SatAI Devices and Pricing FAQ
Straight answers on what works off-grid and what it costs—so you can decide before you leave cell service, not after.
SatAI is intentionally device-agnostic. It does not care what brand of hardware you carry, only that the hardware can send and receive a text message. That keeps the buying decision simple: if you already own a two-way satellite messenger, or a recent iPhone, you are ready.
Supported devices
Any device that can send and receive SMS text messages, including:
- Garmin inReach Mini and Explorer — two-way satellite messaging over the Iridium network.
- ZOLEO — pairs with your phone and bridges SMS over satellite when you leave coverage.
- SPOT X — standalone two-way satellite messenger with its own keyboard.
- iPhone satellite messaging — iPhone 14 and later, where the feature and carrier support are available.
- Standard smartphones — any phone over normal cellular service when you have bars.
Satellite messengers relay your texts through satellite networks; SatAI receives and replies like any other SMS contact. There is nothing extra to install on the device.
How messaging works across networks
Each satellite device has its own message length limits and its own per-message economics through its hardware plan. SatAI keeps replies tight to respect that. A good habit is to ask focused questions—"hail timing next two hours here?" beats "what's the weather?"—so a single round trip gives you something you can act on.
Plans
- Minimum — $5/mo, then pay $0.50 per message. Best for occasional trips.
- Premium — $30/mo with 150 messages included. Best for heavy seasons and frequent off-grid use.
Plans are billed monthly through Stripe. You can change or cancel anytime from your account or the Stripe billing portal. Your SatAI plan is separate from whatever airtime plan your satellite device requires through its manufacturer.
Common questions
Do I need an app? No. SatAI works entirely through text. The only time you touch a website is signup and account changes.
What do I pay for? Two separate things. First, a paid SatAI subscription (Minimum or Premium, above)—that is what gives you access to the assistant. Second, your satellite device's own airtime plan through its manufacturer, which actually carries the messages. SatAI itself does not need a cellular data plan; it works over plain text, but it does require an active SatAI subscription.
Is it an emergency tool? No—see the disclaimer below. Keep your device's SOS for emergencies.
Works with: Garmin inReach Mini and Explorer, ZOLEO, SPOT X, iPhone satellite (14+), and any SMS-capable phone.
SatAI is not an emergency service. Use your device's SOS and official channels for life-threatening situations. Device airtime plans and availability are set by each hardware maker and carrier.
Common questions
Which satellite messengers work with SatAI?
Any satellite messenger that supports two-way text messaging, including Garmin inReach Mini and Explorer, ZOLEO, and SPOT X. iPhone satellite messaging (iPhone 14 and later) also works.
How does billing work?
Minimum ($5/mo, pay $0.50 per message) and Premium ($30/mo, 150 messages included). Plans are billed monthly through Stripe and can be changed or cancelled anytime.
Is SatAI for emergencies?
No. SatAI is not an emergency service. Always use your satellite device's SOS and official channels for life-threatening situations.