Are you trying to find personal locator beacons among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling personal locator beacons on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 19 hours of research and did 16 personal locator beacons tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best personal locator beacons you can buy today
- No Subscription Required
- 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal / Homing signal
- LED Strobe and Infrared Strobe
- Global Coverage / Cospas-Sarsat / MEOSAR
- GPS and Galileo GNSS
- Once activated, an SOS distress signal with GPS position is sent direct to Search and Rescue forces worldwide using the 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with 121.5 MHz Homing Signal (No Subscription Required)
- Small, rugged, lightweight personal locator beacon that is buoyant and includes attachment clips including a belt clip, oral inflation tube clip, straps and lanyards for increased wearability for hikers, boaters, campers, climbers, RVing and all your outdoor adventures
- Send pre-canned non-emergency self test and GPS test messages to multiple contacts via text message (SMS) and email with a customized message using the optional 406Link testing subscription
- 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
- A bright LED Strobe light as well as an Infrared Strobe light ensures multiple visual signals to rescuers
- This Personal Locator Beacon is pre programmed for registration with the US country code. Whilst it will function anywhere around the world, the initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the US Search and Rescue authorities with whom the PLB would be registered.
- If you require registration outside of the US, please purchase our alternative listing for 'McMurdo Fast Find 220 PLB - Programmed for Rest of World '. We include at no charge a reprogramming service on this alternative listing to ensure the device can be registered in the country of your choice.
- Registering your Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in most countries. Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.
- PLBs have been proven, tried and tested in some of the world's most remote locations and treacherous conditions. Even in extreme conditions and situations, the FastFind 220 activates easily. Just deploy the antenna, pull the anti-tamper seal and press the ON button.
- This PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search and Rescue services. Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty.
- Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality
- No Subscription Required | 5 year battery life | 24+ hours Operational Life**
- GPS | Galileo GNSS | Global Coverage | MEOSAR Compatible
- Built-In Buoyancy | Small and lightweight | Strobe and Infrared Strobe
- Multifunction Clip System Included
- ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon
- ResQFlare Electronic Distress Flare
- C-Strobe H2O Rescue Light
- Signal Mirror with USCG Res-Q Whistle
- RapidDitch Dry Bag
- Daytime Distress Flag
- ACR ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon
- C-Strobe H2O Rescue Light
- Res-Q Whistle
- RapidDitch Drybag
- Signal Mirror
- Compatible with the ACR Bivy Stick and the ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) series
- Carabiner with Velcro can be utilized to attach your PLB or Bivy Stick to a backpack, lifejacket, or any type of outerwear
- Protective pouch has a belt attachment - allows it to attach to a variety of belt widths in addition to the straps of a backpack or lifejacket
- 7 Year Battery Life / 7 year warranty
- 24+ hour operational life
- Free to use, no subscription charges
- High brightness strobe light >1 candela
- 66 channel GPS receiver / Unique mounting clip
- Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality
- Digital Display | Strobe and Infrared Strobe
- No Subscription Required | 5 year battery life | 28 hours Operational Life**
- GPS | Galileo GNSS | Global Coverage | MEOSAR Compatible
- Built-In Buoyancy | Small and lightweight | Multifunction Clip System Included
- Locator Light - For emergency or personal use, visible from over a mile when activated
- Multiple Modes - The 360 degree light pattern has multiple light settings to give you the flexibility to adjust your brightness or act as a strobe light, depending on your needs
- Waterproof - Built to withstand the rigors of diving, with a waterproof rating of IPX8 meaning the light can stand depths as low as 100 meters
- Maxbright LED - This single white or red Maxbright LED light puts out a smooth, powerful, 100 lumens for a wide range of tasks
- Burn Time - Up to 100 hours of runtime
- 406 MHz Distress Signal - Sent Directly to Search and Rescue Authorities Worldwide
- 66 Channel GPS Receiver Pin-points your location
- 121.5 MHz Homing Signal - Allows Search and Rescue to zero in on your location as they get close to your location.
