Garmin 66i vs Inreach Explorer Plus – Which One Is Better?
People these days try to keep themselves engaged in many different types of activities, some of which people didn’t even think of doing in the past.
But all those are possible because of the numerous devices we have due to advanced technology.
One such device you need is a satellite GPS system that would help you find locations and keep you posted on your own whereabouts.
Garmin 66i and Inreach Explorer Plus are two GPS devices you might have to choose between.
In our Garmin 66I vs. Inreach Explorer Plus review, we are going to put them against each other so that you draw an informed conclusion about them.
Let’s dive in then.
Garmin 66i vs Inreach Explorer Plus – Comparison of 2021
| Model | GPSMAP 66i | inReach Explorer+ |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 2 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 35 hours at 10-minute tracking Up to 200 hours at 30-minute tracking (power saver mode) |
Up to 100 hours at 10-minute tracking Up to75 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging Up to 30 days at 30-minute interval power save mode |
| Preloaded Maps | Garmin Topo Active Mapping | DeLorme (Open Street Maps) |
| Area Calculation | Yes | No |
| Auto Routing (turn-by-turn) | Yes | No |
| Garmin Connect | Yes | No |
| RINEX Logging | Yes | No |
| Ability to add Custom Maps | Yes | No |
| Interface | USB and NMEA 0183 compatible | USB |
| Micro SD card | Yes | No |
| Geocaching | Yes | No |
| Birds Eye Satellite Imagery | Yes | No |
| Brand | Garmin | Garmin |
| Color | Black/Orange | aerial imagery and more |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Size | 3 Inches | 2.3 Inches |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons | Buttons |
| Item Dimensions | 6.4 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches | 1.5 x 2.7 x 6.5 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth |
| Map Type | Topographical | North America |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator
Gamin is a very well known brand; people all over the world have used and loved the products why manufacture and sell.
Their most popular product is their smart fitness watch. They have a number of models and ranges for people with different requirements and affordability.
Along with their watches, they produce other products, too, such as their satellite GPS and navigation system.
There are many different features for which they have gained recognition among the customer niche, which is interested in buying and using these GPS navigation devices.
The 66i model, in particular, is one of the most popular GPS devices. People enjoy using it for various reasons—the first reason being its messaging features.
The device is connected to the satellite, and therefore, you should be able to communicate with people through text messages.
So, even if you do not have any mobile service, you should be able to communicate with people in other places.
This is very important if you are in some kind of danger or have some type of emergency.
Another great thing about this device is the GPS system it provides, no matter where you are you should be able to get great satellite images which would enable you to locate your destination and pinpoint where you want to go.
It is also compatible with the Garmin website, so you should not have any problems with navigating.
Moreover, along with the maps, you will also be able to get access to the weather forecast and geocaching live.
These features are very important if you are out in the open, the weather forecast will help you prepare in advance to take shelter.
Lastly, you will be very satisfied with the battery life of the device, the battery it comes with will hold a charge for 35 hours once it has been charged; you should also be able to recharge it whenever you want.
This feature is crucial if you are going to use the device in places with no access to a power outlet.
PROS
CONS
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Garmin Inreach Explorer Plus
Much like the previous GPS navigation device, the Inreach Explorer Plus is also a very popular option many people choose.
There are many features available in this product for which people like using it.
If you are outdoors boating, hiking, or hunting, then there are many things that can go wrong with the weather.
You might get caught in a storm or a blizzard even without any notice. So, you always need to be mindful of the weather forecast.
The Inreach Explorer Plus will give you information regarding the weather.
Along with that, you should be very happy to know that you will be able to text using the device.
There are times you might not be in the range of mobile towers, that is when the satellite network will help you. You can send and receive messages.
This will be helpful incase to really need to communicate with someone far away.
Now, another reason why people use these GPS navigation systems is to keep track of where they are going and which routes they have taken.
This device, too, will enable you to keep tabs on your whereabouts. So, if you do get lost somehow, you should be able to find your way back if you follow the map properly.
Furthermore, you should be able to connect this device to your mobile phone without a problem.
You might need to do that for many reasons, and it is very important for you to have the option to do so.
Last but not least is the battery, which can be recharged. Many satellite GPS devices need new batteries after one runs out, but recharging can be a very good option to have since you might not always have spare batteries.
PROS
CONS
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Difference between Garmin 66I and Inreach Explorer Plus
Both of the devices we mentioned before are made by Garmin, but there are certain differences between these two, which is why there are people who pick one over the other.
Memory Capacity
One of the main differences you will notice between Garmin 66i and InReach Explorer Plus is the memory capacity, and the difference is significant.
In the 66i, you will get a storage space of 16GB, whereas, in the InReach Explorer, you would only get 2GB.
Even though when buying a device such as this, memory is not the first or primary aspect you look at, but the difference is stark.
This is also a reason why you will not be able to download too many things into the InReach, now that might be a problem.
Price
For many people the price of a product is a very important factor, you might not be able to afford certain things, and there is no shame in that.
Thankfully Garmin has different products available in different price ranges. The InReach Explorer Plus is around $150 cheaper than the 66i.
And the price hike in the 66i is completely justified as there are many different features available in the 66i, which you will not get in the InReach Explorer.
Features such as auto-routing, area calculation, and RINEX logging are not available in the InReach.
However, these are things you should be able to find in the 66i.
Battery Life
When you are in the outdoor environment for a long time, the battery life of devices such as these is very crucial.
You might not be able to recharge them in a long time, and that might be a matter of great concern.
So you would want something that is going to stay put for the whole time you are away.
The InReach is a winner in this aspect as the battery will last you about 100 hours once it has been charged, whereas the 66i’s battery should last only about 35 hours.
So, if you plan to stay away from a power outlet for more then 35 hours, the InReach is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most commonly asked queries regarding the two products:
Do I have to use an AA/AAA battery with the Garmin 66i and InReach Explorer Plus?
Both the devices come with rechargeable batteries, so you will not have to use AA or AAA batteries with these devices.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe batteries built into the system cannot be accused by the user, so you might have to take it a professional if you do want to change it.
Will the 66i and InReach Explorer provide weather forecast data?
Yes, one of the main features of the device is the weather forecast data you get.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAs it is connected to the satellite, you should be able to get all the information you need very easily.
Does it have a touch screen?
Unfortunately no, none of these devices have a touch screen, there are several buttons on the 66i and InReach Explorer which need to be pressed to get the desired result.
What kind of communication is possible with the 66i and InReach Explorer Plus?
Both of these devices will let you send text messages to people, also receive messages from outside.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThat is the only form of communication possible using these GPS navigation devices. The text messages would only consist of texts and no pictures or videos.
Will I be able to access the GPS if I’m out of reach from service providers?
Yes, the devices get signal from the satellite, so you should be able to use the GPS no matter where you are.
Conclusion
In the Garmin 66I vs. Inreach Explorer Plus debate, we can see that both of these are very good at what they are supposed to do.
The main difference is in the added features, which costs a little more to use. So, take your pick according to what you need more.