Best Callaway Drivers 2026

Callaway produce some of the best golf equipment on the market and their drivers are some of the top performing models in the game. From premium models to game-improvement big sticks, the brand designs and builds models that will rival some of the best golf drivers on the market, including some of the best Titleist drivers and best TaylorMade drivers.

WATCH: Joe Ferguson and Sam De'Ath test and compare the Callaway Quantum driver family

Over the past 30 years, Callaway has produced some of the most iconic drivers in golf, from the original Big Bertha to the Mavrik. More recently, we’ve seen ranges such as Epic Speed, Rogue, the striking Paradym and Ai Smoke, followed by Elyte and now Quantum. All are high-performing drivers that have helped improve the games of golfers of all abilities, from Tour professionals and scratch players to mid handicappers, and beginners improve their game.

So which models stand out? Having tested a wide range of drivers over the years, I’ll be guiding you through some of the very best Callaway has produced and sharing my thoughts on how each model performs as well as who it’s best suited to. Each review includes comparisons with older models and current alternatives to help you decide which driver is right for your game. Also, if Callaway is not for you, we have also created guides for other brands too - such as our best Ping drivers guide and our best Cobra drivers guide.

The Quick List

Best Callaway Drivers 2026

Quantum models

Suitable for the widest range of golfers, the Quantum Max is engineered for speed and consistency, utilizing the same ‘Tri-Force Face’ as its tour-inspired siblings. This technology layers ultra-thin, high-strength Titanium, Poly Mesh and Carbon Fiber into a fully integrated speed system. This is paired with a next-generation AI-optimized face Design, which supposedly tunes every part of the face to optimize speed, spin and launch based on real impact patterns from real players.

The overall shaping is excellent, sitting square and large behind the ball. The feel is exceptionally powerful, but crucially remains so even when struck away from the center, like you would expect among the most forgiving drivers. It delivers a solid, satisfying acoustic across the face that instills much confidence.

Testing performance was outstanding. Ball speeds were impressively high, but came along with a solidity and reliability that make it a standout offering that will appeal to a huge array of players. It wasn't just fast on center hits; the speed retention on toe and heel strikes was genuinely impressive too. The APW (Adjustable Perimeter Weighting) system features a refined 10g weight that allows you to adjust for a neutral or draw setup. This helps fine-tune shot shape and launch direction, making it easy to personalize your ball flight for more confidence off the tee. The popular and familiar OptiFit Hosel adds another layer of customization, offering eight total configurations for loft and lie.

The Callaway Quantum Max takes the winning formula of previous generations and supercharges it with new face technology that delivers genuine speed and forgiveness gains. It is a powerful, reliable, and highly forgiving driver that will undoubtedly help many golfers top end of the bag.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max Driver Review

Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Driver

The Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (TD) driver once again has the same tech story I mentioned above - the Tri Force Face and ‘AI-Optimized Face Design’, but instead looks to attack the better-player driver market.

Starting with the looks, I found it to be barely distinguishable from the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond of a couple of seasons ago. Some will like this, some may think it lacks imagination but regardless the TD has a triangular shape to it along with a stunning, dark carbon weave which really stands out. In fact the subtle red accents help it further to create a sophisticated, high-tech looking driver.

When it came to the hitting experience, I found the TD to be extremely enjoyable. I found the feel to be powerful, it's not a muted thud but instead a hefty crack that really lets you know the ball has been hit. The speed output matches this feeling as the ball speed was outstanding, as was the higher smash factor, suggesting the Tri-Force Face is more efficient at transferring energy.

Overall I think this new Quantum Triple Diamond will prove to be very popular in this area of the market because it combines raw speed with a tour-proven shape and meaningful adjustability. For the high-speed player looking for a penetrating flight and a powerful feel, this driver is a serious contender.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Driver Review

Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max Driver

Not only have Callaway unveiled the standard TD model above, but also the Triple Diamond Max which breaks the mold of 'tour only' models getting released years after the standard range. As you would expect, it is built with the same Tri-Force Face platform as the standard model, but has a different chassis though as it has a slightly larger 460cc shape, without taking away the lower spin, speed and a touch more forgiveness that many skilled players want. From my testing, it really does deliver all of this in a stunning package.

