Earthmate
Text and Navigate with inReach
How much does Earthmate cost?
Prices are current as of 10 Sept 2026.
Earthmate has no in-app products on record in the United States.
10+ alternatives to Earthmate
| Earthmate |   Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping |   PeakFinder |   Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps |   Trailforks: Offline Bike Maps |   FarOut: Hike, Bike, Paddle |   iOverlander |   CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping |   onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps |   Colorado Trail Explorer |   EVERYWHERE App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating / 5 | 2.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.7 |
| Reviews | 477 | 251K | 88K | 43K | 33K | 30K | 19K | 8.4K | 6.6K | 253 | 15 |
| Released | 2012 | 2010 | 2010 | 2017 | 2015 | 2013 | 2024 | 2019 | 2020 | 2018 | 2018 |
| Monthly price | — | — | — | — | — | $15.00 | $9.99 | — | $14.99 | — | — |
| Annual price | — | $34.99 | — | $71.90 | $53.90 | — | $59.99 | — | $49.99 | — | — |
The going rate for each plan in United States, in its own currency, shaded from the cheapest price on the row to the dearest. Plans fewer than four in ten of the priced apps sell are left out.
Earthmate reviews
2.7 out of 5, based on 477 reviews.
What people like
- Downloadable maps work perfectly without cell service
- Sends messages in remote areas with no signal
- Easy to connect via Bluetooth to device
What they complain about
- App locks up and becomes unresponsive
- Syncing with device is frustrating and buggy
- Requires internet login even when offline
Works great!!
The earthmate app & in reach worked great. I used it with in on reach on a 6 day rafting trip on the middle fork of the salmon river; deep canyon walls, zero cell service for the entire trip. The only thing that I couldn’t get to work was an alert on my iPhone 13 but the inreach alerts user when a new message is available.
Garmin Lost a Customer
Impossible to use. My inreach is now an expensive paperweight. Will not connect, will not work, JUNK!
Needs a watch app
This would be even better if I could could text from my Apple Watch when I leave my phone behind.
No tracking history
The app is not bad but my biggest problem with this is that you can’t see anything but the most recent tracking. If they fixed this it would be a 4-5 star app for me
Functional enough for emergencies and redundancy
Garmin Explore is a bit clunky sometimes to view and review tracks or other information you might have synced across platforms, but it does serve some purpose and function. It works well enough to use the message system when paired with an InReach. Would love to see smartwatch integration. For example, I often mount the device to my motorcycle to take advantage of the minimal info on it’s screen and give it a good clear view of the sky. I would like to have the option to send an SOS/message via Phone/InReach by a smartwatch app if it were hard to get closer to the motorcycle in an accident to access either my phone, also mounted to the mounted to the motorcycle, or InReach. There are always task specific apps that excel, but Garmin’s range of apps add function to their devices.
NOAA CHARTS!
I would have been 100% onboard with getting the mini2, HOWEVER! The removal of NOAA charts was a deal breaker for me. And TBH think I like the older digital compass. I’ll live with the shorter battery, it’s already good enough. If Garmin wants me to go to the mini 2 it should haven’t taken features away from the mini2
GPS location not updating
For a while now, the app will not update your current location, compass stuck, altitude just says zero. Definitely would not trust the app anymore when compared to my in reach device.
Glitch in dark mode
When the iphone is in dark mode note able to see the text I write in message. Needed to remove from dark mode to see what I write
Can’t update firmware
Can we talk about how the app will let you know the firmware of your inreach needs to be updated but can’t actually update the firmware? What in the circusware is this?
Can’t edit presets
This app has basic functionality but I agree it needs updating. For example, it should have functionality to update the 3 preset messages without having to go to the website.
Great Nav App
I use this app on my phone for navigating backcountry snowmobiling. I always carry my inreach in my pack for emergency use only. I use Earthmate on my phone for navigating. The downloadable topo maps have saved me many times, and have also helped me find new rideable areas as well. It seems many people have given negative reviews due to the inreach not linking up properly to their phone. I don’t usually ever mess with that. I keep it powered off in my pack. Using it for nav would be clumsy compared to using Earthmate. I save it incase my phone battery runs out or if I need to communicate while out of cell service for some reason. My only complaint about it would be that it only saves a certain amount of tracks. I’m not sure if it’s time or total mileage, but after a while old tracks will disappear. That said it stand by my five star rating, just for the fact of how many times it has helped me either get out of trouble or find new areas to get into more trouble. (Haha)
Failed during actual emergency.
