Zoleo vs Garmin InReach Mini Pro 2 PROS, CONS and ISSUES | An 4wd Adventurer's Verdict

Hey there, it's Stephan Fischer from ALLOFFROAD. In this video, I'm sharing my experiences with two-way satellite communication devices, specifically the Zoleo and the Garmin InReach Mini Pro. As someone who's spent a considerable amount of time traversing Australia's most remote regions, I've put these devices through their paces in real-world conditions.
I've tested both the Zoleo and the Garmin InReach Mini Pro extensively during a month-long journey through the remote Flinders and Simpson desert. I provide an unbiased, in-depth comparison of both devices, covering everything from size and weight to battery life, water resistance, operating temperature, and satellite connectivity.
I also delve into the cost aspects, comparing the upfront costs and subscription plans of both devices in the Australian context. It's not just about the initial purchase price but also the ongoing costs associated with the subscription plans.
One thing that surprised me was the utility of two-way messengers. Despite my initial scepticism, I found the ability to maintain constant communication with my family and friends to be more beneficial than I thought. It's changed my perspective on the usefulness of these devices.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a camping aficionado, or a 4wd adventurer like me, this video is a must-watch if you're considering investing in a two-way satellite communication device. My factual, to-the-point style, combined with extensive field testing, ensures that you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
So, which device do I prefer? You'll have to watch the video to find out! And don't forget to subscribe to ALLOFFROAD for more honest reviews and thrilling adventures.
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - My purpose for testing 2way messengers
02:23 - Zoleo & Garmin InReach Specs
04:18 - Battery Life
05:20 - Zoleo Vs Garmin Cost Comparison
07:01 - Tank You
07:47 - Garmin InReach Mini 2 Pros and Cons
11:41 - Zoleo Pros and Cons
22:21 - Why choose a Garmin InReach Mini 2 over Zoleo
23:23 - Do any of the units replace my PLB?
25:26 - Conclusion & Summary
My fuel sponsor for this trip is Seasucker, the only vacuum mounts I use for anything windscreen mounted www.seasucker.com.au/
A24/7 isn't sponsoring this video, but they sell the gear I use and provide great customer service. They've given my subscribers a $10 Discount Code for orders over $100. If you buy something using CODE: ALLOFFROAD20 at checkout, not only will you get a discount, but you'll also support the channel with a small commission. (Sorry, unbeknownst to me A24/7 changed the discount amount to $10)
#Zoleo #GarminInReachMiniPro #ALLOFFROAD"
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[@AlloffroadAu]

Hey everyone, Stephan here. Enjoyed the Zoleo vs Garmin InReach Mini Pro comparison? Now it's your turn! Share your experiences with these devices in the comments below. Your insights help our community make informed decisions. Can't wait to read your thoughts! Safe travels!

[@garycpriestley]

As always, another well researched and professional video review👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

Much appreciated!

[@colinbenjamim873]

Thanks Stephan, great informative video and food for thought...

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!

[@rjjnet]

I use a zoleo for remote area travel and I found the biggest advantage was the dedicated Australian mobile number that you can pass around to anyone. Also, one does not necessarily need the zoleo app to message you. I found the product to be reliable except for one instance where they pushed out an app update that was buggy. I contacted their support team, showed them my test results and a technical guy called me back 30min later and sorted it. They took it pretty seriously. They issued a revised update the next day or so in the App Store. Whilst someone in the crew will carry the sat phone, I found the zoleo to be great to just leave on all day. When you are in the car driving, you can see a message as it arrives instead of only finding that information out later that night when a sat phone might get powered on.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep mobile number is a great plus and not needing Zoleo app as well. Unreliability did definitely concern me would not rely on it as a PLB. I was in the middle of the Desert so no way to call Zoleo.

[@bobtosi9346]

My personal experience with the iNReach mini 2 is that it worked flawlessly on a multi day hunting trip in mountainous terrain in steep canyon terrain. The battery life was never an issue as I keep a solar charger on to keep the battery full. I never had any problems messaging out. My contacts got all my check ins no problem. I’ve never used a zoleo so I can’t speak for it.

