In a world where staying connected is more important than ever, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has unveiled a game-changer for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone venturing beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks. Launched at CES 2025, the HMD OffGrid is a compact, rugged satellite communication device designed to keep you in touch—no matter where your journey takes you. Priced at $199, this palm-sized gadget brings satellite connectivity to any iOS or Android smartphone, offering two-way messaging, live location tracking, and critical SOS services. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative device that ensures you’re never truly off the grid.
A Compact Powerhouse for Remote Connectivity
The HMD OffGrid is a lightweight, portable device weighing just 60 grams and measuring 3.7 x 2.4 x 0.47 inches, making it small enough to slip into a pocket or attach to a backpack or keychain. Built to withstand the most challenging conditions, it boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, as well as MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, ensuring it can handle extreme weather, shocks, and rugged terrain. With a 600mAh battery that lasts up to three days (or up to 10 days with minimal use), the OffGrid is designed for reliability in the wild.
The device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It utilizes the HMD OffGrid app to enable satellite communication through the ultra-reliable L-band satellite radio spectrum in partnership with Viasat and Skylo networks. This allows users to send and receive text messages, share live location data with up to five contacts, and send pre-configured “check-in” messages with a single button press. Unlike some smartphone-based satellite services, OffGrid works with any Android (10 or newer) or iOS (16 or later) device, making it a versatile solution for those who don’t own the latest flagship phones.
Key Features: Messaging, Tracking, and SOS
The HMD OffGrid is packed with features tailored for safety and connectivity in remote areas:
- Two-Way Messaging: Send and receive text messages via satellite, just like regular texting. Messages are sent from your phone number, and recipients don’t need the OffGrid app to receive them, though they’ll need it to reply.
- Live Location Tracking: Share your real-time location with up to five contacts, with customizable ping intervals ranging from every three minutes to four hours. This provides peace of mind for loved ones or colleagues tracking your journey.
- Check-In Feature: A dedicated button lets you send pre-configured messages to confirm you’re safe, ideal for quick updates without typing.
- SOS Services: In emergencies, press and hold the SOS button to connect with Overwatch x Rescue, a premium service by FocusPoint International. This offers 24/7 multilingual emergency response and fully funded rescues, including helicopter extractions, across 940 search and rescue agencies. The SOS feature works even when a smartphone is not connected, ensuring help is always accessible.
Setup is straightforward: charge the device, download the app, scan a QR code to activate your subscription, and connect to satellites. The app’s intuitive interface simplifies messaging, tracking, and emergency features; however, a clear view of the sky is necessary for optimal satellite connection. In tests, connection times ranged from a few minutes in open areas to about eight minutes under tree cover.
Subscription Plans: Flexibility for Every Adventurer
The HMD OffGrid requires a subscription to access its satellite services, with two plans to suit different needs:
- HMD Freedom Plan: $79.99/year (one-time payment) with a $19.99 activation fee. Includes up to 350 text and check-in messages (based on an average message size of 50 bytes) and unlimited manual check-ins. Live tracking costs $0.10 per ping.
- HMD Unlimited Plan: $14.99/month or $139.99/year with a $9.99 activation fee. Offers unlimited messages, check-ins, and SOS services, with optional unlimited live tracking for an additional $4.99/month.
These plans make OffGrid more affordable than competitors like Garmin’s inReach, which charges similar rates but requires pricier hardware (e.g., inReach Mini 2 at $299). However, OffGrid’s battery life is shorter than Garmin’s, which may last weeks, so users planning extended trips may need a power bank.
Who Is It For?
The HMD OffGrid is designed for anyone who ventures beyond cellular coverage, including hikers, campers, skiers, boaters, truck drivers, or those facing natural disasters. It’s particularly valuable for outdoor enthusiasts who want a lightweight, budget-friendly alternative to dedicated satellite communicators. Unlike newer smartphones like the iPhone 14-16 or Pixel 9, which offer limited satellite SOS features, the OffGrid provides robust two-way messaging and tracking for any phone, making it ideal for users with older devices or those who prefer not to upgrade.
HMD markets the OffGrid as a tool for “those who work hard and play hard,” citing use cases like remote work, road trips, and extreme sports. Its partnership with FocusPoint’s Overwatch x Rescue ensures that emergency services are comprehensive, with fully funded rescues that don’t burden users with additional costs.
A Reimagined Legacy
If the HMD OffGrid feels familiar, that’s because it’s an evolution of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, initially developed by Bullitt before the company’s collapse in 2024. HMD acquired the rights and enhanced the device with improved coverage, redesigned the SOS button to prevent accidental presses, and introduced new enterprise features. This positions OffGrid as a direct competitor to devices like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and Zoleo, although it undercuts them in terms of price and weight.
However, the OffGrid isn’t without limitations. Its battery life may not be sufficient for multi-day trips with constant tracking, and its reliance on Viasat and Skylo networks may be less reliable than Garmin’s Iridium network in specific scenarios. Additionally, it lacks weather updates, a feature some competitors offer. Coverage is currently limited to parts of North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, with expansions planned for Canada, Mexico, and Brazil in the first quarter of 2025.
Why It Matters
The HMD OffGrid fills a critical gap in the market for affordable, universal satellite connectivity. As more smartphones integrate limited satellite features, dedicated devices like OffGrid remain relevant for their robust functionality and compatibility with any phone. At $199 (with discounts reported as low as $149 in June 2025), it’s a cost-effective solution for adventurers seeking peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re trekking through the mountains, sailing the seas, or working in remote areas, the HMD OffGrid ensures you’re always connected. Available now in the US, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand through HMD’s website, this tiny device is poised to become an essential companion for those who live for adventure—and want to stay safe doing it.
