Best Portable Launch Monitors 2026
The best portable launch monitors allow you to monitor your distances and swing with ease and perhaps cost less than you might think
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Not too long ago, the best golf launch monitors were pieces of golf tech reserved for the professionals of the game, almost solely found on PGA Tour driving ranges or Professional teaching facilities. However, in one of the fastest growing markets in golf equipment launch monitors have become affordable for almost all players of the game. Gone are the chunky pieces of kit that have to be connected to a screen and a high-tech computers. Now, with some devices all you need is a smartphone!
Launch monitors have become smaller and more affordable which makes them more useful as well. We no longer rely on the $10,000 Trackman device at our local teaching facility and can instead invest in a launch monitor that is so small it can easily be carried in our golf bags from round to round. The best portable launch monitors, such as our top pick, the Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor below, are easy to both setup and use, often connecting directly to our smartphones for simple visual and data feedback. This means less time faffing with setup and more time working on your game.
The Quick List
The GC3 is a comprehensive and versatile launch monitor that looks to offer decent value for money given all the features on offer and is our device of choice during our indoor club testing as a result.
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.
For those who enjoy practising, playing and competing, this is a launch monitor well worth considering, with this model used by Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm.
A lot of portable launch monitor for the money, the Voice Caddie SC4 works well as a stand-alone unit, but opens up even more features paired with the excellent MySwingCaddie app.
A seriously impressive device that makes owning a launch monitor much more accessible for many golfers. Good value for money, it is also accurate and consistent.
A very professional portable and accurate launch monitor, the Eye Mini from Uneekor is a great tool for serious players thanks to accurate numbers, instant feedback and simulator capabilities.
Best Portable Launch Monitors 2026
Top pick
Built on the same advanced photometric technology found in the company’s flagship launch monitor, the GCQuad, the GC3 features a three-camera system that measures ball and club performance data, both outdoors and indoors, with precision and accuracy - and for that reason, it's our top pick in this guide because it's arguably the closest thing you can get to tour-level data analysis of your golf swing.
What makes the GC3 so accurate is the Barometric Sensor which factors in temperature, humidity and altitude to give you data as accurately as possible. It's portable and small, measuring just over 30cm and weighing just over 2kg, but may not fit into your golf bag as well as other units in this buying guide. It shares a lot of features with it's bigger, more expensive brother - the GCQuad, including the ease of use and speed of measurement and feedback. It doesn't measure face angle, loft and lie, impact location or closure rate like the GCQuad, nor does it provide full putting data, but you can access basic data for the latter by applying a simple sticker to your putter face.
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 value
Next 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 shot detection
The most ringing endorsement any golf product can have is that it is used by Tiger Woods. If the GOAT is using it then it must be good, because Tiger is the ultimate golf nerd and few people on the planet are more knowledgeable about the game than him.
The Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor uses a Doppler radar to analyze your shots and provide subsequent data - which is good enough for Tiger (meaning it's good enough for you, too).
The Full Swing Kit is extremely straightforward to use. You start by downloading the free Full Swing app to your phone or tablet and pair it to the launch monitor. Then you place it on the ground 10 feet behind the ball and that's it. You're good to go!
When we tested this monitor we found the data to be accurate and reliable, with the quality of the app enhancing our practice experience. The monitor is easy and fun to use, meaning you'll enjoy your practice sessions while using it. It's simplicity may be it's best feature, with data feedback coming swiftly and effectively after your shots. A carry case in included which makes it easy to transport around and you can even connect your bluetooth earphones or headphones for audio feedback.
- Read our full Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor Review
Easiest to use
It narrowly missed out on our 'best value' label, but the Voice Caddie SC4 is an exceptionally user-friendly and affordable portable launch monitor that provides significant value for its $550 price tag. The versatility here is a real feature, functioning as a completely standalone unit that boasts a built-in display and audio distances that allows golfers to practice without needing a smartphone or tablet. It tracks essential all the important metrics you want from a launch monitor, including carry and total distance, swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, and smash factor. Another point of praise is the inclusion of a convenient magnetic remote control for seamless mode and club switching during practice sessions.