Speaking of the looks, I think it looks superb with the carbon, dark finish really aesthetically popping. As mentioned it has a slightly larger head and also a slightly more rounder profile to it, as opposed to the triangular shape of the standard model.

The feel is once again powerful and performance-wise, this driver is a rocket in terms of ball speed. It was only second behind the TaylorMade Qi4D in that respect in my testing, and that was only because the aerodynamics of the TaylorMade driver allowed me to move it a touch quicker through the air. But what became clear in my testing is despite not being an out and out game improvement driver, the Max does offer not insignificant levels of stability and forgiveness in comparison to the TD.

Overall, I think Callaway has played a masterstroke in offering the Quantum Triple Diamond Max to the mass market. The performance speaks for itself and normal golfers will feel like they are getting a glimpse of whats on Tour as well. I think this driver will appeal to more people than Callaway expects.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max Driver Review

Callaway Quantum Max-D Driver

The Callaway Quantum Max D arrives as the dedicated draw-biased option in the new Quantum family, built to tackle the amateur golfer's most common enemy: the slice.

While it shares the same high-tech DNA as its siblings, this driver has been specifically engineered for easy launch and maximum forgiveness using A.i.-Optimized Face Mapping to optimize speed and spin based on real impact patterns. Internal heel-side weighting has also been strategically added to promote a slight draw bias.

The confidence-inspiring shape sits nicely behind the ball, looking friendly and eager to launch, while the feel at impact is powerful and 'thuddy'. It doesn't have the hollow, tinny sound that some draw-biased drivers suffer from. In my testing on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, it was only 2 mph behind the Triple Diamond model in terms of ball speed. When coupled with the fact that it produced over 500 rpm more spin, this equated to an 11-yard distance gap for me, although for slower speed players, the additional spin may be welcome and have the reverse effect on carry.

Speed isn't the primary purpose of this model though, its main task is to fight the slice and it does that admirably. The internal weighting and face design work together to help close the face, and the ease of launch is another standout feature here and will certainly help maximize carry for players with moderate swing speeds who struggle to keep the ball in the air. If you battle a right miss but still want a premium, powerful feel, this is a top contender.

• Read our full Callaway Quantum Max D Driver Review

Elyte models

The regular Elyte head is suited to the widest range of golfers regardless of ability level. It's an excellent 'all-rounder' that delivers slightly less spin than competitors 'standard' models. This is thanks in part to increased levels of forgiveness and a solid feel at impact which will appeal to the masses.

This driver features a new perimeter weighting system that allows golfers to fully customize where they place the movable 13g weight to help promote or rectify a certain ball flight. Although the two 'spare' ports do look a little unfinished when a weight isn't placed in them, they remain there for any tweaking you'd like to make.

Coming off the success of the Paradym Ai Smoke range, it was always going to be difficult to make a driver that was as pretty on the eye. This isn't the prettiest range of drivers Callaway have ever produced but the club sits nicely behind the ball at address and the shaping of the head inspires confidence over the ball. This head also boasts a matte carbon fiber crown on a modern-looking profile with the iconic Callaway chevron on the top for easy alignment.

This is a driver that can be used by a single-figure handicapper or a once a week-type player. The high launch, and somewhat lower spin profile, combined with aerodynamic improvements will genuinely find a little extra yardage for many players and when coupled with fantastic forgiveness it's a great option for a wide range of golfers.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte Driver Review

Callaway Elyte X Driver

The most user-friendly of the Elyte family, the 'X' should be a serious consideration for higher-handicap players looking a fresh driver option in my opinion. High, easy launch is one of the biggest appealing factors and the predominant draw bias will appeal to many players whilst feel remains solid and robust.

