When it comes to the world of golf technology, I’m not sure there’s a single product segment that has evolved further in the last five years than launch monitors.
It wasn’t long ago that the only options for a launch monitor were Trackman and competing products that held price tags well into the five figures.
But now in 2024?
There are golf launch monitors available at just about every price point, all the way down to a couple hundred dollars.
And you know what’s even more surprising than that?
Many of them are good.
Very good.
So before, when the only times you’d get the benefits of an accurate launch monitor were during a lesson or a fitting, you can now get accurate(ish) distances every single time you head to the range or your garage.
But with so many options now on the market, which one is right for you?
It honestly can be pretty confusing, but I’ve personally gone out and reviewed nearly all of the best golf launch monitors under $5,000 so that you don’t have to.
Ready to find your perfect device? Me too, let’s go!
Table of Contents
My Favorite Overall: FlightScope Mevo+
The FlightScope Mevo Plus has been my pick for the best overall launch monitor for 2 years now.
Why?
Because it has the best combination of features, data, accuracy, and fun – at an incredibly reasonable price with no annual subscription fee.
It’s super portable, and as long as you have the space for it, it provides an experience similar to devices costing 5-10x as much.
- Price: $2,199 (But you can usually get it the base model for around $1800 with coupons or sales.)
- Target Price: $1,856. You’ll find it on sale frequently for $1,954. With code “BREAKINGEIGHTYPLUS” it will knock it down to $1,856. Anything at that price or less is fantastic. Look for $2,615 for Mevo+ and Pro Package.
- My Rating: 9.4
- My Review: FlightScope Mevo Plus Review: A Very Worth Investment
- Solid Alternative: SkyTrak Plus.
- Where to Buy: From FlightScope. From PlayBetter.com.
- Coupon: You can use our code “BREAKINGEIGHTYPLUS” for 5% off.
Simply put this is the closet you're going to get to a "pro" level launch monitor at a budget price. Granted $2k isn't exactly budget, but for what you get? This is a fantastic value. Use code "BREAKINGEIGHTYPLUS" to get an additional 10% off!
Runner Up for Favorite: SkyTrak+
Most of the devices in this list can provide great home simulator experiences.
But in my testing, the SkyTrak+ might provide the most enjoyable overall user experience if you’re building a home simulator.
For starters, while it has Doppler built in, the SkyTrak+ primarily uses cameras to track data. This means it sits next to the ball, rather than behind it – taking up much less space than the Mevo Plus or MLM2Pro.
The user-interace is also the most modern and enjoyable to use out of any of these devices as well.
Accuracy is close to the Bushnell Launch Pro, which is the most accurate device on the list.
And to top it off it comes with both a mobile and PC license for E6 Connect simulator software. And for a little bit more a year, you can use their native simulator – which is excellent.
The downsides are that you can’t use it on grass outdoors, and doesn’t feel quite as “pro” as the Mevo Plus or Bushnell. But if you want to set up a home simulator, have limited space, and want a device that simply works, and works well? The SkyTrak+ is an excellent choice.
- Price: $2,995
- Target Price: $2,695. You should see this price every few months.
- My Review: SkyTrak+ Review: Is it the Best At Home Golf Simulator?
- My Rating: 9.0
- Solid Alternative: FlightScope Mevo Plus. Check out our direct Mevo+ vs. SkyTrak+ comparison review.
- Where to Buy: From Play Better
If you're looking specifically for a home simulator that's easy to use, fun, and accurate? The SkyTrak+ may provide the very best experience out there for the money.
Best Under $1,000: Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro
Simply put, the Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro is the best launch monitor under $1k, full stop.
The combination of Doppler radar and two cameras makes it the most accurate launch monitor in this price range. Not only does the built-in camera help track the ball for accuracy, but the second camera will record your impact at 240fps allowing you to see exactly what the ball and clubface are doing.
Rapsodo has improved the user-experience over the previous MLM in every way. It’s more fun, provides better results, and despite being more expensive – we’ve found it to truly be worth the upgrade.
It does a lot of the things that impressed us so much with the Garmin R10, but does them a little bit better, without having to pay too much of a premium to do it.
And after directly comparing distances to a Trackman? It’s surprisingly accurate.
