Best Budget Golf Rangefinders 2026

Having a reliable rangefinder can help you hit shots with more conviction as you know your exact distance to the target. They will also improve your course management as you can use them to zap hazards to see if they are within range or if you can let rip safe in the knowledge that you can't reach them.

Cost is a factor and not everyone can afford the best golf rangefinders like the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift or the Garmin Approach Z82. The regularity of how often you hit the links should be a factor in your buying decision - there's little point splashing out on a premium model if you play once a month. The good news is that the budget rangefinder market has only got bigger and better in the last few years as brands battle to provide the best value device for more casual players, or simply for those who want to save a bit of cash and potentially reinvest it in another part of their game.

In this guide, we break down our picks for the best budget golf rangefinders currently on the market. If you're still unsure what you want, we have plenty more rangefinder guides for you to dig your teeth into like the best golf rangefinders with slope and best bushnell rangefinders. If you want a different piece of tech, we recommend having a look at both our best golf gadgets and best golf watches guides for even more choice.

The Quick List

Best Budget Golf Rangefinders

Top pick

A deserved entrant in our Editor's Choice List of 2025, it was a no-brainer to select the Laser 2S Pro as our top pick in our budget rangefinders guide. It has a nice weight to it, not too heavy and not too light, whilst the simplistic color design will suit those who just want a simple laser that works.

Of particular note is the technology featured in this laser, specifically the different modes you can use it in. Standard mode gives straight-line distance, Pin Finder mode locks onto the pin with a quick vibration to confirm this, and finally, Scan mode allows you to continuously scan for five seconds to assess the lay of the land in front of you. Additionally you can toggle slope on and off in all three modes. The final mode to mention is Buddy mode which is the lasers triangulation technology similar to that of the Voice Caddie model above. As such you can get an accurate yardage without being stood near your ball.

Ultimately, the GolfBuddy Laser 2S Pro is difficult to fault when you weigh its high-tier performance against its accessible price point. While the display lacks the razor-sharp resolution found in top-end devices, it remains highly functional for everyday play.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Laser 2S Pro Rangefinder Review

Most compact

Coming at just ‎9.6 x 3.4 x 6.3 cm in terms of size, the PF1 from Mileseey takes our title for best compact rangefinder in this guide. What it lacks in size and weight, it very much makes up for in performance.

The display is clear and also has 6x magnification, giving you a range of up to 1,100 yards or 350 yards to a specific target like a flag. Given this device is available for less than $100, the price is made all the more impressive thanks to the presence of the slope feature. Also, the speed at which the rangefinder picked up distances was impressive - although it may not be as quick as the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift , the PF1 does offer significant value that does justify the ever so slight delay of 0.1 of a second.

Budget rangefinders are at their best when they are simple to use, and the PF1 is a perfect example of that. Because it isn't bogged down by the 'all-singing, all-dancing' features of much more expensive models, it allows you to get your yardage and get on with your pre-shot routine. This is a solid performer that delivers exactly what you need with zero fuss.

• Read our full Mileseey PF1 Golf Rangefinder Review

Easiest to use

Inesis is a brand we are becoming big fans of due to the value for money it offers. It's a brand that features prominently in some of our other guides, so it's no surprise that we really like this rangefinder. It does not have all the bells and whistles of some of the best Bushnell rangefinders, but it's dead easy to use, fantastic value for money and does have some cool features such as slope functionality and a switch that allows you to turn it off for tournament play.

We actually tested this rangefinder against a more expensive device (the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift) and we found that it in terns of accuracy and ease of use there was nothing to choose between them. The only slight negative we noticed when comparing the two is that the Inesis does not show the battery level. This is not ideal as it might end up dying mid-round, but overall it's only a minor criticism, especially given the difference in prices.

If you’re looking for high-end performance on a budget, the Inesis Golf 900 is hard to beat. The optics are surprisingly sharp, and the unit comes with a sturdy case that feels built to last, something we rate highly when it comes to budget-friendly devices simply because so many brands seem to cut corners when it comes to the case in an attempt to save on production costs and increase profit margins.

With 6x magnification and yardage accuracy within +/- 1 yard, changable between yards and meters, the device delivers a pro-level experience. Despite its entry-level price point, the 900 looks and feels like a premium laser to equip yourself with.

• Read our full Inesis Golf 900 Laser Rangefinder Review

Cheapest with slope

The market for budget rangefinders expands every year and the quality of these entry-level devices continues to impress, with it now entirely possible to find a slope-enabled laser for under $100 - the GoGoGo Sport VPro GS03 stands out as the premier budget choice in this category.

While a non-slope version is available at an even lower price point for those who prioritize simplicity, we believe the added versatility and 'plays-like' yardages of the GS03 make it well worth the modest additional investment.