On a motorcycle ride deep in the mountains my engine blew up. No worries, I have my garmin inreach+ with me. I sent a text to my wife to call a tow truck. No reply in 3 hours. Thats not like her. Long story short come to find out that there was an update that the device needed and it bricked it until the device was updated. So it can be up to date and if garmin decides to push out an update while your out it make the device unusable until you can get it updated again. Total garbage.
Pretty good - one glitch
I just got an inReach mini and am getting used to it. So far I like the app but I found one glitch. When I go to download by region, there is no NEXT button. In fact, there is one, but it is invisible in the top right corner. Other than that I am pretty happy with it.
So many ways to improve
It astonishes me how Garmin has so many apps with overlapping features. Do I use messenger? This app (Earthmate)? Etc. None of these apps feel like they get any amount of dedicated developer resources; they all feel like half-baked, rushed out, clunky MVPs that never should have been submitted to the App Store. As a user, why can I not add or edit contacts with this app? It syncs with the website, but seemingly can only make that data call in one direction? As big of a brand that Garmin is, the way these apps function and are designed is nothing short of disappointing. Sure, they do work, but there’s SO much room for improvement. These apps feel like they ought to be paired with cheap knock-off devices, yet Garmin makes plenty of devices that costs hundreds of dollars, if not more. It’s clear that Garmin is not putting a priority ($$) on the software quality for the devices they make. That’s just sad considering the devices Garmin makes (and their intended use) and simply infuriating as a user.
Position
I can’t send the position when I send a message with the app. But if I use the Inreach itself I can.
***UPDATED REVIEW ****
Cannot sync updated preset messages and contacts. Keeping getting error sayin MEID is not active. Have reported issue to garmin. Hope it can be resolved. Having to update contacts and preset messages from computer is a bummer especially when your out in the field. ***Update*** 10/26/21 Garmin solved issue. I need to edit my my phones name on iPhone. Sounds crazy, but if you have a space after you iPhone name it will not allow you to sync through Earthmate and will receive an error. After deleting the space. It works. Garmin has full details if you are having a hard time! Thanks guys!
Do they even test their changes?
Just ‘upgraded’ to v3.2, wish I hadn’t. It will work for maybe 4, 5 seconds, then lock up and be unresponsive for some apparently random amount of time. Has become basically useless, and if this issue isn’t fixed I’m off to another sat sos solution. My Mini is largely useless without Earthmate.
I use this app quite a bit
I like the Earthmate app. I use it a lot as I spend 50% of my life overseas and most of that at sea. I would like to sea a night time display scheme as well as colour options for the text bubbles in the messaging section - a different colour for each contact for example. I only use the app to text about 6 different people so this would be great.
What are we paying for?
I really want to know how Garmin can charge so much for something that only works half the time if your lucky. What’s the point of putting out an update if you can’t update the device itself. They have so many different apps you have to download just to see where your device falls. So I’m asking garmin WHAT AM I PAYING FOR IF THE THE DEVICE DOESNT DO WHAT ITS SUPPOSED TO?
Please make this CarPlay compatible
This app works well, would be 5 star with CarPlay support. The ability to have offline maps is a huge+, without car play this app is 3 star.
Tolles App, Karten weltweit gut verfügbar
Ich nutze das App zusammen mit meinem inReach um Nachricht an meinen Kontakte zu schreiben. So erspare ich mir den überrag der Telefonnummern, weil das App Sie automatisch ins inReach übernimmt.
App issues
App really needs to be updated. Not user friendly at all!
Not bad - some sync issues.
Had some issues with the app saying the inReach device is not activated, even though it definitely is as I could send and receive test messages. Had to delete the app and reinstall to fix that one. Also had one crash when hitting messages before un/re-installing the app.
Great for messages, but map downloads don’t work on iPhone 13. Tried reinstalling.
I spent the past hour trying to download maps and still at 0% progress. I tried turning off Wi-Fi, reinstalling the app, trying a different Wi-Fi, etc. nothing worked. Good thing I have GAIA for navigation.
Offline Maps
Suggestion: make it easier to see which maps you already downloaded for offline use.
Awesome!!
