Best Golf Launch Monitors 2023

Best Golf Launch Monitors

The advent of launch monitors have completely changed the way golfers practice, learn and get custom fit for equipment. Much like the best golf GPS apps, launch monitors have been providing golfers with a wealth of data that was once unattainable at the amateur level. This is obviously no longer the case which is why we have looked at some of the best golf launch monitors on the market. Before we get to that though, the below statement is important to address first...

Why would you want to buy a launch monitor? To put a simple answer here, and answer what is a launch monitor, launch monitors give us an incredible amount of data which can therefore give us information on our strengths and weaknesses. Accurate club and ball data allows numbers like clubhead speed, carry distance, spin and much more to be seen instantly for incredible feedback.

The numbers can explain why you might have a tendency to slice it or hook it, and you can then correct your swing to eliminate bad tendencies. Launch monitors can also give insight into things like swing path, and because distance numbers are so readily available, they allow you to dial in your bag setup too.

VIDEO: Watch Joel Tadman test the accuracy of five of the latest portable launch monitors

Nearly every touring professional uses a launch monitor to hone their swings and many amateurs are also making the most of the technology now to improve their games too. Launch monitors these days are also very convenient because they can often be folded up nicely, or they are handheld devices so are highly portable.

Some of the premium models that you'll see on tour or in high-tech fitting studios can be expensive, although there are some more affordable options on the market too. To help you decide which one is for you, we've listed the best golf launch monitors that cover all price ranges below. 

Additionally take a look at some of our other guides too - such as the best golf simulator, best golf rangefinders or the best portable launch monitors as well as our cheap vs expensive launch monitor test. 

The Quick List

Want to cut to the chase and find out what the best launch monitors are? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices, and you can jump to a more detailed review of every pick, along with our price comparison tool to help you find the best deals.

Best Golf Launch Monitors

Best battery life

This ultra-portable, doppler radar launch monitor is a new model that improves on what we saw with the SC300 by using atmospheric pressure sensors to provide more accurate data. It connects directly to the free MySwingCaddie V2 app on your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth so users can track their performance in real-time. There's a voice output option of distance and a remote control that enhances the user convenience. It even includes video playback and analysis as well as increased battery life of up to 20 hours.

In testing it performed very well indeed and it is certainly among the most accurate among all the portable launch monitors under $600, which includes the likes of the Flightscope Mevo, Rapsodo, Garmin Approach R10, Ernst Sports ESB1, and PRGR personal launch monitor, for example. We also enjoyed the larger screen and there's also a good speaker in the unit that calls out distances almost immediately after you've struck a shot.

• Read our full Swing Caddie SC300i launch monitor review

Best shot detection

As used by none other than Tiger Woods, Full Swing’s Kit is a launch monitor that uses Doppler radar to analyse your shots. It’s extremely straightforward to use. Having downloaded the free Full Swing app and paired it to the launch monitor, you place it on the ground 10 feet behind the ball and hit away. There’s no need for stickers on the club face, levelling calibration or alignment sticks - just set it down, line it up, pair it and you’re good to go. 

Our testing revealed just how accurate and reliable the performance is here and the app experience really sets this package apart. Above all, this launch monitor is fun to use. It’s uncomplicated and functions quickly and effectively. It comes with a carry case, which makes it easily portable, and you can even pair it with your bluetooth earphones to hear the data parameter you want after each shot.

• Read our full Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor Review

Best budget

We have been fans of the Rapsodo mobile launch monitor because it literally turns your smartphone into a launch monitor to give you a wide range of numbers like carry distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, and launch direction. It also films your swing and stores up to 100 videos for free (you can get more storage with a subscription) and offers video playback with shot tracer.

It works in conjunction with the free Rapsodo app on your iOS smartphone indoors or outdoors. After setting up an account and logging in, rest your phone in the front slot and position it approximately six feet behind the ball.

The lines on the screen and the GPS overhead view help you align it correctly and select your hitting direction for enhanced accuracy. We should also mention the portability because its small size and lightness means it can easily go in your bag all the time. We've named this the best budget launch monitor in our list and - compared to some models above - the Rapsodo's price represents incredible value for this accurate, easy to use and fun launch monitor.

• Read our full Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor review

Best ease of use

Flightscope's mid-range offering provides golfers with all the data they would ever need (and then some more) via a device that is easy to set up and an app interface that even the least tech-savvy golfer out there should be able to grasp. It's portable thanks to the included carry case that clips on to your bag and the fact it is very lightweight. Overall we felt the user experience was very passive once set up - you only need to touch your iPad to enter the new club.