Related: If this is one you’re considering check out our comparison of the best golf launch monitors under $1,000.
- Price: $699
- Target Price: $649. Honestly, you’ll only see this sale a couple of times a year. So I personally, would just buy it at retail if you want it, rather than waiting.
- My Review: Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro Review: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
- My Rating: 9.5
- Solid Alternative: Swing Caddie SC4
- Where to Buy: From Rapsodo.
Rapsodo has knocked it out of the park with the MLM 2 Pro. This is hands down the best launch monitor under $1,000, and even gives more expensive competitors a run for their money.
Best Value: Swing Caddie SC4
The SC4 is by far the most feature-heavy launch monitor you’ll find under $500. It has a built-in screen (which is even more useful than you’d expect), it has simulator capabilities, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Its spin numbers are a little suspect (as is often the case with budget devices), but a recent firmware update has improved the accuracy across the board.
For a versatile launch monitor that you can use both at home and on the range? This one is tough to beat.
- Price: $549
- Target Price: $449. You can get this pricing right here. The cheapest I’ve ever seen is $385 – but expect that only once or twice a year.
- My Rating: 9
- My Review: Voice Caddie SC4 Review: A Great “Budget” Launch Monitor?
- Solid Alternative: Garmin Approach R10
- Where to Buy: From Voice Caddie. Click here to get special pricing.
For the price, the Swing Caddie SC4 is probably the best value on the market right now. And the fact that you can get it for $389? It makes it kind of a no-brainer in the under $500 market.
Most Accurate: Bushnell Launch Pro
Of all the launch monitors on this list, this definitely leans the most into “professional” territory.
The Bushnell Launch Pro is built on the GC3 Platform, and performs identically to that.
The Launch Pro uses a high-tech camera system rather than Doppler to give you data. This makes it one of the most accurate units of any launch monitor I’ve tested.
Even better, Bushnell has completely changed their pricing structure, and it’s now more affordable than ever before. You can get a ball-data enabled unit for right around $2k, and with that you get a free year of their Gold membership.
The downside? After that, it’s $500/year, and you’ll need to have it if you want to use any simulator features.
If you’re looking for a semi-permanent simulator setup, or you want a professional-level device that’s a little more budget-friendly?
This is the launch monitor for you.
Just keep in mind, it’s not as easy to setup as some of the others, and if you want to use it as a simulator beyond just your iPad? You’ll need a gaming PC in order to do it.
- Price: $1,999-$3,499 + Subscription ($499/year)
- Target Price: $1,749. They’ve recently been running sales for the ball data-only models at this price. I’d expect to see it back for holidays.
- My Rating: 8.8
- My Review: Bushnell Launch Pro Review: Wow, Thing’s Have Changed…
- Solid Alternative: Foresight GC3
- Where to Buy: From Bushnell. From PlayBetter.com
Built off the Foresight GC3, the Bushnell Launch Pro is the most accurate launch monitor we've tested. If you're looking for professional results for a fraction of a Trackman? Definitely consider the Launch Pro.
Best for Range Rats: Uneekor Eye Mini
This may feel like a weird category to put the Uneekor, but hear me out. While it’s not super portable, if you want to grind away on the range and get professional quality numbers? This device is fantastic.
It performs similarly in features and accuracy to the Launch Pro, but I’ve found its e-ink screen to be easier to read, and the fact it provides 10 metrics rather than the 6 on the Bushnell to be preferable.
So if you don’t want to deal with an app and want an all-in-one device this is a great way to do it. It also has all the simulator options and features you’d hope for as well, so it can easily double as a fantastic home golf simulator.
- Price: $4,500 + subscription for simulator use
- Target Price: $4,500. I’ve rarely seen it go on sale.
- My Rating: 8.5
- My Review: Uneekor Eye Mini Review: Better than Bushnell? Well…
- Solid Alternative: Bushnell Launch Pro
- Where to Buy: From Uneekor
Looking for a professional-level, camera-based launch monitor? The Uneekor Eye Mini is accurate, versatile, and feature-heavy - making it one to definitely consider.
Best User-Interface: Full Swing KIT
When it comes to a device that’s extremely easy to setup and use, the Full Swing KIT is at the top of my list.