The 'X' has one less weight port slot compared to the standard model, suiting players who typically miss to the right off the tee box. Tinkering with the 13-gram weight can help players manipulate ball flight to suit their playing characteristics, whilst the ‘Thermoforged’ carbon crown is designed to enable fast club head speeds and facilitate optimal launch and spin outputs.

Like the standard model, this isn't the prettiest Callaway driver ever produced but nevertheless I think it looks really good over the ball. Shelf appeal looks may not be the best for everyone's eye but when standing over the ball and having this head sitting square behind it, it really inspires confidence before your swing.

During testing we saw pleasingly high launch with healthy levels of spin, and a reasonable distance output will suit anyone shopping in this category. However, the stability and forgiveness on offer is the biggest green tick we gave the 'X' - even the most severe mishits didn't lose much distance and dispersion remained tight.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte X Driver Review

Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Driver

The Triple Diamond is the 'players' version of the Elyte family, favoring the more advanced golfers. When compared to other options in the low-spin category, this driver is as good as it gets.

I loved the data I saw during testing and when I couple that with significant improvements in both forgiveness and workability, it ticks every box you need for a driver in this marketplace.

The feel was exceptional - it's a touch more muted and lower pitched than the other two drivers in the range with the ball feeling like it melted into the face before bouncing off and exploding towards your target.

While the data wasn’t vastly different to that which I achieved with last year's Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, there was a slight improvement and the real leap forward is slightly more unquantifiable. The Triple Diamond is a lot more playable and less demanding of the perfect strike, whilst advanced players that can move the ball both ways will have no issue doing so with this in hand. This is an exceptional driver and a must try for experienced drivers looking to upgrade this year.

• Read our full Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Driver Review

Paradym Ai Smoke models

After the resounding success of the original Paradym family from Callaway, 2024 saw the launch of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke family. The first model to discuss here is the Ai Smoke Max, which is the standard head of the three, and there are a few key changes to mention.

Starting with the looks, when I first put it down I was really pleased to see the new grey colorway. I feel that it blends so much better with the grey banner strip, creating a really clean aesthetic that, from a visual perspective, places it among the best drivers on the market. Callaway has really improved the shelf appeal with the smoky graphic pattern too.

In terms of the tech story, Callaway's tag line with this product is ‘Sweeter From Every Spot’. Essentially, this means a bigger effective hitting area, a concept it has created by advancing its Ai Smart Face technology, using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers. This information has then been inputted into its Ai system and has produced a whole new face which Callaway says creates micro deflections across various points of the striking area, essentially producing multiple sweet spots!

But how did the Max perform? Well the forgiveness was impressive. I hit an awful lot of balls with the Max so inevitably missed the center on occasion, but when I did, I was really pleased with the results. While there was good feedback of strike location, it was in no way unpleasant and the dispersion even from my most questionable hits was reassuringly tight. Sound and feel were not worlds apart from the original Paradym, which is no bad thing, but - if anything - I found the Ai Smoke felt a touch livelier off the face. Overall the Callway Paradym Ai Smoke Max is a really good option for those looking for great adjustability of flight and real playability.

• Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver Review

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver

Moving on to the Triple Diamond model in the Ai Smoke driver range, this head is for the better players, much like the Paradym TD model. However there are a few noticeable changes between the two drivers once again. To start, the grey finish and smokey pattern on the sole continue from the Max head and look fantastic. The new strip on the Smoke TD remains a lot more parallel to the top edge which, again, looks a lot neater to me than the on the original Paradym Triple Diamond where this tapered away more dramatically.

Moving onto the technology, the moveable weight track on the Max has gone, but the Ai designed face remains, and this is where we see a big improvement from the original Paradym. On well-struck shots, ball speed, launch and spin numbers were basically identical to its predecessor, with good hits producing very low spin numbers and a really strong, penetrating ball flight.

However with the original TD I really felt it was a driver you needed to be at your best with. Any mishits were punished fairly severely for me, which is often the case with many of the best drivers for distance, however, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond gave me a bit more peace of mind. Some of my poorer strikes (which come predominantly out of the heel) really weren’t punished too harshly from either a ball speed or directional point of view. Additionally the Smoke has a notable fade bias to it thanks to the slightly open face angle at address.