The SC4, as you may be able to tell from the images, is slightly bulkier than some competitors but it remains portable enough to fit easily into a golf bag. Through both "Practice" and "Target" modes and integrating with the MySwingCaddie app, you can get a deeper data visualization and video recording without a mandatory subscription - something that plagues a lot of the monitors and simulators we are lucky enough to test. Pair with this the compatibility of third-party software like E6 Connect and Optishot Orion and it makes it one of the best low-cost options for golfers looking to build a functional home simulator setup or simply want a device they can easily take and use at the range as well as at home.
Best handheld
This doppler radar option is so handy that it will fit neatly in your pocket, providing you with the ultimate in portability as well as all the data metrics needed to help you understand your game, such as speed, distance and smash factor. The graphics and buttons are fairly basic but you get all the information you need on a screen that is easy to read.
Another launch monitor using the technology of the doppler radar, the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor is so small it can fit in your pocket. It's ultra-portable as a result while giving you all the data sets you need to work on and understand your game - speed, distance and smash factor. The graphics and buttons are relatively basic in comparison to competing monitors, but all your information is there on the screen and is easily digestible.
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.
Although there is no app to connect with this monitor to record your data, the device will log your last 500 shots which allows players to go back and analyze your shot data manually if you want to note it down with the old fashioned pen and paper. This is ideal starting place for the golfer purchasing their first launch monitor or who have never properly recorded their yardages.
- Read our full PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Review
Most accurate
Uneekor's EYE MINI is a portable launch monitor designed to bridge the gap between affordable entry-level units and high-end tour equipment we see on PGA TOUR driving ranges from week to week. Using similar cameras to our top pick, the GCQuad, the EYE MINI delivering near instantaneous analytical feedback to the user, including metrics like ball speed, spin, launch angle, and club path. All of this data is delivering succinctly on the in-build screen for clear reading and digestion. It isn't the most portable launch monitor in this guide and is a little bulkier than competing options, but the build is a robust one that feels high quality. Its also worth praising how easy it is to use, with a simple 'push to start' system meaning its dead easy to use whether you're at home hitting balls in your garage or at the driving range at your local club.
Beyond raw data, the EYE MINI provides deep swing insights through its integration with the Uneekor VIEW Air app which unlocks another layer of immersion for the user. A standout feature is the 'Club Optix' technology, which delivers high-speed video of the club-to-ball impact, allowing golfers to see their exact strike point and swing path in real time. Although it isn't the cheapest option on this list and requires specific club stickers for the most accurate technical data, the monitor offers exceptional accuracy that rivals much more expensive professional units, making it a compelling choice for serious players seeking tour-level feedback without the five-figure price tag.
- Read our full Uneekor Eye Mini Launch Monitor Review
How we test
At Golf Monthly we pride ourselves in our abilities to review a range of different golf equipment, from clubs and tech to shoes and golf bags. We do this thanks to our trusted review formula that has fine tuned and built after over a decade of reviewing some of golf's best buys. One of our methods is testing equipment in a range of different settings, for example using a monitor inside/outside, or in different types of weather. Of course many of the portable launch monitors also get used a lot because we do so much club testing as well.
Our reviews are done by golfers, for golfers, meaning our readers can then make the best informed buying decisions in a sport that we know isn't the cheapest hobby! This is why we put so much time and effort into our reviews because we feel like we owe it to you, the reader. Specifically our technology testing is overseen by several members of the gear team - Joel Tadman, Joe Ferguson and Dan Parker. All have been testing golf equipment for years and know what makes a good launch monitor, and can eloquently pass on performance characteristics to help you make an informed buying decision.
Finally it is worth saying that no brand can 'buy' a good review, nor does one manufacturer get preferential treatment over another - we simply call it how we see it.
Why you'd want to buy a launch monitor
Golf is both a game of numbers and fine margins. The difference between a good and bad score if a fine line and thus we must try and give ourselves as much advantage as we possibly can - one way we can do this is through thorough, data based practice sessions on the range to help us learn as much as we can about our own golf game.
Launch monitors give you instant access to your true carry distances and spin stats right on your smartphone. Whether you're trying to fix a slice or just looking to see if that new driver is actually faster, having these numbers allows you to make smarter decisions on every shot. It’s about practicing smarter, not harder.
