Best Value Golf Watches 2024

Golf watches have become all the rage of late because of the combination of GPS capability, versatility, usability, and not to mention most of them are just very cool pieces of gear. Importantly, not only do brands like Garmin make top of the range models like the MARQ which costs thousands, but these brands also make watches at the complete opposite end of the price spectrum, meaning we can all invest in a model if we want. 

But why would you want a golf watch in the first place? Well as we mentioned above watches usually come with GPS functionality meaning you can turn up to a golf course and know how far you are from the flag or certain hazards. Watches these days are also very comfortable and are highly convenient because you can just glance at your wrist to get a yardage rather than have to get a laser rangefinder from your bag. Watches also tend to be easy to use, offer a degree of style and versatility, and many also come with other features like fitness tracking and so on. 

From our testing we have found there are lots of golf watches that offer all of these performance factors, but also a lot of value too because they don't break the bank. This guide is therefore a list of those watches. Additionally if you are more of a laser kind of golfer, then take a look at our guide on the best budget rangefinders as well. 

The Quick List

Best Value Golf Watches

Best overall

Although the S12 is a not as stylish as its upgrade the S42, it does come in at a cheaper price point, making it great value for money. It has over 40,000 preloaded courses, so finding the course you are playing is quick and easy. Once on the first tee it gives you plenty of information like distances to bunkers, water hazards and where the ideal layup spots are. The main feature of this watch is the front, middle and back yardages giving you great information for finding the green, you are also then able to out exactly where the flag is on that green to give you a more exact yardage.

Another cool feature we liked in testing was the shot tracking feature, this allows you to input a shot then when you get to the ball and mark your next shot it will tell you the distance between those shots. You are also able to track your score and a few stats on the watch, giving you an idea of what you are doing right and where you might need some improvement. If you are someone that struggles with their eyesight and little numbers are hard to read, then this next feature is great for you. The S12 has a big numbers mode, this gives you the option to make everything a bit bigger so reading it is much easier. Paired with the sunlight-readable dial, this watch is great for those struggling to see on other watches. 

Despite the black and white screen, and it being slightly smaller than the watches, this watch still oozes value for money. It has great features and does those features well, giving you a great golfing watch at a fraction of the price compared to the bigger ones. 

• Read our full Garmin Approach S12 Review

Best screen

This Aim W10 watch from GolfBuddy is one of the best value watches on this list with a great array of features you can get for a good price. Firstly, we like the clear distances shown in testing, and thanks to having only one button the overall trial and error of figuring this watch out was pretty effortless. To access features like hazard info and the scorecard function, you only have to swipe in different directions, making it rather easy to navigate.

This watch is a lightweight watch but still feels a little bulky, although this does not interfere with the swing. The hole maps are in color with this watch but still look a little basic, they do provide a good enough graphical overview of what is to come on a hole though, and the lay up arcs help to plot your best route. You are also able to manually move the pin positions, which we thought was a great feature, as this gives you increased accuracy on the yardages given. This watch does offer slope compensation capabilities, but this is only on certain courses which we did not play at so we were unable to test it, but if your course has it then that feature is available to you too. 

We found that the charger didn't seem to fit well with the watch, and it had to be positioned in a very specific way to get it to charge, this was very frustrating but in time we learned the best way to charge this watch. At full charge we got two rounds of golf and still a bit of battery to spare, and this was in full GPS mode, so the battery life is decent in this watch.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W10 GPS Watch Review

Best value

This watch from Bushnell may not beat other watches on looks, but the iON Edge is great value for money. It comes with two straps, both of which a sleek and soft feeling, helping them to sit comfortably on the wrist and not interfere with your swing. As a golfer this watch ticks all the boxes for what you need to know on the course, like hazard information and automatic hole advancing, coupled with some great accurate yardages, you can even cycle through different pin positions for the green to get more accurate distances. 

With this watch it can take some time and a little patience to really get to grips with it, we would say by your second or third round you should be unlocking the full potential of the iON Edge. We think the graphics look a little basic but they are easy to read when changing lighting conditions. If you are someone that prefers simplicity over the jam packed features you would get in something like a Garmin S70, then this watch is a great option. One thing to point out is the touchscreen can be a little unresponsive sometimes, taking a few tries to get it to do what you wanted. If you can control and get the most out of this watch, then the iON Edge is a solid golf watch and a great option for the price. 

• Read our full Bushnell iON Edge GPS Watch review

Best sporty look

When it comes to golf watches not everyone is after an all singing all dancing watch that does everything, they just want a watch that helps with golf well. When it comes to simplicity and performance, the Shot Scope G5 offers this all. The overall size of the screen you get is generous, but it feels quite minimalistic due to its lightweight strap and case. The outer ring of the screen has been slightly raised up, this helps to avoid scratching the screen as much when dropped. 

In terms of golf, once we had selected our course of choice, the front, middle and back yardages were displayed clearly on the screen straightaway. You also get other useful bits of information too like battery life, the time, what hole you're on and the par of that hole, as well as the current score to par you are. You also have access to hazard information which is one click away, and the G5 offers you distances to the hazard and to carry the hazard also. As well as this you get distances to doglegs, lay up areas, and a shot distance measurement feature, you can also access a digital scorecard which helps you keep track of your scoring.

All in all we were really impressed by this watch and how the G5 performed, all the features it offers up are useful and easy to use. A really great aspect of this watch is its sporty look and how lightweight it is, meaning you really do not feel it on your wrist and it doesn't impact your swing.

• Read our full Shot Scope G5 GPS Watch Review

Best simple model

The TecTecTec ULT-G GPS watch isn't as feature heavy as some watches on the market and near its price point, however, when it comes to usability and simplicity this watch is one of the best we have tested. The ULT-G was very easy to set up, and it has 38,000 preloaded courses with no subscriptions or fees required to use the watch, and TecTecTec also have an app that runs side by side with the watch to help with updates, download courses and get technical support should you need it. 

When you have set up your course you get the front, middle and back yardages as usual, but you can also get distances to hazards including the carry distances, and you are able to track shot distances too which is a useful feature. This watch does not have a touchscreen, but the buttons used for navigation are easy to use and understand. With a RRP of just $99.99 this GPS golf watch offers you great value for money.

• Read our full TecTecTec ULT-G GPS Watch review

How we test golf watches and GPS devices

When it comes to GPS watches, we have a comprehensive testing procedure at Golf Monthly. We use many different models out on the course for numerous rounds and in different conditions, giving us the best insight in to how these watches function come rain or shine. 

The entirety of our team are regular golfers, so GPS watches get a thorough testing and can be compared and used side by side with other models to test accuracy, durability, waterproofing and other similar features. This allows us to give our honest opinions and feedback on the product so you, the reader, can make informed decisions on your next purchase. We like to make you aware that no manufacturer, no matter how big, can by a good review. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity, so all our reviews and opinions will be honest whether that is good or bad to give you the best information. 

How to choose a GPS device

Your routine

The best golf watches usually only require you to take a quick glance at them, so make sure you know if you want greater detail or less disruption for your round, as having to get a rangefinder or a different device out of its case or your bag can be long-winded.

Your course

If the course you play is riddled with doglegs, blind shots, or you pay a lot of other courses where you do not know your way round, then a GPS watch can offer you valuable information to help you navigate the course better. 

Features

There is also a difference in device when it comes to features. Some watches just have the basic distances and some will show hazards etc. So you need to know what features you are going to need when it comes to playing golf, this will help you choose the best watch for your needs.

FAQs

We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best golf GPS devices. Also make sure you research the best golf simulator, best golf GPS apps and the best golf watches for ladies too because they can truly add to your golfing experience.

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