What Are Your Options Now That Iridium Mail & Web is Discontinued?

What Are Your Options Now That Iridium Mail & Web is Discontinued?

For many years, Iridium Mail & Web has provided a basic (and free) way for mariners and remote travelers to send and receive email, download small weather files (GRIBs), and perform minimal web tasks over very slow satellite connections such as the Iridium Go, handheld Iridium phones (using an Optimizer), and more recently the Iridium Go! Exec.

However, Iridium has officially announced that Iridium Mail & Web is being discontinued effective September 13, 2025. There will no longer be a free email service from Iridium themselves, and customers using this option need to prepare now to ensure they stay connected.

Below is a comprehensive summary of the paid alternatives available, along with their features and pricing.

💡 Why No Free Alternative?

Iridium Mail & Web operated on an aging infrastructure, and with changes in authentication, mobile operating systems, and security protocols, maintaining a free service was no longer feasible. Currently, there are no direct free replacements. All new options involve some level of paid subscription.

🧭 Replacement Options

 

🟢 CruisersEmail / XGate

  • What is it?

A robust email service originally built on the same platform as Iridium Mail, but enhanced with more features and active development.

  • How it works:

Requires downloading a new app. You get a dedicated email address, and it supports connections via:

    • Iridium Go
    • Iridium Go! Exec
    • Iridium handheld phones (with an Optimizer)
    • Any satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi connection
  • Price: ~$30 per month.
  • Key features:
    • Supports sending/receiving text emails and small attachments
    • Can manage large attachments with BigMail Filter that holds in queue for downloading right away or later when on faster connections
    • Compatible with small GRIB weather files
    • Works on multiple internet types beyond Iridium

🟢 OCENSMail & OneMail

  • What is it?

OCENSMail is designed for PC and Mac, while OneMail is its companion app for mobile devices. Together, they offer a comprehensive email solution for satcom users.

  • How it works:
    • OCENSMail: PC/Mac app providing a dedicated email address similar to CruisersEmail.
    • OneMail: Mobile app for iOS/Android that can fetch mail from external services (like Gmail) via IMAP/POP. OneMail does not provide a new email address on its own but can work in tandem with OCENSMail.
  • Compatibility:
    • Iridium Go
    • Iridium Go! Exec
    • Iridium handhelds with an Optimizer
    • Wi-Fi, cellular, and other satcom devices
  • Price: ~$30 per month for both OCENSMail and OneMail combined.
  • Key features:
    • Flexible access on PC, Mac, or mobile
    • Can manage large attachments with BigMail Filter that holds in queue for downloading right away or later when on faster connections
    • Ability to work with existing email accounts (e.g., Gmail), but note: Google authentication can change, potentially affecting access in the future
    • Works on multiple connection types

🟢 OnSatMail

  • What is it?

A PC/Mac-focused email service similar in concept to XGate and OCENSMail.

  • How it works:
    • Runs on Windows or Mac
    • Dedicated email address
    • Does not offer a mobile app
  • Compatibility:
    • Iridium Go
    • Iridium Go! Exec
    • Iridium handhelds (with an Optimizer)
  • Price: ~$25 per month.
  • Key features:
    • Basic, lightweight interface
    • Good choice if you only use a computer and do not need a mobile solution
    • Supports small file transfers and GRIB weather files

🟢 SailMail (If you also have SSB radio)

  • What is it?

A popular service among offshore sailors using HF/SSB radios, SailMail can also be used with Iridium Go in specific cases.

  • How it works:
    • Requires an HF/SSB radio and Pactor modem for traditional usage
    • Can also be used via Iridium Go as a fallback
  • Price: ~$275 per year.
  • Key features:
    • Supports basic email and small GRIB weather files
    • Limited in terms of attachments and features
    • Requires membership and setup knowledge

 

🟢 PredictMail (requires a PredictWind Datahub)

  • What is it?

Email Account/Service provided by PredictWind.  You can use your normal email app on any device that supports POP/IMAP.  

  • How it works:
    • Requires a PredictWind Datahub on board for use with Iridium Go and for mail optimization
    • Works with your standard Email App/Software
    • When away from the boat, the connection goes directly from your device to the PredictWind mail server.  But when on a Datahub network, the connection is optimized through the Iridium GO by the Datahub unit.
  • Price: ~$120 per year plus the cost of the Datahub unit.
  • Key features:
    • Supports sending/receiving text emails and small attachments
    • Can manage large attachments with Filter that holds in queue for downloading right away or later when on faster connections
    • Compatible with small GRIB weather files
    • Works on multiple internet types beyond Iridium 


⚖️ How To Choose

Service

Platforms Supported

Mobile App

PC/Mac

Approx. Price

Best For

CruisersEmail/XGate

All satcom, Wi-Fi, cellular

✅

✅

$30/month

Broad, flexible use cases

OCENSMail + OneMail

All satcom, Wi-Fi, cellular

✅ (OneMail)

✅ (OCENSMail)

$30/month combined

Mixed PC & mobile workflows

OnSatMail

PC/Mac only

❌

✅

$25/month

PC-focused, simpler setups

SailMail

SSB & Pactor, Go fallback

❌

✅

$275/year

Long-range sailors with SSB

 

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

The discontinuation of Iridium Mail & Web marks a big change for many offshore and remote travelers. The good news: you have solid, proven paid alternatives.

  • If you want an easy, all-in-one replacement with active support: CruisersEmail/XGate is a strong choice.
  • If you use a PC heavily and want maximum flexibility on mobile too: Consider OCENSMail + OneMail.
  • If you are on a budget and use only a computer: OnSatMail is the simplest and most affordable.
  • If you already have an SSB setup: SailMail might already cover your needs.


Need Help?

We can assist in setting up any of these solutions, including app installation, configuration, and testing over your satellite connection. Just reach out if you’d like to discuss what makes the most sense for your sailing or remote travel plans.