5 Best Satellite Phones of 2025
With the arrival of the New Year come new challenges, opportunities, and adventures. You might be spending the next few months gearing up for an epic rowing expedition across the Atlantic, preparing for a critical work operation in a remote location, or simply looking to upgrade your current satellite phone to one of the best devices available on the market.
In this post, we highlight our five most popular satellite phones so you can find the right one for your needs.
Prices correct as at January 2025.
Iridium Extreme - $1,375.00
Rugged and built to endure the toughest environments, the Iridium Extreme delivers global connectivity and features an SOS button to call for professional rescue assistance when things take a serious turn.
Features:
- GPS tracking
- SOS button
- Military-grade durability
- Water and dust resistance (IP65)
Weight: 8.7 oz (247 g)
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches (140 x 60 x 27 mm)
Worth remembering: The Iridium Extreme comes with a price tag that matches its advanced capabilities and features, so it’s important to budget accordingly if you opt for this top-tier model.
View Iridium Extreme satellite phone >>
Iridium 9555 - $1,145.00
The Iridium 9555 is a solid choice for those who need basic, reliable global voice communication beyond the reach of standard networks. Built to perform in challenging conditions, it’s water, shock, and dust resistant.
Features:
- Global connectivity
- Enhanced SMS capabilities
- Ergonomic design
- Durable construction
Weight: 9.4 oz (266 g)
Dimensions: 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches (143 x 55 x 30 mm)
Worth remembering: Unlike the Iridium Extreme, the 9555 is a more streamlined option without built-in SOS or GPS. Be sure to consider the demands of your trip to determine whether this phone meets all your needs.
View Iridium 9555 satellite phone >>
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 - $788.00
Built for adventure, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 delivers clear voice communication and comes equipped with an integrated emergency button and location tracking, ensuring you stay visible when off the grid.
Features:
- Near-global connectivity
- Built-in SOS functionality
- Pre-programmable interval tracking
- Exceptional 160-hour standby battery life
Weight: 11.2 oz (318 g)
Dimensions: 6.7 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches (169 x 52 x 29 mm)
Worth remembering: The IsatPhone 2 is slightly bulkier and heavier compared to other options, and it doesn’t offer true global coverage. It won’t work in areas like Antarctica or the extreme northern polar regions.
View Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 satellite phone >>
Thuraya XT-LITE - $525.00
The Thuraya XT-LITE is designed for budget-conscious users who need dependable communication within the regions covered by the Thuraya satellite network.
Features:
- Long battery life
- Affordable calling rates
- Lightweight design
- User-friendly interface
Weight: 6.5 oz (186 g)
Dimensions: 5.0 x 2.1 x 1.1 inches (128 x 53 x 27 mm)
Worth remembering: Network coverage is the key consideration for this phone; Thuraya devices do not work in North or South America, as their network only covers regions like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.
View Thuraya XT-LITE satellite phone >>
Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL - $1,113.00
The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL is the world’s first dual-mode, dual-SIM satellite phone, allowing you to switch between satellite and cellular networks with both a satellite SIM card and a GSM SIM card.
Features:
- Dual-SIM capability (GSM and satellite)
- Advanced GPS systems (GPS, BeiDou, Glonass)
- Water and dust resistance (IP55)
- Long-lasting 100-hour standby battery
Weight: 7.8 oz (222 g)
Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches (138 x 57 x 27 mm)
Worth remembering: Like the Thuraya XT-LITE, the XT-PRO DUAL doesn’t offer global connectivity. If you’re traveling outside Thuraya’s network areas, such as the Americas, this may not be the right fit.
View Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL satellite phone >>
Which Satellite Phone is Right for You?
Choosing the right satellite phone depends on your priorities and where you plan to use it. If global coverage and extreme durability are top priorities, the Iridium Extreme and Iridium 9555 are excellent choices for adventurers and professionals facing the toughest conditions. For an affordable, lightweight regional option, the Thuraya XT-LITE is a great fit, while the Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL offers unique dual-SIM flexibility for users balancing satellite and GSM networks. Lastly, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 stands out for its exceptional battery life and reliable connectivity, making it a dependable choice for remote travelers and emergency situations.
