Reviews You Can Rely On

Somewear Global Hotspot Review

Compact, simple, two-way satellite communications using proven technology and relatively affordable subscription options
gearlab tested logo
Somewear Global Hotspot Review (The Global Hot Spot from Somewear Labs is clever, small, and affordable. It successfully shakes up the market.)
The Global Hot Spot from Somewear Labs is clever, small, and affordable. It successfully shakes up the market.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Price:  $280 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Somewear
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 19, 2023
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 12
  • SOS/Emergency Messaging - 30% 10.0
  • Non-Emergency Messaging - 25% 6.0
  • Signal Coverage - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.0
  • Portability - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Somewear Global Hotspot is a small and affordable two-way satellite communication device. It requires your smartphone to operate, which may be a drawback to some but a non-issue to others. It uses the same satellite network as our highest award winners and uses the same private-sector SOS dispatch service as all but a few devices in our review. In short, the Somewear is a relatively newer company that uses a familiar formula for its Global Hotspot. What sets it apart is that its subscription plans are less expensive than other options. In typical “weekend warrior” use, as compared to the products and services that cover the whole earth and offer two-way messaging, the Somewear Hotspot is the least expensive. Its costs also compare favorably in different usage patterns. For that, we grant it a budget award for Global Coverage. See it ranked against other top products in our article on the best satellite messengers.
REASONS TO BUY
Small
Affordable subscription options
Proven satellite and dispatch networks
Simple
REASONS TO AVOID
Only supports SOS and tracking on the device itself
No custom messaging
Occasional hardware issues
Editor's Note: This review was read over for accuracy and some additional information was added on January 19, 2023.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award  Best Buy Award 
Price $280 ListCheck Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$199.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$359.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
78
87
84
81
54
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line A small, basic device that employs established network, dispatch, and hardware systems through affordable subscription plansThere are devices that have more features but those features are unnecessary and come at the cost of more useful functionA compact, full service satellite messenger that has all you need, and is close to all you would wantThis is a smooth, comprehensive two-way communicator that relies on a proven satellite network and brings innovations that raise the barA small, satellite-linked emergency communicator that is exactly what you need and nothing more
Rating Categories Somewear Global Hot... Garmin inReach Mess... ACR Bivy Stick ZOLEO Satellite Com... Ocean Signal rescue...
SOS/Emergency Messaging (30%)
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
4.0
Non-Emergency Messaging (25%)
6.0
10.0
8.0
8.0
1
Signal Coverage (20%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Ease of Use (15%)
7.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Portability (10%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
Specs Somewear Global Hot... Garmin inReach Mess... ACR Bivy Stick ZOLEO Satellite Com... Ocean Signal rescue...
2-way Messaging? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
2-way Messaging Available via Cellular/Wifi? Yes Yes No Yes No
Custom Messaging Viewable and Composable on Device? No Yes No No No
Passive Tracking (turn on and forget about it - viewers at home can watch your progress on the web) Yes Yes Yes No No
Weight w/ Batteries 4.1 oz 4.0 oz 3.6 oz 5.3 oz 4.0 oz
Battery Life Up to 1000 messages Up to 28 days with a message or location sent every 10 minutes with full sky view Up to 120 hours 200+ hours when checking messages every 12 minutes 24 hours
Waterproof Rating IPX7 (No dust rating. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion up to 30 minutes) IPX7 (No dust rating. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion up to 30 minutes) IP67 (protection from harmful dust. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion up to 30 minutes) IP68 (protection from harmful dust. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion at least 30 minutes) No Formal Rating. Likely exceeds rating system. Claimed "Up to 15 meters"
Pairs with Smartphone? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Requires recipient to use a special app for two-way communications? Yes No Yes Yes N/A
On Device Functions (if you lose or disable your smartphone) SOS. All texting requires smartphone app All, but very slow to text SOS, check-in, tracking. All texting requires smartphone. SOS, check-in. All texting requires smartphone All.
Satellite Network Iridium Iridium Iridium Iridium COSPAS/SARSAT
Dispatch service GEOS Garmin Response Team Global Rescue GEOS COSPAS/SARSAT
Dimensions 3" x 3.6" x .8" 3.1" x 2.5" x 0.9" 1.9" x .9" x 4.5" 3.5" x 2.6" x 1.0" 3.0" x 2.0" x 1.3"
Volume 8.6 CU IN 6.9 CU IN 7.7 CU IN 9.1 CU IN 6.8 CU IN

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Global Hotspot from Somewear was released a couple of years ago in the first of several spurts of innovation in this sector. We liked it at first, and we continue to test it for longevity. We are happy to report that it truly complements the options on the market. We've had some hardware issues, but their customer service has been responsive and effective. Most notably, this brings two-way wilderness messaging to a new level of affordability. Because it's hard to compare subscription plans, the savings aren't immediately obvious. When you ponder how these devices will be used, the Hotspot is at least a little less expensive than any other two-way texting device. That said, some usage patterns are slightly more affordable with a different product. The best resource to compare subscription plans is the chart we include in our comprehensive satellite messenger review.

