Airtext vs Garmin Messenger™
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Airtext
Send SMS, WhatsApp, and emails from your phone while in flight, even without cell service or internet. Connects via Bluetooth and satellite technology for seamless communication. Access your contacts directly for quick messaging.
- Send SMS, WhatsApp, and Email
- Works without cell service or internet
- Utilizes Bluetooth and Satellite
- Includes a moving map
- No registration required
- Access to contacts
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Airtext in-flight texting Supports SMS, WhatsApp, and Email! Includes a moving map! Note: Usage of this app requires connection to an Airtext plane server. See goairtext.com for more information. Airtext enables you to send SMS text messages from above the clouds! Stay in touch even when you don’t have cell service or an internet connection! Normal SMS text messages! Your message recipient does not need any special apps! Contact friends and family using their regular phone number. No cell service or internet connection required! Airtext uses Bluetooth and Iridium Satellite technologies to connect you with your friends and family. No registration! Just enter your name and you’re ready to start texting. Start texting FAST! Airtext links up with your contacts and address book, no need to remember any usernames or phone numbers. Ask your pilot about Airtext today!
Garmin Messenger™
Communicate globally with friends and family, even without cell service. Pair with a compatible satellite communicator for secure messaging and SOS capabilities. Enjoy automatic network switching for reliable connectivity and real-time location sharing.
- Global messaging
- Interactive SOS
- Group messaging
- Photo and voice messaging
- Automatic network switching
- Real-time location sharing (LiveTrack)
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Stay in touch with friends and family. Enjoy the security and connectivity of global messaging with the Garmin Messenger™ app. Pair with your compatible inReach® satellite communicator for fast, easy direct messaging and interactive SOS that’s not limited to cellphone coverage areas (active satellite subscription required). The app supports group messaging as well as photo and voice messaging when paired with a compatible Garmin device (1). Automatic switching between internet, cellular, and satellite networks gives you the best connectivity and efficiency for all your messaging. When you have connectivity, the app will work seamlessly even if your inReach device is turned off. Invite your friends and family to download the app to stay connected and keep the conversation going on and off the trail. With the use of the LiveTrack™ feature, loved ones can follow your location in real time (2) and see data such as distance, time and elevation. (1) See compatible devices at garmin.com/p/893837#devices (2) When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Earthmate® app or when used with your compatible inReach® technology-enabled Garmin device. Note: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Airtext at 100% against Garmin Messenger™'s 19%. Airtext also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Garmin Messenger™'s advantage is ratings volume (14K vs 14) and rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Garmin Messenger™ holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Garmin Messenger™ has 14K ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of Airtext's written reviews are positive against 19% of Garmin Messenger™'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Airtext ships an update every 2 months, Garmin Messenger™ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Airtext | Garmin Messenger™ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (14 ratings) | 4.6 (14K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 19.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14 | 14K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | #74 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 85 MB | 107 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Send Solutions, LLC | Garmin |
Customer experience
Airtext
Garmin Messenger™
Bugs and requests
Airtext
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Garmin Messenger™
Reported bugs
4 issues- No verification code received
- App freezes during activation
- Inconsistent behavior between app and device
- Messaging not working in areas with no cell coverage
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to message non-Messenger contacts
- Improved contact management and syncing
- Apple Watch compatibility
- Ability to delete messages on paired devices
- Better integration with Garmin Explore app
In-app purchases
Airtext
No in-app purchases
Garmin Messenger™
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Airtext free?
Is Garmin Messenger™ free?
Which has better reviews, Airtext or Garmin Messenger™?
Do Airtext or Garmin Messenger™ have ads?
Which is updated more often, Airtext or Garmin Messenger™?
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