10 Best Epirb Personals 2025 in the United States

The ACR GLOBALFIX V6 GPS EPIRB is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable personal emergency beacon, especially for boating or remote outdoor activities. It uses the 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT distress frequency, which is the global standard for emergency signals, plus a local 121.5 MHz homing signal to help rescuers find you more easily. Its GPS capability is strong, providing precise location data to speed up rescue. The inclusion of Return Link Service (RLS) is a helpful feature that confirms when your distress signal is received, giving extra peace of mind.

The beacon runs on three lithium metal batteries included with a long 10-year shelf life and can operate continuously for 48 hours in an emergency—which is ample time for most rescue scenarios. It’s also waterproof and buoyant, designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, and weighs about 1.8 pounds, which is reasonable for this type of device. Activation is simple with a float-free auto-release bracket designed for quick deployment during emergencies.

Additional modern touches like NFC technology let you easily check battery health and status through your phone, while infrared strobe lights improve visibility in low light. The size and weight are a bit larger and heavier compared to some smaller personal locator beacons, but this is typical for Category 1 EPIRBs designed for serious marine use. This makes it a dependable, feature-rich beacon that meets key safety needs without being overly complicated.

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.

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.