Introducing the ZOLEO Global Two-Way Satellite Communicator – a rugged and dependable device that will keep you connected even in the most remote areas without cellular service. The ZOLEO app, which is free to download, enables you to link your smartphone to the communicator and send global messages over the most affordable network available, whether it’s satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi. This device is perfect for adventurers and people who frequently find themselves off the grid.
With monthly subscriptions priced between $20 to $50, the ZOLEO Global Two-Way Satellite Communicator offers unlimited check-ins, SOS, cell and Wi-Fi messages. The device is built to last, with MIL-STD 810G shock-resistance and a long-lasting battery. It features a dedicated SMS phone number and email address, enabling you to communicate with any SMS text number, email address or ZOLEO app user.
In addition to messaging, the device also provides emergency alerting, check-in, and location sharing features. You can set the message check interval and even send long messages of 900+ characters. The device is Bluetooth-enabled, making it easy for others to connect and share the device.
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M. Forster –
Got to use all the features on the first time out unfortunately. I bought this unit based on some great reviews and had all the features I needed. Ultimately purchased it to communicate with group of snowmobilers during winter rides. I had a break down and was separated on back to back trips this year and wanted a solution. So I took it on a hiking trip over the recent holiday weekend and told a contact (Android phone) once I got up to the camp site, I would send a location pin (IOS phone) and have him guess which location we ended up in in order to test sharing a location and having them find it on their app with offline maps.Just short of the camping spot I ended up breaking my leg. I started texting contacts in my iPhone using the Zoleo device and phone app to find out how far behind the rest of the group was and learned they were about 3 hours behind me. I debated for about 30 minutes about what to do and ultimately ended up pressing the SOS button due to the severity of the injury and remote location.Things I learned from my Zoleo device experience:1. Response time between texts was very good. Even though I was in a real bad spot against steep sloping terrain with very tall trees on all sides……signal was the only problem based on my injury location. However, I believe the longest time for sending or receiving a text was 1-2 minutes but most of the time it was almost instantaneous.2. SOS response was excellent. Once pressed they immediately reached out to my emergency contacts. They were in contact with me within 2 minutes and updated me throughout the ordeal. First communication was “GEOS: This is the IERCC, what is your emergency?”.3. Once IERCC determined that it was an emergency, they contacted a sheriff’s office around 65 miles away (nearest location by checking Google). The sheriff’s office then immediately contacted a local volunteer search and rescue crew.4. When the search and rescue crew arrived, they were very professional, prepared, and very good at what they do. Very happy about that part. They immediately said they were pleased that I was able to get a very accurate location and inquired about how I did so. I showed them the Zoleo device and the SOS function and they were super impressed but hadn’t heard of it before. They were able to use the location pin sent from my Zoleo device and input it into an onX app on their iPhone’s and arrived exactly to my location. So there was no time “searching” around and took the guess work of finding me out of the time it took to rescue me.5. At some point I inquired if I had to do any paperwork with them once finished and they said no. So there was no financial liability with these search and rescue folks. However, once we reached my vehicle I wasn’t sure what their protocol was and requested that I drive myself out to the hospital of my choice. Their response was that there was too much liability for them to release me and instead drove me to the forest area boundary to be picked up by a waiting ambulance. So at that point I was liable for the cost of the ambulance and an overnight stay at an unknown hospital. Not really a bad thing in the end but I wasn’t sure what the financial implications would be by pressing the SOS button……but I know now.Bottom line: I will never go off grid again without my Zoleo device. It was peace of mind when I got injured and the search and rescue crew gave me great feedback on how it helped them do their job to help me. Also, my contact that was sent the location pin instantly knew exactly where I was at as well, which is why I initially purchased it. Hope this helps anyone looking for something similar in a satellite communication device linked to IOS and/or Android phone.——not affiliated in any way with this company or how the device works——
Dawna M Johnson –
Initially I got this for my families peice of mind because I like to go kayaking and hiking in places where phones are useless. But I cannot say just how thankful I was to have this little device on a week long solo trip in the mountains. I had mechanical issues deep in the woods on a long forgot forest road, and with the app I was able to message my husband back home to let him know my situation as well as to get him to call a local service guy for me. He was able to give them my exact location, they were able to get me safely back on the road to continue my travels. Not a life threatening situation but certainly one I was glad to have this lifeline and made me feel comfortable knowing if I get into a really bad situation that I can get help or let someone know how to find me. I will be recommending all of my friends get one for their adventures.
bh –
This Zoleo replaces a Bivy unit I previously bought for use while sailing off shore. I thought Bivy, being owned by the marine equipment company ACR, would be better for marine use but Zoleo seems better in several ways. The weather report on Zoleo shows wind direction and speed for several hours ahead while Bivy only shows a sun or clouds. In tests on hikes, Zoleo seems to connect consistently to drop breadcrumbs while the Bivy on the same route often missed check in points even though they use the same satellite system. The user interface on Zoleo is much easier to use and the plans are less expensive if you’re primarily interested in tracking and SOS. One negative- I wish Zoleo had a 1/4-20 mounting screw without paying $35 for a bracket. I haven’t gone off shore yet with it but so far Zoleo is looking like a good choice.
David –
I took it on my first trip and it connected well. My only real knock on it is the app is a little light on features. I haven’t found anywhere that shows how many messages you have sent on the plan. With paying for a set number of messages, I would expect to be able to see where you are at. It’s not a huge deal as I bought this for emergency use and to do occasional check ins as I go deep in the wild alone a lot. To me, the prices are fair when comparing it to other emergency communicators. I’ll update later in the year after I’ve taken more trips.
Amya B. –
I purchased this a couple of months ago to keep in touch while camping. Not planning to use it for a cruise that we went on. This thing help me keep in touch the whole time we were on the cruise ship and in other countries. I did the unlimited plan. I’m glad i did. We ended up having a family emergency. I was able to keep in touch with everyone and deal with the emergency.
sharon ronkin –
I was camping/hiking summer 2023 at Many Glacier in Montana, campground had no cell service at all zip. I was alone and tent camping so I arranged daily check ins with my family on tge east coast after my daily hikes via the zoleo app. I was able to send and receive many messages. Was also able to check weather. Didn’t need the SOS and it easily attached to my backpack. I even saw the campground ranger wearing one. Happy with the purchase .