The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2023: An In Depth Review
Updated in January 2023 to add the Leupold GX-6c and update with current pricing data.
One of the best parts about being a golf blogger is that I have opportunities to review a lot of different products.
And for whatever reason, golf rangefinders are one of the products that I’ve become most familiar with.
A rangefinder is pretty much designed to do one thing: tell you how far away you are from the pin.
So considering it has just one relatively simple task, it’s pretty amazing considering how many different models and price points there are out there.
This review of the best golf rangefinders was updated in January of 2023, and will continue to be updated as new models come out throughout the year.
Keep in mind I’ve personally used every single product in this rangefinder review, and have played at least 3 rounds with each.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Golf Rangefinder
The rangefinder that is going to be the best fit is going to come down to a few different personal preferences:
- Price
- Performance
- Features
While any of the rangefinders mentioned in this post will do the job of telling you distances, there are some that will do it faster, are more enjoyable to use, and have features that while not always essential are really nice to have.
Some questions to ask yourself before deciding on the best fit for you:
- What is your budget?
- How long do you plan to have this?
- Do you want a slope feature? This will give you a second “plays like” distance number that accounts for the flag being uphill or downhill.
- Will you be using it in tournaments?
- Is feel and quality more important, or price?
Keep these in mind as you read about the best golf rangefinders on the market below.
Also worth noting, prices on these rangefinders are changing constantly. I do my best to keep this as up-to-date as possible, but do a little research before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best price.
The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2023:
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Best Overall Golf Rangefinder – Bushnell
Pro X3 -
Best Rangefinder for Most People – Precision Pro NX10
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Best Bushnell Rangefinder Under $300 – Bushnell Tour V5
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Best Optics: Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized
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Most Accurate: Cobalt Q6 Slope
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Best Value Rangefinder – Blue Tees Series 3 Max
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Best Budget Rangefinder – Precision Pro NX7
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Most High-Tech Rangefinder – Garmin Approach Z82
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Best Smart Rangefinder: Precision Pro R1
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Best Image Stabilization: Leupold GX-6c
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Most Compact Rangefinder: TecTecTec KLYR
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Best Golf GPS: Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS
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Best Golf GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S62
And if you want to know all the details of why we selected each of these, then read on!
Take the Quiz! Which Rangefinder is Right for You?
I’ve reviewed nearly 3 dozen rangefinders on Breaking Eighty, so I have a pretty good idea of what’s worth buying based on your goals.
Because of this, I spent hours putting together a quiz to help you figure out which rangefinder is right for you based on your needs.
It only takes about 20 seconds to do, so give it a shot. You’ll get my best recommendation for you, and then a link to my full review based on the results.
Take our 30 second quiz and I'll recommend the perfect golf rangefinder based on your budget, goals, and preferences.
Best Overall Golf Rangefinder: Bushnell Pro X3
What the Pro X3 looks like straight out of the box.
The top-of-the-line rangefinder from Bushnell, the
The previous model the Bushnell
For years the
There’s some very stout competition from other golf rangefinders in this list, and most of them cost significantly less.
But if money is no object, and you’re looking for a high-end rangefinder that will last for years? Look no further than the Pro X3.
- Price: $599.
- My Rating: 9.2 Read my Bushnell Pro X3 Review
- Where to Buy: Buy it from Play Better. Buy it from Bushnell.
- Solid Alternative: Bushnell Pro XE. Nearly all of the benefits, but a few bucks cheaper.
The Bushnell Pro X3 improves upon it's flagship Pro XE in subtle, but meaningful ways. If you want the best of the best, the X3 is the rangefinder for you.
Best Rangefinder for Most People: Precision Pro NX10
There have been a lot of fantastic golf rangefinders to come out this past year, but perhaps none more so than the Precision Pro NX10.
It feels high-end, performs well, and comes in well under $300.
But not only that, its revolutionary new faceplate system allows you to truly customize your device – the first time we’ve come across a rangefinder that allows you to do this.
