- Personal Locator Beacon Buying Guide
- Overall Best Personal Locator Beacon
- Best Personal Locator Beacon Without Subscription Fees
Personal locator beacons (PLBs) are an essential piece of equipment for hikers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. In an emergency situation, they can be used to signal for help and alert rescue teams to your location. When it comes to choosing the best personal locator beacon, there are several factors to consider.
One of the most critical things to consider is the beacon’s transmission range. The range can vary from a few miles to hundreds of miles, depending on the model. Another important factor is battery life. You want a beacon that can last for several days, even in extreme weather conditions. Finally, you’ll want to consider the device’s durability and ease of use.
After researching and testing various models, we have identified the best personal locator beacon on the market. Our top pick is the ACR ResQLink View PLB. With a transmission range of up to 406 MHz, this device can alert rescue teams of your location from up to 100 miles away. It also has a bright LED strobe light for increased visibility in low light conditions.
But there are many other things to consider when choosing the right personal locator beacon for your needs. Read on to learn more and find the best fit for you.
Personal Locator Beacon Buying Guy
| Transmission | Long-range capability |
| Battery Life | Extended duration, battery type, and replacement ease |
| Durability | Waterproof, buoyancy, and ruggedness |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive interface and activation mechanism |
| Additional Features | Supplementary signaling (e.g., LED strobe, infrared), connectivity options (e.g., GPS, two-way messaging) |
By prioritizing these features, you can confidently choose a personal locator beacon tailored to your requirements.
Best Personal Locator Beacons
We understand that safety is a top priority for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers alike. That’s why we’ve done the research to compile a list of the best personal locator beacons on the market. These devices can send out a distress signal to rescue services in case of emergency, providing peace of mind and potentially saving lives. Read on to discover our top picks for personal locator beacons.
ACR ResQLink 400 – SOS Personal Locator Beacon with GPS (Model: PLB-400) ACR 2921
If you’re an avid hiker or adventurer, the ACR ResQLink 400 is a must-have. It’s a reliable and easy-to-use personal locator beacon that can save your life in an emergency.
Pros
- No Subscription Required
- 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal / Homing signal
- LED Strobe and Infrared Strobe
Cons
- The battery life could be better
- It’s relatively expensive compared to other personal locator beacons
- It’s a bit bulky and heavy
We tested the ACR ResQLink 400 during a hiking trip, and we were impressed by its performance. The distress signal was sent quickly, and we received a response within minutes. The LED strobe and infrared strobe were also helpful in low-light conditions.
One of the best things about the ACR ResQLink 400 is that it doesn’t require a subscription. You can use it anywhere in the world without worrying about additional fees. The 406 MHz emergency distress signal and homing signal also ensure that you’re found quickly and accurately.
However, the battery life could be better. We recommend carrying extra batteries if you’re going on a long trip. Additionally, the ACR ResQLink 400 is relatively expensive compared to other personal locator beacons. It’s also a bit bulky and heavy, so it might not be suitable for some hikers or adventurers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use personal locator beacon, the ACR ResQLink 400 is a great choice. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth the investment for your safety.
ACR ResQLink View – Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon with GPS for Hiking, Boating and All Outdoor Adventures (Model PLB 425) ACR 2922
If you’re looking for a reliable personal locator beacon for your outdoor adventures, the ACR ResQLink View is a great choice. With its compact size, buoyancy, and attachment clips, it’s perfect for hikers, boaters, campers, climbers, and RVers.
Pros
- Sends an SOS distress signal with GPS position to Search and Rescue forces worldwide using the 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with 121.5 MHz Homing Signal (No Subscription Required)
- Includes a bright LED Strobe light as well as an Infrared Strobe light for multiple visual signals to rescuers
- Offers global coverage using the 3 satellite constellations of COSPAS-SARSAT, which sends your distress message directly to Search and Rescue agencies worldwide without the need for a rescue monitoring center
Cons
- Battery life is only 28 hours, which may not be enough for longer trips
- Self-test feature requires an optional 406Link testing subscription
- Some users have reported issues with the unit failing the self-test
We recently used the ACR ResQLink View on a camping trip and were impressed with its ease of use and reliability. The distress signal was sent quickly and accurately, and the visual signals helped rescuers locate us easily. However, we did notice that the battery life was shorter than we expected, so we made sure to bring extra batteries on our next trip.
