Back To Top

Best Golf Gadgets 2026

From rangefinders to launch monitors, we run through some of the best golf gadgets on the market in this guide.

golf gadgets
(Image credit: Future)

As technology continues to evolve, the word "gadget" has become a staple in the golf world. GPS, Bluetooth and even AI in rangefinders, watches and handheld devices have transformed shot tracking and game improvement training aids.

With tech becoming more accessible and more affordable, the best golf launch monitors are no longer just for professionals. The abundance of golf gadget accessories can be overwhelming to navigate. To simplify things, we've picked out our favorite gadgets. These are models we have had our hands on and tested thoroughly, so their inclusion is based upon very good performance across a variety of factors

The Quick List

Best Golf Gadgets

Best watch

Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch worn on the golf course showing off its display

(Image credit: Future)
One of the most user-friendly golf watches in the game

Specifications

Courses Preloaded: 43,000
Battery Life: 20 hours
Screen Size: 1.4″ (35.41 mm) diameter
Weight: 56g
Straps: One

Reasons to buy

+
Packed full of technology and features
+
Can track shots and make suggestions
+
Improved looks and interface
+
Extended battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Abundance of tech and features could overwhelm some

The Garmin Approach S70 is one of the most user-friendly GPS watches on the market, perfect for golfers who love feature-packed gadgets. As you'd expect , you get accurate yardage data, but with the S70 you can also track your score, see your shot distances, and select the clubs you are taking shots with.

We particularly enjoyed the ability to see what the weather is doing—giving you wind gusts and direction to aid your club choice. With all these great features, it is one of the best-equipped watches and the best golf watches on the market. The S70's large color screen displays the hole maps outstandingly and it even comes loaded with 43,000 courses.

Switching between golf mode and watch mode on the S70 is effortless. It also doubles as a fitness and sleep tracker, making it just as useful off the course. The S70 offers impressive battery life, lasting 20 hours in golf mode—easily enough for a couple of rounds. In watch mode, it delivers up to 16 days, setting a market-leading standard.

Best swing analyzer

The HackMotion Golf Swing Analyzer on a golfer's hand on the golf course

Sam De'Ath testing the HackMotion Golf Swing Analyzer on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
A training aid to help you understand and improve your swing

Specifications

Packages: Core, Plus, Pro versions

Reasons to buy

+
Real-time data gives you instant feedback
+
Audio cues are handy when practising by yourself
+
Video and data via the app are very helpful

Reasons to avoid

-
Golfers could get overwhelmed by the amount of data available

My next pick is a training aid because let's face it, all golfers want to get better right? Well I have picked the HackMotion Swing Analyzer off the back of a recent review by my colleague Sam De'Ath. So what is it? Well it uses a clever sensor system to help you learn and implement correct wrist angles throughout the golf swing, which will then help you hit better golf shots thanks to a neutral, stable face.

In testing, the calibration of the device was simple and obviously a crucial part of the set-up procedure. Once done, the feedback was instantaneous which just shows how cutting-edge this device is, whilst the app experience was user-friendly as well. It gives easy to understand processes, and asks what you want to get out of your practice as well so it can pick out specific drills for you.

It is worth mentioning there are three packages to choose from: Core, Plus and Pro, each of which come with varying degrees of information and features, whilst also coming with different price points. But overall I think this device is worth the investment if you struggle with wrist angle, or you want instant feedback on how you move during the golf swing.

Best laser

Bushnell Tour Hybrid Rangefinder Review

(Image credit: Future)
New features set the standard for the best rangefinders

Specifications

Range: 1,300 yards
Magnification: 6x Magnification
Protection: IPX6
Battery life: Replaceable CR-123 Battery

Reasons to buy

+
Rapid-fire detection
+
Built-in GPS gives a more accurate picture of your approach shot
+
GPS picks up the course quickly and automatically
+
Slope-compensated distances on both laser and GPS distances

Reasons to avoid

-
Graphics through viewfinder could be a touch clearer

My top pick laser-wise, and one of the best golf rangefinders on the market is the Bushnell Tour Hybrid. This model brings together the best features of Bushnell’s top rangefinders with a built-in GPS that shows yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green directly in the viewfinder. This innovative feature is sure to set a new standard in the rangefinder marketplace, giving golfers exactly the information they need before each shot to choose the right club, improve approach accuracy, and potentially lower scores.

Despite its advanced features, the Tour Hybrid is incredibly simple to set up and use. There’s no need to link apps or follow complicated setup steps - the GPS activates automatically and quickly recognizes the course you’re playing. We really do believe rangefinders from competitors will look a lot different going forward and the Tour Hybrid will be a big driving force in that.

