Best Portable Launch Monitors 2024

There was a time not so long ago when the best golf launch monitors were something that only Tour Pros had regular access to. They were big, bulky and most of all they were extremely expensive. The huge advancements in technology over recent years has changed all of that and now even the casual golfer can easily afford a device that can provide valuable data.

Not only are portable launch monitors becoming more affordable, but they’re also getting smaller - which makes them easier to transport to the various different locations golfers like to practice, be it the driving range, an indoor studio or even the golf course. Some devices work with your smartphone, others are actually even smaller than your smartphone and can easily fit in your pocket. 

The best portable launch monitors need to be easy to set up and use - time spent faffing is valuable practice time lost, especially if you are paying by the hour - and the models we’ve selected below have proven to be very user friendly.

Accuracy is also a key factor and while more expensive models guarantee this, we’ve found that even less expensive portable launch monitors from reputable companies tend to stack up very well. So for the avid golfer that just wants basic feedback on the shots they hit, whether it’s to tune up on their yardages or testing one club against another, check out this handy guide below to the devices that will suit your needs as well as your budget. 

VIDEO: Joel Tadman tests and compares five of the best portable launch monitors under $600 

Why You'd Want To Buy A Launch Monitor

Launch monitors provide invaluable feedback on the shots we hit, enlightening us on the distances but also our strengths and weaknesses. Many average golfers have a completely false impression about how far they hit the ball, or why they keep missing to the right. 

When you have accurate club and ball data such as clubhead speed, carry distance, spin and much more that can be seen instantly on a screen, this is invaluable when it comes to helping golfers make decisions on clubs or swing changes that may or may not be working.

The numbers can explain why you might have a tendency to miss right or left, and you can then correct your swing to eliminate bad tendencies. You might think you slice the ball with your irons, only for the data to show there isn't too much side spin at all and your problem is something more basic, such s poor alignment for example.

Launch monitors can also give insight into things like swing path, and because distance numbers are so readily available, they allow you to dial in your bag setup too.

Nearly every touring professional uses a portable launch monitor to hone their swings and many amateurs are now making the most of the technology to improve their games. Launch monitors these days are also very convenient because they can often be folded up nicely, or they are handheld devices so are highly portable.

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.

The Quick List

Best Portable Launch Monitors

Tiger Woods' Model

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. Plus he's absolutely loaded so doesn't need to take endorsement money to plug inferior products.

Tiger's launch monitor of choice is Full Swing’s Kit, which uses Doppler radar to analyze your shots. You might think that something Tiger uses to analyze his game must be incredibly complex and difficult to use, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

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! There’s no need for stickers on the club face, alignment sticks or leveling calibration - you just set it down, line it up, pair it with your device and you’re good to go. 

Our testing revealed just how accurate and reliable the performance is and we feel that the app experience really sets this package apart. As well as being so efficient and accurate, it's important to also state that this portable launch monitor is a lot of fun to use and will greatly enhance your practice sessions. It’s uncomplicated and functions quickly and effectively. It comes with a carry case, which makes it easily portable, and you can even pair it with your bluetooth earphones to hear the data parameter you want after each shot.

• Read our full Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor Review

Best set up process

The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is easy to set up and use, measures most everything you need, shows both 3-D and 2-D views, and comes in at just $699 retail.

It comes with a protective case, which will easily fit inside a golf bag and it includes a cleverly designed tripod, a user manual, and a sleeve of specially-marked Callaway RPT Chrome X golf balls. The golf balls are meant mostly for indoor use in a net since they measure spin metric, but there is a setting on the device for range balls and premium balls which can be used when on the range.

Impact Vision is an extremely useful tool for anyone looking to analyze their own ball striking and make adjustments. That's one of two cameras, which is super easy to set up with its unique tripod that snaps into the place. The other wide angle "Shot-Vision'' camera will video your swing from behind and show the track of your shot, similar to what you see on TV during a tour event. And you can even add a third camera from your mobile device or tablet, giving you three different views.

In testing, we found that it doesn't track the ball all the way to the end but, with a combination of Doppler Radar and the cameras, it does track it for a large portion of its ball flight to come up with the curvature and height of the shot. In the data, you will find carry distance, clubhead speed, ball speed, and launch angle, from which it extrapolates total distance. 

The purchase of a Rapsodo MLM2PRO also includes a year of its Premium Membership, which provides access to 30,000 simulator courses and other special features like "Virtual Driving Range," as well as its unique "Impact Vision" camera, which is a major upgrade over the original Rapsodo Mobile launch monitor. The MLM2PRO also works with android mobile devices, too, now instead of just IOS devices. After the first year, Premium Membership is $199 annually.

• Read our full Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor Review

Best sleek finish

At $550 retail, 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 be the easiest to use. You just simply charge it, turn it on (each full charge gives you 10-plus hours), place it five feet behind the ball, line up with your target line and away you go. 

You don’t even have to pair it with your mobile device (though we would highly recommend it) because it has its own display, as well as audio announcing your distances. You simply swing, listen and look. In addition, there’s an easy-to-use remote control that magnetically attaches to the unit itself and that remote makes it super easy to change modes, clubs, and adjust other settings while you’re hitting balls.

