What is a Satellite Phone?
A satellite phone, or satphone, connects directly to satellites orbiting the Earth, bypassing the need for ground-based cellular towers. This means satellite phones can give you coverage in remote areas, including mountains, deserts, oceans, and disaster zones where cellular networks are unavailable or, at best, highly unreliable.
3 Benefits of Satellite Phones
- Global Coverage – Satellite phones can keep you connected when cell service is non-existent or spotty, making them ideal for exploring uncharted territories.
- Emergency Reliability – Unlike cell towers, which can be affected by natural disasters or outages, satellite phones will still work in extreme situations. They allow you to call for help, notify authorities, and coordinate relief efforts.
- Secure Communication – Satellite phones offer encrypted and highly secure communication, making them useful for military, government, and sensitive business operations. Unlike traditional cellular networks, they don’t need local infrastructure, cutting the risk of interference or control by external entities.
Satellite devices function independently of cell towers and support both voice and SMS services. They’re an important tool used for emergency communication, secure government operations, or for keeping you connected in remote locations.
How Much Does a Satellite Telephone Cost?
- Device Costs: Satellite phones can range from $500, to several thousand, depending on features and durability.
- Service Plans: Monthly plans start at $50 and can go up to several hundred dollars for unlimited use, depending on the provider and network coverage.
4 Best Satellite Phones of 2025
Whether you're an adventurer, a remote worker, or just want to be prepared for emergencies, having a reliable satellite phone can be a game-changer. Below are some of the top satellite phones in 2025 that offer durability, security, and global connectivity.
1. Iridium Extreme 9575
- Features: Near-global coverage (excluding polar regions), excellent voice clarity, long battery life (up to 160 hours standby), built-in GPS, and an emergency SOS button.
- Why Choose It: Rugged and durable, ideal for outdoor adventurers and professionals.
- Price Range: $$$$.
2. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
- Features: Voice and text messaging, long battery life (8 hours of talk time), and built-in GPS.
- Why Choose It: Great for maritime and remote land use.
- Price Range: $$$.
3. Thuraya X5-Touch
- Features: The first Android-based satellite phone with a large touchscreen and smartphone-like functionalities.
- Why Choose It: Ideal for people needing a mix of satellite and smartphone capabilities.
- Price Range: $$$$.
4. Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Features: Compact design (4”x2”), exceptional battery life, SOS messaging, and GPS navigation.
- Why Choose It: Perfect for hikers and adventurers prioritizing portability.
- Price Range: $$$.
Can I Turn My Cell Phone Into a Satellite Phone?
Yes, to some extent. You can convert some smartphones into satellite phones by connecting to satellites, but the functionality is limited to emergency messaging and SOS services, and by your carrier. For example:
Connect to a satellite with your iPhone
Explore Apple iPhone
Apple expanded its satellite capabilities, giving you the option to use Starlink connectivity in iOS 18.3 for the iPhone 14-series (or later). Features include:
- Emergency SOS via Satellite – Contact emergency services when out of cellular or Wi-Fi range.
- Find My via Satellite – Share your location without network coverage.
- Roadside Assistance via Satellite – Request help in remote areas (partnership with AAA).
- Enhanced Location Sharing – Send more detailed location data through Apple's satellite network, improving emergency response accuracy.
- iPhone 16 specific advancements:
- Two-Way Messaging – Expanded satellite capabilities allow you to send and receive emergency messages in select areas.
- Weather Updates via Satellite – Provides real-time weather forecasts through satellite communication.
If you have an iPhone 14 (or later), you can try out a satellite demo by going to Control Center > Satellite > Try Demo.
Connect to a satellite with your Google Pixel
Explore Google Pixel
Google also rolled out satellite capabilities on the Pixel 9-series (or later), with features that include:
- Satellite SOS – Share your location with emergency responders via satellite.
- Two-Way Messaging – Send and receive limited messages when outside of cellular coverage.
- Emergency Location Sharing – Relays real-time location data via satellite during emergencies.
If you have a Google Pixel 9 (or later), you can try out a satellite demo by going to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Satellite SOS.
Explore the Samsung Galaxy S24 Series, S25 Series, the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6
Galaxy S25 series phones are the first commercial devices to have satellite connectivity features built in, but connectivity works a little differently for Samsung users. Unlike Apple and Google, which give you satellite capabilities no matter which carrier you use, access to Samsung’s satellite features will depend on your carrier. Key features include:
- Emergency SOS via Satellite: Contact emergency services even when traditional networks are unavailable. The S25 series, S24 series, Z Flip6, and Z Fold6 all have this feature.
- Two-Way Messaging: The S25 series lets you send and receive text messages via satellite when you’re outside cellular coverage areas, ensuring communication in remote locations.
- Location Sharing via Satellite: The S25 series also lets you share your location with contacts or emergency services when out of network range.
It’s important to mention that T‑Mobile is the first and only U.S. wireless provider with a mobile + satellite network, T-Satellite with Starlink, connecting you automatically on most modern smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy S24 (or later) devices. Developing technology available in most areas, most of the time; ultimately available in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky. You can see a list of all eligible devices here. Update your device to the latest version of iOS or Android software to use T-Satellite. Two-Way Messaging is based on carrier support.
While it is included with the Experience Beyond plan, customers on other plans can add it for $15 per month.*
Is a Satellite Phone Right for You?
Who Should Consider One?
- Outdoor Adventurers and Explorers: Hikers, backpackers, campers, and climbers who often travel to areas without cellular coverage. Satellite phones provide a crucial lifeline in case of emergencies.
- Remote Workers: Professionals working in oil fields, construction, forestry, scientific research, or remote installations need reliable communication in off-grid areas.
- Sailors and Maritime Workers: Out at sea, traditional cell signals vanish quickly. Satellite connectivity ensures constant communication for navigation, safety, and coordination.
- Emergency Responders and Disaster Relief Teams: After natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires, traditional communication networks are often down. Satellite phones allow teams to coordinate relief efforts.
- Travelers in Remote Locations: Tourists and adventure travelers visiting rural or isolated regions can stay connected for safety and peace of mind.
- Truck Drivers: Need to contact a boss or client while you are in a remote area? Depending on the phone, or the plan you have, you can do that on satellite.
Considerations Before Buying
- Coverage Needs: Ensure the satellite network supports your location.
- Budget: Factor in both device and service costs.
- Features: Prioritize features like GPS, SOS functionality, and durability.
Future of Satellite Connectivity
The line between traditional smartphones and satellite phones is becoming less distinct. With ongoing advancements like T-Satellite, future cell phone plans and devices will bring robust satellite capabilities, expanding beyond just emergency needs.
For now, satellite phones bridge the gap when cellular networks can’t. Whether you're preparing for emergencies, exploring the great outdoors, or just need consistent connectivity for work, the ultimate satellite phones of 2025 have something for everyone. And with smartphones gradually adopting satellite features, staying connected anywhere is becoming more accessible than ever.
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*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. Browse all of our latest phones, devices, and accessories here.
Sources:
https://insights.samsung.com/2025/03/31/how-to-set-up-emergency-sos-on-your-galaxy-mobile-device/
https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service
https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/samsung-galaxy-s25
https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/samsung-galaxy-z-fold6
https://channel8.com/english/29973
https://insights.samsung.com/2025/03/31/how-to-set-up-emergency-sos-on-your-galaxy-mobile-device/
https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2025/01/qualcomm-and-samsung-redefine-premium-performance