HMD OffGrid Review: Turning Your Smartphone Into a Satellite Messenger

Imagine this—you’re deep in the Scottish Highlands, phone signal long gone, and the only way back to civilization is a questionable footpath leading into the unknown. Normally, this is the moment when you’d start contemplating life choices and regretting that you didn’t download an offline map. But with the HMD OffGrid, this scenario turns from nerve-wracking to effortlessly cool.

This pocket-sized device is essentially your ticket to satellite messaging, allowing you to send texts, check in with loved ones, and even trigger an emergency SOS, all without relying on mobile networks. It’s like a walkie-talkie for the digital age, but smarter. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a frequent traveler, or someone who just wants to be prepared for the unexpected, the HMD OffGrid promises to keep you connected even when the world around you goes silent.

But is it really a game-changer, or just another gadget that sounds cooler than it is?

First Impressions: A Tiny Gadget With Big Ambitions

Straight out of the box, the HMD OffGrid is surprisingly compact. At 93.88 x 60.16 x 12mm and just 60 grams, it’s barely bigger than a matchbox, making it ridiculously easy to slip into your pocket or clip onto a bag. It doesn’t try to be flashy—it just looks like a practical, no-nonsense device built for one purpose: keeping you connected when nothing else will.

The build quality feels reassuringly solid. It’s IP68-rated, meaning it’s fully dustproof and waterproof, and it meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards, which basically means it can survive being dropped, knocked around, or taken into extreme conditions. This is a device designed for real-world use, whether that means hiking up Ben Nevis, getting lost in the Sahara, or just dealing with the chaos of everyday life.

Charging is done via USB-C, so there’s no need for special cables, and the 600mAh battery promises up to three days of use on a single charge.

How It Works: Connecting to Satellites Without a Space Suit

Unlike some satellite communication devices that require a bulky external antenna or their own built-in display, the OffGrid works through your smartphone. You pair it via Bluetooth using the HMD OffGrid app (available on iOS and Android), and once set up, it lets you send and receive messages, share your location, and even trigger an emergency SOS.

The magic happens thanks to L Band satellite technology, which allows it to send data directly to satellites orbiting the Earth. From there, your messages are relayed through a network and delivered to your contacts, even if they’re on regular mobile networks.

There’s no voice calling—this is purely a text-based system, but considering that most real emergencies can be handled with a simple message (“Hey, I’m lost in the Highlands, send help”), it does the job well.

One standout feature is live location tracking, which allows up to five trusted contacts to see where you are in real-time. There’s also a check-in function, which lets you send a quick preset message along with your GPS location to let friends or family know you’re safe.

Real-World Testing: Does It Actually Work?

To see if the HMD OffGrid lives up to its promises, I took it for a spin in areas where mobile signal was either weak or non-existent. Out in the countryside, with zero bars on my phone, the device still managed to send messages in under a minute—not instant like WhatsApp, but fast enough to be reassuring.

The check-in feature is a lifesaver, quite literally. With one press, I was able to send a preset “All good here” message to my contacts along with my GPS coordinates. No fumbling around, no waiting for a signal, just a simple and effective way to stay in touch.

The live location tracking worked flawlessly, showing my movements on the map in near real-time. This is a killer feature for adventurers, hikers, or even parents wanting to keep tabs on kids in remote areas.

For the ultimate test, I tried the SOS function—not by calling in an actual emergency (that would be irresponsible), but by pressing the button to see what happens. The Overwatch x Rescue™ emergency service immediately flagged the activation and provided an option to cancel or confirm that I needed help. This is the kind of safety net you don’t think about until you really need it.

Subscription Costs: Staying Connected Comes at a Price

To use the HMD OffGrid, you need a subscription plan, since satellite networks aren’t free. Thankfully, HMD offers a couple of reasonable options.

The HMD Unlimited Plan costs £12 per month or £110 annually, giving you unlimited messages, check-ins, and SOS services. If you want unlimited live tracking, that’s an extra £4 per month.

For more casual users, the HMD Freedom Plan costs £65 per year, giving you 350 messages and check-ins, with an option to add unlimited live tracking for £4 per month.

There’s a one-time activation fee, but considering this device could literally save your life, the cost is fair.

Who Is This For?

If you’re the kind of person who goes hiking, camping, or exploring places with poor mobile coverage, this is a must-have gadget. It’s also a great tool for travelers visiting remote areas, digital nomads working off the beaten path, or even just people who live in rural areas with unreliable mobile service.

It’s not just for adventurers, though. Having emergency satellite messaging could be a lifesaver in natural disasters, power outages, or any situation where mobile networks go down. If you like the idea of always having a way to reach help, the HMD OffGrid is an incredibly useful device.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Investment in Safety and Connectivity

The HMD OffGrid is a game-changer for staying connected beyond the reach of mobile networks. It’s lightweight, durable, easy to use, and genuinely useful for anyone venturing into areas where a mobile signal can’t be relied upon.

Its ability to send texts, check in with family, share live location, and call for emergency help makes it one of the best satellite messengers on the market today. It doesn’t have voice calling, and the subscription fees might deter casual users, but for those who truly need off-grid communication, this is a device worth every penny.

For the price, it’s cheaper than a full satellite phone and far more convenient to use. Whether you’re trekking through remote landscapes or just preparing for emergencies, the HMD OffGrid ensures that no matter where you go, you’re never truly alone.

It charges fairly quickly via USB-C, taking about an hour to go from 0 to 100%. There’s no wireless charging, but given how long the battery lasts, that’s not a dealbreaker.