[@jedmagoo4943]

Thanks for spending the time to do such a thorough comparison Stephan. I have the Inreach Mini (not the 2) and have been using it for about 6 years glitch free. I particularly like the flexible plans plus the standalone unit for hiking. The Earthmate phone App make it much more usable. I also pair it with my Garmin Fenix watch just for extra flexibility on the trail although its not entirely necessary.

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!, good to hear that Garmin is a little more reliable

[@scottbutler1561]

Outstanding review and comparison.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you kindly!

[@michaelminervini3784]

Informative and insightful!

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you think so!

[@markcharles579]

Hi a lot of the extra features on the Garmin are already on my watch so just duplicating. So I thank you as makes my decision to choose Zoleo

[@theminer6257]

I have used the Inreach Mini over the last 4 years during many trips to communicate with friends/ family and to share the trip trails. I have not had to use it for emergencies. I also have a PLB for emergencies. I like the Garmin because you can suspend the subscription between trips.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep same here prefer it over a Zoleo and I do like th basic navigational features for Hikes

[@markwilliams8260]

I can suspend my subscription on the Zoleo between trips as well.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes after first 3 month

[@dodgyass11]

shout out to all my friends who click like before watching the video based on faith in Stephan

[@AlloffroadAu]

thanks mate

[@SimplelifeCo]

I have been using the ZOLEO for the last 4 years and I love everything it offers. Back when I was shopping for a satellite communicators or a to add a lifeline to my adventures I chose the ZOLEO based on price and simplicity, I pay $20 a month for 25 messages, I usually text my family my final location and a text when I’m headed home they can text me back as well and I found that on one charge the battery has a significant run time, it even woks when it’s in my vehicle center console. I like the fact that it connects to my cellphone for custom text messages as well as a stand alone with its buttons. The reason I didn’t pick the Garmin was the upfront cost as well as the monthly and didn’t feel the need to pay again for features I already have on the garmin alpha 100. Now with the iPhone 14&15 satellite comms I still prefer the ZOLEO since the iPhone is only for emergencies and having both on hand is even a perfect combo from a redundancy standpoint. The only thing I wished the ZOLEO had was a usb-c charging port instead of having a different charging connector.

[@AlloffroadAu]

I unfortunately had too many issues with the Zoleo where it suddenly stopped working, the location pinning for whether it wouldn't work and it doesn't have a keyboard if you lose your phone so personally I prefer the Garman even if it's a little dearer

[@TRUTHISABSOLUTE777]

​@@AlloffroadAuhuh? What was wrong?

[@markwilliams8260]

Appreciate your review. I used my Zoleo last year in the Simpson Desert and had no issues with messaging, location or the app. I've used it regularly since then and found it just works for me. I'm sure I would be Frustrated if I had some issues with getting the Zoleo to pair with my phone properly.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea it initially paired well and worked without issues for first 10 days until it unpaired. I guess electronic devices they all can have issues. Was a bit concerning when you all of a sudden stop replying to messages.

[@RSLtreecare]

I like your video, its full of very helpful information. I am based in the UK. We have quite a few different offers on both of these devises. I like the Garmin In Reach 2 over the Zoleo. I have seen a number of reviews and they give different facts or preference. My choices is based on size, function and battery performance.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Grnbarf]

Great info thank you.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@55Agro]

I took the Zoleo as a budget choice, but have found it quite servicable. Was pleasantly surprised by 15% discount for emergency workers & volunteers.

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

So what you are saying is, as a volunteer in the remote outback, I can get a 15% discount? I certainly do this but how do you prove that you actually do what you say to get the discount? I honestly figured by price alone (before any discount) that the Zoleo would have less features & it seems I am right.

[@55Agro]

@@LimestoneCoastCustoms sorry, thought I had replied. Zoleo asked for a copy of my photo ID card.

[@4x4isfun24]

As always a very informative review and has got me thinking about adding the zoleo for the text functions. Thanks Stephan 👍 I just thought of a topic for you to review. . . . Are you ready?? Roadside assistance!! . . . . . . . . . 😜 You do such thorough comparisons and reviews and you know your stuff . . . . Why not have a look at what sooooo many people have absolutely no clue about when they go travelling. There are different clubs for each state as I'm sure you know and they're all a bit different . . . . I work in roadside assist and I deal with people every day who get a rude shock when they find out they have little or no cover when they break down in remote spots and have to pay huge amounts to get towed .. . . Or hit something and wonder why they're not covered for towing under roadside. It would be a great public service I think to try to educate some people

[@AlloffroadAu]

very good point and yes would make a great video have been in the same boat myself and in most cases it’s not what people expect especially if you break down in a different state.

