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10 Best Personal Locator Beacons 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
ACR ResQLink View RLS - SOS Personal Locator Beacon - Digital Display, Return Link Service, GPS Global Coverage to Alert Search and Rescue - Outdoor Emergency, Ideal for Hiking Hunting Boating Fishing
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.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,358
Size and Weight
Ease of Use
Most important from
66 reviews
#2
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping
The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable personal locator beacon, especially for outdoor adventures. It uses the global Iridium satellite network, ensuring you can send two-way messages and share your location almost anywhere in the world, which is a big plus for safety. The interactive SOS feature connects you to a 24/7 emergency response center, providing peace of mind in case of trouble.
Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Durability and Waterproof Rating
Most important from
318 reviews
#3
McMurdo 23-001-001A Smartfind EPIRB with GPS, AIS, and Homing Beacon
The McMurdo 23-001-001A Smartfind EPIRB is a specialized personal locator beacon designed primarily for boating safety. It combines traditional emergency signaling with advanced features like built-in AIS (Automatic Identification System) for localized alerts and recovery, plus multi-constellation GNSS (including Galileo) for enhanced GPS accuracy. This enables more reliable location pinpointing in emergencies, which is a significant advantage for anyone on the water.
Top 10 Best Personal Locator Beacons 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
ACR ResQLink View RLS - SOS Personal Locator Beacon - Digital Display, Return Link Service, GPS Global Coverage to Alert Search and Rescue - Outdoor Emergency, Ideal for Hiking Hunting Boating Fishing
ACR ResQLink View RLS - SOS Personal Locator Beacon - Digital Display, Return Link Service, GPS Global Coverage to Alert Search and Rescue - Outdoor Emergency, Ideal for Hiking Hunting Boating Fishing
Battery Life: 5-year shelf, 28 hours operational
Durability and Waterproof Rating: Built-in buoyancy
Size and Weight: 4.52 x 2.03 x 1.19 inches
GPS Accuracy: Global coverage with GPS, Galileo
Ease of Use: Buttons interface, no subscription
Chosen by 1358 this week
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping
Signal Frequency: global Iridium satellite network
Battery Life: 165 Hours
Size and Weight: 2.5x6.4x1.4 inches, 8.1 oz
GPS Accuracy: multi-band GNSS support
Ease of Use: Buttons
McMurdo 23-001-001A Smartfind EPIRB with GPS, AIS, and Homing Beacon
McMurdo 23-001-001A Smartfind EPIRB with GPS, AIS, and Homing Beacon
Size and Weight: 13 x 7 x 7 inches, 2.7 lbs
GPS Accuracy: multi-constellation GNSS including Galileo
Garmin inReach® Messenger Plus, SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo, Text & Voice Messaging Without Cell Service, Long Battery Life, Durable, Temperature-Resistant, Water-Resistant (IPX7) Design
Garmin inReach® Messenger Plus, SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo, Text & Voice Messaging Without Cell Service, Long Battery Life, Durable, Temperature-Resistant, Water-Resistant (IPX7) Design
Battery Life: 25 days
Durability and Waterproof Rating: IPX7 water resistant
Size and Weight: 0.91x3.07x2.52 in, 4.1 oz
GPS Accuracy: dependable
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator, Lightweight Compact Rugged Design, Portable GPS Handheld for Hiking, Two-Way Text Messaging Device Bundle with Accessories (Flame Red)
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator, Lightweight Compact Rugged Design, Portable GPS Handheld for Hiking, Two-Way Text Messaging Device Bundle with Accessories (Flame Red)
Battery Life: 14 days default, 30 days interval
Durability and Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Size and Weight: 4” x 2”, 3.5 oz
GPS Accuracy: High accuracy, TracBack feature
Ease of Use: Buttons, 0.9-inch display
Related Products
ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon - SOS, GPS, Return Link Service, Mobile App and Accessory Clips (Model PLB-450) - Alert Local AIS & Global Satellite Emergency Signaling for Search & Rescue
ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon - SOS, GPS, Return Link Service, Mobile App and Accessory Clips (Model PLB-450) - Alert Local AIS & Global Satellite Emergency Signaling for Search & Rescue
Signal Frequency: 406 MHz global satellite, local VHF AIS
Battery Life: 5 years, 24+ hours operation post-activation
Durability and Waterproof Rating: Waterproof, designed for outdoor use
Size and Weight: 6.8 oz, 20x20x20 inches
GPS Accuracy: Uses GNSS data support
Ease of Use: Semi-auto activation, NFC, multifunction clip
ACR GLOBALFIX V6 GPS EPIRB SOS, Global Coverage, Return Link Service & Mobile App - CAT 2 Manual Release Bracket (2854) - Global Satellite Emergency Signaling for Search & Rescue,10 Year Battery Life
ACR GLOBALFIX V6 GPS EPIRB SOS, Global Coverage, Return Link Service & Mobile App - CAT 2 Manual Release Bracket (2854) - Global Satellite Emergency Signaling for Search & Rescue,10 Year Battery Life