Performance Comparison


somewear global hotspot - early winter in the northeast us. sat comms now go everywhere with...
Early winter in the Northeast US. Sat comms now go everywhere with the intentional outdoor adventurers we associate with.
Credit: Jediah Porter

SOS/Emergency Messaging


Somewear configures the Global Hotspot for SOS functionality with an on-device button, the Iridium network, GPS location data, and a third-party monitoring and dispatch service. In our testing, thankfully, we did not activate the SOS service of the Hotspot or any of the tested devices. All of our reviews of these attributes are based on a thorough understanding of how they work and on extrapolation from the non-emergency messaging attributes, with no “real-world” usage of the actual emergency functionality. We also consulted with SAR teams across the USA. In short, we can confidently recommend the SOS functionality of the Global Hotspot. No SOS function is fool-proof, but the Somewear Global Hotspot is as good as anything available in the private sector.


The governmental, global “COSPAS/SARSAT” network of satellites and associated dispatch service is the best option. Of the systems available, this one has the most robust set of data supporting its functionality. There are three other networks available and in common use. These are geostationary distant satellites, Iridium, and Globalstar. At this point in time, all services that employ one of the non-COSPAS/SARSAT communication networks route SOS messages through GEOS incorporated's global dispatch and monitoring service. GEOS is one of a few for-profit entities that provides emergency dispatch services in a variety of contexts. Their track record is long, and their performance is sound. The Somewear Hotspot uses the GEOS emergency service. Given the long history and familiarity of GEOS it is the private sector dispatch service that we trust the most.

somewear global hotspot - the sos button of the somewear labs global hotspot. it sits there...
The SOS button of the Somewear Labs Global Hotspot. It sits there, covered, until you need it. You're unlikely to need it, but when you do, you really need it.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Non-Emergency Messaging


The Global Hotspot allows two-way texting from remote areas via an app on your phone. Messages can be sent either to email addresses or to phone numbers as standard text messages. If the message recipient is registered with Somewear, even if that recipient is not using a Somewear device, messages go to and from their Somewear App or web interface. The Global Hotspot also has a rudimentary tracking service. It can be configured to send out your location automatically on a set interval.

There is no option for preprogrammed outbound messages. Nor is there any way to send a non-emergency custom message without your app-enabled phone. The only functions available on the device itself are an SOS button and the ability to initiate Somewear's “tracking” feature. The tracking feature is the one that sends your location on some predetermined interval (an interval that you can set). This latter attribute is new in the newest version of the Global Hotspot. We like this. Picture a scenario in which you lose your smartphone or its battery is dead. In that scenario, with the Hotspot, you could always press the SOS button if need be. Now, should you lose your phone function, you can have the Hotspot send tracking data. Make sure your loved ones watching from home understand the nuances of wilderness satellite communication (that “no news is good news” in the vast majority of situations) and trust that this particular product gives you more backup communication options than its predecessor did.

Interestingly and somewhat uniquely, you can also send and receive Somewear messages through cellular data or WiFi. When your travels take you in and out of civilization, it is nice to keep a conversation thread intact across connectivity types. We like this, and we like that we are seeing this attribute in more and more products and services. Somewear Labs was one of the first to include this seamless messaging functionality. It may seem inconsequential or minor, but our testers have unanimously liked this feature once they realize how it cleans up communications.


The non-emergency messaging attributes of the Global Hotspot are not the most sophisticated, but they are better than nothing. By providing two-way, non-emergency messaging, the Global Hotspot exceeds the abilities of many others. With the Hotspot, you send and receive messages via a smartphone app. Others can send and receive messages only through the device itself. Some allow both. We prefer having both methods on one device, but the budget price of the Global Hotspot has us overlooking this limitation as we grant our awards.

somewear global hotspot - whether tracking or exchanging routine two-way messages, our lead...
Whether tracking or exchanging routine two-way messages, our lead tester, a mountain guide with a growing family at home, can testify to the value of smooth two-way satellite comms. That family appreciates it too.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Signal Coverage


The Global Hotspot uses the Iridium low earth orbit satellite network. This network is the best option available for two-way communication and worldwide coverage. That said, all satellite communications are vulnerable to temporary outages and issues with overhead obstructions, the Global Hotspot included.