We used the Earthmate app for 4 months while traveling through 37 countries on our trip to and from Mongolia, crossing deserts and mountain ranges. Thanks to Earthmate and the InReach Explorer device we managed to successfully locate some of the most remotes and amazing areas we were headed to (not findable on regular maps), keep track of our progress and route, as well as keep in touch with our family and friends. The app allows you to send direct messages , and update you social media from anywhere in the world. I highly recommend the Earthmate app to anyone!! Definitely will us it again in a future expedition! Corinne- team Offtrax
Where are my maps? (iPad v 3.1.5)
I've used this app for years, ho-hum but it works. Or worked. Now I have to login when opening, and all my maps have disappeared. I've spent untold hours downloading maps, and now I have to start over. I no longer use my inreach mini for tracking, as I've been unable to sync the app, mini, and account for years. I'll keep my mini, for now, but this is another step backwards for Garmin.
Almost perfect backcountry mapping app
I used this on a road trip through Western Canada and in the Northern Yukon this summer and with a few exceptions in remote areas, the downloadable maps are sufficient. It works well with the Garmin Explorer+. Sometimes the Bluetooth connection dropped and required a restart of the iPad or switching BT on and off. Best feature I found is the messaging. Sending 160 character messages from the remotest places are great. Also the weather forecasts. I wished there would be a support page for the app for suggestions. I'd like to see a thin cross marker on mapping page center, for more accurate waypoint marking. I'd like to see movable waypoint markers too. The Open Street Maps are okay, but often not detailed enough in remote areas, or even accurate. For Canada I'd like to be able to download the Toporama maps. Also please add a distance measuring option that can measure finger movement along a planned trail or road section. Other than that, a very good mapping and navigation app.
Not Happy
I am going to join the ranks of the disgruntled here. The InReach Mini seems to be a fine piece of hardware. But so far the App and the Explore Garmin Website stink. Its a clunky arrangement to have to use the web based Explore Garmin site to configure messaging in the App and device. But the biggest gripe so far is I cannot log into my Garmin account and the reset password option is not working. Tried two different browsers. Something is really messed up. Just got the InReach. Hope to use it on a trip tomorrow. But can’t fully set it up. If it does not fix , I will probably be returning it. More later. Garmin could do so much better
Inreach mini connection trick
Put the device and app in pairing. If no devices show up in the app then go to your iPhone’s Settings->Bluetooth and select the inreach from the new devices at the bottom. Garmin please update this app.
35 countries thank you Earhtmate
So nice to keep our 1000’s of followers aware of where we were as we crossed 35 countries as we did the Mongolian charity rally from London England to UB Mongolia. www.OffTrax.ca Texting to family and friends in the middle of nowhere in a Stan country , PRICELESS
Failure during an emergency
The app was a total failure during a real emergency. I had used it successfully before while out of range to send texts to family via my Garmin InReach, but this time during a real emergency, I couldn’t get into the app to send a message. When I opened the app I was prompted to re-login - which of course I couldn’t do without access to internet or cell signal. Duh, that’s what the Garmin InReach device is for!! It’s idiotic for the provider to require you to re-login when you can’t. As a result I couldn’t use the app during an emergency. I’ll likely get rid of my InReach because of this incident, and because luckily, my iPhone came with emergency satellite messaging which worked great.
Works fine, features requested
The Bluetooth sync is awesome. Most features work fine. Wishlist: 1- Hide old tracks in app (like on the device)! Like past 24 h, etc. 2- Bug: The account always logs out in the latest version of the app. Was not doing that before. 3- Can't figure out how to switch between map types!!! Same problem on the device. More info in the doc and better interface needed.
Buggy and outdated
This app seems to be buggy, slow and outdated. Syncing with the InReach is frustrating. If I had to work though this during an emergency it would be a scary experience. This is making the InReach seem like a complete waste of money compared to competitors. Too bad I already bought it :(
It’s Useful For Managing Your Device
I have an InTeach Mini and the app is useful in controlling the device and sending messages. As a map navigation app, I find All Trails or Avenza to be much better for that than this app. Just a heads up, I had to reboot my iPhone 11 to make the app fully functional.
Easy to Use w/ tons of information
Super easy to connect to InReach device thru Earthmate. Downloadable maps for everywhere, including the middle of nowhere Mongolia. Really appreciated knowing how much further a destination was when there was no road signage. Elevation indicator was cool, especially travelling in the mountains and below sea level. Its GPS in an app!