You don’t have to worry much about alignment or calibration, and it gives you a lot of wiggle room when it comes to placement behind the ball.
And using it? It just works. The user interface is modern, simple, and easy to read. The downside is that at $5,000 there are other products that give you more in the way of features for a lot less.
But if all you care about are very accurate numbers, in a system that’s both functional and enjoyable to use? The KIT is one to consider. Outside on the range, it might be my favorite product to use on this list.
- Price: $4,999.
- Target Price: $4,499. You can get this using the code “BE10” at Playbetter.
- My Rating: 9.0
- My Review: Is Tiger’s Launch Monitor Worth $5k?
- Solid Alternative: FlightScope Mevo Plus Limited Edition
- Where to Buy: Buy from PlayBetter.com (Use Code BE10 to save 10%!)
The only launch monitor endorsed by Tiger Woods is one of the most user-friendly and enjoyable to use launch monitors on the market. Use code "BE10" to save 10% on the KIT at Playbetter.com
Most Accurate Under $500: FlightScope Mevo
The under $500 launch monitor market has gone crazy over the last couple years and there are a lot of very viable options here.
But I have to give the edge to the original FlightScope Mevo.
Why?
Two primary reasons:
- Accuracy
- Ease of Use
I’ve found the Mevo to be the most accurate launch monitor in this price range, despite the fact that it doesn’t have some features others have (like lateral shot data).
The Apple Watch compatibility also makes this very convenient to use on the range.
Not to mention the Mevo is the most portable launch monitor on this list.
- Price: $499
- Target Price: $331. It’s regularly on sale for $349. You can use the code “BREAKINGEIGHTY” to drop it by another $20.
- My Rating: 9
- My Review: FlightScope Mevo Review: The Solid Entry Level Launch Monitor?
- Solid Alternative: Rapsodo MLM. Here’s our Mevo vs. Rapsodo MLM Comparison
- Where to Buy: From FlightScope. From PlayBetter.com.
- Coupon: Use FlightScope Code “BREAKINGEIGHTY” for 15% off. Most Accurate Launch Monitor Under $500FlightScope Mevo - Use code "BREAKINGEIGHTY" for 15% off!$425
A fantastic launch monitor at a great price. If you're looking to dial in your distances, but not spend thousands on a Pro-Level Flightscope or Trackman? This is for you. And you can save 15% using the code "BreakingEighty"
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Best Under $300: Rapsodo MLM
When it comes to the sub-$500 launch monitor market the Mevo and the Rapsodo MLM are the two I hear about the most.
I give the edge to FlightScope for simplicity and accuracy.
But in terms of features? The Rapsodo is the winner.
And considering Rapsodo recently dropped the MSRP from $499 to $299? This becomes the no-brainer pick for entry-level launch monitor.
For one, it has lateral data, and will show you a shot tracer view of every ball you hit.
Just the lateral data alone may be enough for some people to choose it over the Mevo. It also has a robust social experience with games you can play against other Rapsodo users.
I haven’t found the metrics to be quite as reliable as other devices, but it’s usually still in the right ballpark. It’s also nice that the design allows the phone to sit upright, so you can see the data easily.
- Price: $299
- Target Price: $299. This was originally $499 and they dropped it way down. Haven’t seen it much lower than that.
- My Rating: 8.8
- My Review: Rapsodo MLM Review: Is it Worth $500?
- Solid Alternative: FlightScope Mevo
- Where to Buy: From Amazon. From PlayBetter.com
Looking to make the range fun again? Rapsodo MLM is for you. The Rapsodo is the most full-featured launch monitor under $300, and is our best recommendation for a device at that price point.
Best Putting Experience: Golfzon Wave
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the Golfzon Wave before. But if you’ve ever been in a high-end simulator studio, there’s a good chance you’ve used one of the Golfzon Vision systems, which are among the most trusted golf simulators on the market.
And they better be when they can cost upwards of $75,000.
But now, you get much of that same technology and experience at home, with their first consumer launch monitor and simulator: the Golfzon Wave.
You get the same Vision software that’s used on their high-end simulators but with a launch monitor you can use both at home or on the range.