It comes with a charging cable and nice carrying case and, whilst this redesigned unit is a little bulkier and heavier than other models on this list, it easily fitted into our golf bag. This meant we could use it prior to our round or for a practice session.

As for what it measures, the SC4 pretty much has all the necessary metrics. It starts out with distance, which can be toggled between carry and total distance. It provides launch direction, as well as swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, apex, smash factor and spin.

• Read our full Voice Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor Review

Best ease of use

This mid-range offering from Flightscope provides golfers with all the data they would ever need (and then some) via a device that is very easy to set up and an app interface that even the least tech-savvy golfer out there should be able to grasp. It isn't the smallest device on this list but it is portable thanks to the included carry case that clips on to your bag and the fact it is very lightweight.

This portable launch monitor works outdoors but it is best suited towards golfers that have an indoor hitting space and screen available, as it also doubles as an impressive simulator that allows you to play some amazing courses from the comfort of your home.

We also liked how it works with the FS Skills app, which provides a multitude of skills challenges to test different areas of the game and provide points based on your performance for you to then try and beat next time. You can even create your own challenges and see how you compare to a PGA Tour player.

• Read our full Flightscope Mevo+ Launch Monitor Review

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. 

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.

While there is no connectivity to an app or other device to record all your data, the device will log your last 500 shots allowing to go back and record the data manually if you want to note it down. For golfers who have new clubs or have never properly recorded their yardages, the PRGR is a great tool to help accurately gather this sort of information.

• Read our full PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Review

Best battery life

Voice Caddie are a company best known for producing personal GPS devices for figuring out distances to different points on the golf course, but they are also serious players in the launch monitor market and the Swing Caddie 300i is a great example of an affordable launch monitor with a lot of features. 

It's an ultra-portable, doppler radar launch monitor that uses atmospheric pressure sensors to provide more accurate data. It connects directly to the free MySwingCaddie V2 app on your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth so users can track their performance in real-time. 

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.

In testing we found that the SC300i was deadly accurate, especially outdoors, in terms of distance, swing speed and clubhead speed. It even compared very well with monitors that cost thousands of dollars. Indoors, the data was pretty close to a much more expensive simulator we used in conjunction with it. It is certainly among the most accurate among all the portable launch monitors under $600. 

• Read our full Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor Review

Best value

The Rapsodo MLM turns your smartphone into a portable launch monitor. It gives you a wide range of numbers like carry distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, and launch direction, but perhaps it's most unique selling point is that it also films your swing and stores up to 100 videos for free (you can get more storage with a subscription). It also offers video playback with shot tracer and the data overlaid.

It works in conjunction with the free Rapsodo app on your iOS smartphone (unlike the MLM2PRO above the MLM does not work on Android) and can be used indoors or 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 with alignment and selecting your hitting direction (for enhanced accuracy). This model also made our guide on the best cheap launch monitors because the Rapsodo's price represents incredible value for this accurate, easy to use and fun launch monitor.

Given how easy it is to use and the overall accuracy and data points available, we have to say the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is an excellent option for golfers seeking an affordable way to gain insights into shot or club performance, providing you own a relatively new iPhone or iPad.

• Read our full Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor Review

Most compact

The Garmin Approach R10 packs a formidable punch at a low price. It's one of the most compact portable launch monitors out there and gathers an enormous amount of real time data which is then displayed on the accompanying Garmin Golf App. 

Metrics such as club speed, ball speed, smash factor, ball spin, club path and club face angle provide a clear picture of how you strike the ball and are great data points to help you improve your swing or get an idea of how far you hit each club in the bag.

When paired with the Garmin Golf app, players can also use Driving Range Mode to help recognize areas of strength and areas for improvement; automatically record video clips to analyze their swing and utilize the entertaining Home Tee Hero golf simulator to master and enjoy over 42,000 golf course worldwide.

• Read our full Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor Review

Best photometric

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. One of the things that makes the GC3 so accurate is its Barometric Sensor, which takes into account temperature, humidity and altitude and gives you accurate data based on these real time factors. 

At just 30cm high and weighing just over 2kg, it’s a fully portable unit and can easily be taken out with you if you’d like to measure shots on the course. 

There are lots of similarities with the GCQuad, which is no bad thing, in particular how easy it is to use and the speed at which it does its measurements for around a third of the price. Unlike the GCQuad, the GC3 does not measure face angle, loft and lie, impact location or closure rate, nor does it provide full putting data. You can, however, gain access to basic putting data by applying one sticker to the 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

How we test

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. Of course many of the portable launch monitors also get used a lot because we do so much club testing as well. 

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.

Accuracy

This is the most important factor to consider because if a launch monitor isn't accurate then it is useless. Obviously the premium models at the top of this page are the best in this regard but you can also get more budget-friendly models with good accuracy, like the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for example.

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 models like the Foresight Sports GCQuad and Trackman are the way to go. They are more expensive but offer incredible detail.

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. Some also have games too.

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.

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.

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

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.

GOLF PROMO CODES AND COUPONS

From clubs, balls and tees, to essential sportswear and fitness products, keep it affordable with a little help from our promo and coupon codes.

View Deal

Garmin promo codes

These Garmin coupon codes will help you save on smart watches for golf.

View Deal

Rock Bottom Golf coupons

These Rock Bottom Golf coupons will help you save on golf clubs, bags, balls & apparel.

View Deal