OutdoorGearLab

The Somewear Global Hotspot is a piece of hardware from a smaller company that uses a proven satellite network and SOS monitoring service. The device itself is compact, light, and low profile. It is slightly larger than others, but not by enough to actually matter. With the availability of a small handful of similar devices and services, the competitors are being forced to compete on price. The initial purchase price of the Global Hotspot is similar to other options, but the subscription plans are a little less expensive than average. Depending on how you intend to use your wilderness communicator, the Global Hotspot can be much cheaper than the alternatives. For instance, with their "Plan Ultralight," you can use the Hotspot a few times a month, over five years, for hundreds of dollars less than using another device in the same way. 
There are some drawbacks to the Hotspot. Most notably, there is no way to view incoming text messages on the device itself. All you can do with the device alone is turn it off and on, activate tracking, and send an SOS message. The ability to activate tracking from the device is new to the absolute latest version. We tested this new version in late 2021 and early 2022. In comparison, on the inReach Mini 2, you can view or send rudimentary messages directly on the device and through the phone app. Overall, we find the Hotspot to be simple and affordable. We had some hardware issues in testing the second version, but Somewear Labs' customer service was prompt and effective. 

Switchback Travel

Somewear doesn’t have the name recognition of brands like Garmin or SPOT, but their Global Hotspot was one of the best-performing satellite messengers we tested and a great value at just $280. What sets the Somewear apart most is its incredibly simple, easy-to-learn interface that makes messaging and acquiring the latest weather forecast a breeze. Further, with a relatively light 4-ounce build and compact form factor, it’s streamlined yet still entirely backcountry-ready with good weather resistance and stress certifications for shock and vibrations (IP68). Finally, unlike the Garmin above, the Global Hotspot’s app is compatible with cellular and WiFi networks—a great feature that provides seamless communication for those who frequently move in and out of service, including thru-hikers, international travelers, and those that live in rural areas.

To add to our praise, the Somewear Global Hotspot has one of the most affordable subscription services here, with a simple $25 activation fee (for the base-level plans) and the option of an “ultralight” annual subscription of just $8.33 per month. Bumping up to a slightly more expensive plan will get you the flexibility to put your contract on hold without the suspension or flex plan fees we see from the likes of Garmin and SPOT. The only major downside to the Somewear’s design is the lack of unlimited preset messages or check-ins, which are helpful for staying in touch while keeping costs low (you get 75 location shares per month in the ultralight plan). And unlike the inReach, you’ll have to bring your smartphone along in order to use most functions. But there’s still a lot to love about the Somewear, especially for those that aren’t particularly tech-savvy, making it one of our favorite satellite messengers of the year.See the Somewear Global Hotspot

The Somewear Global Hotspot is a piece of hardware from a smaller company that uses a proven satellite network and SOS monitoring service. The device itself is compact, light, and low profile. It is slightly larger than others, but not by enough to actually matter. With the availability of a small handful of similar devices and services, the competitors are being forced to compete on price. The initial purchase price of the Global Hotspot is similar to other options, but the subscription plans are a little less expensive than average. Depending on how you intend to use your wilderness communicator, the Global Hotspot can be much cheaper than the alternatives. For instance, with their "Plan Ultralight," you can use the Hotspot a few times a month, over five years, for hundreds of dollars less than using another device in the same way. 
There are some drawbacks to the Hotspot. Most notably, there is no way to view incoming text messages on the device itself. All you can do with the device alone is turn it off and on, activate tracking, and send an SOS message. The ability to activate tracking from the device is new to the absolute latest version. We tested this new version in late 2021 and early 2022. In comparison, on the inReach Mini 2, you can view or send rudimentary messages directly on the device and through the phone app. Overall, we find the Hotspot to be simple and affordable. We had some hardware issues in testing the second version, but Somewear Labs' customer service was prompt and effective. 
Read more: Somewear Global Hotspot review

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