Best Personal Locator Beacons for Offshore Sailors in 2026

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a compact, handheld emergency beacon designed for crew members rather than the vessel itself. It’s an essential part of any offshore safety kit, especially for single handers or night watches. The PLBs below are the most reliable and widely used models available.

ResQLink View

Compact PLB with a reassuring digital display showing GPS status, countdown, and transmission confirmation.

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Ocean Signal PLB1 — Smallest PLB available.

ResQLink 400 — Rugged and reliable at a lower price.

Comparison Table — PLBs

Model	Display	GPS	Battery Life	Best For
ACR ResQLink View	Yes	Yes	5 years	Sailors wanting visual confirmation
Ocean Signal PLB1	No	Yes	7 years	Crew needing the smallest possible PLB
ACR ResQLink 400	No	Yes	5 years	Budget-conscious offshore sailors

Buyer’s Guide — How to Choose a PLB

The most important feature is GPS accuracy — all three models above excel here. A display isn’t essential, but it does provide reassurance during an emergency.
Choose a PLB that fits comfortably in your lifejacket pocket and has a long battery life.
Remember: a PLB is personal equipment. Every crew member should have their own, registered in their name.

Which PLB Should You Choose?

Choose ResQLink View if you want a screen for reassurance.

Choose PLB1 for the smallest, easiest to carry unit.

Choose ResQLink 400 for rugged reliability at a lower price.

Dick McClary is an RYA Yachtmaster, yachting journalist, and author of several RYA publications including Offshore Sailing. He runs sailboat‑cruising.com and the Liveaboard Sailboats for Sale community, helping thousands of sailors choose reliable gear for offshore cruising.