Garmin inReach Mini 3 / Mini 3 Plus – First Impressions Review
Garmin’s new inReach Mini 3 range feels like a genuinely meaningful upgrade, not just a cosmetic refresh. After spending time with both the Mini 3 and the Mini 3 Plus, it’s clear that Garmin has finally addressed the biggest limitations of the Mini 2: screen size, ease of messaging, and general usability.
The Big Difference: A Proper Screen at Last
The headline change is the new colour touchscreen. It’s larger, brighter and far easier to use, especially when composing messages directly on the device. You can still use the physical buttons, but the touchscreen makes everything quicker and more intuitive. Compared with the Mini 2’s tiny monochrome display, this feels miles ahead.
Navigation: Basic, But Useful
This is not a mapping device — and it doesn’t pretend to be. What you get is a simple basemap plus the ability to load and follow GPX routes with a clear pink line. For an emergency communicator, that’s plenty. The compass, breadcrumb tracking, and the improved screen make basic navigation and grid references far easier to work with.
Messaging & SOS: Garmin’s Strength
Two-way satellite messaging remains the reason most people buy these units, and it’s still excellent. Fast, reliable, and available anywhere you can see the sky. The subscription structure is sensible too: plans start at £7.99 per month, and you can suspend the service for up to a year with no extra fees.
Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Plus
Both units look identical and share almost all core features. The Plus simply adds:
- Voice message recording and transmission
- The ability to send photos taken on your phone via satellite
- A loud siren for attracting attention
- A built-in speaker to replay voice messages
- A carabiner clip included in the box
If you want richer messaging, or you travel solo and like the idea of an audible emergency alert, the Plus is absolutely worth the extra.
Battery Life & Build
Garmin hasn’t messed with its winning formula here. You still get superb battery life (up to 350 hours at 10-minute tracking) in a compact, tough unit weighing only 125g. It remains IP67-rated, so it will happily survive wet weather and rough handling.
Final Thoughts
Garmin has finally made the inReach Mini genuinely pleasant to use day-to-day. The bigger colour touchscreen completely transforms the experience, and the Plus model’s ability to send photos and voice clips makes satellite communication feel more human than ever.
If you simply want reliable SOS and two-way messaging, the Mini 2 is still a cracking bargain while stock lasts. But if you value usability - and you want the latest features - the Mini 3 series is unquestionably the better choice.
Personally, I think Garmin has struck an excellent balance here. It feels like a proper next step for the inReach line, and an easy recommendation for anyone heading off-grid.
1. Garmin inReach mini 3 - more here
2. Garmin inReach mini 3 plus - more here
3. Garmin inReach cost calculator