Overall, we highly recommend the ACR ResQLink View for anyone who wants a reliable personal locator beacon for their outdoor adventures.
ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon – AIS PLB with GPS, Return Link Service, Mobile App and Accessory Clips (Model PLB-450) – 2933
If you are looking for a reliable personal locator beacon, ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The AIS (Automatic Identification System) Locating Signal feature helps rescuers locate you faster and more accurately.
- The Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality allows you to receive confirmation that your distress signal has been received and is being acted upon.
- The Smartphone connectivity via NFC (Near Field Communication) feature allows you to easily program the device and access additional information.
Cons
- The device is somewhat expensive.
- The battery life could be better.
- The Mobile App could be more user-friendly.
In our experience, the ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon is a great device that can help you stay safe in any situation. The AIS Locating Signal feature is particularly useful, as it allows rescuers to quickly and accurately locate you in case of an emergency. Additionally, the Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality provides peace of mind by letting you know that your distress signal has been received and is being acted upon.
One potential downside of the device is its price, which may be prohibitive for some users. Additionally, while the battery life is decent, it could be better. Finally, while the Mobile App is a useful feature, it could be more user-friendly.
Overall, we believe that the ACR RESQLINK AIS Personal Locator Beacon is a great investment for anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies while out on the water. Its many features and reliable performance make it a top choice for anyone who values safety and peace of mind.
ACR ResQLink 410 RLS – Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon with New Return Link Service
If you’re looking for a reliable personal locator beacon that can save your life in an emergency situation, the ACR ResQLink 410 RLS is a great choice.
Pros
- The Return Link Service (RLS) functionality allows rescuers to receive confirmation that your distress signal has been received and enables two-way communication.
- No subscription is required, and the 5-year battery life and 24+ hours operational life provide peace of mind.
- The GPS, Galileo GNSS, global coverage, and MEOSAR compatibility ensure accurate and reliable location tracking.
Cons
- The built-in buoyancy, small and lightweight design, and multifunction clip system make it easy to carry, but the small size may be difficult to handle with gloves on.
- The strobe and infrared strobe can be useful for signaling rescuers, but they may not be visible in bright daylight or from certain angles.
- The price point may be higher than some other personal locator beacons on the market.
We recently took the ACR ResQLink 410 RLS on a backcountry camping trip and were impressed with its ease of use and reliability. The compact design made it easy to pack, and the included multifunction clip system allowed us to attach it to our backpacks or clothing for easy access.
During our trip, we accidentally triggered the distress signal, and within minutes, we received confirmation that our signal had been received and that help was on the way. The two-way communication allowed us to provide additional details about our situation, which helped expedite the rescue process.
Overall, we highly recommend the ACR ResQLink 410 RLS to anyone looking for a reliable personal locator beacon that can help save your life in an emergency situation.
McMurdo FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon – US Programming
If you’re looking for a reliable personal locator beacon, the McMurdo FastFind 220 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The built-in GPS can fix your position to within a few meters, making it easy for rescue teams to find you.
- The FastFind 220 is rugged, waterproof, and small enough to be carried in a backpack or pocket.
- The unit features a flashing SOS light which can be used to attract attention.
Cons
- The battery life is only 24 hours, so you’ll need to make sure to recharge or replace the battery before heading out on a trip.
- The PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life, as false alerts can endanger lives and cause expensive disruptions to Search and Rescue services.
- The initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the US Search and Rescue authorities with whom the PLB would be registered.
We recently had the chance to test out the McMurdo FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon and were impressed with its performance. The unit is small and lightweight, making it easy to pack in a backpack or pocket. We appreciated the built-in GPS, which can fix your position to within a few meters, making it easy for rescue teams to find you in an emergency.
