I tried to edit my post, and now it isn’t showing up in the thread though it says that I’ve responded. I’m not sure if you can see this or not. sorry of I double posted.
I second the InReach mini II, but disagree with Laurel on the suggestion of using an older InReach or Spot as a cheaper alternative. The 1st Gen InReach mini doesn’t have anywhere near as good a battery life as the second gen, it uses the older USB mini as opposed to the newer USB-C charging cable, and it isn’t compatible with the Garmin Explorer app for your phone (though it does use the Garmin Messages app).
As for the Spot, I’ve used it as well. Not as reliable in getting messages through and even the ones it does transmit, it will be much slower in transmission. I once sent my wife two check ins, 2.5 hours and 15km apart, and my Spot unit sent the second checkin as if I hadn’t moved at all. Scared her to death because it was getting dark and she thought I was still 15km from the take out. Also, the GPS signal receiver is MUCH weaker than the InReach. Often something as thin as a water proof box, the hull of your kayak if you keep it under a hatch (which isn’t recommended), or thick cloud cover will block it. One other thing. No above mentioned unit is fully waterproof so be sure and get a waterproof bag or case for whatever unit you get, but the Spot units are worse about getting water damage than the Garmin’s. By far!
Long story short… fork out the dough to get an InReach mini 2. You’ll be glad you did.
I’ve never used Zoleo, and I think there are a couple of other companies out there claiming to do the same thing…. they might be a cheaper option. I even heard a rumour that the Apple 16 would have a satellite texting option. Haven’t heard that one confirmed, though.