This launch monitor works outdoors, but it's suited more towards golfers that have an indoor hitting space and screen available as it also doubles as an impressive simulator where you can play some amazing courses from the comfort of your home.

If you’re after basic information like ball speed, club speed, spin and carry distances, the less expensive Mevo model might be best for you. The Mevo+ won’t offer putting insights, but offers eight additional accurate data parameters, including total distance and angle of attack.

• Read our full Flightscope Mevo+ Launch Monitor review

Editor's Choice pick

More than a decade after the debut of its GC2, Foresight Sports has announced the product’s successor, the GC3. The latest addition to the Game Changer (GC) family will provide more golfers than ever before with the unmatched data accuracy and true-to-life simulation experience guaranteed only with Foresight.

Built on the same advanced photometric technology found in the company’s flagship launch monitor, the GCQuad, the new GC3 features a three-camera system that measures ball and club performance data, both outdoors and indoors, with precision and accuracy. One of the things that makes the GC3 so accurate is its Barometric Sensor, which takes into account temperature, humidity and altitude and gives you accurate data based on these real time factors. 

There are lots of similarities with the GCQuad, which is no bad thing, in particular how easy it is to use and the speed at which it does its measurements for around a third of the price. Factor in the indoor and simulator experiences and the GC3 is an appealing prospect for the serious golfer.

• Read our full Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor Review

Best photometric

The GCQuad features four cameras that catch 200 pictures during impact from four different perspectives. That combination allows features of the club and ball to be pinpointed like never before, providing millimeter accurate strike and shot data within seconds. It takes photographs of the face, so as well as ball data you get precise club information such as path, lie angle, angle of attack and strike location, making it a unique teaching tool.

What elevated it further in our testing was the addition of its Essential Putting Analysis, which allows you to track putting data like path, loft and so on. With no calibration needed, it’s also easier than any of its competitors to take to the range or course, with all your shot data handily stored on the brand’s cloud system for later analysis. It also benefits from a removable battery, in-built WiFi, alignment stick and a hitting area six times bigger than GC2.

It features in our 2021 Editor's Choice awards and is being seen more and more touring professionals, most famously Bryson DeChambeau, who is rarely seen without one of these by his side during a practice round.

• Read our full Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor review

Best radar

Another favorite of ours as well as Tour pros, Trackman is now almost used as a synonym for 'launch monitor' because of how popular the technology has been. Its devices are used by a number of the world’s best players and the new Trackman 4 offers up accurate data thanks to a patented multi-sensor technology that synchronizes an inbuilt camera with two bespoke designed ultra-sensitive radars. Therefore it offers the best of both worlds when it comes to camera and radar technology.

Rather than displaying the data on the device itself - like the GC Quad - it feeds the data to an app. It also has over 100 simulator courses, full putting analysis, club fitting software, swing video software, online tournaments, skills testing, kids games, on course practice… all from one device. No other launch monitor offers this extensive list of features. You can buy a single launch monitor and also get a complete home setup from the company as well.

Best home setup

SkyTrak offers launch monitors as well as a complete home setup for the golfer with space to dedicate to their game. The launch monitor uses photometric technology and delivers instant and real-time 3D shot analysis and ball-flight data, and the company offers a high-definition simulation package for the ultimate setup. With this comprehensive simulator, you can play different golf courses and other games like the longest drive and closest to the pin. 

When we tested it, we enjoyed how simple it was to setup. It has built in Wi-Fi, so you simply pair it to your mobile device or computer (we used an iPad) and you’re good to go. Once in position just in front and target side of where you plan to hit from and correctly aligned, SkyTrak will project a laser to the point on the floor from which you need to hit from. It even has a spirit level built in on top so you can check it is level.

The data is simple to digest and you can delete certain shots during your hitting session if you wish. The accuracy also blew us away and we enjoyed the convenient lightweight portability of the simulator as well. 

• Read our full SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review

Best lightweight

This doppler radar option will fit neatly in your pocket for the ultimate in portability while providing all the data metrics to help you understand your game, like speed, distance and smash factor. We felt the graphics and buttons are fairly basic but you get all the information you need on a screen that is easy to read. 

The latest version has a higher-quality dual radar sensor, an improved processor and algorithm to increase accuracy, a larger, high-resolution display and improved wedge measurement (especially on higher-lofted shots) to capture more shots, as well as the ability to switch between yards and meters. You can also use it with any SuperSpeed swing training clubs to see if your exercises are increasing the amount of speed you can generate.