These numbers can often give you the answer to your why - why am I missing left? Why do I miss right with my driver? Why is my full wedge shots not spinning as much as I'd like?
Data beats 'feel' every time. A launch monitor can show you that your 'big miss' is actually just a misalignment. If you're missing right but your Spin Axis is low, you don't have a slice, you just have a problem with your alignment (which could be a good thing because they're easy to fix!). Launch Monitors help you stop chasing ghost swing flaws and focus on the basics like stance and ball position. They are ultimate tool for simplifying your game and trusting that your swing is better than you thought - something I think all of us need reminded from time to time.
The more you learn about your game through a launch monitor, the more you can tweak your bag setup to accommodate your playing characteristics. The best golf gadgets are those who help us learn more about the game of the golf - the golf swing, it's mechanics and how your swing plays out. This helps us make informed decisions on which drivers, iron set or wedge you think would be best suited to compliment your swing. If the data tell you that you struggle with a slice off the tee then it would be wise to try out one of the many drivers for slicers on the market, for example.
There’s a reason you see a launch monitor behind every pro on the range - understanding your swing through data is the only way to truly 'fix the disaster' rather than just chasing hero shots. In 2026, you don’t need a Tour pro’s budget to get pro-level feedback. Affordable, ultra-portable units like the Garmin Approach R10 and the Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC4 have democratized the game, fitting easily into a side pocket of your bag.
Some of the premium models that you'll see on tour or in high-tech fitting studios can be hugely expensive, so our rundown of the best portable launch monitors focuses mostly on the more affordable options, although we've covered some of the most portable premium options too. Be sure to take a look at our guides on the best golf simulator, best golf rangefinders or the best golf shot tracking apps and devices if the latest technology is of interest.
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
The most important thing to focus on when buying a launch monitor is accuracy - you'll actually do more harm than good if you buy one that is giving out incorrect data. As mentioned earlier, we're happy to report that the quality and accuracy of data from cheaper models is really impressive. In fact, the overall floor of quality of the more budget-friendly options is pleasantly high, albeit there may be one or two wonky numbers thrown in there that should be easily identifiable.
Metrics
What do you want to learn about your game? Is your swing on the right path? How far do you hit each of your clubs? What's your ball speed? Clubhead speed? Smash factor? Spin rate?
I could go on and on here, but different players will want to focus on different things and not all launch monitors will have the exact data that some players will require. The more you spend, of course, the more likely your launch monitor will have all the data you need but if you're on a smaller budget then this should come into your thinking when deciding which one to buy. If money isn't a factor and you want as much information as possible then the Foresight Sports GCQuad and Trackman are the way to go. They are more expensive but offer incredible detail.
Features
Different launch monitors come with different features. Some can include swing videos and shot tracers while more expensive models can include full simulator modes that you can play games against yourself, the computer or even other friends on. Of course, with a launch monitor the most important function is measuring your swing and shot data, but often golfers will want a few more bells and whistles to play with - especially if they're splashing the cash for the high tech device.
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.
Ease of use
Some people don't want the hassle of setting up an advanced launch monitor - they simply want to hit shots and look at the numbers. This makes the smaller devices like the Swing Caddie SC300 and Rapsodo particularly appealing.
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.
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
What launch monitors do pros use?
Professionals out on Tour use a variety of launch monitors right now. We regularly see players carrying around models from Trackman and Foresight Sports, whilst we also know some professionals use launch monitors at home, like the Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor used by Tiger Woods.
Are portable launch monitors worth it?
We think a portable launch monitor is worth it because of the benefits available like a great understanding of your golf game, more efficient practice, convenience, and importantly, there are really good models out there that do not have to cost thousands of dollars.
Can I use my phone as a launch monitor in golf?
Put simply, yes. With specific apps you can get launch monitor data to your phone with many of the top models syncing to your phone seamlessly. This gives clear visual and data feedback quickly and efficiently. Additionally some models actually utilize the phone itself as part of the data gathering process. For example the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor requires your phone to sit in the cradle itself, and then when hitting shots it displays the data on the phone screen for you.
In short launch monitor manufacturers are recognizing the simplicity of using our phones and as such they are building in that functionality to make our practice simpler and easier.
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.
