I been doing live tracking for about 15 years (maybe more), Started with a SPOT Gen 1, switched to a pre-Garmin InReach in 2015 after an event which confirmed the near uselessness of a one way device. The InReach provides 10 minute tracking update, in terms of "audience engagement" the faster the better, you gotta be dedicated to wait even 10 minutes starring at a map waiting for the next marker to appear.
These devices are pretty much commodities these days, many brands, same basic services, the technology is basically all the same. They seem to follow the same marketing plan as most tech stuff, selling prices either falling with operating fees rising or devices are being packed to the hilt with features and are expensive but come with slightly more flexible operating costs (for now).
That said, there are two groups of devices, stand alone or those that must pair with a smartphone for most functions. Both types have stand alone SOS buttons on the device and these days all have bluetooth and an app for expanded features like mapping/GPS (nice if you drag along a tablet!). The on device interface for messaging on all of these is lousy, if texting is your thing you definitely want to pair with a phone.
If you are buying your first device you might want to look at the online tracking interface, the SPOT was simple, probably much different these days. The InReach is much better but still confusing for newbies, when Garmin bought Delorme they basically just switched the logo and haven't made any significant upgrades. I haven't had a look at what the new players are offering. None of this fluff matters if you only want an emergency device.
All of these devices require line of sight, they do work in a tent unless the tree canopy is very thick or you are at the bottom of a cliff with no view of the sky. If you are hiding in a cave or fall into a giant crevasse you are probably out of luck!
I'm very happy with my (Delorme) InReach, would be nice to have the Garmin full Mapping GPS but I already have a standalone device for that. Beside the SOS aspect I do post updates online most days for my "fans"and send the odd private msg. The weather forecasts are extremely useful especially when a trip involves large lakes plus I generally avoid any travel when it's going to rain all day. I'm a news junkie at home so the odd update on the craziness of the "fake world" makes being away from it all in the actual real world is only enhanced!
Something to think about, it will not be long (before 2025?) until Elon's Starlink system will have expanded coverage over "northern Canada" (maybe 70 degrees??). I'm not sure if anyone has a handheld/pocket device yet that will work now but I have no doubt they will appear. Right now Starlink can give you the equivalent of top end Broadband of the pre fibre days (25Mb down, 10Mb up), not enough for live streaming your run through the rapids but good enough to upload to tiktok!
