Garmin Messenger™ vs circles*
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
circles*
A private messaging application designed for intimate communication with close contacts. Share direct and group messages, voice notes, and ephemeral photos or videos. Your identity and profile are synced from an existing account, ensuring a seamless and secure experience.
- Direct and group messaging
- Voice messages
- Ephemeral photo/video sharing (Moments)
- Viewership tracking for Moments
- Profile sync from existing account
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Circles is a private messaging app for staying close with the people who matter. • Direct and group messages with the people in your circles • Voice messages • Moments — share a photo or video that disappears after 24 hours • See who has viewed your moments • Your profile, avatar, and identity sync from your Scrolls account Circles uses your existing Scrolls account to sign in — no separate signup required. Your conversations stay between you and your circles.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: circles* at 100% against Garmin Messenger™'s 20%. circles* also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Garmin Messenger™'s advantage is ratings volume (14K vs 1) and chart position (#99 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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.
circles* holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Garmin Messenger™ has 14K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of Garmin Messenger™'s written reviews are positive against 100% of circles*'s.
Garmin Messenger™ ships an update every 3 weeks, circles* fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Garmin Messenger™ | circles* |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (14K ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 19.5% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #99 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 107 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Garmin | CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY PROVOST |
Customer experience
Garmin Messenger™
circles*
Bugs and 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
circles*
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Garmin Messenger™
No in-app purchases
circles*
No in-app purchases
