August 13, 2025

From hiking alpine trails to paddling remote rivers, one thing remains essential to recreators: staying connected when it counts. Since 2011, Garmin inReach^® satellite communicators have been the trusted tools for those who venture beyond cell service¹.

Once you have your inReach device, you must choose a service plan to utilize satellite features like SOS, two-way messaging, live tracking and more. To make this choice easier, we’ve put together a short guide to help you select the best option for your needs.

Garmin inReach subscription plans

Garmin’s service plans for inReach devices allow you to connect with friends and family beyond the limits of cellular networks. inReach plans enable global two-way messaging, weather forecasts and live tracking via the 100% global Iridium^® satellite network. In an emergency, you can trigger an interactive SOS message with your GPS coordinates to Garmin Response^SM, our 24/7-staffed international response coordination center.

All plans include emergency SOS messaging. You can move between plans as your needs change or suspend service at no cost.

Currently on a grandfathered plan? Find out how they compare to the new plans.

Which plan is right for me?

Below are summaries of each plan option. For an overview of features and costs, see the inReach subscriptions page.

Premium: Our top-tier plan includes SOS messaging and unlimited text messages, check-in messages/reactions, weather requests and live tracking/location requests. 50 photo/voice messages (available only on compatible devices paired with the Garmin Messenger™ app) are included. This plan is ideal for users who want to be as connected as possible outside of cellular coverage.

Standard: Our second highest plan includes SOS messaging and 150 text messages and weather requests. Check-ins, reactions and tracking features are unlimited. 25 photo/voice messages (available only on compatible devices paired with the Garmin Messenger™ app) are included. This plan is ideal for users who need more freedom with their text messaging and who depend on tracking.

Essential: Our middle-tier plan includes SOS messaging and 50 text messages and weather requests. Check-ins and reactions are unlimited, and tracking features are pay-as-you-go. 10 photo/voice messages (available only on compatible devices paired with the Garmin Messenger™ app) are included. This plan is ideal for users who plan to use text messaging when necessary but don’t expect a lot of back-and-forth communication.

Enabled: Our most basic plan keeps your device active at a low monthly cost. The Enabled plan includes SOS messaging at no additional cost and is pay-as-you-go for all other messaging, weather requests and tracking features. This plan is ideal for users looking for basic features and the peace of mind of SOS but who don’t anticipate frequently using messaging or tracking.

Suspend: The Suspend option allows you to pause your inReach subscription at no cost for up to 12 months at a time. You can move back into an active plan at any time with no reactivation fee. Note: While in Suspend, you will not be able to use the satellite capabilities of your inReach device. Suspend is an option to pause service at no cost — an ideal alternative to canceling and reactivating. Read more about Suspend.

What’s the difference between suspend and cancel?

If you don’t need your inReach satellite communicator for periods of time, the Suspend option puts your device into a “paused” state with no monthly fees. You can easily switch back to an active plan at no cost anytime. If you cancel and choose to reactivate, you will have to go through the activation process again and will be charged the activation fee. Read more about suspending and canceling your inReach subscription.

_{¹Active subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication 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.}

_{²Service can be suspended for up to 12 months at a time. No satellite connectivity or features are available while service is suspended.}