Pros
Easy to use
Great reception
Peace of mind
Affordable
Reliable even in partly cloudy conditions
Battery lasts long
Excellent tech support
Automatic location sharing works flawlessly
SOS feature with global 911 support
Affordable subscription plans with off-season suspension option
Works well in remote areas without cell coverage
Can send long messages using the app
Works indoors near a window
Great for keeping in touch during emergencies
No financial liability for search and rescue
Capable of 999 character messages
Good customer service
Rugged and waterproof
200-hour battery life
Cons
App is not intuitive
Setup is confusing
Payment only through website
Main Product Advantages
10 Emergency SOS
The SOS function is highly reliable, with prompt responses from emergency services, making it invaluable in critical situations according to user experiences.
9 Reception and Connectivity
The product has excellent satellite reception even in challenging environments such as inside a camper or partially covered wooded areas, with minimal signal delay mentioned.
9 Battery Life
Battery performance is commendable, lasting several days of continuous use, which is highly praised by multiple users.
9 Reliability
The device is consistently reliable under various conditions, including weather and environmental challenges, providing dependable service when needed.
9 Value for Money
Overall, users feel the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator offers good value for money, especially with its reliable performance and essential life-saving features.
8 Ease of Use
Several users mentioned that the device and app were generally easy to use, though a few did note some initial confusion with setup and app navigation.
8 Affordability
Subscription plans are affordable and offer flexibility, but some users felt that the cost of additional features like auto-location updates could be more transparent.
8 Customer Support
Customer support is responsive and helpful, but some users needed to contact them multiple times for setup assistance.
8 Text Messaging
Text messaging works well with minimal delays, though it may not be as instant as traditional phone messages.
7 Automatic Location Sharing
Automatic location sharing functionality works well but requires all contacts to have the app installed, which some users found intrusive.
ZOLEO Global Two-Way Satellite Communicator: Stay Connected Everywhere
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a rugged, GPS location-aware device that connects to your smartphone via the free ZOLEO app, ensuring you stay connected even outside cell coverage. A monthly subscription plan is required, offering options of $20, $35, or $50 for different message limits, with additional benefits like unlimited check-in and SOS messages. After an initial 3-month commitment, you can suspend the service for just $4 per month. The plans are available in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the EU but work globally.
Global Messaging As It Was Meant to Be
With ZOLEO, messaging coverage extends to virtually every corner of the earth. The device uses the lowest cost network available, toggling between satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi as needed. This ensures seamless communication whether you're in a city or in a remote area. Users can send and receive messages to and from any SMS text number, email address, or another ZOLEO app user, providing a familiar text messaging experience.
Dedicated SMS Phone Number & Email Address
Each ZOLEO device comes with a dedicated SMS number and email address. This feature allows your contacts to initiate messaging with you, making it easier to stay in touch without waiting for your message first.
Emergency Alerting & Medical Assist
In case of emergencies, you can declare an SOS, and your alert along with GPS coordinates will be sent to a 24/7 emergency monitoring service. ZOLEO also provides a Medical Assist feature, which offers non-emergency medical advice, help finding medical services, or assistance in replacing medical supplies via a 24/7 chat service.
Check-In & Location Sharing
The ZOLEO communicator allows you to check-in and share your GPS location with others, either using the built-in device button or the ZOLEO app. You can also utilize automated Location Share+ updates or share your location through a secure Share Map URL. The Location Share+ add-on, available for $6 per month, enables automatic location sharing at selected intervals and includes a breadcrumb trail viewable on a map.
Conclusion
The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator effectively extends your communication reach to virtually anywhere on the globe. It integrates well with your smartphone to provide a familiar and reliable messaging experience. The dedicated SMS and email features, combined with robust emergency and location-sharing capabilities, make it an excellent choice for those who venture beyond cellular coverage.
