Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Verizon satellite messaging on Google Pixel 9 vs Apple, Starlink & Garmin inReach
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Verizon satellite messaging launched free on Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25, using geostationary satellites instead of the low Earth orbit tech Apple and T-Mobile rely on. I took it into the backcountry to test real-world performance against Apple satellite and inReach. Setup is simple, when you lose cell service, Android Messages prompts you to aim at a satellite and connect in under a minute. Cross-platform texting worked fine, including messaging an iPhone on Apple's satellite service. Verizon routes SOS through Garmin Response, same as inReach, which handles backcountry emergencies better than standard 911. It's not as rugged or reliable as a dedicated inReach, but for casual hikers with compatible phones, it's a solid free backup.
00:00 Verizon Satellite Messaging
00:46 How it Works
03:00 Starlink DTC
03:30 SOS Emergency Response
04:49 Skylo
05:54 Coverage
06:30 Recommendations
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Verizon satellite messaging on Google Pixel 9 vs Apple, Starlink & Garmin inReach
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Verizon satellite messaging launched free on Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25, using geostationary satellites instead of the low Earth orbit tech Apple and T-Mobile rely on. I took it into the backcountry to test real-world performance against Apple satellite and inReach. Setup is simple, when you lose cell service, Android Messages prompts you to aim at a satellite and connect in under a minute. Cross-platform texting worked fine, including messaging an iPhone on Apple's satellite service. Verizon routes SOS through Garmin Response, same as inReach, which handles backcountry emergencies better than standard 911. It's not as rugged or reliable as a dedicated inReach, but for casual hikers with compatible phones, it's a solid free backup.
00:00 Verizon Satellite Messaging
00:46 How it Works
03:00 Starlink DTC
03:30 SOS Emergency Response
04:49 Skylo
05:54 Coverage
06:30 Recommendations
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
