Assuming you mean PLB = personal locator beacon, here are the top picks (short), why they stand out, and quick buying/usage notes.

Top picks

• ACR ResQLink View 425 — Best overall / easiest feedback: compact, buoyant PLB with a digital display that shows live beacon status and GPS coordinates during a rescue; MEOSAR/66‑channel GNSS and ~28+ hour transmit life. (OSAT.com)
• Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 — Best compact / long battery: extremely small/light, waterproof to deep depths, and a 7‑year battery/storage life (good if you want minimal bulk). (oceansignal.com)
• Ocean Signal rescueME PLB3 — Best for boaters / advanced features: adds AIS and NFC smartphone convenience plus Return Link Service (RLS) while still using COSPAS‑SARSAT (no subscription). Good if you want both global alerting and local AIS broadcast to nearby vessels. (oceansafety.com)
• McMurdo FastFind 220 — Best budget / reliable basic PLB: proven, lightweight PLB with GPS/Galileo, MEOSAR compatibility and solid value for recreational use. (Bluemarinestore.com)

Why these (what to look for)

• GNSS (GPS/Galileo/GLONASS): gives encoded coordinates so SAR gets accurate location quickly. (pacificcoastavionics.com)
• MEOSAR compatibility: modern satellites that reduce detection time. Look for “MEOSAR compatible” in specs. (pacificcoastavionics.com)
• Battery life / replacement interval: typical PLBs require factory battery replacement every ~5–7 years (or after use); check the manufacturer interval. (OSAT.com)
• Buoyancy/strobe/homing tone (121.5 MHz): important for marine use and night rescues. (pacificcoastavionics.com)
• Extra features for boaters: AIS transmission and RLS can speed local rescues and confirm receipt. (oceansafety.com)

Important operational notes

• PLBs send a one‑way SOS via the international COSPAS‑SARSAT system (government satellites) and normally require no subscription. They do not generally offer two‑way messaging. If you want two‑way texting/confirmation and ongoing tracking, consider a satellite messenger (e.g., Garmin inReach) which does require a subscription. (COSPAS-SARSAT.int)
• Register your PLB (U.S. owners: NOAA Beacon Registration) and keep registration info current — registration is required and extremely important for rapid, accurate response. (beaconregistration.NOAA.gov)
• Practice the self‑test procedure but follow manufacturer limits on how many tests are allowed; after activation or at the battery expiry you must send the unit to the manufacturer for battery/service or replace it per the spec. (OSAT.com)

Quick recommendation by use case

• Backcountry hiker or general outdoor: ACR ResQLink View 425 (display + reliability) or Ocean Signal PLB1 (if you want the smallest/lightest). (OSAT.com)
• Coastal/sea kayaker, small-boat operator: consider Ocean Signal rescueME PLB3 (AIS + RLS) or a PLB plus a VHF/handheld for short-range comms. (oceansafety.com)
• If you want two‑way messaging/tracking instead of a one‑button SOS: buy a satellite messenger (Garmin inReach family) and budget for a subscription. (Garmin.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow these to specific models and suppliers that ship to the U.S., or
• Compare one PLB you already own against these options.

Which of the above fits your use (hiking, boating, hunting, international travel)? I can tailor a final pick.