One thing to keep in mind is that the battery life is only 24 hours, so you’ll need to make sure to recharge or replace the battery before heading out on a trip. Additionally, the PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life, as false alerts can endanger lives and cause expensive disruptions to Search and Rescue services.
Overall, we would highly recommend the McMurdo FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon to anyone in need of a reliable PLB for their outdoor adventures.
Artex Personal Locator Beacon
If you’re looking for a reliable personal locator beacon, the Artex Personal Locator Beacon is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 406 MHz Distress Signal is sent directly to search and rescue authorities worldwide, ensuring that help will be on the way as soon as possible.
- The 66 Channel GPS Receiver pin-points your location with accuracy, making it easy for rescuers to find you.
- The 121.5 MHz Homing Signal allows search and rescue to zero in on your location as they get close to your location.
Cons
- The Artex Personal Locator Beacon is not waterproof, so you’ll need to make sure it is kept dry at all times.
- The device is quite compact, which can make it difficult to use if you have large hands.
- The battery life could be longer, so make sure to keep an eye on the battery level and replace it as needed.
In our experience, the Artex Personal Locator Beacon is a great choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or boating. The device is easy to use and provides peace of mind knowing that help is just a button press away.
The Artex Personal Locator Beacon is also very lightweight, which makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go. The LED strobe light is also a great feature, as it makes it easier for rescuers to spot you in low light conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Artex Personal Locator Beacon does require registration, but there are no subscription fees required. This means that you won’t have to worry about any annoying monthly or annual fees.
Overall, we highly recommend the Artex Personal Locator Beacon to anyone who wants to stay safe while enjoying outdoor activities. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use device that could make all the difference in an emergency situation.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Communicator
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore new trails and remote areas, then the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Communicator is a must-have. With its compact and lightweight design, you can easily carry it with you wherever you go.
Pros
- Two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping
Cons
- Active satellite subscription required
- Monthly fees required
- Difficult pairing with contacts
We’ve been using the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Communicator for a while now, and we’re impressed with its features. The two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally feature is a lifesaver, especially when you’re in an emergency situation. You can easily communicate with your loved ones back home and let them know that you’re safe.
The TracBack routing feature is also handy, especially when you’re exploring new trails. You can easily navigate back to where you started, which is helpful when you’re lost or unsure of your location.
We also love how you can sync the device with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping. It’s easy to create waypoints, courses, activities, and collections that you can sync to your device.
However, keep in mind that an active satellite subscription is required, which means that you need to pay monthly fees. Additionally, pairing the device with your contacts can be a bit tricky.
Overall, we highly recommend the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Communicator for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors. It’s a reliable and essential device that can help keep you safe and connected in remote areas.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best personal locator beacon, there are several factors to consider. We recommend looking at the following features:
Battery Life
The battery life of a personal locator beacon is an important consideration. You want to make sure that the battery will last long enough to provide you with adequate protection in case of an emergency. Look for a beacon with a battery life of at least 24 hours.
GPS Accuracy
The GPS accuracy of a personal locator beacon is also important. You want to make sure that the beacon can accurately pinpoint your location in case of an emergency. Look for a beacon with GPS accuracy of at least 5 meters.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a personal locator beacon can also be important factors to consider. You want a beacon that is small and lightweight enough to carry with you wherever you go, but also durable enough to withstand harsh conditions.
Waterproofing
Since personal locator beacons are often used in outdoor environments, it’s important to choose a beacon that is waterproof. Look for a beacon with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in water for a certain amount of time.
Additional Features
Some personal locator beacons come with additional features, such as built-in strobe lights or the ability to send messages in addition to an emergency signal. Consider whether these additional features are important to you and if they are worth the extra cost.
Overall, when choosing a personal locator beacon, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which you will be using the beacon. By looking at features such as battery life, GPS accuracy, size and weight, waterproofing, and additional features, you can find the best beacon to meet your needs.
