For travel enthusiasts, backpacking trips are very common but can’t be survived without the travel essentials mainly when the journey includes remote locations. One such emergency device is the satellite phone that is very handy when you are traveling outdoors and concerned about safety. 

So, we are here unveiling the Best Satellite Phones for Long-Term Travel that are taking the market by storm.

1. Iridium Extreme 9575 (CPKTN1701)

For those who are fond of durability trying out this military-grade material would be fruitful. Iridium extreme phones are made up of high-quality design and thus thriving in the industry of satellite phones. This satellite phone is highly useful when you are traveling through a not so smooth piece of land as it works perfectly in the rugged conditions of the terrain.


This American satellite phone gives you plenty of options to send and receive SMS as well as emails along with the talk time of 4 hours straight. Using it is quite convenient as it consists of a very smooth interface that would work both for novices and professionals. Moreover, the major highlight of this phone is the battery life as it lasts up to 30 hours so that you can roam tension-free in the wilderness. 

Advantages:

  • Have outstanding durability.
  • Both SMS and emails are available.
  • Talk time for 4 hours.
  • Keypad has illumination to work in dark.
  • Waterproof.
  • Operates on an extensive temperature range.

Disadvantages:

  • Only one SIM card is allowed as it is not a dual SIM.

2. Inmarsat Isatphone 2

This satellite phone is very handy as it only requires activation for functioning. Inmarsat Isatphone 2 comes with a pre-inserted SIM card in the phone with the purchase. However, you will get numerous contract options depending upon the seller.

Instaphone 2 provides global coverage and a GPS tracking feature to monitor your location across the globe. Also, it comes with both incoming and outgoing calling services. It doesn’t cost you any extra money for making and receiving SMS. This perfect satellite for those who have a budget in their mind. 

Advantages:

  • Big yet manageable antenna.
  • Very compact and hence easy to store.
  • Easy to make and receive voice calls and SMS
  • It includes GPS tracking
  • Very simple to set up
  • It offers you a talk time of 8 hours

Disadvantages:

  • The antenna is quite large.

3. Iridium 9555 (BPKT0801)

Iridium Extreme is known for its lasting power. The best thing is it is made up of Industrial-grade materials. This satellite phone is very easy to carry around to a small size. Neither it’s bulky nor is it complex to use.  You can easily use it and store it wherever you want as it doesn’t take huge space.

The interface of Iridium 9555 is very simple and intuitive thus appeals to most beginners and professionals at the same time. The headset is also very convenient to carry and store and therefore it is very useful when you are outdoor. Also, the LCD backlit display makes it easy to send and receive the message.

Advantages:

  • Made up of Industrial-grade.
  • Robust construction and design.
  • Very simple to use interface.
  • Best to use for rugged outdoors.
  • Send and get emails and SMS.
  • Comes with a hands-free option. 
  • Backlit LCD.

Disadvantages:

  • The stowed antenna should be pulled out of use.

4. Thuraya X5 Touch

Thuraya X5 Touch is the smartphone cum satellite phone. It consists of superior reception and signal detection because of the omnidirectional antenna. It is much better than most of its counterparts as it doesn’t bother while you walk and talk as signal strength is commendable.

Thuraya X5 smart satellite provides support for 2G, 3G, and, 4G frequencies in every corner of the world as it has a superb satellite connection. 

Advantages:

  • Smartphone like Smart-touch.
  • Omni-directional satellite antenna
  • Walk and talk capabilities
  • Dual SIM slots
  • Rapid connectivity.

Disadvantages:

  • It has limited coverage.

5. Thuraya XT Lite

For those who consider battery life as the main aspect of the satellite phone, Thuraya XT Lite is meant for them. The size is compact and feather-lite and hence very easy to tote around. Moreover, it includes a GSM function that offers seamless connectivity.

Also, people who don’t have English as their first language can choose any language from the menu of 12 programmable languages, thus it appeals to the masses of having different native languages. In many aspects, it resembles the cell phone as it offers features like speed dialing and calls logs.

Another important thing is that it has a rechargeable battery that lasts 6 hours of talk time but 80 hours on standby mode.

Advantages:

  • Very long-lasting battery life.
  • Feather-light design.
  • Dual GSM and intuitive interface.
  • 12 programmable languages.
  • Speed dialing and call history logs
  • Rechargeable battery.

Disadvantage:

  • Limited coverage.