In comparing devices, brands, services, and networks — once we corrected for the inherent issues of satellite communication — we've found little to no difference in signal coverage. In most places and circumstances, the difference between your familiar cellular coverage and utility and satellite comms is far, far greater than any difference between different satellite networks or devices. Satellite communication is inherently slow and challenging compared to WiFi or cellular texting.

somewear global hotspot - what the screen of your loved one at home will look like. when...
What the screen of your loved one at home will look like. When “tracking” they only see your most recent shared location. We'd like to see any given day's “track”.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Ease of Use


The Global Hotspot is very easy to use. Essentially all of its functions are accessible via an intuitive and simple mobile phone app interface. This simplicity is valuable but limiting. In certain situations, we wanted the option to send and view custom messages from the device itself. Otherwise, we find the Hotspot quite easy to use.

Pairing the device with your smartphone is a little moody. After initial setup, provided you perform the order of operations correctly, it works just fine. However, that order of operations is rather specific; turn on the device first and then open the app on your phone. If the connection is lost (if you walk your phone away from the pack where your Hotspot is stored, for instance), you must turn the device back off, quit the app on your phone, and resume the connection from the beginning. Other Bluetooth devices don't seem to require this same rigorous adherence to order of operations.

Other reviewers have pointed out that the Hotspot has shorter battery life than close competitors. We, too, noticed an appreciable difference. In our testing, we had no real issues with battery life; the other options are exceptionally good on battery life. On short trips, our testers have good electronics use habits — i.e., we turn off our devices when not in use. On longer trips (more than 2-3 days or so), we carry more battery power or solar charging options. The modern wilderness traveler needs good electronic and battery use habits and skills, regardless of which devices you carry. All that said, the Somewear does indeed have shorter battery life than its close competitors. You'll need to recharge it more frequently. If our anecdotal experience is any indication, that means the difference between recharging after a weekend of use instead of a few weekends of use or the difference between 2-3 recharges on an expedition vs. 1-2 field recharges.


No two-way messaging device we tested is simpler than this one. Of course, for emergency-only communications, the COSPAS/SARSAT options are way easier to use. These have just one button for SOS summons. Without phone app complications and various options, simpler devices will be simpler to use.

In testing the second generation of the Hotspot, we encountered some trouble. The device arrived charged and ready and worked just fine at first. When it came time to recharge it, it wouldn't recharge. We contacted customer service, and they had us perform a few unsuccessful troubleshooting moves before sending it back. They said the problem was rare and executed a repair. That repaired device was returned in a couple of weeks and then wouldn't stay turned on. Somewear Labs then sent us a whole new Global Hotspot. The latest one has worked as advertised in terms of reliably staying on and taking a charge.

You have to set up your Somewear Global Hotspot while in cellular or WiFi signal. If Bluetooth connectivity between the device and app is lost while you are in the field, you can likely still reconnect them. Other products in our test that use Bluetooth-enabled apps do not reconnect without a signal. This is a minor, low-likelihood situation that came up for other products later in testing.

somewear global hotspot - carry your satellite comms on every adventure, but also "train"...
Carry your satellite comms on every adventure, but also “train” those at home on the limitations and boundaries of such technology. Here, the Hotspot on a wild Wyoming ice climbing day.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Portability


Portability is simply a function of size and weight. The Global Hotspot is on the small and light end for a two-way messenger. It weighs 4.1 ounces and is 3.6 inches long.


Some devices in our review are slightly lighter and smaller than the Global Hotspot. Others are considerably larger and heavier. The Hotspot is a size and mass that can easily go anywhere with you. The difference between it and the smaller competitors isn't as dramatic as you might fear. Anywhere and anytime you can carry any satellite messenger, you can carry this one.

somewear global hotspot - 115 grams is 4.1 ounces, roughly. it's a touch heavier than some...
115 grams is 4.1 ounces, roughly. It's a touch heavier than some close competitors, but not by an amount that should really factor into your decision-making.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Should You Buy the Somewear Global Hotspot?


This is a viable and affordable option. At our last look (January 2023), the Hotspot was waitlisted on the Somewear Labs website. You might be able to find a used one in the meantime, but others are just as good or better.

What Other Personal Locator Beacons Should You Consider?


All the other two-way satellite messengers in our lineup are great. The Garmin inReach Messenger and Garmin inReach Mini 2 are the best around right now. The ACR Bivy Stick and Zoleo Satellite Communicator are also great options.

somewear global hotspot - the options on the market are many and growing. for high value two...
The options on the market are many and growing. For high value two way satellite communications, you can't beat the Somewear Labs Hotspot
Credit: Jediah Porter

Jediah Porter