The putter is golf’s great equalizer.
For all of the intimidation of a brutally long hole, a forced carry over water into the wind, or a short-sided chip shot, more often than not it’s the final few feet on the putting green that have the biggest impact on a golfer’s scorecard.
An otherwise skilled player can be rendered entirely noncompetitive if they can’t putt.
And conversely, a golfer who plods around the course hitting nothing but duffs and wormburners but who regularly catches fire with the flatstick can score far better than the eye test would ever predict.
There’s a reason there are enough cliche catch phrases having to do with putting to fill this entire post (don’t worry, we’ll spare you). It’s because putting is as important — or, depending on who you ask, more important — than any other part of the game.
Generally speaking, if you’re going to score your best, you’re going to have to putt your best.
And to putt your best, you’re going to need the best putter for your stroke.
So, why is the putter so often the last club that comes to mind when a golfer thinks of upgrading equipment? How many golfers do you know who have played the same putter for more than a decade even when it’s obvious that they’re not great putters? And how many of those same golfers buy a new driver every couple of years?
It seems that because the putter requires the smallest stroke, somehow many golfers don’t think there’s much of a difference between one model and another.
But that’s ridiculous. Manufacturers and designers are continuously refining their approach to making putters, leveraging technology advancements and tweaking weighting and dimensions to make improvements just as they are with all of the other clubs in the bag.
Bottom line: if you’re not putting as well as you’d like, it might be time to consider a new putter. If you’re ready to drain more bombs, limit three putts and shoot lower scores, this post is for you.
We’ll continue to update this post as new putters are released and tested.
Best Overall Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
I’m not sure I’ve come across a golf product that is more universally loved than the L.A.B. Golf DF3 – at least by the people who own one.
Some of the haters will say L.A.B. is nothing more than a gimmick. But talk to those that own the admittedly expensive $450+ putter? And they’ll tell you it’s changed their game.
With unique “Lie Angle Balance” technology, the DF3 is supposed to remove all torque in your putting stroke, helping you to putt the ball exactly where you’re aiming.
As a proud owner of a DF3? I can absolutely agree that it has lowered my scores and improved my putting.
Full Review: Is the LAB Golf DF3 the Best New Golf Product of the Decade?
The hype is real when it comes to LAB Golf. Once you dial it in, this putter really will help you hole more putts. If it's in your budget, it's absolutely a product you should consider.
Runner Up: L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max
Honestly? I think every other manufacturer should be worried. L.A.B. is doing something special, and all you need to do is read the comments on some of the reviews of their putters to see that they’ve developed a hugely loyal following.
Now that I’ve personally spent significant time with their putters? I get it. I’m in. I’m a believer.
While I think the DF3 might be the better overall fit for most people, I’ve personally gravitated to the Mezz.1 MAX. It doesn’t sound quite as good, or feel quite as good off the face. But something about it has inspired more confidence in my putting than any other putter I’ve ever used – including the aforementioned DF3.
If the DF3 isn't for you, then you might consider the Mezz.1 MAX. It's a different look that we've found easier to line up properly, and it's proven deadly on the course. Downside? It ain't cheap.
Best Golf Putter for Alignment: Odyssey 2-Ball Eleven Triple Track
If ever there was a putter that looked like it could make a putt without you having to even swing the club, this would be it. There’s not just one line to help you with alignment. Not even just two lines. There are three alignment lines AND Odyssey’s 2-ball guide system to make it even easier to align the putter face, ball and target.
This is a face-balanced mallet putter that’s likely best for players without much arc and face rotation in their putting strokes.
The face includes Odyssey’s well-known and well-regarded White Hot insert. And the putter features two 15-gram adjustable weights to help you dial in your precise setup.
If you struggle with hitting the ball where you think you’re aimed, alignment might be the issue. The Odyssey 2-Ball Eleven Triple Track includes every alignment aid you could imagine and might be a round-saver for you.
