Technology has become intertwined with nearly all aspects of golf. As such, professional golfers are leveraging gear like launch monitors into their practice regimes to unlock insights and analytics on their swing, ball flight and yardage on each shot.
This technology was once exclusive to pros, but it’s now accessible to amateurs and casual golfers. We’re now able to take advantage of the cutting-edge data that Trackman and Foresight Sports GCQuad can provide.
Nonetheless, their price point still limits their accessibility with some devices setting you back set you back almost $20,000. That said, there are a range of options that are more economically viable for non-professionals. With this in mind, we have tested a lot of cheaper models and collated the best in this guide so we can all learn more about our golf games, without burning a hole in our pockets. Be sure to check out our best golf rangefinders and best golf GPS' too if you want more advice on some other golf technology.
The Quick List
This is a totally immersive simulator experience and the accuracy of data is very impressive. Shot response time is excellent and the course offerings are well executed and challenging.
The Rapsodo is simple to set up and provides accurate, quick data feedback on everything you need to know about your swing. You can also film and your swing and store up to 100 videos for free.
This is a seriously impressive device that provides the perfect amount of data and great portability. It stores information from 500 shots and has long-lasting battery life too.
Garmin have an esteemed reputation in the golf tech sector. The R10 is one of the most compact and portable launch monitors we've seen. There's plenty of data insights, high levels of precision and you can play 42,000 courses worldwide when linked with Garmin Golf App.
While the SC300i is slightly bulkier than other launch monitors, it makes up for it with a large, easy to read display that's packed with handy features. In testing, it performed particularly well outdoors.
No smartphone required! The SC4's crystal clear display is intuitive and remarkably easy to use. The audio options are great too and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Best Cheap Golf Launch Monitors 2025
Top pick
First up we have the Square Golf Launch Monitor which comes in at the value end of the price spectrum, and I was pleasantly surprised with the performance in testing. It is very lightweight and portable, coming in at only 470 grams with the battery.
I started on the range as I wanted to get a feel for how responsive and accurate the unit was and I have to say I was very impressed on both counts. Some launch monitors have a somewhat annoying time delay from the time the ball impacts the screen to how quickly the software projects a ball flight, but with Square Golf this is almost instantaneous.
Additionally the gameplay on the courses was realistic, the overall speed of the monitor was excellent and the data is accurate enough to satisfy the majority of golfers. If you have the space for a home indoor setup, you will get a lot of fun and value for money from a Square Golf launch monitor.
- Read our full Square Golf Launch Monitor Review
Best budget
Next I've picked the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor, a model that won our best budget option in our best launch monitors guide. Put simply, it's just an accurate, easy to use and fun launch monitor.
So, how does it work? Essentially, the Rapsodo utilizes your smartphone to deliver accurate readings on each golf swing both indoors and outdoors. After downloading the iOS app and logging in, you 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.
How did it perform? It testing, I did find navigating the app on a small screen a little fiddly but the graphics are genuinely impressive. The shot library is also very easy to digest and we found the level and accuracy of data very good for the price. Crucially, the device folded down to almost nothing, was extremely lightweight and there's a handy little case to carry it in too.
- Read our full Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor Review
Best handheld
The PRGR Portable Launch Monitor is a remarkable piece of equipment that uses a high quality, dual doppler radar sensor and launch algorithms that are designed to increase the overall consistency and precision of data.
It's pocket-sized. So it's really as simple as placing the PRGR behind the ball and away you go. Despite it's compact size, it gathers an impressive amount of data on insights such as swing speed, ball speed, carry distance, total distance and smash factor. I thought this was just the right amount of data before it gets overwhelming.
In testing, I found the precision and accuracy of data to be consistent. Occasionally, the numbers would seem different to what you'd expect but it's straightforward enough to remove the anomaly via the settings.
- Read our full PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Review
Most compact
Garmin are known for GPS devices and golf watches, with the R10 falling into the most compact section of launch monitors 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 battery life
The Swing Caddie SC300i improves upon it's all ready impressive predecessor—the SC300. The latest model offers a range of features including a bigger screen and new sensor technology.
How did it test? I was blown away by the accuracy of the ball, swing and clubhead speed. You can even track your performance in real-time by connecting to the free MySwingCaddie V2 app on your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth
I also enjoyed other features such as the voice output option of distance and a handy remote control for accessibility. In addition, there's video playback, analysis and battery life up to 20 hours. Swing analytics also includes clubhead speed, launch, angle, carry distance, apex height, spin rate and smash factor, making it one of the more comprehensive launch monitors in this category.
- Read our full Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor Review
Best for features
I think the SC4 is definitely one of the best value options in the portable launch monitor category. It might be one of the most user friendly and easiest to use too. Just turn it on, set it five feet behind the ball, line up with your targets and go.
While a mobile device is not imperative for using this device, we'd suggest pairing it with the MySwingCaddie app via Bluetooth. This enables you to access more swing insights as well as handy features like the ability to see all your statistics in a graphical form. We particularly enjoyed ability to record and integrate videos with the smartphone while using the app too.
How did it perform? Crucially, the SC4 has pretty much all the necessary metrics. Distance can be toggled between carry and total distance, then there's launch direction, swing speed, clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle apex, smash factor and spin. What more could you want?
- Read our full Voice Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor Review
Specifications Table
Model | Technology | Weight | Battery |
Square Golf Launch Monitor | High-speed camera and machine vision technology | 470g | 8 hours |
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor | Radar and camera depends on phone | 256g | 8 hours |
PRGR Portable Launch Monitor | Doppler radar | 125g | N/A |
Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor | Radar | 221g | 10 hours |
Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor | Doppler radar | 437g | 20 hours |
Voice Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor | Doppler radar | 589g | 10 hours |
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. Specifically launch monitor testing is overseen by several members of the gear team because they are constantly testing products. Deputy Editor Joel Tadman oversees the entire team and he is ably supported by professionals Joe Ferguson and Sam De'Ath, as well as Dan Parker, a Staff writer with years of experience testing golf equipment.
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
Should I practice with a launch monitor?
Depending on how you're looking to improve as a golfer, practicing with a launch monitor can be a really beneficial way to give you insights on your swing and connection with the golf ball. That can in turn help you analyze your play better and shoot lower scores.
Should I invest in an expensive launch monitor?
That depends on your skill set, budget and what you hope to achieve in the game. The more expensive models cater towards golfers looking to progress at a professional level. But there are more value options out there that, while they don't come cheap, represent a much better price than the top-spec models.
Can I use a portable launch monitor on the course?
Absolutely! So long as you don't hold up the group behind you, set it on the turf and play away!
