Best Golf Launch Monitors 2024
When it comes to golf technology, few product segments have evolved as rapidly in recent years as golf launch monitors. Not long ago, the only launch monitor options were Trackman and similar products, each costing well into five figures. Fast forward to 2024, and you’ll find golf launch monitors available at almost every price point, starting from just a couple of hundred dollars. What’s even more surprising? Many of these affordable options are excellent.
Gone are the days when accurate launch monitor data was limited to lessons or fittings. Now, you can get precise distances every time you head to the range or practice in your garage.
With so many choices on the market, finding the right golf launch monitor can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve reviewed nearly all of the best golf launch monitors 2024, so you don’t have to.
Ready to discover your ideal device? Let’s get started!
What is A Golf Launch Monitor?
A golf launch monitor is a device, either using Doppler radar or cameras, that measures various aspects of your golf shots. These metrics can include carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, spin rate, and more.
You just need to position the launch monitor behind or beside your ball on a range, in your garage, or within a simulator. It then provides detailed information about your golf swing either on a compatible app or the device itself.
The price of a golf launch monitor can vary significantly based on the specific metric that it offers, such as the accuracy of the data, etc.
What to Look for in a Golf Launch Monitor?
Each golfer seeks something unique in a launch monitor. If you’re a scratch golfer aiming to perfect your wedge distances down to the nearest yard, then pinpoint accuracy will be crucial for you. If you’re a 15 handicapper looking to make practice sessions more engaging, you’ll want a user-friendly launch monitor with entertaining features. However, if you’re setting up a simulator in your garage for off-season practice, ensure it’s compatible with your preferred simulator software.
Complicating the decision further, launch monitor prices range from $200 to over $30,000. Therefore, before choosing a device, it’s essential to understand your needs and budget. Here are some key considerations when selecting a golf launch monitor:
- Accuracy: Determine how precise you need the numbers to be. Do you need yard-by-yard precision, or are ballpark figures sufficient?
- Portability: Will the device stay in your garage, or will you frequently take it to the range?
- Price: Consider what features you need and whether it’s worth spending more for additional capabilities. Also, check if there are recurring subscription fees.
- Ease of Use: Always choose a device that matches your comfort level with technology.
- Simulator Compatibility: If your primary goal is to use it as a simulator, verify its compatibility. If you prefer a ready-made solution, consider golf simulators “in a box” for a professional setup at home.
- Fun Factor: Some launch monitors offer a more enjoyable user experience through additional features and an engaging interface, which can make a significant difference in how often you use them.
Best Golf Launch Monitors 2024
FlightScope Mevo+: Best Overall Golf Launch Monitor
FlightScope Mevo+
There was stiff competition for the top spot, but we believe that the FlightScope Mevo+ stands out as the best overall launch monitor on the market.
While there are more accurate devices, more fun devices, and certainly less expensive ones, the Mevo+ strikes the perfect balance of all these factors. It’s highly portable, offers a professional-level experience, boasts accuracy, works with various simulator services, and can be upgraded to include metrics typically found in flagship devices costing over $10k. A recent refresh has doubled its battery life and improved its accuracy.
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SkyTrak+: Suitable for Most Golfers
SkyTrak+
Many of the devices on this list offer excellent home simulator experiences, but in our testing, the SkyTrak+ stands out for delivering the most enjoyable overall user experience when building a home simulator.
One major advantage is its use of cameras instead of Doppler radar, allowing it to occupy about half the space of the Mevo Plus or Rapsodo MLM2Pro. The user interface is also the most modern and user-friendly among these devices.
In terms of accuracy, it comes close to the Bushnell Launch Pro, which is the most precise device on the list. Additionally, it includes both a mobile and PC license for E6 Connect simulator software.
The drawbacks are that it cannot be used on grass outdoors and doesn’t have the same professional feel as the Mevo Plus or Bushnell. However, if you’re looking to set up a home simulator, have limited space, and want a device that works efficiently and effectively, the SkyTrak+ is an excellent choice.
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Garmin Approach R10: Best for Most Golfers
Garmin Approach R10
For around $500, the Garmin Approach R10 is a fantastic option. When it was released in 2021, it was unrivaled in its price range.
However, in 2024, new contenders have emerged. The Rapsodo MLM2Pro, though slightly more expensive, offers better accuracy. Additionally, the Swing Caddie SC4 boasts more features and can be found for less than the R10.
Despite these newer options, the R10 remains a solid choice, especially if you’re already using Garmin’s ecosystem with CT10 sensors or a Garmin golf watch. In that case, the R10’s convenience of integrating all your data in one place makes it a preferred option.
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Swing Caddie SC4: Best Value for Money
Swing Caddie SC4
The SC4 stands out as the most feature-rich launch monitor you’ll find in the $500 price range. It includes a built-in screen, which proves to be more useful than you might expect, and offers simulator capabilities for both indoor and outdoor use.
While its spin numbers can be somewhat unreliable, which is common among budget devices, a recent firmware update has significantly enhanced its overall accuracy.
