10 Best Personal Locator Beacons 2025 in the United States

The ACR ResQLink 400 is a well-regarded personal locator beacon, designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, hunters, boaters, and fishers. One significant advantage is that it doesn't require any subscription, making it a cost-effective choice over time. The device operates on a 406 MHz emergency distress signal and includes a homing signal for precise location tracking. It is equipped with both an LED and infrared strobe, enhancing visibility in various conditions.

The global coverage supported by Cospas-Sarsat and MEOSAR, along with GPS and Galileo GNSS, ensures accurate and reliable location tracking, making it highly dependable in emergencies. The beacon is also noted for its durability and waterproof capabilities, crucial for outdoor use, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions. With a weight of just 5.3 ounces and compact dimensions, it is easy to carry without adding significant bulk to your gear.

A potential drawback is its battery life; emergency beacons typically rely on non-rechargeable batteries that may need periodic replacement. Additionally, users must ensure they are familiar with the device's operation to use it efficiently in emergencies. The ACR ResQLink 400 offers robust features and reliable performance for outdoor emergency situations, although attention to battery maintenance and usage familiarity is necessary.

The ACR ResQLink View RLS is a personal locator beacon suited for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, boating, and fishing. One of its standout features is the Return Link Service (RLS), which provides confirmation that your SOS signal has been received, adding a level of reassurance during emergencies.

It also boasts a digital display and dual strobe lights (including infrared), which can be very useful in low-visibility conditions. The device offers global coverage with GPS and Galileo GNSS, ensuring accurate location tracking no matter where you are. The built-in buoyancy is a crucial feature for water-based activities, ensuring the beacon floats if dropped in water.

Additionally, the product is compact and lightweight at just 5.3 ounces, making it easy to carry on any adventure. The battery life is impressive, with a 5-year shelf life and 28 hours of operational life once activated, which means it can be relied upon for extended periods. It also requires no subscription, adding convenience for users. However, the device does rely on infrared connectivity, which might not be as widely supported or understood by all users. Some might also find the interface, which relies on buttons, a bit less intuitive compared to touchscreen options available in other modern gadgets.

The Garmin inReach SE+ is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable personal locator beacon with global satellite communication. It uses the Iridium satellite network, meaning you can send and receive text messages from almost anywhere worldwide, which is great if you’re often in remote areas. Its GPS navigation is enhanced by preloaded topographic maps, a digital compass, and helpful sensors like a barometric altimeter, which add accuracy and useful data for outdoor adventures. The device weighs only 8 ounces and is compact enough to carry comfortably, though it might feel a bit tall for some pockets at 6.5 inches in height. The 2.3-inch color screen is clear and easy to read even in sunlight, thanks to its transflective technology.

Battery life is decent for extended trips, but continuous use of satellite messaging will drain it faster, so carrying a backup power source is wise. The device is straightforward to operate with physical buttons and pairs with a smartphone app to access extra maps and features, making navigation more user-friendly. One downside is that it requires a satellite subscription to use the messaging and SOS features, so this is an ongoing cost to consider.

The Garmin inReach SE+ fits well for hikers, campers, and travelers who want dependable global communication and accurate location tracking in a rugged, portable device.