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Buy 2022 Garmin inReach Mini 2 Hiking GPS Tracker + GPSMAP, Explorer Comparisons

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Buy the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Hiking GPS Satellite Communicator | Compare vs. Explorer, GPSMAP 66

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Buy Garmin inReach Mini 2 (Black)

A compact, lightweight satellite communicator with 2-way messaging and interactive SOS.

Compare inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Mini

Shop Garmin inReach Mini 2 with a digital compass and more battery life than the inReach Mini.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review!

Now Showing: Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite GPS communicator review from our partner Chase the Summit.

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Watch This inReach Mini 2 Review
From Our Partner at Chase the Summit

Garmin inReach Mini 2 GPS Satellite Communicator Features

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact, lightweight satellite communicator that enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).

Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack® routing. Share your location with loved ones back home at any time by using your MapShare™ page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages. Plus, get accurate heading information using the digital compass—even when you’re not moving.

Sync with the Garmin Explore™ app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device.

In addition, pair with Garmin devices, such as GPS smartwatches and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Mini GPS Tracker

There are two main differences between the Garmin inReach Minin and the Garmin inReach Mini 2: Battery life and the digital compass.

Most notably, the inReach Mini 2 GPS tracker gets considerably more battery life (and similar or better than the inReach Explorer+!), which looks like this:

  • Up to 14 days 10-minute tracking send interval and standard activity recording (default)
  • Up to 5 days 10-minute tracking send interval and high detail activity recording
  • Up to 30 days 30-minute tracking interval with standard activity recording

Wheras the inReach Mini GPS gets:

  • Up to 90 hours at 10-minute tracking (default)
  • Up to 35 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging
  • Up to 24 days at 30-minute tracking power save mode

Both Garmin communicators get up to 1 year when powered off.

The new digital compass on the inReach Mini 2 gives you accurate heading information—even when you’re not moving. The inReach Mini GPS only had a GPS compass available while moving.

Also, the inReach Mini 2 now provides built-in TracBack routing to navigate you back to where you started.

inReach Mini 2 Plans & Subscription Costs

You’ll need an active satellite subscription to access the Iridium satellite network for tracking, messaging, and interactive SOS on your inReach Mini 2.

FREEDOM MINI GPS PLANS:

  • Monthly service; only requires a 30-day commitment
  • Suspend service when you don’t need it
  • Perfect for single adventures or seasonal use

ANNUAL INREACH PLANS:

  • Year-round use
  • Lower monthly cost
  • Always ready for your adventures

Select and Activate a plan at explore.garmin.com

Garmin inReach Subscription Plan Chart

SAFETY RECREATION EXPEDITION

SOS

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

TEXT MESSAGES
(160 characters)

10

40

Unlimited

PRESET MESSAGES

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

TRACKING INTERVALS

10 min+

10 min+

2 min+

SEND/TRACK POINTS

$0.10 ea.

Unlimited

Unlimited

LOCATION REQUESTS

$0.10 ea.

Unlimited

Unlimited

BASIC WEATHER

1 text ea.

1 text ea.

Unlimited

PREMIUM WEATHER

$1.00 ea.

$1.00 ea.

$1.00 ea.

PREMIUM MARINE
WEATHER

$1.00 ea.

$1.00 ea.

$1.00 ea.

MONTHLY CHARGES

ANNUAL PLANS

$11.95/mo.

$24.95/mo.

$49.95/mo.

FREEDOM PLANS

$14.95/mo.

$34.95/mo.

$64.95/mo.

Inreach Mini 2 App | Earthmate & Garmin Explore

The Garmin Explore™ and Earthmate® apps let you view your current location, plan and navigate routes, set and manage waypoints, and more from your smartphone or tablet.

When paired with a compatible inReach device, you can use the apps for 2-way messaging, tracking, and SOS capabilities over the 100% global Iridium network.

No matter which inReach device you have, you can use the Garmin Explore website to plan your trip and view routes you’ve stored on your device.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Battery Life

  • 10-minute tracking send interval and high detail activity recording:
    Up to 5 days (full sky view) / Up to 2 days (moderate tree cover)

  • 10-minute tracking send interval and standard activity recording (default):
    Up to 14 days (full sky view) / Up to 4 days (moderate tree cover)

  • 30-minute tracking interval with standard activity recording:
    Up to 30 days (full sky view) / Up to 10 days (moderate tree cover)

  • Up to one year when powered off

Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Explorer+ vs SE+

Garmin inReach Satellite Messenger Comparison

***Garmin inReach Explorer+ and SE+ are the same except the SE+ does not have preloaded topo mapping or sensors ***

  • Size
    • Mini (2.04″ x 3.90″ x 1.03″)
    • Explorer+ (6.5″ x 2.7″ x 1.5″)
  • Weight
    • Mini (3.5 oz.)
    • Explorer+ (7.5 oz.)
  • S.O.S. Function — Both Mini 2 and Explorer+
  • 2-way Messaging — Both Mini 2 and Explorer+
  • Satellite Coverage — Both inReach devices get Global Coverage – Pole to Pole with the Iridium Satellite Network.
  • Topo Maps — The inReach Explorer+ comes with preloaded topo maps; the inReach Mini 2 GPS can be paired with your smartphone and display topo maps on your phone via the Earthmate app.
  • Weather Forecasting — The Mini 2 GPS and Explorer+ have weather.
  • Tracking — Both of these satellite communicators provide GPS tracking.
  • Smartphone Compatibility — Yes for both of these Garmin communicators.
  • Service Plans — You can activate a variety of monthly or annual plans for the inReach Mini 2 and the Explorer+. See the inReach plans and prices section.
  • Battery Life
    • inReach Mini 2: Up to 14 days (full sky view) / Up to 4 days (moderate tree cover) at 10-minute tracking
    • Explorer+: 100 hours at 10-minute tracking
  • Sensors — The inReach Explorer+ has a barometric altimeter & compass; the inReach Mini 2 has a built-in digital compass.

Is Garmin inReach Mini 2 GPS Waterproof?

The inReach Mini 2 is water resistant. This GPS mini is water-rated to IPX7, which means it withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes and splashes, rain or snow, or showering.

Does the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Come with a Mount?

The inReach Mini 2 does not come out of box with a spine mount.

HOWEVER, on PlayBetter.com, you can purchase an inReach Mini 2 bundle package that includes a spine mount!

Does the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Tracker Have a Compass?

Yes! The inReach Mini 2 GPS handheld has a built-in compass.

Get accurate heading information using the digital compass (see image)—even when you’re not moving.

This is different than from the inReach Mini GPS, which only had a GPS compass available while moving.

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