There's a lot to like here other than the price - our first impression was that the soft, velvety finish of the GS03 feels great in the hands and coupled with some strategically placed raised grip contouring, it is a very comfortable hold. Once held up to our eye we were greeted with a beautifully crisp display, so we immediately went to try out the slope mode which is available via a small flick of a switch on the side of the GS03 and this is very easy to read. We compared the readings with one of the best bushnell rangefinders and they were basically the same identical to within 0.2 of a yard which was extremely encouraging. This is a brilliantly well-rounded device that is one of, if not the best budget golf rangefinder with slope.

• Read our full GoGoGo Sport VPro GS03 Laser Rangefinder Review

Best magnification

Blue Tees are a fairly new brand but we are already big fans of theirs. In a very short space of time Blue Tees have made a nice splash in the rangefinder market, with models such as the excellent Series 3 Max leading the way. This is one of the best golf rangefinders with slope on the market, especially given the price point.

In our testing, the Series 3 Max proved to be a high-performance standout. The combination of 7x magnification and ultra-clear optics makes it one of the easiest devices to use, regardless of the light conditions. It returns yardages with impressive speed, cutting down on the time spent standing over the ball as part of your pre-shot routine and helps you stay in rhythm and keep things moving. The built-in slope feature is another major win, especially since the external toggle switch lets you switch between 'social' and 'tournament' modes instantly. It’s a fast, clear, and highly versatile laser that earns its spot in any golf bag.

It's worth also shouting out the handy magnetic strip with this device - It’s a simple but powerful addition that lets you snap the rangefinder directly onto the metal frame of your buggy or trolley handle. This means no more fiddling with zippers or cases during the round - instead, just grab, shoot, and stick it back.

• Read our full Blue Tees Series 3 Max Laser Rangefinder Review

Best lightweight

If you just want a rangefinder that works from the moment you take it out of the box, the PRO L2 is an ideal choice. It’s brilliantly simple, lightweight and priced significantly lower than the big-name alternatives. You won't find the bells and whistles of a $500 unit here but you will get fast, accurate distances every single time. It’s the perfect 'grab and shoot' laser for the golfer who wants to spend less time fiddling with settings and more time focusing on their next shot.

The first thing we noticed in our testing is that it is the weight, or lack of - this means it perhaps doesn't feel as premium as other models, but given the price that's to be expected. A word of warning though, if you have shaky hands then lightweight lasers will not get the job done for you and you'll need something sturdier. The L2 locks onto targets very quickly, it has 6x magnification and the slope functionality is very simple to turn on or off. In terms of accuracy, we found the L2 to be competitive with many more expensive models.

It only measures up to 700 yards but even that is way more than you will need. We enjoyed the built-in magnet as well, which made it easy to attach to a trolley or buggy and overall we see this being a very popular model because of the combination of performance and price.

• Read our full Shot Scope Pro L2 Rangefinder Review

Best features

As the amateur game of golf grows more and more popular, we've seen an explosion in options at the bottom end of the price scale from brands we haven't been familiar with in the past. Step forward Cigman, a brand that focuses on laser technology for the likes of building practices, hunting and now golf. Their CT-1200 PRO is one of the most impressive devices I've tested in the last 12 months because a device for less than $100 simply should not have this many features.

This small, lightweight model features an impressive screen on the side to remind you of your distance if, like I do, you often forget 2 seconds after shooting your target. The screen does more than just remind you of your number - it allows you to flick between modes but also shows your playing partners you're complying with the rules and not using the slope functionality in competition play. A green outline appears on the screen whenever you're in slope mode, giving your playing partners full transparency.

What holds this device back just a little is that the display is not the clearest I've ever tested, but that is to be expected on a device this cheap ($89 at the time of writing). It's without doubt one of the best value for money products we've tested in recent years.

• Read our full Cigman CT-1200 PRO Rangefinder Review

Best color choice

The Pinned Prism+ Rangefinder is that one person in your friend group that always seems to be ahead of the fashion trends. Oh, baggy cargo pants are in again? Well, he's been wearing them for 6 months already.

Everything about this device feels modern and, frankly, pretty cool. If it were a person it would be a cool 20-something year old who is really good at surfing (and let's you know about it).

Enough of the rambling then, we do we love this device so much? Well, I've given it the label of best color choice, so we'll start with the looks - they really set it apart from anything else on the market. I chose it in my favourite green colourway, but there are six other colours to choose from, including red, navy, black, pink and white. Even the ‘Pinned’ font has a charm to it that no other rangefinder I’ve tested can boast. It also feels very premium once it is in your hand and that level of quality carries over to the case supplied which is one of the best I've ever used.

