Best Cheap Golf Launch Monitors 2024

Golf has become enveloped in technology of late. Certainly, when you see the top professionals going about their practice in tournaments, you regularly see launch monitors and golf tech around them, which provide plenty of information about their swing, ball flight and yardage on each shot. 

While such tech only really used to be seen at professional echelons of the game, it has filtered down to amateur golfers like us - and we are now able to take advantage of the cutting edge data that Trackman and Foresight Sports GCQuad can provide.

However, the only slight issue with the products above is that they can cost lots of cash. For example, some products can set you back almost $20,000! However, help is at hand via launch monitors that not only deliver plenty of performance, but come in at a budget-friendly price. 

Below, we have taken a look at the best models that can help you learn more about your golf game, without burning a hole in your pocket. Providing all the basics you need, take a look at the models listed below and, if you after even more tech options, be sure to check out our best golf rangefinders and best golf GPS'.

The Quick List

Best Cheap Golf Launch Monitors

Best budget

First up we have the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor, a model that we said is the best budget option in our best launch monitors guide. We gave it this tag because it represents incredible value for what is an accurate, easy to use and fun launch monitor.

To begin with, it utilizes your smart phone to deliver accurate readings on each golf swing. Essentially, utilizing its doppler technology, this radar will display your swing information on your phone, showing numbers like carry distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle and launch direction. The other cool thing is it will film your swing and store up to 100 videos for free. 

So, how does it work? Well, it works in conjunction with the free Rapsodo app on your iOS smartphone both indoors and 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. In testing, it also folded down to almost nothing, was extremely lightweight and there was also a handy little case to carry it in. 

• Read our full Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor Review

Best handheld

The PRGR Portable Launch Monitor is a seriously impressive piece of equipment that uses a higher quality, dual doppler radar sensor and new launch algorithms that are designed to increase the overall consistency and precision of data. Certainly, in testing, we were impressed with the amount of data on offer, as well as the portable nature of it.

Being able to carry it in our pocket, all you do is put the PRGR behind the ball and away you go. For such a small launch monitor, it gathers a decent amount of data, with the device providing swing speed, ball speed, carry distance, total distance and smash factor which, for us, is around the right amount of data you need before it gets overwhelming.

Accuracy-wise, the numbers were consistent throughout, which is a good sign, and there was only the odd moment where the numbers seemed to be different to what we would expect. Thankfully, it's easy to remove the dodgy number from the PRGR in the settings.

• Read our full PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Review

Best for features

The SC4 is certainly one of the value options amongst the best portable launch monitors on the market and, out of the box, it might just be the easiest to use. Simply charge it, turn it on (you can get 10-plus hours per charge), set it five feet behind the ball, line up with your target line and go.

From testing, we know that the SC4 can be used without a mobile device, but we would recommend pairing it with the MySwingCaddie app via Bluetooth as it opens up a lot more information and possibilities. For example, by doing this, you can get a virtual range and see all your statistics in graphical form, such as their groupings. What's more, we could also record and integrate videos with our smartphone and tablet when using the app. 

In testing, we found that the SC4 pretty much has all the necessary metrics. It starts out with distance, which can be toggled between carry and total distance, and it will give you launch direction so you know whether or not you pushed or pulled the shot. There’s also swing speed (clubhead speed, which seems to be extrapolated) and ball speed, launch angle, apex, smash factor (how solidly you are hitting it) and spin. 

• Read our full Voice Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor Review

Most compact

Garmin are known for their GPS' and golf watches, with the R10 falling into the most compact section due to the fact that the case can hold the tripod, phone stand and device itself without no qualms. Also, it can fit in the golf bag without taking up much space at all.

Like other models on this list, it is extremely easy to set-up. Out of the box, connect it to a smartphone or tablet, put the R10 six-feet behind the ball then, once up and running, you will be able to see all the data on your smartphone, with the feedback instantaneous. 

Along with the basics like ball speed and total distance etc, the R10 also tracks club path analysis, including face to path, launch direction, club face angle, attack angle, launch angle and spin axis. Importantly, after striking the clubs in our bag, the accuracy was excellent and matched our on-course data.

• Read our full Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor Review

Best GPS combination

As well as being a GPS device, the Approach G80 is also a launch monitor that is extremely easy to use. The touchscreen makes the features easy to navigate and, within the settings, there are features like Garmin’s PlaysLike Distance, which provides distances to the target and also adjusts for uphill or downhill shots.

It's the launch monitor aspect that we are most interested in and, in terms of data, we were able to track club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance. Usage wise, it was also very easy to set-up, as all you need to do is position it on top of a ball just in front of where you are hitting from. It also works with the free Garmin Golf app, letting you compete, compare and connect with fellow golfers.

What we enjoyed about the Approach G80, was the fact that there are also games and practice modes that will help improve your game. You can also check the tempo of your swing or compete against friends or other golfers anywhere in the world. Finally, regarding accuracy, the launch monitor differed by around 10 yards with the  driver compared to the more premium models, but for the value, it's still a great option.

• Read our full Garmin Approach G80 GPS Review

Best battery life

The Swing Caddie SC300i is an ultra-portable, doppler radar system that is an upgrade on the impressive SC300. The improvements between the two models are plain to see, with the newer addition to Swing Caddie's range of products providing more features, a bigger screen and new sensor technology.

In testing, we found the SC300i was seriously accurate in terms of ball speed, swing speed and clubhead speed, whilst it connects directly to the free MySwingCaddie V2 app on your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. This means that users can track their performance in real-time. 

What's more, 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. Finally, it'll also measure things like clubhead speed, launch, angle, carry distance, apex height, spin rate and smash factor, making it one of the more comprehensive pieces of technology on this list. 

• Read our full Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor Review

Specifications Table

How we test golf technology

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. 

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.

1. Accuracy

This is the most important factor to consider because if a launch monitor isn't accurate then it is useless. Obviously the top of the range models from Trackman and Foresight Sports are the best in this regard but as we have shown above, from our testing we have found more budget-friendly monitors which are accurate as well, such as the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor.

2. 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 the cheaper models are more limited here. That being said we think several models above give more than enough data points for most people. 

3. 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. Be aware of some of these features and what you would like your monitor to do and then choose accordingly.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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. Therefore take a look at the weight and product dimensions of certain models, and whether they come with a carry case as well because this is very convenient. For more models that deliver in this regard, read our guide on the best portable launch monitors.

7. Price

We have to mention price when discussing launch monitors because that is a key factor in the making of this guide. For those of you who want, and can afford the top models, our best launch monitors guide has top of the range models for you, however this guide has lots of monitors that do an excellent job without breaking the bank. 

If you want to get fully kitted out with a home studio, why not take a look at our guides on the best golf net, or best golf mat as well.

FAQs