Best Putter Value: Stix Compete Putter
When I reviewed the full Stix golf clubs set, one of the very first things that impressed me was the putter. In fact, I drained a 5-footer for birdie the very first time I rolled the rock with this thing. It made such an impression on me that I kept the Stix putter in my daily bag even after I’d moved on from using the rest of their clubs. So, yeah, I really like this putter.
Recently though, they gave this putter an upgrade. Better grip, higher end fit and finish, and increased feel.
The result is the Stix Compete Putter, which comes in 3 different styles.
At $155, it’s a little bit more than the original, but is still less than half the price of many of the putters listed in this post.
If you’re looking for a high-end putter, without the high end price. This is definitely one to consider.
Also, the previous putter that came with the box set, can currently be had for just $64 – a total steal – but I doubt that will last long.
Full Review: The Stix Compete is a High End Putter at a Mid Range Price
The Stix Compete line of putters represents a solid upgrade over their standard putters, and feel and performance on par with more expensive putters from big name brands.
Most Forgiving Putter: TaylorMade Spider GTX
They could have named this the “Stable” instead of the “Spider.” This putter features a hollowed-out core, which redistributes the weight to the perimeter and promotes rock-solid stability.
Where things really get good is with the stainless steel back bar that TaylorMade added to the back of the Spider GTX. This bar accounts for a significant amount of the club’s overall mass and creates a very deep center of gravity. The result is a putter that’s not just more stable but that also includes a much larger sweet spot.
The Spider GTX is also a contender for best putter alignment as the contrasting colors on the clubhead make it easier to frame the ball and point the clubface precisely where you want to start your putt.
Perimeter weighting and a much deeper center of gravity make the Spider GTX both stable and forgiving. Enjoy a larger sweet spot with this TaylorMade model.
Best Overall Blade Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2
Most hardcore golfers would agree that Scotty Cameron putters are the top of the line. When you flip on the TV, you’ll find a lot of tour players who either play a Scotty Cameron or who would if they didn’t have a deal with a different manufacturer.
Each one of these putters is like a work of art, meticulously crafted from the finest materials. Scotty Cameron himself is still in charge of designing each model, and with the Super Select series, he’s gathered feedback from the world’s best players to improve upon his 2020 Special Select line.
The Super Select Newport 2 is a heel-and-toe weighted design that looks both classic and stunning. The face introduces new dual-milled technology, which includes a milling process inspired by deep milled models but with a second pass of the mill to smooth out the grooves and deliver the feedback associated with mid-mill putters.
Scotty Cameron putters aren’t cheap, but they are also like heirlooms that can be passed down to future generations. If you want the best, here it is.
Honorable Mention Best Overall Blade Putter: Bettinardi BB28
Bettinardi is another artisan-like manufacturer that turns out putters so beautiful you’re almost afraid to use them. With their BB28 model, they’ve created a face-balanced design that should favor players with a more straight-back-and-through stroke.
Bettinardi increased the width of their blade for the BB28, creating a deeper flange that moves the center of gravity further back. The result is a more forgiving putter that produces better control even on strikes that are a bit off center.
One component of Bettinardi putters that is regularly raved about is the soft feel and distinctive feedback you get in your hands after a putt. Bettinardi credits their “Perpetual Flymill Face Milling” technology which they say produces the kind of feedback tour-level players demand and also creates a more consistent roll.
While this putter has been available for a couple of years now, it is still very worthy of this list in 2025.
If you have a straight back-and-through putting stroke, like a blade style and are looking for tour-level feedback, the Bettinardi BB28 may be perfect for you
Best Overall Mallet Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball Putter
This is Odyssey’s latest edition of what has become an iconic mallet-style putter. Odyssey’s 2-Ball design in many ways set the standard for mallets. Various iterations of this design have become mainstays in a lot of golf bags. And for good reason. The classic head shape, weighting, insert face and 2-Ball alignment tool have worked to make a lot of putts.
The White Hot OG 2-Ball is a double bend face-balanced style that is fitted with a pistol grip.