My enjoyment of the Prism+ didn’t stop at how it’s designed; the performance stacks up, too. The highlight is, without a doubt, the 4K OLED display. It’s unbelievably clear and uses red graphics that really pop out in all light conditions. The 7x magnification is as much as you can get on the market, too. Having the slope functionality is also brilliant, but the lack of a scan functionality is a little disappointing - albeit that's the only real criticism of this laser, which we deservedly awarded 5 stars out of 5.

• Read our full Pinned Prism+ Rangefinder Review

Specifications table

How we test for the best budget golf rangefinders

Conor Keenan

Conor joined Golf Monthly in late 2024 after graduating with a Masters degree in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University and heads up reviews for rangefinders, GPS and golf watches. 

Conor is lucky to have Royal County Down as his home golf course, beginning to play the game at the age of four, later becoming a caddy at R.C.D at just eleven years old and doing so for over 12 years. Playing to a 5 handicap, you’ll likely find him on the range trying (and failing) to hit a Shane Lowry-esque stinger that helped him win The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

At Golf Monthly we take product testing very seriously and we have a comprehensive testing procedure when it comes to all laser rangefinders. This involves using the different models out on the course over a number of rounds and in different conditions. Through this extensive testing we are able to get an accurate feel for how each specific model deals with variables such as sunlight, rain, and wind etc.

Our review team is made up of avid, passionate golfers who have used all bits of golf tech throughout the years - from the best golf GPS devices to best golf simulators and launch monitors. This helps us build an extensive base of knowledge to help review each product, often comparing them against older models or products in which they will be competing directly against. Led by Conor Keenan, a former caddy at one of the best golf courses in the world, Conor is assisted in testing and reviewing rangefinders by other able members of the Golf Monthly team who know a thing or to about what makes a good laser! We look out for a range of factors to judge each rangefinder on, including accuracy, display, waterproofing and durability before informing our readers with sound, bias-free buying advice.

We pride ourself on our impartial reviews, built upon a tried and tested reviews structure. No brand gets preferential treatment, nor can a manufacturer 'buy' a good review - we simply call it how we see based on our experience and expertise in each field.

How to choose the best budget golf rangefinder

Before pressing 'buy' or entering your pin number at the checkout desk, here's a few things to consider before deciding which budget rangefinder to opt for...

Accuracy

Basing your club selection on shaky data is one of the fastest ways to ruin a good round. Accuracy is what separates a professional-grade laser from a cheap imitation and unfortunately, many of the lesser known brands found online, most notably on Amazon, simply don't make the cut. To protect your game and your scorecard, we suggest skipping the gamble on unknown brands and sticking with the proven names on our list that we've tried, tested and reviewed.

Slope

Slope was once a feature reserved only for the devices at the very top of the price scale, but with more competition in the laser field in the last number of years it has now extended all the way down to budget rangefinders. For those unfamiliar with slope, it takes the straight-line distance and adjusts it based on whether your target is above or below you. If you're hitting into an elevated green, the rangefinder might tell you it’s 150 yards to the flag, but it plays like 160, meaning you'll need an extra club to get there. Conversely, downhill shots play shorter than they look. While you can certainly play without it, having that adjusted number at your fingertips is a massive confidence booster that makes club selection faster and more accurate than ever. Keep in mind though, it is illegal to use slope in a counting handicap competition.

Convenience

Nobody wants to faff around with clunky gear when they're trying to find their rhythm, nor do we want to be accused of being the slow coach in a four-ball - there aren't many things worse than glancing back towards the tee box during your pre-shot routine and seeing a four ball waiting on you to get out of the way. Therefore, to quicken things up you'll need a rangefinder that slides out of its cover without a snag and gives you a number the second you aim it at the flag. Fortunately, modern tech has made these devices very easy to use. Most of the top-rated options on the market today have mastered this fast-access design, so make sure you choose a unit that feels intuitive and snappy in your hand.

Strength

Good lasers need to be tough because, let’s face it, we all drop things. Before you buy, check if the model has a high impact-resistance rating and a sturdy build. You should also ensure it comes with a high-quality carry case, preferably one with a quick-access magnetic flap and a secure clip for your bag. Carry cases are something brands can skimp out on when selling budget rangefinders, so it's something we look for and praise when we see it when testing devices at the lower end of the price scale.

Waterproofing

This may be more important to me as someone who plays golf in Ireland as opposed to someone playing their golf in Arizona, for example, but the point still stands. You never know when an unexpected rain shower could roll in, so its best to be prepared. If you play in wet conditions, a waterproof device is essential. You don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a gadget that can't handle a little rain. Look for models that are built to withstand moisture, so you can focus on your next shot instead of worrying about your electronics. It’s a simple upgrade that provides peace of mind when the clouds roll in.

FAQs

If you want more golf tech buying advice, check out our guides on the best golf launch monitors, best cheap launch monitors, or the best value golf watches.