We cannot stress enough how convenient this monitor and for such a small - and well priced - launch monitor, the PRGR gathers a decent amount of data. The device gives you data on swing speed, ball speed, carry distance, total distance and smash factor. For us, this was just the right amount - not too much to overwhelm and not so little it's pointless. Sure there are more comprehensive devices out there, but not at this price point. 

• Read our full PRGR Portable Launch Monitor review

Best portable

The Garmin Approach R10 is one of the most compact launch monitors out there and packs a formidable punch at a low price. It gathers an enormous amount of real time data which is then displayed on the accompanying Garmin Golf App. Metrics such as club speed, ball speed, smash factor, ball spin, club path and club face angle provide a clear picture of how you strike the ball and are great data points to help you improve your swing or get an idea of how far you hit each club in the bag.

When paired with the Garmin Golf app, players can also use Driving Range Mode to help recognize areas of strength and areas for improvement; automatically record video clips to analyze their swing and utilize the entertaining Home Tee Hero golf simulator to master and enjoy over 42,000 golf course worldwide.

• Read our full Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor review

Best GPS device

Garmin's G80 offers up plenty of helpful features in a slim device with a 3.5″, sunlight-readable, color, touchscreen display. Our testing revealed this device works fantastically in its own right as one of the best golf GPS, but its also an excellent launch monitor too - making this an extremely competitive package.

The GPS is clear and crisp, giving you yardages to the front, middle and back of greens as well as carry distances over hazards thanks to the 2D full hole display. Amazingly, this little device also has a slope function which gives you accurate yardages for shots up or downhill.

The launch monitor - that uses a built in Doppler radar - tracks clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance. A really versatile piece of kit. Garmin also makes some of the best golf watches too so check that guide out as well if you are a fan of the brand.

• Read our full Garmin Approach G80 GPS review

How we test

We test all golf technology as comprehensively as possible to gauge performance over time and whether it can actually help your golf game. As you would expect, this involves using different models regularly, and in different situations to see how the technology performs. A good example is using a monitor inside/outside, or in different types of weather. Of course many of the launch monitors also get used a lot because we do so much club testing as well. 

As the entire team are regular golfers, golf technology usually gets a thorough test and often get compared to one another side by side to test for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability and other features. That way we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader. The final thing we wanted to mention in this section is no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and makes its own opinion on how good or bad the product is.

How to choose a launch monitor

When discussing the best golf launch monitors there are a number of factors to consider. Let's take a look at them.

Accuracy

This is the most important factor to consider because if a launch monitor isn't accurate then it is useless. Obviously the premium models at the top of this page are the best in this regard but you can also get more budget-friendly models with good accuracy, like the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for example.

Metrics

Most devices these days give insight into metrics like ball speed, club head speed and carry distance however if you are looking for more specific club head data, and metrics like dispersion, then models like the Foresight Sports GCQuad and Trackman are the way to go. They are more expensive but offer incredible detail.

Camera/Radar

There are usually two main technologies in launch monitors these days.

Camera-based monitors use high-definition cameras to capture data at, and following, impact. Because of this they tend to be better for indoor use as some models may struggle in changing light conditions.

Radar designs use Doppler radar to follow the flight of the golf ball. These waves bounce off the golf ball to track the flight and this therefore makes them better for outdoor use. That being said there are models which have the best of both worlds, like the TrackMan 4.

Features

Linking with the above point, there are models with more features compared to others. Of course for most of the models we tested, measuring the golf ball's flight was the main purpose but some units offered the opportunity for simulator play, GPS functionality, or the ability to record your swing. Some also have games too.

Indoor/Outdoor Use

Are you going to be using the monitor inside or outside? If you look to focus on the former then investing in a proper setup may be the way to go whilst if you want to use a monitor outside then something convenient and portable is a better call.

Ease of use

This is a big factor because when we have the time to practice, we don't want to waste any of it trying to work out technological issues. This makes the smaller devices like the Swing Caddie SC300 and Rapsodo particularly appealing.

Portability

Speaking of which portability is an important factor in itself. You don't want to have to be lugging something heavy around or something that takes too long to fold away.

Price

We have to mention price when discussing launch monitors. There will be some who can afford the top-of-the-range designs but many more won't. However as we have shown above there are still some very good more affordable models too.

Understanding

Not only does the launch monitor have to be clear in displaying data, but you the player needs to have some understanding of what those numbers mean.

FAQs

If you want more buying advice, why not take a look at our guides on the best golf net, or best golf mat as well.

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