Admittedly from a feel and sound point of view, I didn’t notice any dramatic change from the Paradym Triple Diamond original, which I was very pleased with as I had very much become a fan of the muted thud it produced.

• Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver Review

How we test drivers

The first thing we should mention is our overall testing ethos at Golf Monthly which is to put all products through a rigorous testing procedure to give you crucial insights into how they perform, how they compare to their predecessors and where they stack up in relation to the competition. As such we regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.

Golf Monthly's driver testing is headed up by myself, Staff Writer Joe Ferguson, a PGA Professional who has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years. I am also ably assisted by other members of the review team, including Deputy Editor Joel Tadman, and Staff Writer Sam De'Ath, a professional who has competed on the EuroPro and Clutch Pro Tours.

In 2026 this entire process has been revitalized with our new Performance Lab (pictured above) and Golf Monthly Review YouTube channel. Our new testing area is powered by Foresight Sports and features a GC3 launch monitor, as well the impressive Sim-In-A-Box simulator and FSX Pro software. We also have measuring devices and other pieces of equipment to make our testing process as thorough as ever. This area allows us to analyze new clubs in a controlled environment, enhancing the accuracy of our findings. Of course this is especially important for drivers in which data plays a key role.

How to choose

You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver or whether a new driver can help you improve as a player. And while there is plenty to think about when playing with a new big stick, there are a few key considerations to you'll want to think about before investing in a new club. To help you in your buying decision, we've set out a few key considerations below that'll help you

1. Size

The first thing to think about is how big your driver should be. In order to conquer this conundrum we recommend heading down to a club fitting session to get the right size and length of driver for you. You're also going to want to think about the size of the clubhead on your potential new driver. Do you want a larger head to help you feel more confident over the ball, akin to some of the models on our best high handicap drivers for high handicappers guide, or are you a more experienced player looking for something a little more compact?

Forgiving drivers tend to be slightly larger than other models for the basic reason of giving them a larger clubface and larger footprint. When hitting, try and take note of where you are striking the golf ball with the face of the club and see if there is any performance drops. Many forgiving drivers these days are designed to perform regardless of where you strike them off the face and you being able to see and understand that in person will help you be more confident with one model over another.

2. Forgiveness

On that note, it is vital to consider how much playability each driver offers. Some of the most forgiving drivers on the market help you consistently strike the ball right down the middle of the fairway no matter where you hit the ball on the clubface. That can also be helped by buying a driver that has a built-in draw bias, that'll help you eliminate a slice.

3. Style

Confidence can come from the equipment you're playing with, so, if you're using a driver that looks and feels the business then, more often than not, that can help put you in the right mindset to play better! There are plenty of drivers out there that offer bags of shelf appeal, with some of the best golf drivers offering glossy and matte finishes that look stunning behind the ball.

4. Weight

Weight has become a big factor when it comes to forgiving drivers, with most brands making models that have a weight towards the back of the head to aid forgiveness and launch. When it comes to whether you want a forgiving driver, it is worth acknowledging whether this is important to you because if not then manufacturers usually make a model without a weight there. If you're looking for better launch angles and longer carries, look for clubs that have the weight pushed towards their heel, a design feature that moves the center of gravity lower, helping you to hit upwards on the golf ball.

5. Adjustability

Often this weight is moveable too and adjustability has become a huge part of modern golf. Being able to tinker and change loft, lie, and many other factors, has become all the rage and if you like to try new things then several Callaway models come with plenty of adjustability options.

While there are plenty of fantastic options on this guide, we have been hard at work testing some of the top driver models in the game right now. We have come up with some definitive walkthroughs on the best golf drivers for seniors, best budget golf drivers, and best golf drivers for beginners, which you should check out if you're in the market for a new club!

FAQs

For more buying advice at the top end of the bag, check out our guides on the best mini drivers, best fairway woods, or best golf hybrid clubs.