Best Budget Golf Rangefinders 2024

If you’re a golfer and don’t have a rangefinder in the bag, it's almost certainly costing you shots and you’re missing out on a chance to improve your game without doing much. The best golf rangefinders can really help you on the course by allowing you to hit shots with more conviction, improving your course management, and learning the distances you hit each of your clubs, all of which will lead to lower scores.

Knowing exactly how far from the pin you are makes a huge difference as not only does it inform you which club you should be hitting, but it also helps to determine just how hard (or easy) you need to swing that club to hit the right number. This means you remove the nagging doubt that is there when you're guessing the number. We've all had that horrible moment of indecision in the middle of the backswing when you suddenly worry that you have too much club and you decelerate into the shot. A rangefinder solves that problem.

Cost can of course be an obstacle when it comes to purchasing a rangefinder as some of the best ones are quite expensive, but that needn’t be the case as there are plenty of quality, affordable options to be found. In this guide, we break down our picks for the best budget golf rangefinders currently on the market, all of which can be had for less than $275 and many for significantly less. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a rangefinder or need to replace an old device without breaking the bank, hopefully the information below will help you to make an informed choice. 

If rangefinders aren't for you then we would recommend you take a look at our guides on the best golf watches or best golf GPS devices, as if you aren't using some kind of rangefinder or GPS device then you're almost playing the game blindfolded.

The Quick List

Best Budget Golf Rangefinders

Best overall

When we said above that there are high quality, affordable rangefinders out there, this is a perfect example of what we mean. We tested the TecTecTec KLYR rangefinder (pronounced clear), a while ago and it remains one of our absolute favorite rangefinders on a budget. It represents fantastic value for money and is ideal for anybody looking for their first rangefinder. 

Compact and lightweight (it weighs less than 1.5lbs), in our testing the KLYR excelled on the course in terms of speed and accuracy when delivering distances. It's very user friendly. 

The 'clear' name comes from the crystal clear vision through the lens of the device. It provides a vibrant picture which makes it easy to pick out targets even in difficult light conditions. The accuracy was also excellent and the KLYR also has slope functionality that can be turned off for tournament play, as well a scan mode that allows players to shoot multiple targets at one time. 

The one minor drawback is that the device is not waterproof, but it does come with a sturdy carrying case for protection and it’s available in yellow, black, and white. It also comes with a handy magnet that allows you to attach the device to a golf cart during play or to the provided belt clip. 

• Read our full TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder Review

Best value

We have become fans of Inesis gear of late and they feature prominently in some of our other guides, so it's no surprise that we really like this rangefinder. It comes in at a great price and while it might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the best Bushnell rangefinders, this device does have slope functionality and a switch that allows you to turn the feature off for tournament play. Despite this price, the Inesis Golf 900 feels like a premium product, as does the nice, sturdy carry case.

We actually tested this rangefinder against a more expensive device (the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift) and we found it more than kept up in terns of accuracy and ease of use. The only slight negative we noticed when comparing the two is that the Inesis does not show the battery level, which is potentially an issue but is only a minor criticism really, especially given the difference in prices.

The display optics are very impressive and it comes with a sturdy carrying case for added protection. It's also worth mentioning that First Target technology isolates the flag and then the measurements are confirmed by vibration. The device has a 6x magnification and is accurate to +/- 1 yard. You can set it to yards or meters depending on your preference. 

• Read our full Inesis Golf 900 Laser Rangefinder Review

Best color choice

Blue Tees may not have been around for all that long but we are definitely fans of the brand, who in a short time have made a nice splash in the rangefinder market, with models like the Series 3 Max leading the way. 

In our testing, we found that the Series 3 Max provided incredibly clear optics no matter what the light conditions were and it was very easy to use, returning yardages very quickly. In fact, the speed with which we were able to get yardages was a huge plus point, while the slope functionality is another bonus, especially as it can be turned on and off easily using a switch, making it legal for tournament play.All in all, this is one of the best golf rangefinders with slope on the market, especially given the price point.

One other feature of note is the magnetic strip which holds the laser to anything metal, making it ideal for use with a trolly or buggy. It comes in a choice of colors including navy, pink, and black and is one of the sharpest looking rangefinders we've tested.

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

Best simplicity

Some rangefinders, such as the Garmin Approach Z82 for example,  are packed with all manner of cool features that make them extremely useful, but also prove to be confusing for the not so tech savvy golfer. On the other hand, when we tested the Voice Caddie L5 rangefinder, what stood out most was its simplicity. We mean that in a good way, as this device is just very easy to understand and use on the golf course, making this ideal for the golfer who doesn't want to be overcome with functionality. 