Best value monitor

Photo of the Square Golf Launch Monitor

(Image credit: Future)
A simple to use monitor with plenty of features for its price

Specifications

Technology: Photometric camera technology
Data: Club/ball speed, launch angle/direction, distance
Weight: 470g
Battery life: 8 hours
Portable: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Simple setup procedure
+
The speed of response is exceptional
+
Accurate data readings

Reasons to avoid

-
Could do with a protective case
-
Some won’t like needing to use balls provided for the best data readings

My launch monitor pick from a value perspective is the Square Golf Launch Monitor, of which I was pleasantly surprised in testing. It is very lightweight and portable, coming in at only 470 grams with the battery.

Starting with the responsiveness and accuracy, I was impressed with the performance on both counts here. 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 Monitor.

Best grip trainer

Photo of Scottie Scheffler's moulded training grip

(Image credit: Future)

G-Rip Grip Trainer

A quick, affordable way to ensure grip consistency

Specifications

Designed to help: Grip consistency
Material: Rubber

Reasons to buy

+
Ensures hand placement consistency
+
Good value given immediate feedback

Reasons to avoid

-
Need a spare club in same specs to get most out of it

If you need help with consistency when it comes gripping the golf club then we might have found the training aid for you. Used by world number one Scottie Scheffler, this is a rubber grip that ensures he places his hands on the club the same way every single time. For testing and research purposes, our gear tester Joe Ferguson made a replica of his seven-iron and fitted one of these grips on it, to see if it could make a difference. After a period of time, Joe said;

"I personally believe that the training grip has had a monumental impact on my ability to place my hands on the club consistently and in turn my ability to control the clubface....With so many things that can and do go wrong within the golf swing, eliminating a variable such as the grip is both easy to do and will reap huge rewards in terms of consistency."

Therefore if you need help when it comes to the grip, then we cannot recommend this very affordable option enough.

Best shot-tracking

Arccos Link Pro Review

(Image credit: Future)
A functional, powerful and compact device

Specifications

Battery life: 15+ hours
Weight: 30g

Reasons to buy

+
Much improved battery life
+
Could make a case for better shot detection
+
More convenient

Reasons to avoid

-
Charging case is fairly weighty

An excellent shot-tracking product is the Link Pro from Arccos. When we tested the previous Caddie Link we noticed the battery life wasn't fantastic, and it was slightly awkward to use from a convenience standpoint, but these minor points have been rectified with the Pro.

It comes with a wireless charging case so you can get up to 12 rounds on a single charge, and importantly, this case is compact and can fit in most pockets in your bag. It is slightly weighty though so if you like a lightweight bag, then that is something to think about.

The gadget itself is the size of a key fob or so, and works inside your pocket so you can get your data without using a phone. The new GPS chip and multi-mic configuration has done wonders for the accuracy as well because there were fewer missed shots.

Overall if you want a convenient device to gain an understanding of your stats and where you can improve, then the Link Pro is definitely a model to consider. For more of the best shot-tracking devices, check out our guide.

Best speaker

Bushnell Wingman HD

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sound: 360-degree sound
Battery: 8 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Instant, accurate yardages
+
Excellent sound quality
+
A useful product whether you're on the course or at home

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very compatible for golfers who tend to walk rather than ride in a cart

The Bushnell Wingman HD is a premium golf GPS speaker that takes course management into the digital age with its new, immersive 3.5-inch color screen. This display delivers precision yardages, hole flyovers, and green previews directly to your device, bridging the gap between a high-end rangefinder and a luxury Bluetooth speaker. It’s the ultimate tech-driven companion for golfers who want to track their shots with surgical accuracy while enjoying high-fidelity audio.

This device is a dream for regular riders of golf carts thanks to Bushnell’s powerful BITE magnetic strip for effortless attachment to any metal cart frame. While walkers might find it a bit cumbersome compared to a wearable, its IPX67 waterproof rating and magnetic mounting make it incredibly versatile. Whether you're navigating a rainy back nine or hosting a backyard BBQ, the Wingman HD is built to handle the elements.

In terms of using it as a regular speaker, be that on or off the course, the Wingman HD delivers an immersive 360-degree sound experience that rivals dedicated premium audio brands. It stands out as a high-value investment for social golfers who want a durable, multi-functional gadget that is as effective in the living room as it is on the fairway.

Best simulator

Garmin Approach R50 Review: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
An outstanding model with a multitude of features

Specifications

Data: 15 ball and club data points
Technology: 3 high-speed camera sensors
Portable: Yes
Courses: 43,000

Reasons to buy

+
Launch monitor and golf simulator in one unit
+
Clear, responsive touchscreen display
+
Accurate, customisable data
+
Realistic simulator experience

Reasons to avoid

-
User required to bend/kneel down to change settings
-
Simulator feature comes small with additional cost

Our top pick in the simulator space is the Garmin Approach R50, which combines a launch monitor and simulator into one piece of equipment. As such it is a pretty sizeable unit, and yet it isn't overly heavy at just above 4kg. It has a 10-inch full color touchscreen which was bright, crystal clear and I felt very responsive too. Three cameras track 15 club and data points, as well as ball flight too, and in my testing the data stacked up nicely with competitors. I didn't see any real delay in getting the data although to get club data it was a little annoying having to apply a sticker to the top of each clubface.