[@colinrose3852]

Hi Stephan, it would be great if you recap. On Zoleo to see if they up their game in 6 to 12 months. As always very informative keep them coming.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Will do

[@thomaslincoln401]

Thanks for the comprehensive post trip review. As I'm planning to use a device like this primarily for emergency SOS type situations I think the garmin is the better choice for me

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TyFenwick]

Great video mate ! I’ve done away with my units now I run flat mount star link on my vehicle.

[@AlphGen]

How do you use it when your vehicle isn't available ie roll-over crash or on fire etc?

[@AlloffroadAu]

Nice one!, how does it work while moving constant connection,you still have a PLB I assume? If you have an accident you may have no Starlink anymore.

[@extractingtherichness599]

Hello Stephan. Great video. If the main objective is to be able to contact emergency services the Thurya sat phone and a Zoleo seem to be a good choice. If the sat phone can't reach emergency services the zoleo can tel lthem your position and the fact that you require assistance. A concern is the technical difficulties you had with the Zoleo. When you press the emergency button on the Zoleo who does the signal go to and how do they activate support to you

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea I have seen to many issues with Zoleo to rely on it as an emergency device over years also had a fair share issues with SatPhones so always carry a PLB in the car as last resort.

[@bol2320]

We use the Zeleo because it’s reliable, easy to use with lots of features like weather, medical advise and of course texting and an EPIRB. Cheap plans and a “not using sleep mode” between trips. My hubby (Outback Bob) loves it. Be like Outback Bob.

[@AlloffroadAu]

unfortunately wasn’t that reliable for me but it’s great for texting 💬 would not replace a PLB for me though.

[@neil5211]

Unlike you I tend to frequent areas with heavy tree canopies and/or deep gorges. I find that my (older) Garmin InReach wont send/receive messages or tracking in such circumstances. There needs to be a farily clear view of the sky for it to work. I am wondering if Zoleo would have the same problem, considering they both use the Iridium network? Or would the new InReach Mini Pro 2 be better than the older InReach?

[@AlloffroadAu]

From what I have heard the new in reach mini two is better than the old one. I think tree canopies can always be an issue for any GPS.

[@TRUTHISABSOLUTE777]

No such thing as an in reach mini pro 2? Can't find one.

[@brettferguson6954]

I have the an older Explorer+ (in the USA). If a person that you normally stay connected with keeps an ongoing thread open, then they can initiate contact (send a message) with you by sending a message.

[@reddustadventures]

We always respect your opinion, and will continue to. We are keen to have a crack at the Zoleo for the Quad bike. We think that would work for us. Lots of talk about it and more positive than negative. So we reckon it’s worth a crack. Pros and cons suit different people and always will. On a side note mate. How do you actually spell your name. ??? Stefan ? Stephan ?

[@AlloffroadAu]

lol is used both over the years officially Stephan. Yes Zoleo is not bad if you after messaging was just a bit unnerving when it stoped working we walking in the Desert. Would be scary if whoever you text with all of a sudden does not receive answers anymore

[@reddustadventures]

@@AlloffroadAu No worries. Thanks mate Yeah that’s the first time I’ve heard of that so is a bit concerning. We have only ever heard good reports about them.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Zoleo at the moment also has a few other documented issues which supposedly will be fixed soon so QA before rel;ases seems to be less robust than Garmin.

[@reddustadventures]

@@AlloffroadAu Well we will be holding off on purchasing at this point We will look at the Garmin a bit more closely. Thanks so much for your feedback mate. Much appreciated

[@AlloffroadAu]

you are welcome, will be selling my Zoleo soon if you need one lol

[@cyclemoto8744]

Thank you Stephan. Cheers

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!

[@olegig5166]

Will either device permit SOS signal without a subscription?

[@AlloffroadAu]

nop

[@olegig5166]

@@AlloffroadAu thanks. I'm bettin if someone made one for SOS only with no subscription, they would sell.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep, sure would, but as they are going through private emergency response centres and have two-way functionality, It won't happen. Just get a GME PLB for that

[@olegig5166]

@@AlloffroadAu do they work in USA?