Battery Life: 10 years
Durability and Waterproof Rating: highly durable, waterproof
Size and Weight: 18.5 x 4.3 x 4.36 in; 1.78 lbs
GPS Accuracy: uses GPS, Galileo, Glonass GNSS
Ease of Use: NFC, ACR Beacon Mobile App
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon-Compact Emergency Distress Beacon with 7-Year Battery Life, 24+Hours of Operation & Lifejacket Attachment - Waterproof up to 49 feet
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon-Compact Emergency Distress Beacon with 7-Year Battery Life, 24+Hours of Operation & Lifejacket Attachment - Waterproof up to 49 feet
Battery Life: 7-year battery, 24+ hour operational
Durability and Waterproof Rating: waterproof
Size and Weight: 3 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
GPS Accuracy: 66-channel GPS receiver
Ease of Use: button operation
ACR ResQLink View GPS Personal Locator Beacon Survival Kit Includes a Compact Beacon, GPS Tracking, Strobe Light, Signal Mirror, and Waterproof Gear for Emergencies.
ACR ResQLink View GPS Personal Locator Beacon Survival Kit Includes a Compact Beacon, GPS Tracking, Strobe Light, Signal Mirror, and Waterproof Gear for Emergencies.
Battery Life: long-lasting for emergency use
Durability and Waterproof Rating: waterproof plastic materials
Size and Weight: 11 x 4 x 7.5 in, 0.89 kg
GPS Accuracy: precise GPS tracking
Ease of Use: easy to use
#10
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Activities | Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage | Subscription Applicable
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Activities | Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage | Subscription Applicable
Battery Life: 4 AAA batteries
Durability and Waterproof Rating: durable and waterproof
Size and Weight: 1.04 x 2.66 x 3.48 in; 10.6 oz
GPS Accuracy: commendable
Ease of Use: decent
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Buying Guide for the Best Personal Locator Beacons
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are essential devices for anyone who spends time in remote or potentially dangerous environments. These devices can send out a distress signal to emergency services, ensuring that help can find you even in the most isolated locations. When choosing a PLB, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure that the device meets your needs and provides reliable performance in an emergency situation.Signal FrequencyThe signal frequency of a PLB is crucial because it determines how effectively the device can communicate with rescue services. Most PLBs operate on the 406 MHz frequency, which is monitored by a global network of satellites. This frequency is highly reliable and ensures that your distress signal can be picked up from virtually anywhere on the planet. When choosing a PLB, make sure it operates on the 406 MHz frequency to ensure maximum reliability and coverage.
Battery LifeBattery life is a critical factor in the performance of a PLB. The battery needs to last long enough to ensure that your distress signal can be transmitted continuously until help arrives. PLBs typically have a battery life ranging from 24 to 48 hours. If you plan to be in very remote areas or on extended trips, opt for a PLB with a longer battery life to ensure continuous operation in case of an emergency.
Durability and Waterproof RatingDurability and waterproof rating are important because PLBs are often used in harsh environments. A durable PLB can withstand drops, impacts, and extreme temperatures, while a high waterproof rating ensures that the device will function even if it gets wet. Look for PLBs with a waterproof rating of at least IP67, which means the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This ensures that your PLB will work reliably in all conditions.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a PLB can affect how convenient it is to carry with you. Smaller and lighter PLBs are easier to pack and carry, making them ideal for activities like hiking, backpacking, and kayaking. However, smaller devices may have shorter battery life or fewer features. Consider your activity and how much weight you can comfortably carry when choosing the size and weight of your PLB.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is important because it determines how precisely your location can be pinpointed by rescue services. A PLB with high GPS accuracy can reduce the time it takes for help to find you. Look for PLBs with built-in GPS that can provide location accuracy within a few meters. This is especially important if you are in a densely forested area or rugged terrain where precise location information is crucial.
Ease of UseIn an emergency, you need to be able to activate your PLB quickly and easily. A PLB with a simple and intuitive activation process can be a lifesaver. Look for devices with clear instructions and a straightforward activation mechanism, such as a single button press. Additionally, consider whether the PLB has features like a test mode, which allows you to check that the device is functioning properly without sending a false alarm.