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5 Best Epirb Personals 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ACR ResQLink 400 - SOS Personal Locator Beacon with GPS and Global Coverage - Designed to Alert Search and Rescue Efforts for Any Outdoor Emergency - Ideal for Hiking, Hunting, Boating, Fishing

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,395
Battery Life
Durability and Waterproof Rating
Size and Weight

Most important from
381 reviews

Battery Life
Battery lasts for years, ensuring long-term reliability.
Durability and Waterproof Rating
High-quality build and water-resistant, ideal for harsh outdoor conditions.
Size and Weight
Compact and lightweight, making it perfect for adventures.

The ACR ResQLink 400 is a personal locator beacon designed for outdoor enthusiasts like hikers, hunters, boaters, and fishers. It offers reliable and subscription-free coverage, eliminating ongoing fees for rescue readiness. Operating on the 406 MHz frequency, it provides powerful distress and homing signals that are quickly identified by rescuers, enhancing the chances of a fast and accurate response during emergencies.

The inclusion of both LED and infrared strobes ensures high visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions, making it easier for search and rescue teams to locate you in any environment. Its global coverage via the Cospas-Sarsat and MEOSAR satellite systems ensures that you are covered regardless of your location. The GPS and Galileo GNSS capabilities provide precise location tracking, which is crucial for timely rescue operations.

The ACR ResQLink 400 requires two Lithium Metal batteries, which might be a concern for some users who prefer rechargeable options. However, the batteries are included, and the device is compact and lightweight, weighing only 5.3 ounces and measuring 4.52 x 2.03 x 1.49 inches, making it easy to carry. Its waterproof feature adds to its durability, ensuring it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,395
Battery Life
Durability and Waterproof Rating
Size and Weight

Most important from
381 reviews

Battery Life
Battery lasts for years, ensuring long-term reliability.
Durability and Waterproof Rating
High-quality build and water-resistant, ideal for harsh outdoor conditions.
Size and Weight
Compact and lightweight, making it perfect for adventures.
#2

ACR ResQLink View RLS - SOS Personal Locator Beacon - Digital Display, Return Link Service, GPS Global Coverage to Alert Search and Rescue - Outdoor Emergency, Ideal for Hiking Hunting Boating Fishing

Rating
9.8
Signal Frequency
Size and Weight

Most important from
48 reviews

Signal Frequency
Homing frequency on emergency VHF and the strobe feature enhance its effectiveness in locating you during emergencies.
Size and Weight
Easy to use and lightweight, making it a quality product for outdoor enthusiasts.

The ACR ResQLink View RLS is a robust personal locator beacon designed for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, hunters, boaters, and fishers. One of its standout features is the Return Link Service (RLS), which notifies the user once their distress signal has been received by Search and Rescue, providing peace of mind during emergencies. The digital display and infrared strobe ensure clear visibility and enhanced signal detection. This beacon does not require a subscription, which is a plus for users who prefer avoiding ongoing costs.

Its battery life is impressive, offering up to 5 years of reliability and 28+ hours of operational life once activated. The GPS capability, combined with Galileo GNSS and MEOSAR compatibility, ensures global coverage and accurate positioning, which is critical for timely rescues. Built-in buoyancy adds to its durability, making it suitable for various water-related activities. The compact and lightweight design, along with a multifunction clip system, makes it easy to carry and attach to gear.

However, the product's weight of 5.3 ounces might be slightly heavier compared to other similar devices, which could be a minor drawback for those looking to minimize their load. Additionally, while the digital display is a valuable feature, the reliance on button-based input might not be as intuitive for all users. Despite these minor weaknesses, the ACR ResQLink View RLS offers advanced features that cater well to the needs of outdoor adventurers requiring reliable emergency signaling.

Rating
9.8
Signal Frequency
Size and Weight

Most important from
48 reviews

Signal Frequency
Homing frequency on emergency VHF and the strobe feature enhance its effectiveness in locating you during emergencies.
Size and Weight
Easy to use and lightweight, making it a quality product for outdoor enthusiasts.
#3

ACR ResQLink 410 RLS - SOS Personal Locator Beacon with Return Link Service GPS Global Coverage Designed to Alert Search and Rescue for Any Outdoor Emergency Ideal for Hiking Hunting Boating Fishing

Rating
9.6
Size and Weight
Activation Method

Most important from
19 reviews

Size and Weight
A must-have for any boater due to its small size and ease of carrying.
Activation Method
Essential for solo hikers, with a test mode to ensure it works and a reply mode to confirm distress signals are received.