App not functioning, no support, planned obsolescence
Beyond disappointed in garmin’s abandonment of inreach customers and inreach mini customers. Clearly, their lack of software updating for the inreach products is a marketing ploy to require you to buy a new product. After years of using my inreach products, I am now unable to pair it with my account or make it work. I have tried everything. Resets, updates, etc. Garmin support hours are extremely limited and almost nonexistent.
Must have for Inreach
Earthmate for iPhone has worked very well overall. Have used it over 5 days off road motorcycling with no cell service and still communicated with home texting up to 30 times a day. Won't be without my Inreach or earthmate. As far as I'm concerned the only way to go.
Good for communication and emergencies, bad for mapping
The app has all sorts of bugs and missing functionality. For instance: * When viewing last track, all the stats (distance, trip time, time moving, speed max, moving average) show “—“ instead of a value. Also, you can’t zoom or pan in this view. * There is no function that I can find to show your current position * doesn’t show tracks of where you’ve been unless you enable that in options. * If you do more->edit, it shows you a view of draggable icons, but there is no way to leave that screen without force quitting the app. * Long delay between when you track with your device and when it shows up in the app. Bottom line is that I’ve switched to Gaia GPS for any time I want to see where I am or where I’ve been on my phone. I have used the app successfully for text messaging when out of cellular range, so it’s not worthless.
Can be so much more!
Need an Apple Watch app too. Sometimes I use my Garmin watch and sometimes my Apple Watch.
Utilissima
Utilissima, rende l'utilizzo di InReach DeLorme molto più comodo e immediato.
Unreliable
Occasionally a message actually comes through 8 + hours later. Inconvenient and non-intuitive apps. Loses connection to the iPhone. Can’t give it a zero rating. Will be deactivated as soon as I get home from this hunting trip to Adak Island.
Keeps me connected
I've used on numerous mountaineering, heliboarding, hiking, camping and hunting trips to track my route, update my website and communicate with loved ones. Paired with an InReach device it gives me the right level of "contactableness" and a backup access to SAR should the worst case scenario happen. Basically I don't go in the back country without it.
Won’t show on CarPlay
This app makes it easy to send and receive messages but it would be better if it would show up on my Jeep Wrangler CarPlay screen. I would then know when I get a text message and when off the grid with no cellular service, I could navigate to a waypoint without have to look at the handheld while driving. If someone knows how to do this, it would be helpful. I have gone into settings on my iPhone and general then CarPlay but the Earthlink app does not show up??
Good, but needs more
Decent app that works ok. Lacks some additional functionality that would make it five stars. Adding compatibility with Apple Watch would be massive. This would allow control without having g to remove the garmin or phone from a pocket. It would be also able to provide fitness tracking (heart rate, etc). Having a map on the watch for route finding would be fantastic.
Does the job.
This programme is required to enable the more sophisticated functions of the inReach satellite communicator. With Earthmate installed and the inReach paired (Bluetooth) it becomes possible to send and receive SMS in areas where there is no cell phone network. Intuitive interface. Maps for free that can be downloaded for areas that you intend to go are stored on the phone for access when beyond the network. In brief; costs nothing, does the job.
Garmin’s new motto, “Money over Safety”
New plans are too expensive. I’ll be switching when my plan comes due.
InReachCanada
This app worked great with iPhone 4 & 5 models. Easily access all your contacts on your phone from Earthmate software. Map program is not suitable for mountain navigation but provides usefull place names and route tracking options.
Missed messages
Messages seem to send from the app no problem but I’ve missed messages a few times since they don’t always seem to sync from the inreach to the app and are only available on the inreach.
Map issue
I am currently unable to view the map, the app is up to date
Earthmate FAQ
- Is Earthmate free?
- Yes. The app is free, in all 174 countries it sells in, and it sells nothing inside it.
- Does Earthmate have a free trial?
- No. None of its offers (US) come with a free trial.
- What are the best alternatives to Earthmate?
- Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping (4.7 from 250,891 reviews, premium from $0.99), PeakFinder (4.7 from 88,307 reviews) and Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps (4.7 from 43,076 reviews, premium from $19.99).
Earthmate download
Last updated 1 month ago.
Earthmate sells in 174 countries. It was released 14 years and 4 months ago, on 16 May 2012. It holds a 2.7 rating from 477 reviews.
Supports 15 languages: English, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish.
How much does Earthmate make?
Third-party estimates for the last 30 days, worldwide — not the store's own figures, which Apple publishes for nobody.