That’s not to say that the Voice Caddie L5 doesn’t have ample features, however. Included among those features are two modes, Normal and Pin, while will help you to get the correct yardage, while it also utilizes slope functionality to give you actual and adjusted yardages. In our testing we were particularly happy about the clarity of this device’s display, while its compact size makes it easy to handle while playing. If there is one slight downside to the L5 it would be that yardages are not offered in meters (which might be a turn off for those in mainland Europe especially), but putting that aside this is a great product and fantastic value.

• Read our full Voice Caddie L5 Laser Rangefinder Review

Best lightweight

When it comes to the best budget rangefinders, the original Laser Lite was one of the leading options given the features and accuracy on offer, but Its replacement - the Laser Lite 2 - claims to offer an even better user experience. Firstly, it’s three grams lighter so it gives that lightweight feel which many golfers prefer, while we noticed in testing that it is also thinner and a little more compact. While this is generally a good thing, golfers with shaky hands may require something with a bit more weight to it.

In terms of accuracy, we found in our testing that the Laser Lite 2 actually produced similar numbers to the Bushnell Tour V6, which is one of the top rangefinders on the market. The non slope numbers were pretty much identical and with the slope mode activated, the numbers were very close when going uphill and it was only on shots that played downhill where the differences were noticeable.

Other nifty features include a Scan mode. This is where you hold down the main button and scan the surroundings through the viewfinder. The distance will change as you do so, and we found this particularly handy when standing on the tee and assessing what lies ahead. Additionally, there’s a new Pin Finder mode. This activates automatically when you press and hold the measurement button when not in Scan mode. One more thing, unlike some others on this list, this device is IPX4 water resistant, which should keep light showers at bay.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Review

Best display

The Coolshot 20 GII is the lighter and more basic option in the impressive Nikon collection of rangefinders, which includes the cutting-edge Coolshot Pro Stabilised model. While lacking some of the more advanced features of its more expensive family member, it's ideal for the golfer who is looking for quick and simple yardages and does not want to pay for functions that they are unlikely to bother with.

The lightweight, compact design makes the device easy to operate on the golf course and we enjoyed our experience when testing it. It was very quick in capturing yardages and the display optics were impressively clear, certainly exceeding our expectations for a device at this price point. 

The Nikon Coolshot 20 GII also features a proprietary algorithm that measures the distance to the closest of overlapping subjects to pick out the flag and other targets more easily. It can also measure continuously for up to eight seconds when scanning the terrain, which is useful when scanning the fairway for hazards when stood on the tee. Aesthetically we felt that this rangefinder looks quite sharp with its contrasting white and black colors, making it an overall very pleasing package.

• Read our full Nikon Coolshot 20 GII Laser Rangefinder Review 

Specifications table

How we test for the best budget golf rangefinders

At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around all laser rangefinders, which involves using different models out on the course over a number of rounds and in different conditions. By testing as extensively as this, we are able to get an accurate feel for how each specific model deals with sunlight, rain, and wind etc. 

Our entire review team is comprised of avid golfers so rangefinders usually get a thorough testing and we will often compare them side by side with other models for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability as well as 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 that no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and provides their own opinion as it relates to a product's merits, ensuring that you are getting the most accurate assessment of each product to help you make an informed choice when buying. 

How to choose the best budget golf rangefinder

So you have decided you want a laser rangefinder that falls into the budget category, but what are some of the things you should be aware of before buying? Let's take a look.

Accuracy 

Obviously this is the most important factor when buying a laser, because if it isn't accurate that's actually worse than not having one at all. If the numbers are off then you are acting on misinformation which could lead to you playing the wrong club and either coming up short, or even worse, over shooting the green.. Accuracy is what usually separates the models we have selected above from some of the ones you can find on Amazon, so it's important to be wary of how inconsistent and unreliable some very cheap models can be. We would always recommend that you read reviews before buying, ideally reviews written by us at Golf Monthly.

Slope

Slope is very useful for golfers who play on hilly courses as it will adjust the distance based on elevation. If you want a rangefinder with slope then be sure to check out the technical specifications of certain models, as not all of them have slope functionality. Always be careful when using them though, because if a model is not clear on whether it is in slope mode or not it can land you in hot water if you mistakenly use it in competition play. 

Convenience

Lasers have to be quick and easy to use otherwise it can be a distraction and cause you to feel stress when you need a clear head. You just want to get it out, measure the flag and then put it away in its case again. If a laser is complicated or takes a while to display a measurement, then it adds time rather than saves it. Our recommendation for ensuring this isn't an issue is to simply try out some models in retailers and pro shops before you buy.

Strength

Linking with the above point, good lasers have to be able to sustain a drop or two because we all drop things every now and again. Here, check out which models have some degree of impact resistance, and be sure to check if the laser comes with a case because lots of models come with strong cases that conveniently clip onto your golf bag now.

Waterproofing

A good laser will work just as well in the rain as it will in the sun, which makes waterproofing important. Here we would recommend doing research on which models offer full waterproof protection, and those that are only water-resistant as that can be a big difference especially if you play a lot of golf in the rain.

FAQs

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

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