- LED Strobe Light
- No Subscription Fees Required - PLBs work on Government Search and Rescue Satellites so no annoying monthly or annual fees.
- HQRP® Replacement Battery;
- Battery Voltage: 9V; Capacity: 1500mAh; Li-MnO2;
- 200 Days Warranty!
- Compatible with ACR Resqlink Personal Locator Beacon, model PLB-375 A3-06-2703
- ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon
- C-Strobe H2O Rescue Light
- Res-Q Whistle
- RapidDitch Drybag
- Signal Mirror
- AIS (Automatic Identification System) Locating Signal
- Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality
- Smartphone connectivity via NFC (Near Field Communication)
- 406 MHz Cospas Sarsat Distress Signal (MEOSAR Compatible) | 121.5 MHz Local Homing Signal
- Global Coverage | No Subscription Required
- Designed to Integrate with common Inflatable PFDs | Simple PFD attach ment
- Small and lightweight
- Strobe and Infrared Strobe Light
- 5 - year battery life | 24+ hours Operational Battery Life
- Multifunction Clip System Included
- Marine Safety | Safety Lights
- Operation: Manual On/Off button or Water Activation
- Activation Method: Water or Manual Activation
- 【2PCS Beacon Lights】 The package includes 2 X 60LED Beacon light. Product Size: 4.8" (L) x 4.8" (W) x 4.5" (H). This beacon light fits for all vehicles with a 12-24 Volt power source. 16.4 ft cord is plenty long enough to mount the light anywhere on your vehicle.
- 【SUPER VISIBILITY】 Designed with 60 super bright LED and 360 degrees of coverage. Brighter and more effective than standard LED Strobe Lights. Bright amber light could be seen easily in rain, fog and snow weather to warn other vehicles.
- 【7 FLASHING MODES】 Double switch buttons setting, 7 Patterns to choose from. You can switch ON/OFF or select the flashing mode conveniently at the cigarette lighter plug buttons. Last used pattern recall/memory function.
- 【EASY TO INSTALL】 There are two installation methods to choose. With 5 strong magnets at the base, this LED strobe light can be easily installed on the metal top of any vehicles. Or use screws to mount fixed permanently.
- 【HIGH QUALITY】Made of high quality material, this LED beacon light is waterproof IP67 which can be easily used in rain and snow and is durable of 50,000 hours longevity.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Thomas Lucas (Director) - David Sky Brody (Writer) - Thomas Lucas (Producer)
- Portuguese, English, Spanish (Playback Language)
- Portuguese, English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).Special Feature:Bluetooth.Water Resistant: Yes
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
- Battery life: up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode
- 12 months of Essential messaging plan included, worth $4.99 a month
- Provides advanced 2-way satellite-enabled messaging. Compatible with iOS 14 and Android 10 and later smartphones
- Stay in contact wherever you go—reliable satellite coverage keeps you firmly on the grid even if you're off the edge of the map, ensuring you're in touch with those who matter
- Simply press the check-in button and send your coordinates or a message to your loved ones, giving them peace of mind whilst you do your thing
- SOS assist allows you to check in and trigger SOS without a connection; unlimited SOS included with every service plan
- MEANT FOR ADVENTURE: Spot Gen4 provides critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond cell towers; Let family know you're ok or push the SOS button to send your GPS to emergency responders if you need help
- NO CELL PHONE OR SERVICE-NO PROBLEM: With the Tracking feature Gen4 can transmit location updates when you are moving and when you stop; Keep one in your child's backpack for the walk home
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or emergency rescue their exact GPS coordinates
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Spot Gen4 device, Strap and Carabiner, USB Cable, Batteries and quick start guide; Subscription required; Two service plans available
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Grab a Spot Gen4; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
How to choose a good personal locator beacons
Does the idea of finding a fantastic personal locator beacons make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in personal locator beacons. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top personal locator beacons products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top personal locator beacons on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top personal locator beacons brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top personal locator beacons based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the personal locator beacons were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good personal locator beacons, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your personal locator beacons.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting personal locator beacons for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our personal locator beacons. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what personal locator beacons should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on personal locator beacons.