The ACR ResQLink 410 RLS is a personal locator beacon designed for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, hunters, boaters, and fishermen. It boasts a strong GPS capability, compatible with GPS, Galileo GNSS, and MEOSAR systems, ensuring global coverage and precise positioning during emergencies. One standout feature is the Return Link Service (RLS), which provides confirmation that your distress signal has been received by Search and Rescue, adding peace of mind in critical situations.

The beacon doesn't require a subscription and offers a long battery life of up to 5 years, with 24+ hours of operational life once activated, making it reliable for extended use in emergency scenarios. The device is compact and lightweight, weighing just 9.91 ounces and measuring 4.52 x 2.03 x 1.49 inches, making it easy to carry and attach using the included belt clip, PFD oral inflation tube clip, and attachment strap.

Its built-in buoyancy and strobe lights (both visible and infrared) enhance visibility in emergencies, which is crucial for rescue operations. However, the relatively small display size of 2 inches might limit ease of use when checking device status. The ACR ResQLink 410 RLS is a robust option for individuals needing reliable emergency location capabilities in a variety of outdoor settings.

Rating
9.6
Size and Weight
Activation Method

Most important from
19 reviews

Size and Weight
A must-have for any boater due to its small size and ease of carrying.
Activation Method
Essential for solo hikers, with a test mode to ensure it works and a reply mode to confirm distress signals are received.

Buying Guide for the Best Epirb Personals

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a crucial device for personal safety, especially for those who spend time in remote areas or on the water. It is designed to send out a distress signal to alert rescue services in case of an emergency. Choosing the right EPIRB can be a lifesaver, so it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your needs.
Signal FrequencyThe signal frequency of an EPIRB is the radio frequency at which it transmits its distress signal. This is important because different frequencies are monitored by different rescue services. Most modern EPIRBs use the 406 MHz frequency, which is monitored by the international satellite system for search and rescue (Cospas-Sarsat). This frequency provides global coverage and is highly reliable. When choosing an EPIRB, ensure it operates on the 406 MHz frequency to maximize the chances of your distress signal being received.
GPS CapabilityGPS capability in an EPIRB allows the device to transmit your exact location to rescue services. This is crucial for reducing the time it takes for rescuers to find you. EPIRBs with built-in GPS can provide location accuracy within 100 meters, significantly improving the chances of a quick rescue. If you often venture into remote or hazardous areas, choosing an EPIRB with GPS capability is highly recommended.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the EPIRB can transmit a distress signal once activated. This is important because a longer battery life increases the chances of your signal being received, especially if you are in a remote location. EPIRBs typically have a battery life ranging from 24 to 48 hours. For extended trips or remote expeditions, opt for an EPIRB with a longer battery life to ensure continuous signal transmission until help arrives.
Durability and Waterproof RatingDurability and waterproof rating indicate how well the EPIRB can withstand harsh conditions and exposure to water. This is crucial for ensuring the device functions correctly in an emergency. Look for EPIRBs with a high waterproof rating (e.g., IP67 or IP68) and robust construction to ensure they can survive in tough environments. If you are involved in water-based activities, such as boating or kayaking, a high waterproof rating is essential.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of an EPIRB affect its portability and ease of use. This is important for personal EPIRBs, as they need to be easily carried or attached to your gear. Smaller and lighter EPIRBs are more convenient for activities like hiking, climbing, or kayaking. When choosing an EPIRB, consider how you will carry it and ensure it is compact and lightweight enough for your needs without compromising on essential features.
Activation MethodThe activation method refers to how the EPIRB is turned on to send a distress signal. This is important because, in an emergency, you need a device that is easy to activate. EPIRBs can be manually activated or automatically activated when they come into contact with water. If you are involved in activities where you might be incapacitated, such as solo sailing, an automatically activated EPIRB can be a lifesaver. For other activities, a manually activated EPIRB may suffice.

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