Looking for some of the best locator beacons? As you may know, there are dozens of similar products out there and some come with vastly different price tags. Let us help you out here – we have handpicked for you the best locator beacons.
In Hurry? Checkout Our Top Pick Of Best Locator Beacons.
Our Top Pick
9.7/10 our score
Best Locator Beacons
Rank | Product Name | Score |
---|---|---|
1 |
Garmin inReach Explorer+ |
9. 7 |
2 |
ACR 375 ResQLink+ |
9. 5 |
3 |
DeLorme InReach Explorer Satellite Communicator |
9. 1 |
4 |
Garmin inReach Mini |
8. 8 |
5 |
McMurdo Fast Find 220 |
8. 6 |
6 |
ACR Aqualink 2884 |
8. 2 |
7 |
MicroPLB 406 |
8. 0 |
1. Garmin inReach Explorer+
9.7/10 our score
- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free Earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- inReach Explorer+ device adds preloaded DeLorme TOPO maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
2. ACR 375 ResQLink+
9.5/10 our score
- All Personal Locator Beacons sold by US are pre-programmed with the US country code.
- This PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search & Rescue services.
- Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty. Antenna clip
- Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the ACR ResQLink+ PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, making it one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use.
- Radiated Power:5W (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz)
3. DeLorme InReach Explorer Satellite Communicator
9.1/10 our score
- Create or view a route, drop waypoints, see your tracks, and navigate with the on-screen map view
- View route details such as trip distance and bearing to destination. Equipped with a digital compass, Barometric altimeter and Accelerometer
- Plan your route online ahead of time, including waypoints, and share it with Family and friends to follow along and watch your progress
- Send and receive 160-character text messages with GPS coordinates to cell Numbers or email addresses worldwide and post updates to social media
- Trigger an SOS, receive a delivery confirmation, and communicate back and forth with our 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
4. Garmin inReach Mini
8.8/10 our score
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required)
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device, basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds.Display resolution:128 x 128 pixels
- NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used
5. McMurdo Fast Find 220
8.6/10 our score
- This Personal Locator Beacon is pre-programmed for registration with the US country code. Whilst it will function anywhere around the world, the initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the US Search & Rescue authorities with whom the PLB would be registered.
- If you are purchasing from outside the US, please purchase our alternative listing for 'McMurdo Fast Find 220 PLB Programming for Rest of World'. We include at no charge a reprogramming service on this alternative listing to ensure the device can be registered in the country of your choice
- Registering your Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in most countries. Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.
- PLBs have been proven, tried and tested in some of the world's most remote locations and treacherous conditions. Even in extreme conditions and situations, the FastFind 220 activates easily. Just deploy the antenna, pull the anti-tamper seal and press the ON button.
- This PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search & Rescue services. Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty.
6. ACR Aqualink 2884
8.2/10 our score
- Ship Method UPS SUREPOST, Floats Yes, Frequency NONE, Operational Life (Hours) NONE
- Activation Method Manual
- Battery Replacement (Years) 6
- Built-In Strobe Yes
- Category NONE
7. MicroPLB 406
8/10 our score
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- CLASS II 48 Hour minimum PLB (-20C to +55C) we test 100% to -30C to +60C - transmits a 5W 406MHz satellite signal and a 121.5MHz homing signal for on-scene closure with search and rescue forces, uses an internal GPS receiver and self-calibrates to current GPS constellation status before transmitting GPS coordinates accurate to less than 10 meters
- Very easy to activate under extreme survival conditions - with one hand - even with gloves on in the dark and wet/cold - power on/off pin for battery preservation - with self test capability
- Works 24/7/365 anywhere on the planet - real-world operationally proven to save lives - very rugged, waterproof, dust proof
- Lithium (Li/MnO2) battery is US DOT approved for all common carrier - carry aboard aircraft in carry-on luggage
- NO service or subscription fees of any kind - easy owner registration on-line - five (5) year manufacturer's warranty (parts and labor) against manufacturing defects or materiel defects under normal handling and operations