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 2025?
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 5% 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 All-in-One-Simulator: Garmin Approach R50
The Garmin Approach R50 might be the most highly anticipated launch monitor out there.
And for good reason, because it’s the only device that’s both a launch monitor and a simulator all in one.
No need for an iPad, gaming PC, or anything else – you can play simulated rounds on over 42k courses with nothing other than this unit.
And the best part? Everything about it works great. It’s fast, easy to use, and feature heavy.
It won’t be for everyone considering it costs $5k, but despite just recently coming out – it’s lived up to expectations so far.
- Price: $4,999
- Target Price: $4,999. This thing is brand new and in extremely high demand. Don’t expect it to go on sale anytime soon.
- My Review: Garmin Approach R50 Hands On: Wow. Just, Wow.
- Solid Alternative: Honestly? There’s nothing out there quite like this.
- Where to Buy: From Play Better. From Golf Galaxy.
The Approach R50 is the world's first launch monitor and simulator all in one unit. And spoiler alert, it's just as cool as it sounds. If you want one? Buy one.
Best Under $500: Swing Caddie SC4 Pro
The SC4 Pro 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 have been improved since the original SC4 with the release of their “ProMetrics” algorithm in the new Pro models. Not to mention you also get side spin and dispersion now as well.
For a versatile budget launch monitor that you can use both at home and on the range? This one is tough to beat.
- Price: $599
- Target Price: $499. You can get this pricing right here.
- My Rating: 9
- My Review: Voice Caddie SC4 Pro is a Killer Budget Golf 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.