my Zoleo and am now second guessing...Iv owned a Spot and was going to get the Spotx but we t with Zoleo instead...later to find out the same following/map limitations which I'm not happy about and now considering returning and going with Spotx instead.

[@EricFleming231]

looking at the inReach

[@dudeinalaska]

I only have a Spot Gen3 and I think I'll stick with that over the Zoleo. I don't want to spend another $200 for a more cumbersome device.

[@neemancallender9092]

The major con is Zoleo only gives service in Conus, Canada, and Australia So if you are in England, Europe or want to travel to India or S America you must use something like Garmin InReach Mini

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@cougarmeat8803]

A few of the cons no longer apply with the new Location+ option.

[@fernandojimenez9462]

Hi which device are you using right now? Zoleo, Mini Garmin, Spot XB, etc?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

ZOLEO! I love it.

[@Featheredprop]

I've heard complaints that the Zoleo doesn't work well under a heavy tree canopy. Can anyone confirm or deny?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

The only time I’ve had considerable trouble with ZOLEO was in a deep canyon (coyote gulch) I was with a friend who had an in reach and we were both having trouble.

[@Featheredprop]

@@MyLifeOutdoors thank you!!

[@justjonoutdoors]

inReach Mini all the way!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Iv never used one. But I’d like to

[@justjonoutdoors]

@@MyLifeOutdoors I’ve been VERY happy with it. Nothing else out there has even come close to inticing me to move away from it - even it’s bigger brothers. They have a friendlier multi-button interface, but the convenience doesn’t make up for the size/weight difference in my mind. (Especially since I will always have my phone with me anyway, and the bluetooth interface via the app is easier than using Hushed or Signal…) My wife loves the tracking feature and the fact that she was watch my progress on a trip any time she wants by pulling up a mapping page on her tablet or phone. When I go out with the kids from church, the moms are all lined up waiting for me to hand them the slip containing the URL and password for that trip… I’ve actually had a very non-outdoors-oriented mom tell me that the tracking site and the fact she knows she could send us a message if she needed to was the only reason her kid was allowed to come with us on our hikes.

[@christophertaylor87]

Does Zoleo still do weather after Apple bought DarkSky?

[@TheodoreLove]

yes

[@CameraCommando]

Request: Please consider removing background music. It is distracting from us trying to listen to what you are saying.

[@colecole3352]

What is the Average time. Eventually is a little broad. I no environment matters. But the is a Average I am sure.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

There sure is. At 5:40 I talk about con number 2: It takes a long time to send and receive messages. An average of 5 minutes.

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Not a fan of having to keep paying to maintain your account when not using it for many months

[@beingsneaky]

That's why you have external battery chargers.. plus why don't you clip your phone to yourself too???

[@MarkDonat]

The background music is distracting

[@tobih.8047]

Zoleo seems not to know Europe for subscribing to a plan, so I'm out.

[@CavvyStudios]

I couldn’t even listen through it with that music playing while you were talking. It was such a distraction that the words went in one ear and out the other. Have you ever tried to listen to 2 people talking to you at once? Sorry for being critical, but the music is a barrier to the message. Maybe some people can choose to listen to one thing while blocking the other out, I can’t.

[@20Hikecdt23]

You look like you are using your cell phone…

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I am. The ZOLEO connects to your phone through Bluetooth giving you phone a satellite connection. You can then use their app to send messages and check the weather etc.