Iridium Chat vs HMD OffGrid
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Iridium Chat
This app enables real-time, app-to-app instant messaging and image sharing globally via a satellite Wi-Fi device. It offers an always-on messaging experience, group chats, and location sharing.
- Real-time app-to-app messaging
- Global satellite network access
- Group chats up to 50 people
- Image sharing with compression
- Location sharing via clickable link
- Contact syncing
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A companion app for the Iridium GO! exec® satellite Wi-Fi access device, Iridium Chat harnesses the truly global Iridium® network, allowing app-to-app instant messaging and image sharing from anywhere. Unlike standard apps compatible with Iridium GO! exec, Iridium Chat – utilizing Iridium Messaging Transport® – offers users an "always on," real-time messaging experience. FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES • Send and receive messages while connected to Iridium GO! exec or when using Wi-Fi or cellular data. • Stay connected with group chats of up to 50 individuals. • Share images: Inbuilt compression tool helps ensure better user experience with faster loading time and network efficiency. • Share location: Clickable link shows the user's location in recipient's default maps app. • Sync your contacts: Smart device contacts are synced and sorted so Iridium Chat users are easy to find.
HMD OffGrid
Communicate and share your location via satellite when cellular service is unavailable. Send and receive messages, track your real-time position, and send check-in messages for peace of mind. Features an SOS function for urgent assistance.
- 2-way satellite messaging
- Real-time location sharing
- One-button check-in messages
- SOS emergency assistance
- Device pairing and setup
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Don’t let a lack of network coverage hold you back. Link your phone to your HMD OffGrid satellite tag to send and receive messages – just like texting. Send regular location updates over satellite connection, providing peace of mind for you, your travel companions, and your loved ones. Key Features: Messaging 2-way messaging Location sharing Back at home, they can follow your location in real time. Check-in messages One button to let a contact know that you’re safe. SOS Request urgent help from local search-and-rescue teams. Setting up your HMD OffGrid is a breeze: Pair Your Device: Connect your HMD OffGrid satellite device to your smartphone. Choose a Plan: Select a subscription plan that suits your needs. Start Exploring: You're ready to embark on your next adventure App is compatible with HMD OffGrid satellite communication device
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HMD OffGrid at every 3 weeks against Iridium Chat's every 6 months. HMD OffGrid also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Iridium Chat against 5.0 for HMD OffGrid. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
Iridium Chat ships an update every 6 months, HMD OffGrid every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Iridium Chat | HMD OffGrid |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 99 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Iridium | HMD Global Oy |
Customer experience
Iridium Chat
HMD OffGrid
In-app purchases
Iridium Chat
No in-app purchases
HMD OffGrid
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Iridium Chat free?
Is HMD OffGrid free?
Which has better reviews, Iridium Chat or HMD OffGrid?
Do Iridium Chat or HMD OffGrid have ads?
Which is updated more often, Iridium Chat or HMD OffGrid?
Other comparisons