This is the first rangefinder we’ve reviewed over the last few years that can truly give Bushnell a run for it’s money, while doing so at a budget price point.
Honestly, the NX10 is fantastic and gets our highest recommendation.
- Price: $279. $259 if you use the code “BREAKINGEIGHTY”
- My Rating: 10 – Read my Precision Pro NX10 Review.
- Where to Buy: Buy it from Precision Pro Here
- Solid Alternative: Bushnell Tour V5 Shift
The Precision Pro NX10 is one of the very best rangefinders we've reviewed, and comes in at a price that makes it a smart choice for just about anyone.
Best Bushnell Rangefinder Under $300: Bushnell Tour V5
The Tour V5 is a great size and is lighter than the
Within two holes of using the new Bushnell Tour V5 I audibly laughed, handed the V5 to my buddy and said “try this.”
“Whoa, that’s fast!”
It’s not very often I pick up a device like this and am so instantly enamored with it, but that was the case with the Tour V5.
Frankly, it just works.
You know since it’s Bushnell that you’re going to get a high-quality product, but this device had the right combination of size, speed, and predictability that has made it one of my favorite rangefinders I’ve ever tested.
It isn’t as feature-heavy as the class-leading X3, and its build quality isn’t quite as “tank like”, but this is a very good device and one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a high-quality rangefinder that will last a long time.
I reviewed the $299 standard V5 which didn’t have slope. For an extra $100 you can get the Slope Edition if that’s important to you – either way, you’ll be happy.
- Price: $299.
- My Rating: 10. Read my Bushnell Tour V5 Review.
- Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon Here. Buy on Bushnell.com
- Solid Alternative: Precision Pro Nx10.
- Additional Reading: Best Bushnell Rangefinders: Which One Should You Get?
The V5 doesn't have many of the bells and whistles of other models, but you know what? It's lightning fast, looks great, and most importantly? Is REALLY enjoyable to use. I love this thing.
Best Value Rangefinder: Blue Tees Series 3 Max
When I originally tested Blue Tees first foray into the rangefinder market, I found the devices to be a bit of a mixed bag.
They had potential, but I found them to inconsistent to really be able to give them a strong recommendation.
Around a year later, they released the Series 3 Max. I was excited to try it out, but also a little apprehensive based on my first experience.
And you know what happened?
They addressed nearly every complaint I had about the original devices.
The new Blue Tees Series 3 Max is a device that does pretty much everything you’d want a rangefinder to do, at a price that’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a more premium brand like Bushnell.
The optics and build quality won’t be quite as good as those more expensive models, but at this price? There’s not a lot that can beat it.
Even better? Use our code “BREAKINGEIGTHYMAX!” to save another 10%. This brings it down to $234 – which is a pretty killer deal for this device.
- Price: $259 ($234 with our code “BREAKINGEIGTHYMAX!”)
- My Rating: 8.8. Ready my Blue Tees Series 3 Max Review.
- Where to Buy: Buy at Blue Tees Golf Here.
Blue Tees stepped it up in every way over their previous models. The Series 3 is their best yet, and one of the best "full-featured budget rangefinders we've tested.
Best Optics: Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized
Despite having a bit of a tongue-twister of a name, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this device is.
Not that I should have been. After all, Nikon has spent decades building their reputation for having extremely high-quality glass in their lenses.
Fortunately, a lot of that tech and reputation has transferred well into the golf rangefinder market.
Optical quality is usually the biggest differentiator between a cheap rangefinder and an expensive one. And I can safely say that the ProII rangefinder has the best glass I’ve ever seen in a rangefinder. Everything looks crystal clear.
Throw in the stabilization technology to make it easy for anyone to lock onto the flag, and you have a very good device. It isn’t cheap, and there are aspects about some of the Bushnell’s we like better – but this absolutely a device to consider if you’re looking for a high-end golf rangefinder.
- Price: $449.