The iconic Odyssey 2-Ball design is the gold standard in mallet-style putters. If you prefer a mallet, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Best Mid-Mallet Putter: Ping Shea
Some golfers want the forgiveness of a mallet but the aesthetics of a blade. Well, you can’t quite get everything in any one design, but a mid-mallet-style putter is kind of the best of both worlds.
The Ping Shea includes tungsten toe-heel weights that promote stability and forgiveness, while the shallow milled face delivers a firmer feel and satisfying sound. A longer alignment line, set in the center of a ball-width cavity, helps to frame the ball for improved alignment.
Slight toe weighting means the Shea will likely fit best for those who have a bit of an arc in their putting stroke.
If you want the forgiveness of a mallet but not quite the big, bulky head, a mid-mallet design like the Ping Shea may be best for you.
Most Underrated Putter: Inesis High M.O.I. Putter
There are now several direct-to-consumer golf club manufacturers that, by cutting out the middle retailer, can save consumers money. Not all of these brands are making quality clubs, but the Inesis High M.O.I. is a product that’s worth a look for golfers who want to save some money on a really forgiving putter.
M.O.I., or “moment of inertia” is an indicator of a putter’s forgiveness. A higher M.O.I., which in the case of the Inesis putter is achieved with perimeter weighting, helps the putter to stay on line throughout a pendulum-type stroke. It also stabilizes the face through impact, meaning straighter rolls and better distance control even on slight mishits.
This is another contender for the Most Forgiving Putter category, and like the TaylorMade Spider GTX and Odyssey 2-Ball Eleven Triple Track, the head is considerably larger than a traditional blade or even mallet. That may make this putter aesthetically unappealing to some, while for others, that extra size may help with overall alignment and feel.
If you’re looking for a very forgiving putter but don’t want to pay the leading brand prices, this Inesis High M.O.I. model is worth considering.
Best Toe Hang Putter: Cleveland HB SOFT Milled 4
If your putting stroke includes a bit of an arc, where you open and close the putter face during your stroke instead of bringing it straight back and through, you’ll likely benefit from some extra weight in the toe of the putter. And this toe hang option gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
The milling process on putter faces, which helps to provide great feedback and distance and speed control, often constitutes one of the biggest manufacturer costs. But Cleveland has developed a more affordable milling process that seems to be competing quite adequately with more expensive models.
The HB SOFT Milled 4, which features a slightly enlarged, modern blade with a pumber’s neck hosel, provides tremendous value from a well-known manufacturer.
If you’ve got a slight arc in your stroke, you may prefer a toe-hang style putter. The Cleveland HB SOFT Milled 4 offers excellent value in that category.
Recapping the Best Golf Putters of 2025
If you can make more putts, you can have a lot more fun playing golf. Of that, I’m absolutely certain.
So whether your style and stroke favors a blade, a mallet or something in between; whether you’d benefit from a face-balanced design or a toe-hang model; whether you want every possible modern hack to help with your alignment or you prefer the old-school simplicity that worked for the great Bobby Jones, we’ve given you some of the very best putter options worth your consideration.
So when you’re thinking about golf club upgrades, don’t overlook the putter. You may be able to save more strokes by getting that club dialed in than with any other.
To recap:
- Best Overall Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
- Runner Up: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 MAX
- Best Putter for Alignment: Odyssey 2-Ball Eleven Triple Track
- Best Putter Value: Stix Compete Putter
- Most Forgiving Putter: TaylorMade Spider GTX
- Best Overall Blade Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2
- Honorable Mention Best Overall Blade Putter: Bettinardi BB28
- Best Overall Mallet Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball Putter
- Best Mid-Mallet Putter: Ping Shea
- Most Underrated Putter: Inesis High M.O.I. Putter
- Best Toe Hang Putter: Cleveland HB SOFT Milled 4
What To Look For in a Golf Putter
First and foremost, putting is personal. It’s about touch and feel as much as it is about mechanics. That’s why the most athletic golfer isn’t always the best putter. And it’s why the putter is the game’s great equalizer.