But the real kicker is that they provide something no one else on this list does: an infrared putting pad. This has an array of sensors that accurately track 8 different putting metrics.
So while putting on simulators is often disregarded, this is one of the only at-home setups that can actually provide useful numbers and an enjoyable experience.
- Price: $3,995
- Target Price: $3,995. Haven’t seen this one go on sale.
- Product Preview: Golfzon Wave: The Home Golf Simulator of Your Dreams?
- Solid Alternative: FlightScope Mevo Plus
- Where to Buy: From Golfzon
What do you get when the best high-end simulator company makes a consumer product? The Wave? And it's among the best golf simulator experiences you'll find for the price.
Editor’s Choice: Garmin Approach R10
To be clear, for around $500, the Garmin Approach R10 is fantastic. And when it came out in 2021, there was nothing under $1,000 that could touch it.
But now in 2024? We have the Rapsodo MLM2Pro which while slightly more expensive, gives better numbers. And we also have the Swing Caddie SC4, which has more features, and you can get for less than the R10.
But this doesn’t change the fact the R10 is great. This is especially true if you’re already in the Garmin eco-system and use the CT10 sensors or a Garmin golf watch.
If this is the case, I’d go with the R10 over the other two simply for the convenience of having all of your data in one place.
Oh, and this is also the only launch monitor that lets you play Bandon Dunes for free on e6 Connect 🙂
- Price: $599.
- Target Price: $549. This doesn’t go on sale often, but if you can get it for $549 or less, that’s a great price.
- My Rating: 9.5
- My Review: Garmin Approach R10 Review
- Solid Alternative: FlightScope Mevo+
- Where to Buy: From Garmin. From PlayBetter.com.
The Garmin Approach R10 is hands down one of the very best launch monitors you'll find for under $1,000. Highly recommend.
Some Things to Consider Before You Buy
What is a Golf Launch Monitor?
First off, you may have stumbled upon this article and found yourself thinking “what the heck is a launch monitor?”
Simply put, a golf launch monitor is a Doppler radar or camera-based device that measures various metrics about your golf shots. This can include carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, spin rate, and many more.
You set the launch monitor behind or to the side of your ball on a range, garage, or simulator – and either in a compatible app or on the device itself, it gives you all of the info you could want to know about a golf swing.
What metrics a launch monitor provides, how accurate the data is, and what additional features the device has will vary wildly depending on the price point.
Are There Specific Features or Specs You Should Be Looking For?
Every single golfer is going to look for something slightly different in a launch monitor.
Are you a scratch golfer who is grinding to dial in his wedges down to the nearest yard? Then accuracy is going to be really important to you.
Are you a 15 handicap who gets bored on the range and you’re just looking for a way to make practice more enjoyable? You’re going to want a launch monitor that’s easy to use, and also has some fun bonus features.
Are you setting up a simulator in your garage for off-season play and practice? You’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with your simulator software of choice.
To make matters more complicated, prices for launch monitors run from $200 to $30,000 or more.
So before deciding which device you want, it’s really important to understand what you’re looking for, as well as what your budget is.
When considering a golf launch monitor here are some of the things you should be considering:
- Accuracy – How close do you really need the numbers to be? Within a yard every time? Or are you ok with numbers that are in the right ballpark?
- Portability – Are you setting your device up in the garage and then not touching it? Or will you be taking it out to the range on a regular basis?
- Price – What features do you need, and is it really worth the extra money to jump from a device in the $500 range to spending $2,000 or more? Also, take note of whether or not there is a recurring subscription fee to use the device.
- Ease of use – You want a device you’ll use, and if you’re someone who won’t use something that is less user-friendly, this is worth considering.
- Simulator Compatibility – Is your primary purpose to use this as a simulator? Make sure it’s compatible. If this is the case, check out our ultimate guide to building a golf simulator for home. Don’t want to build it yourself? These golf simulators “in a box” are the easiest way to get a professional simulator at home.
- Fun – It sounds weird, but some launch monitors are simply more fun to use than others. Either through their user experience or extra features, this is one of my biggest considerations personally.
Related: A little overwhelmed by the idea of a launch monitor and what all of the various metrics are actually telling you? Don’t worry, this launch monitor guide walks you through what everything means.
