Best Affordable Golf Carts 2026
Looking for a reliable golf cart that won't break the bank, then we have you covered
For many of you, walking the course is a key component of any round. And while it affords you the pleasure of talking in the views in between shots, as well as providing an opportunity to get your steps in, it can take its toll if you’re carrying your bag. Fortunately, the best affordable carts allow you to enjoy all the benefits of walking while offering your back - and your wallet - some respite.
The best golf carts help you to preserve energy over the course of a round, meaning that you should have plenty in the tank when it comes to the last few holes. However, compared to a humble carry bag they can be expensive, and an additional cost that not all golfers can afford.
With this in mind we’ve selected our favorite affordable carts from the best push carts and best electric golf trolleys we’ve tested. Our experienced team of reviews have chosen them for their ability to balance performance and features with a price tag that won’t break the bank.
The Quick List
The MGI ZIP Navigator is a sturdy, responsive, and stable remote-controlled electric trolley. It’s also a bit more budget-friendly than some of its competitors and folds down to a surprisingly compact size for easy storage.
The Eze is lightweight, making uphill pushes effortless, yet it's also proven to be sturdy and dependable. The handle offers plenty of convenient storage options as well.
Improving on the design of the popular Cube, the QB2 offers bigger wheels and a smaller folded shape to make a push cart that's easy to live with.
Read more below
An impressive addition to the already extensive PowaKaddy push cart range. The Micra's compact folding size and lightweight frame will see it go toe-to-toe with any push cart out there.
The one-step system is a breeze and the slim folding system will be of particular use to those with limited space in a car or locker, and as push cart, it's well-built and functional,
The new Ridgeline 3 push cart from Sun Mountain is compact, easy to set up, and works well with just about any golf bag. It’s also easy to push and there's lots of storage options on the handle console.
Best Affordable Golf Carts 2026
Best electric
Getting the nod as the best electric option in our affordable carts guide is the MGI Zip Navigator. While many electric carts are pricey, the Navigator won’t break the bank. Despite this, it still manages to deliver many of the benefits you’d want from an electric trolley.
This starts with the folding design that’s easy to operate and includes wheels that invert, resulting in a pretty compact unit when folded down. If you’re after an electric cart that’s easy to lift in and out of the trunk as well as one that doesn’t take up too much space at home, then this is worthy of your consideration.
Once out on the course the Navigator continues to excel. The remote control is responsive and straightforward to use. We experienced little to no lag, and were left impressed by the downhill speed control, which, when paired with the forth wheel, made for a truly secure cart, even when navigating difficult terrain. The result was a cart that always ended up where it should.
- Read our full MGI Zip Navigator Remote Electric Trolley Review
Best push
The EzeGlide Smartfold gets the nod as the most affordable push cart. For those who are happy to shun a battery it delivers an impressive performance from start to finish. And that begins with just how easy it is to assemble. The folding mechanism is well-designed, intuitive to use and takes just a few seconds to set up. At a little under 16lbs, or just over 7kg, it’s light enough to make getting it out of the car a breeze.
Securing your bag is the next step. And again, this is achieved with the minimal amount of fuss. We found that the adjustable brackets could accommodate a range of golf bag sizes, with the arms going around the circumference of the bag, with bungee cords on offer for added security.
The best push carts need to deliver out on the course and we’re glad to report that the Smartfold makes for genuinely pleasurable experience. The three-wheel design means it can cover ground quickly, while being mobile enough to deal with tight spaces and corners; we traversed the course using just one hand, even when going up and down hill, but there’s any easy-to-locate foot brake should you need it.
Features-wise, the handle is home to holders for both your scorecard and umbrella, while there’s also a dry space to store your valuables.
Finally, getting the Smartfold cart packed down after a round is just as easy as unfolding it; it packs down to just 31" x 16" x 15.6”, which means it should be easy to store in both your trunk and your garage.
- Read our full Longridge Eze Glide Smart Fold Push Trolley review
Most compact
For those looking for an affordable and compact cart, the QB2 from Motocaddy is hard to beat. The brand has taken its popular Cube push trolley and made it 20% smaller when folded down. As for the process, it’s genuinely straightforward, and we were able to fold it up and down in just a handful of seconds.
Like many Motocaddy carts, the QB2 comes with the proprietary EasiLok system. This works when paired with a Motocaddy bag, and sees the bag securely locked into place without the need for bungee cords or similar.
Out on the course, the QB2 shines. We found that it glides along the fairways with little effort, thanks in no small part to the new, larger wheels. By increasing their size, Motocaddy has created a trolley that’s exceptionally easy to push regardless of the terrain. When it comes time to stop, there's a well-positioned foot brake.
The range of features is just as impressive. The adjustable handle boasts a range of storage options, including a netted accessories holder, which we used to store our rangefinder, providing easy access yet plenty of security for an expensive item.
- Read our full Motocaddy QB2 Push Cart Review
Best looking
While the best affordable carts are inherently a practical item, there to help you to save energy over the course of a round, it doesn’t hurt if they look good, too. And the Micra Push certainly does that.
Stylish design aside, it's a cart with plenty of useful features. As the name implies, it’s a pretty compact affair, which is easy to fold up and down, as well as get in and out of the trunk. The folding mechanism is a two-step operation that’s easy to get the hang of after a little practice; essentially the handle is pushed down, while the front wheel tucks underneath the main chassis.