[@olegig5166]

Thanks for your info. I'm kinda new to all this. After just a bit of research, I've found there is a variety of PLB's on the market along with satellite texting devices. My wife and I are in our seventies, been riding the mountain trails for years in our side by side but are moving up to a 4x4 vehicle which is highway legal. We do not camp, just pick a trail for a day. We are not out of cell service for days. We just want something to connect to emergency help if needed. I think we have settled on a PLB that requires no service plan.

[@janfourie7590]

Claimed: PLB have a 7 year battery. Battery claims are notoriously dubious. I do recall the lead crystal claims as best under bonnet solution and recall the failure stories (I was luckily hindered by my budget and needs at the time or I would have been a statistic too) Then the under bonnet LiFePo claims and add to it the usage as a starter battery - I was impressed. . . . Old tech - the flooded battery EV / golf cart battery can be maintained by topping up what you cooked off and seems to be quite robust . . . . 7years are good , but like with teeth you only brush the teeth you want to keep, and that should be the rule when you want to know what you need to maintain and how often . . . . . . Starlink seems to be a solution or at least a promising technology to look at. I don't think we have access to them in South Africa at present (regulatory approval in South Africa etc). thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

I have an old GME PLB 10 years old, and the battery still works and passes the self-test. Starlink is no solution for emergencies any accident may render antenna or unit useless and there goes your emergency communication

[@matthews4159]

Zoleo,,,, told anther review er,, that maybe you should turn the cell network off,, as it might interfear with the bluetooth connecton at close range

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I guess no issue if you know you won't have cellular but I'm often in and out of reception especially when driving in the Outback so in that case it's not really practical

[@matthews4159]

true,, if you have cell connection you are in civilisation and don't need satellite communications at all

[@AlloffroadAu]

Zoleo is a two way messenger and you can do that in and out of reception, if I have a a conversation on the Zole and I'm in and out of reception I don't want to necessarily constantly switch my mobile reception on and off to continue a Zoleo conversation. Just my real life experience.

[@afitcouchpotato4014]

I got my ZOLEO on sale for $150 USD and got $30 USD off with a gift card from REI so got my ZOLEO for $120 and let me just say IT HAS WORKED WELL! The price point I wasn’t expecting it to work but I was 4,000 feet down in a valley with mountains on both sides so I had zero cellular and found myself using the ZOLEO on my back to update my mom as to where I was. The fact it automatically sends waypoints, can preload messages at a cheap price, and can hook to you bag with a carabiner sold it vs the garmin due to pricing and those reasons alone. Additionally on the mountainside it switched to cellular thanks to a nearby tower repeating my signal so ZOLEO switched to cellular to save my messages.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea that was a cheap buy Important is it works for you

[@roncalderon3587]

They use the same network people think they are in different networks just different devices. People complained about one heavier than the other. Guys being a man stopped complaining one is heavier.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Same Iridium Network, but having used both side by side on several week-long trips, it has quite a few differences. For instance, Zoleo only uses GPS sensors, while Garmin uses GPS, GALILEO and QZSS. I never had the issues with Garmin I had with the Zoleo in the same locations and the same network, so from my experience, Garmin works way more reliably. While weight does not make much difference to me If you long distance hike and count every gram weight does make a difference.

[@Bertg1982]

Just because they use the same satellite system doesn’t mean they work the same. They have different user interfaces different software and different hardware so they are not even close to being the same. As for the weight only someone that has never done a real hike would say it’s ok to get the heavier item. Every extra ounce adds up to extra pounds. I don’t mind picking the heavier of these if the extra weight comes with extra features. It’s ignorant to say take the heavier one so you can be a man if the lighter weight item has better features

[@roncalderon3587]

Same network they use just different devices.

[@AlloffroadAu]

In different implementations, Zoleo has no GALILEO. and QZSS sensors and from my experience, has not performed as well as Garmin

[@z352kdaf8324]

Why is your mouth/nose/eyes blurred in the " My purpose for testing 2way messengers" section?!!

[@AlloffroadAu]

probably blurr effect for screens gone wrong

[@Taylor-vy2gg]

Why are your eyes blurred?

[@AlloffroadAu]

sorry, blur effect must have carried over when I blurred some messages