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Comparison Guide

4 Best Satellite Phones Compared

The speed and reliability that satellite phones provide is invaluable in emergencies and remote locations. Compare the top models to find the best phone for your needs.

Quick Comparison

inmarsat IsatPhone 2 iridium Extreme 9575 thuraya Thuraya X5-TOUCH globalstar Globalstar GSP-1700
Price $599$1,295$1,229$495
Coverage Global (except poles)Truly Global (including poles)Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, AustraliaNorth America (best), limited global
Talk Time 8 hours4 hours9 hours4 hours
Standby 160 hours30 hours160 hours36 hours
Size 169 x 75 x 29 mm140 x 60 x 27 mm145 x 78 x 24 mm135 x 55 x 37 mm
#1 inmarsat
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Best for extreme conditions

Starting at $599
Coverage Global (except poles)
Battery 8 hours talk / 160 hours standby

Key Features

  • Durable plastic chassis
  • Extreme temperature operation (-20C to 55C)
  • Assistance button for emergencies
  • Large keypad for easy dialing
  • 99% global coverage claim
#2 iridium
Iridium Extreme 9575

Iridium Extreme 9575

Best for true global coverage

Starting at $1,295
Coverage Truly Global (including poles)
Battery 4 hours talk / 30 hours standby

Key Features

  • 66 satellites for complete global coverage
  • Low latency due to LEO orbit
  • SOS emergency button
  • Rugged design (water, sand, dust resistant)
  • Lightest Iridium model
#3 thuraya
Thuraya X5-TOUCH

Thuraya X5-TOUCH

Best smartphone experience

Starting at $1,229
Coverage Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia
Battery 9 hours talk / 160 hours standby

Key Features

  • First Android satellite phone
  • Full HD touchscreen (5.2")
  • WiFi, Bluetooth, Dual-SIM
  • Front and rear cameras
  • 16GB storage, 2GB RAM
#4 globalstar
Globalstar GSP-1700

Globalstar GSP-1700

Best value for North America

Starting at $495
Coverage North America (best), limited global
Battery 4 hours talk / 36 hours standby

Key Features

  • Compact cell phone-like design
  • US phone number included
  • Excellent North American coverage
  • Most affordable option
  • Good voice quality comparable to Iridium

Detailed Comparison

Feature IsatPhone 2 Extreme 9575 X5-TOUCH GSP-1700
Network Type Geostationary LEO Geostationary LEO
Price $599 $1,295 $1,229 $495
Coverage Global (no poles) Truly Global Regional North America
Talk Time 8 hours 4 hours 9 hours 4 hours
Standby Time 160 hours 30 hours 160 hours 36 hours
Touchscreen No No Yes (5.2" HD) No
Android OS No No Yes No
Emergency SOS Yes Yes Yes No
Best For Extreme conditions Global travelers Smartphone users North American use

Which Phone is Right for You?

Choose Iridium Extreme 9575 if:

  • You need truly global coverage including polar regions
  • You travel to remote and varied locations
  • Reliability is your top priority
  • You need low-latency communication
Read Iridium Reviews

Choose IsatPhone 2 if:

  • You need maximum battery life
  • You operate in extreme temperatures
  • You want a balance of price and features
  • Polar coverage isn't required
Read Inmarsat Reviews

Choose Thuraya X5-TOUCH if:

  • You want a smartphone-like experience
  • You operate in Europe, Middle East, Africa, or Asia
  • You need WiFi and apps alongside satellite
  • Touchscreen is important to you
Read Thuraya Reviews

Choose Globalstar GSP-1700 if:

  • You primarily operate in North America
  • Budget is a major consideration
  • You want a compact, phone-like device
  • You need a US phone number
Read Globalstar Reviews

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