Something Everyone Should Know Before Buying Any of These Products
Having now spent dozens of hours testing launch monitors, and talking to hundreds of readers about their experiences with portable launch monitors, I wanted to add a quick disclaimer here.
When it comes to any launch monitor, much of its accuracy is going to come down to proper setup.
There are a lot of variables at play here:
- Lighting
- Indoors/Outdoors
- Where the device is positioned
- Weather
- And so on…
Spend some time to test and dial in your launch monitor. ALL of the devices here are capable of achieving great results relative to their price point.
But in most cases, they also can give you pretty inaccurate results if they’re not set up properly.
For literally every single device on this list I’ve heard from multiple people that it’s “great and accurate enough for their needs,” or “it’s horribly inaccurate.”
Now, especially on the lower end, you can expect some more variable results. But in most cases, if things seem wildly off, it likely has something to do with your setup and environment. So just keep this in mind as you’re deciding whether or not a launch monitor is right for you or not.
Which Golf Launch Monitor Is Best For You?
I’ve spent hundreds of hours reviewing and testing golf launch monitors. It’s safe to say I have a pretty good idea of what’s out there, and what the right fit is for each type of person and their goals.
I created a quick quiz to help you find the perfect one for you.
I've spent hundreds of hours reviewing golf launch monitors. Take my quick 30 second quiz and I'll tell you which one is right for you!
My Favorites Ranked
Because there’s no “one size fits all” answer for launch monitors, this post was broken up into categories to help you find the best device for your needs.
But if you’re curious as to which ones my are my personal favorites based on hundreds of hours of testing.
Here they are:
This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.
Recent Updates:
August 27th, 2024: Added a “target price” for each unit. Changed the SkyTrak+ category. Added a new video ranking my favorites. Edited the conclusion.
August 11th, 2024: Removed dedicated links to other product guides and replaced with one link, updated H2 tags, removed Garmin G80, added updated notes to some products after more testing, added “recent updates” section
14 Comments
G’day Sean,
(Are you any relation to our very own Brett Ogle? 🇦🇺 )
Sean, please help me with the mess I’m in. I want a Launch Monitor! Why can’t it be as easy as go out and buy an X3 or GC Quad or Trackman 4 ??
I just want to know, what is the best Launch Monitor on the market that you can buy and don’t have to pay anything else at all. No subscriptions, no upgrades, no unlocking features etc etc… 🤯
My use: I want to use it at the range AND setup a indoor simulator in my workshop.
That’s it mate. I really hope you can help, I’m pulling my hair out. There are hidden traps and catches everywhere.
I was about to add that price doesn’t matter, though the higher the price, the more subscriptions and unlock codes and courses and features they seem to have you digging into your wallet for.
I have another question about the differences between rangefinders and watch GPS, but to be honest, I haven’t read your reviews and articles about them yet so I’ll do that first. I’ve seen a few YouTubes of yours and just now (4 hours ago) found your articles and reviews. Top of my FAV list. Your reporting is excellent, thank you.
Anyways, cheers 🍻
Michael 🇦🇺
Michael,
Thanks for the note! IF no subscription fees is your primary concern, then I’d check out the GC3 or GC Quad. For $7500 on the GC3 you’re all in. You can always buy more courses for the simulator, but that is a good base. The GCQuad is even more accurate, but there are some additional fees if you want to unlock clubhead measurement ($4k) and putting analysis ($1k).
Appreciate the kind words and feel free to add other comments or drop me an email if I can help any more!
Probably worth mentioning that the Rapsodo works with your phone but it has to be IOS. They have been promising an android version for years, but now have come out with a new model instead. I use mine with an Ipad. It works fine, but a little clunky on the range.
Got a question …. with a budget of $300-400 (with possible splurge to $500) which would you get? Is the SC200 good enough? Mainly looking to get yardages for my clubs at the range.
Thank you
The SC200i is certainly good enough for casual sessions. But I’d splurge and go for the SC4, everything is better than the SC200, plus loads more features.
Most important to me is the DIRECTION the ball went. My second request is PRICE.
Which launch monitor will give me ball direction for the lowest price.
I will be hitting into a net in my backyard.