Fitting your bag is just as straightforward, aided by PowaKaddy’s Key Lock base system that is designed to prevent the bag from twisting during play - and it works, with our bag held securely in place throughout our testing period.
Like all the best push carts, the Micra Push requires little effort to operate, eating up the fairways in the process. This is just as true when dealing with sidehills as well and the ups and downs, where the cart proved to be ably secure. There’s also a foot brake, which benefits from a noticeable click to sound that it's been properly engaged.
- Read our full PowaKaddy Micra Push cart review
Best folding mechanism
A great folding mechanism is at the heart of any of the best carts, and the one used by the Bag Boy Slimfold push is tough to improve on. Like all of the best designs, it’s simple by nature. It uses just a single lever to complete the operation, and once folded down it makes for a compact unit, measuring 32.25" x 8.5" x 13.5". Coupled with its low weight and a well-postioned handle, and you have a cart that’s a breeze to lift and store.
The slimline design does have its drawbacks, however, namely a lack of stability compared to the bigger, more robust carts in this guide. Still, we didn’t really have too many issues during our testing, and for those prioritizing size and weight, it’s likely a trade-off you’ll be happy to make.
Despite its size, the Slimfold doesn’t lack features. There’s plenty of on-cart storage, notably holders for a scorecard, water bottle and phone, as well as a plastic ‘hood’ that can be used to hold balls and tees; we wouldn't suggest using this for valuable items as the plastic material is a little too slick compared the netting used in other designs.
- Read our full Bag Boy Slimfold Push Cart review
Most versatile
Another compact design, the Ridgeline 3 weighs 18lbs and folds down to 26” x 15” x 16.5”. This makes it easy to carry and store, with the folding mechanism also straightforward in its application. We were able to master the process quickly, folding it up and down in just a few seconds.
In a pretty crowded marketplace, the Ridgeline 3 distinguishes itself from the masses thanks to its greater versatility. At the heart of this is its proprietary bracket, which is adjustable enough to accommodate almost any golf bag, be it a tour-style offering a lightweight stand model. In addition to the bracket there are some straps for extra security. We tested the Ridgeline 3 with a range of bag styles and it proved safe and secure at all times, even when carrying larger bags.
Like all the carts in this guide, its affordability doesn’t mean that it lacks features. There’s ample storage here, with multiple holders for your essentials as well as trays to hold valuables and spares.
- Read our full Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push cart review
How we test golf carts
At Golf Monthly we take product testing seriously. Our reviews are based on multiple rounds played in a variety of conditions so we can give you a well-rounded view of how a product performs throughout the season. Using a cart for one round doesn't give you the full picture, which is why we will take it out on multiple occasions.
Our team includes golfers with a wide range of handicaps, but who all bring plenty of experience and enthusiasm to the table. This puts us in a strong position to compare gear fairly and highlight how different models - in this case carts - stack up against each other.
Importantly, brands can’t buy positive reviews. Everything you read in our guides and reviews comes from genuine time spent using the products. It’s all about giving you honest, unbiased insights from one golfer to another.
How to choose the best push cart
Choosing the right affordable golf cart takes a bit of consideration. Sure, checking out what your playing partners use is a good starting point but narrowing down the best option for you means weighing up a few key factors. Here’s our advice on what to focus on:
Electric or Push
First up, decide whether you want an electric cart or a push model. Electric trolleys tend to be pricier but offer more features and require minimal effort to move around the course. Push carts are generally more affordable, lighter, and very user-friendly, which is ideal if you prefer a simpler setup.
Features
Golf carts vary widely when it comes to features. Some electric models offer built-in GPS, remote controls, shot-tracking, and LCD screens. Push carts can come with practical touches like storage compartments, drinks holders, and adjustable handles. Think about which features will actually benefit you during a round and look for models that match those needs.
Ease of Use
A golf cart is meant to make life easier, not harder. It should be simple to steer, quick to unfold and pack away, and easy to lift in and out of your car. Poorly designed mechanisms or awkward handling can quickly become frustrating, so ease of use should be near the top of your checklist.
Storage
Let’s face it, golfers carry a lot of gear! Many of it is not needed, but we like to have it anyway, just in case. While your bag holds most of it, extra storage on the trolley itself can make a big difference. Nearly all modern trolleys come with compartments but their size and layout vary. Look for options that provide quick access to essentials like your phone, wallet, balls, and scorecard.
Durability
A golf cart is an investment and you won't want to replace it too often, so you’ll want something that can stand up to regular use, variable weather and rough terrain. Look for models made from tough materials like aluminium, which strike a good balance between strength and weight.
Price
With so many brands in the game, there’s a cart for every budget. Whether you’re after a no-frills push model or a top of the line electric cart loaded with features, it all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend. Rest assured though, there are solid options at every price point.
FAQs
Should I use a push cart or electric cart?
An electric cart is considerably more expensive than a push cart but if you have the money then an electric trolley would be the one we would go for. This is because an electric trolley requires you to just walk, unlike a push trolley which requires you to move it to go forward.
What should I look for when buying a trolley?
There are a number of factors that need to be considered when purchasing a trolley. One major factor is the size and weight, this also means how easy is it to travel with to and from the golf course. Another point is cost, a push cart is going to be considerably cheaper than an electric cart, but an electric cart is going to be more beneficial to your game as it requires less effort to move.