If you’re looking for a versatile launch monitor that works well at home and on the range, the SC4 is hard to beat.
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Bushnell Launch Pro: Most Accurate Golf Launch Monitor
Bushnell Launch Pro
Among all the golf launch monitors on this list, the Bushnell Launch Pro stands out as the most “professional” one.
Built on the GC3 platform, the Launch Pro uses a sophisticated camera system instead of Doppler radar to increase accuracy. Bushnell has also revamped their pricing structure, making the Launch Pro more affordable than ever. You can get a ball-data-enabled unit for around $2,000, including a free year of their Gold membership.
The downside is that after the first year, the membership costs $500 annually, and you’ll need it to access any simulator features.
If you’re seeking a semi-permanent simulator setup or a professional-level device that’s more budget-friendly, this launch monitor is an excellent choice. Just keep in mind that it’s not as easy to set up as some of the others, and if you want to use it beyond just your iPad, you’ll need a gaming PC.
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Full Swing KIT: Most Friendly User Interface
Full Swing KIT
When it comes to ease of setup and use, the Full Swing KIT is our top choice. You don’t need to stress about alignment or calibration, and it offers flexibility in placement behind the ball.
Using this golf launch monitor is also a breeze. The user interface is modern, straightforward, and easy to read. The downside is its $5,000 price tag, which is higher than other products with more features.
However, if your priority is highly accurate data in a functional and enjoyable system, the KIT is worth considering. It is also our favorite product for range use.
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Uneekor Eye Mini: Best to Set up on the Range
Uneekor Eye Mini
This may seem like an unusual category for the Uneekor but bear with us. While it’s not highly portable, it excels for range practice thanks to the professional-quality data it delivers.
Similar in features and accuracy to the Launch Pro, the Uneekor’s e-ink screen is easier to read, and it offers 10 metrics compared to the Bushnell’s six, which we find more comprehensive.
If you prefer an all-in-one device without the hassle of an app, the Uneekor is a great choice. It also includes all the simulator options and features you’d expect, making it an excellent home golf simulator as well.
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FlightScope Mevo: Most Accurate Between Cheap Golf Launch Monitors
FlightScope Mevo
The section of golf launch monitors under $500 has seen significant growth in recent years with several competitive options for golfers. Among them, the original FlightScope Mevo stands out for two main reasons: accuracy and ease of use.
Our testing showed that Mevo was the most precise golf launch monitor in this price range, despite lacking features like lateral shot data. Thanks to compatibility with the Apple Watch, this Mevo is also considered one of the most user-friendly golf launch monitors on the range.
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Rapsodo MLM: Best Under $300
Rapsodo MLM
When it comes to the best golf launch monitors under $500 in the market, the FLightScope Mevo and Rapsodo MLM are frequently highlighted. While the FlightScope Mevo earns our preference for its straightforwardness and accuracy, the Rapsodo MLM takes the lead.
Recently reduced from $499 to $299, the Rapsodo is now an obvious choice for beginners in this category. It offers lateral data and displays a shot tracer view for each shot, which enhances the user experience significantly.
Additionally, Rapsodo provides engaging social features with interactive games for users. While its metrics may not always be as precise as other models, they generally provide reliable data within acceptable margins.
The design also allows for convenient phone placement, ensuring easy visibility of the data during use.
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Golfzon Wave: Best for Putting
Golfzon Wave
You may not be familiar with the Golfzon Wave, but if you’ve ever visited a premium simulator studio, chances are you’ve encountered the Golfzon Vision systems. Typically priced at over $75,000, these systems are considered top-tier in the market.
Now, Golfzon brings much of that advanced technology and simulation experience to your home with their debut consumer golf launch monitor and simulator: the Golfzon Wave.
Featuring the same Vision software used in their high-end simulators, the Golfzon Wave allows you to enjoy professional-grade simulation whether at home or on the range. What sets it apart is its unique offering: an infrared putting pad equipped with sensors that accurately track 8 different putting metrics.
Unlike many other home setups, this feature ensures that putting, often overlooked in simulators, is not only measured but enhances the overall enjoyment and utility of the experience.
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Garmin Approach G80: Easiest-to-Use Golf Launch Monitor
Garmin Approach G80
The Garmin Approach G80 stands out as a unique option among the best golf launch monitors 2024. It excels in the role of a handled GPS device, making it an excellent choice if you prefer a dedicated device over a phone app or watch.
However, its launch monitor capabilities are where it truly shines. Simply place it beside you while hitting, and it will provide you with several metrics, including carry distance, with surprising accuracy. Additional features such as target games and tempo training also enhance its value.
This is easily the most user-friendly device on the list. You just turn it on, set it next to you, and start hitting. While it’s relatively expensive at $500, if you need a GPS and want the simplest device for pre-round warm-ups, this is the ideal choice.
See the current price on Amazon
Hope with this article, you have chosen the most suitable golf launch monitor for your game. Remember that the most expensive is not always the best. So, consider your needs and choose the one that suits you most.
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