I really enjoyed the Play feature. The graphics are outstanding and there are 43,000 courses to choose from, which is one of the highest numbers on the market. Importantly I found the courses to be realistic enough - it makes power deductions for different lies and it shows you the breaks on the greens.

All in all, my experience with the Approach R50 was an extremely positive one and it absolutely lived up to all the hype. It is not totally perfect, with a couple of minor points stopping it from getting the highest review verdict from me, but I really do think the R50 has moved the needle in the golf simulator space, as well as on the monitor market.

How we test golf gadgets

At Golf Monthly we test a lot of products and golf gear because we feel that only by using a product for a good amount of time can you tell if it is a good product. When it comes to tech, we don't just unbox products - we put them through the same rigorous testing as we would with the likes of the best golf drivers and irons. Our testing process is designed to move past the initial honeymoon phase and see how these gadgets actually perform over the long haul. Whether it's a laser rangefinder or a complex shot-tracking system, we evaluate every device across several critical metrics to ensure it lives up to the hype.

SunTrade Golf Grip

Given the wide variety of gadgets out there, several members of the Golf Monthly gear team test these products. The gear team is run by Deputy Editor Joel Tadman and he is supported by professionals Joe Ferguson and Sam De'Ath. Additionally Staff Writers Dan Parker and Conor Keenan assist in gear reviews after testing golf equipment for a number of years, most notably on the tech side of things.

Finally I should also mention that no manufacturer can pay for a good review because our team tells it how it is.

What to consider when buying golf gadgets

Every golfer loves a new toy, and the right tech can turn a guessing game into a strategy session. The best golf gadgets are arguably as good as they've ever been but a lot come with a dizzying array of bells and whistles, as we like to say, that can make the buying process feel like reading a manual in a foreign language. To help you cut through the noise and find the gear that actually moves the needle on your handicap, we’ve outlined the essential factors you should consider before adding that next piece of kit to your bag.

What is it for?

Before you go down the rabbit hole of golf tech, start with a clear game plan. With the sheer volume of gadgets hitting the market, an aimless search is a guaranteed recipe for "gadget-induced paralysis." Identifying your specific pain points, rather than just buying the shiniest thing on the shelf, is the only way to narrow your focus and find kit that actually helps your score.

Usability

Next, you need to decide on your tech tolerance. Are you looking for a streamlined experience or do you want a high-performance command center with deep data and multi-functional capabilities? Our selection of gadgets for this guide spans the entire spectrum, from the very techy S70 watch to the simplicity of the G-Rip grip trainer which does one thing perfectly.

Versatility

Do you want to be able to carry around the gadget, a golf watch for example? Do you want to be able to use it at home as well as the local course? Many gadgets slot nicely into your bag, such as rangefinders, whilst others are more difficult to pack away and store. So have a think about how versatile and portable you want the gadget to be.

Durability

A gadget is only as good as its build quality. Since these devices are destined for a life of being rattled in carts and bags, dropped on fairways, and exposed to the elements, you need to look past the shiny exterior. Assessing durability and protection standards is the only way to ensure your tech doesn't become an expensive paperweight after its first encounter with a summer downpour or a concrete cart path.

Budget

Our final factor is budget. Importantly, in every category we picked out above, there are models at different price points. (We have also created value guides like the best budget golf rangefinders as well). So it is worth thinking about how much you are willing to spend on a golf gadget, instead of investing elsewhere on clubs, balls, lessons or whatever the case may be.

For more golf gadgets be sure to have a read of our guides on the best golf GPS, best golf watches for ladies, or best value golf watches.

FAQs

Should I invest in good golf gadgets?

Yes. These days, your bag isn't complete without at least one piece of score-shaving tech. Whether you need a laser rangefinder to pin down exact yardages or a specialized fitness tool to boost your swing speed, the current crop of golf gadgets is all about one thing - making the game easier.

How accurate are laser rangefinders?

While precision levels naturally fluctuate between entry-level and premium models, our testing and reviews show that nearly every modern device delivers the 'functional accuracy' needed for you to hit it close to the flag. The more you spend typically correlates to how accurate the laser is, but it isn't an exact science. Our best budget rangefinder guide shows the quality of laser you can acquire without spending too much.

Are golf laser rangefinders worth it?

If you’re on the fence, we think laser rangefinders are absolutely worth the investment. They are simple to use, built to last for seasons and take the stress out of the approach game. Instead of wandering around looking for a yardage plate or second-guessing the breeze, you just zap your target and go. It’s essentially a digital caddie that helps you plot a smarter path around the course without the guesswork.

TOPICS
Joel Tadman
Deputy Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 15 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.1.

Joel's current What's In The Bag?

Driver: Titleist GT3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°

Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°

Putter: LAB Golf DF3

Ball: 2025 Titleist Pro V1x

With contributions from