Thanks for any help.
Patrick
The Rapsodo MLM will do this at the lowest price. Hitting into a net, wont provide the best accuracy though. I’d consider spending a little more and going with MLM2PRO or SC4.
I’ve been staring at the personal launch monitors for the past couple of years, and it’s only gotten tougher to figure out which one I should buy.
I’d only use it outdoors and really only need the main stats given (ball speed, club speed, carry distance, spin, launch angle, and apex). I originally didn’t care about the simulator portion, but now am thinking it might be more enjoyable during practice sessions to simulate some holes or play some of the various games using my iPad pro as my screen.
So it’s either the R10 or the SC4 if I want sim. Or the SC300i or Mevo of I don’t. Damn analysis paralysis.
Out of all of those, I’d absolutely go with SC4. The built in screen is great, and it’s going to give you the most versatility. The “home tee hero” feature of kind of like half simulated rounds is nice on the R10, but there’s an added subscription for that. Considering you can get the SC4 for under $500 with our coupon code, it really makes it the best value and bang for the buck at that price range.
Downside, is dont expect the spin numbers to be super accurate – but they wont be on any device at this price point, unless you jump up to the Rapsodo MLM2Pro
Hi Sean,
Appreciate your site and your channel. I enjoyed your video/analysis of the best launch monitors under $1000 but wanted to add a wrinkle and get your thoughts.
I’m interested in buying one of these for the family to use. MLM2Pro was my first choice, but further research is showing that this is really geared towards a single user. Do you have a recommendation for multi-user launch monitor?
Honestly, it depends a bit on how you intend to use it. Most of the devices under $1k are geared towards a single user at a time when using the built in software. That said, if you use 3rd party software like e6 or Awesome Golf, it makes it much easier to have multiple users at a time. So while I haven’t tested with 3rd party options outside of e6, I think the MLM2PRO would still be good fore that. The R10 with Awesome Golf is another one I’d consider for sure.
Thanks for the response. Right now I’m leaning towards the R10 with Awesome Golf as you suggest, as it does appear that we can each use the R10 with our own accounts if we want. Seems like if you’re using the special balls with either unit, the key benefit to the MLM2PRO is really the ability to view the cameras, etc, and if this doesn’t work for multiple users, R10 probably makes the most sense (from a cost perspective, too)
I hope you can help. Being a relative new (old – 62) golfer, I picked it up late in life. Living in a rural area with no local county courses anymore. It closed a few years ago. I only get to play a handful of times a year. So breaking 100 on a consistent basis is still a dream. lol.
The confusion is real on making a choice. And it seems to only get worse the more I look. So any help would be a god-send. What I would like may not be possible with a limited budget, but here is my wish list.
1) At this stage of my game some of the numbers are just numbers, some without a lot of meaning. So accuracy is not as important at this point. Can’t say I consistently hit anything the same way twice anyway.
2) Back yard is the only option at this time. No indoor space tall enough or big enough.
3) I have just purchased (came today) a 10x10x10 hitting net with the hopes of adding a sim before it or myself falls apart. I hope to get it together later this weekend and start getting in some swings. lol.
4) Most importantly, I want to (must) be able to play multi-player with my children and grandchildren. I’ll play solo when I have too.
5) I have a laptop PC that should be able to handle most of todays software and open to purchasing an iPad if necessary.
6) At this stage of my game, a limited number of courses will be fine for the (fore)seeable future. The way I play I’ll see a different part of the course every round for quite some time.
7) If I can talk my 2 sons into sharing the cost… might could stretch the budget a little. So a good and better option would be great.
I hope this is enough information to at least narrow down the choices a bit. With the main goal being entertainment, my game will have to improve from the practice. Won’t it?
Thanks for any insight you can provide.
Hi Sean,
So I have a couple of questions before I dive into an investment. Here are some of the issues I see myself running into and would love your opinion.
1. I’m left-handed and my son is right-handed.
2. We have a small footprint to put this up.
3. We’re an Apple house. So all macs. I do have a MacMini M1 that I was hoping to use.
So what would you suggest? I understand that moving the LM back and forth from left to right could be a hassle, but then I think it saves on space by not having to have the LM behind us.