7 Best Personal EPIRBs 2025 in the United States

The ACR ResQLink 400 is a high-performing personal locator beacon designed for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, hunters, boaters, and fishers. This device stands out because it requires no subscription, giving you peace of mind without ongoing costs. It operates on a 406 MHz distress frequency, which is highly effective in alerting search and rescue teams, ensuring they can find you quickly during an emergency.

Additionally, the device has LED and infrared strobes, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, essential for nighttime rescues. The global coverage offered through Cospas-Sarsat and MEOSAR satellite systems ensures that your signal can be detected almost anywhere in the world. This is coupled with GPS and Galileo GNSS capabilities, providing precise and accurate location tracking. The compact size (4.52 x 2.03 x 1.49 inches) and lightweight design (5.3 ounces) make it easy to carry without adding significant weight to your gear. It’s also highly durable and waterproof, which is crucial for various rugged outdoor conditions.

On the downside, while the ACR ResQLink 400 has a strong set of features, it requires two lithium-metal batteries, which are included but would need replacement over time. Additionally, despite its robust capabilities, some users might find the need to manually activate the device during an emergency a drawback. However, this ensures that false alarms are minimized. The ACR ResQLink 400 is a reliable, cost-effective personal locator beacon suited for anyone who frequently engages in outdoor activities and needs a dependable emergency communication device.

The ACR ResQLink View RLS is a personal locator beacon specifically designed for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, boating, and fishing. One of its standout features is the Return Link Service (RLS), which confirms that your emergency distress signal has been received by Search and Rescue teams, providing peace of mind in critical situations.

This device boasts a digital display and an infrared strobe for enhanced visibility and signal detection during emergencies, which is especially useful in low visibility conditions. The lack of a subscription requirement and a long battery life of up to 5 years with over 28 hours of operational life make it a reliable choice for extended trips.

Its GPS, Galileo GNSS, and MEOSAR compatibility ensure global coverage for accurate and reliable positioning anywhere in the world, which is crucial for emergency rescues. Additionally, the ACR ResQLink is compact and lightweight, weighing just 5.3 ounces, and includes a built-in buoyancy feature, making it easy to carry and ideal for water-based activities. The multifunction clip system adds to its portability and convenience.

However, while the device is incredibly functional and well-suited for emergency situations, it is important to note that it requires two lithium metal batteries, which are included but will eventually need replacing. Additionally, the unit's price might be on the higher side compared to other personal locator beacons, but its advanced features and reliability could justify the cost for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

The ACR ResQLink View is a reliable personal locator beacon designed for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, boaters, and campers. It sends an SOS distress signal with GPS coordinates using the 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal, which is crucial for search and rescue operations. The additional 121.5 MHz Homing Signal helps rescuers locate you more precisely. One notable advantage is that it operates without the need for a subscription, making it more convenient and cost-effective over time.

The device is buoyant, which is significant for water-based activities, and includes multiple attachment clips for versatility in wearing options. It is compact and lightweight (0.634 ounces), making it easy to carry without adding much bulk. The battery life is impressive at 28 hours, offering extended use in emergency situations. Further, the device features both a bright LED strobe light and an infrared strobe light to provide multiple visual signals to rescuers.

On the downside, while there is an option to send non-emergency test messages, this feature requires a subscription to 406Link, which could be seen as an additional cost. The screen size is only 1 inch, which might be considered small for users who prefer larger displays. However, its rugged build and waterproof design (supporting an active outdoor lifestyle) make it a dependable choice for those who require a personal locator beacon. Those in need of a durable, easy-to-use, and effective distress signaling device for various outdoor adventures will find it meets their needs effectively.