When choosing the best putter for your game, it all comes down to what looks right to your eye and what feels right to your stroke. Here are some of the most important things to consider:
- Head. There are two basic types of putter head: blade and mallet. A blade, or what you might think of as a traditional style, is a simple, straight design. There is not too much to the clubhead beyond the face of the club. A mallet style putter, on the other hand, features a larger clubhead that may extend several inches beyond the putter face. Blades tend to be lighter and to many golfers look more natural. But some golfers prefer the added heft of a mallet, finding that it promotes a more consistent stroke that’s not as handsy or wristy. If you struggle with keeping the putter head steady in your stroke, a mallet may be best for you.
- Balance. Where the weight is positioned in a putter will have a major impact on how consistently you can contact the ball in the center of the putter face. A toe hang putter that has more weight placed in the toe of the club may favor golfers with more arc in their stroke. A face balanced putter’s center of gravity is directly below the axis of the shaft. This type of weight distribution generally favors a stroke that is more straight back and through.
- Alignment. Many putters feature some kind of means of helping you line up the putter face so that it’s pointing at the intended target. On a lot of putters, there’s a simple line in the center of the clubhead that helps you line up with the center of the ball so that a correct stroke will start the ball on target. Other putters include a line that is perpendicular to the target. Then there are those putters that use an open space or a series of circles to help alignment. And some putters don’t have any alignment aids.
- Face. There are two main putter face types: an all-metal face or one with an insert in the center that’s made of different material than the rest of the face. Even within these two main types, there is a tremendous range of materials and milling that promote different feels and sounds. The right face is the one that gives you the audible feedback that sounds right to your ears coupled with the right feeling that’s going to help you judge whether you’ve hit the ball with the correct amount of force.
- Length. Most putters off the rack are between 33 and 35 inches in length. But you of course can find them both shorter and longer. Even with anchoring no longer allowed, some golfers still prefer the counterweight feeling that a longer putter gives them. Others feel more in control with a shorter shaft that keeps their hands lower. Generally, you’ll want to choose a putter length that fits your posture, allowing you to keep your eyes over the ball while the sole of the putter lays flat on the ground.
- Grip size. Skinny, fat or somewhere in between — nowadays, you’ve got a full range of putter grip sizes from which to choose. To put it simply, the skinnier your grip, the more your smaller muscles like those in your fingers and wrists will be engaged. A thicker grip is intended to remove those fine-touch muscles so that the stroke is driven more with the shoulders. This decision is a little less critical because you can always change your grip if you think a different style might fit you better.
For each of the above criteria, there’s no one right answer. As we said, putting is personal. In the case of the full golf swing, say with the driver, there are laws of physics that will dictate the right fit for a specific swing speed and club path. Those things do come into play with putters, too. But on the whole, finding the right fit is much more about what looks, feels and sounds the best to each individual.
Now that we’ve stated the obvious — that putting is critical to shooting your best scores — hopefully you’ll have a bit more insight into which one of these putters is best for your golf game.
But one thing to keep in mind? You may be better off buying a putting mat and actually practicing, than simply buying a new putter 🙂
Looking For More “Best Of” Golf Club Reviews?
Here are all of our golf buying guides. Or if you’re specifically looking at picking up new clubs, here are our best golf club guides:
- Best Golf Drivers — Here are nine picks to help you hit it further and straighter in 2025.
- Best Golf Fairway Woods — Whether you’re looking for max distance, something more forgiving or best overall value, you can find it here.
- Best Hybrid Golf Clubs — Here are the eight best options for rescuing your game in 2025.
- Best Golf Irons — Ten iron sets for every type of player.
- Best Golf Wedges – From forgiving high bounce, to tour blades, there’s something for everyone.
Recent Updates:
December 5th, 2024: Added LAB Mezz.1 MAX as “Runner Up” and added video. Updated date to reflect 2025.
October 22nd, 2024: Major Update. Added the L.A.B. DF3 as “Best Overall”. “Added Stix Compete” as Best Value. Removed category for “Most Hyped”. Moved “what to look for in a putter” section to end of post. New featured image.
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