- My Rating: 8.4. Read my Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized Review.
- Where to Buy: Buy it on Amazon here.
Nikon is known for world class camera lenses, so it's only natural their rangefinder will look crystal clear. Throw in image stabilization? And you have a very unique golf rangefinder that works great.
Most Accurate: Cobalt Q6 Slope
The Cobalt Q6 Slope is one of the most underrated rangefinders in golf.
I’ve given it my “most accurate” title for two reasons:
- It gives consistent results down to the 1/1oth of a yard. No one needs that amount of precision, and most devices that go down to the 1/10th bounce around. The Q6 does not. If it reads 100.4, it’ll keep reading 100.4
- It’s flag lock vibration feature is the best I’ve used. It really only vibrates when it’s locked on.
These two things combined, make me have more confidence in the accuracy of the numbers when compared to any other device I’ve used.
It’s very good, and worth considering if you’re looking for a high-end golf rangefinder.
- Price: $450
- My Rating: 9.6
- My Review: Cobalt Q6 Review: The Most Underrated Rangefinder in Golf?
This is one of the most well-built and most accurate rangefinders we've ever used. Yes, there's a premium price, but it comes along with premium performance.
Best Budget Rangefinder: Precision Pro NX7 Pro
When I first reviewed the Precision Pro NX7 Pro, I wasn’t overly familiar with the company. They were the new guys on the block with a goal of creating a full-featured rangefinder at a budget price.
And I was pleasantly surprised to see they’d done just that.
It has most of the features you’ll see from rangefinders that are double the price, and generally, it does things pretty well. Not quite as well, but its good enough for me to absolutely recommend it for someone in the sub $250 range.
The build quality feels like cheaper plastic compared to the Bushnell.
The optics aren’t quite as sharp, and I prefer the 5x magnification of the Bushnell to the 6x of the NX7.
The vibration doesn’t feel quite as high quality.
It’s not quite as fast at getting distances (but we’re talking less than a second here).
But at close to $200, it’s the best rangefinder in that price range. And if you’re looking for something a little bit quicker and full featured, but you don’t want to pony up the big bucks, then check out my thoughts on the NX9 above.
- Price: $199. On Amazon, I’ve seen this very occasionally under $140, and often hovering around $170 – which is a great price for this.
- My Rating: 8.0
- My Review: Precision Pro NX7 Pro Review
- Where to Buy: Buy it on Amazon Here. Buy at Precision Pro Golf
- You can also use the code BREAKINGEIGHTY to save $20.
There are a LOT of bad rangefinders in the sub-$200 price range. This isn't one of them. It works well, is fast, and while it may not quite have the display or optics of more expensive devices, it does exactly what you need a rangefinder to do: give you the distance. Quickly.
Most High-Tech Rangefinder: Garmin Approach Z82
The Garmin Approach Z82 rangefinder.
The Garmin Approach Z82 is unlike any other rangefinder on the market.
For starters, it doesn’t have an optical viewfinder.
Rather, this GPS rangefinder has a video screen that gives you all kinds of additional information overlayed on your view.
Want to know distances to the front back and center of the green, along with your pin reading? It does that.
Want to know what direction and speed the wind is blowing? No problem.
Want accurate distances to every single hazard on the course? Yep, it does that too.
Oh, and want a GPS locating system, so that you never lose your rangefinder again? The Z82 has got you covered.
That isn’t to say this rangefinder isn’t without it’s drawbacks, but if you’re looking for the most high-tech and arguably feature-heavy rangefinder on the market? This may just be for you.
- Price: $599.
- My Rating: 7.8 Read my Garmin Approach Z82 review.
- Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon. Buy through Garmin.
- Solid Alternative: Precision Pro R1
Looking for the most high-tech golf rangefinder on the market? Your search is over, get the Garmin Approach Z82.
Best Smart Rangefinder: Precision Pro R1
When I heard that the small-startup company Precision Pro was going to make a smart GPS rangefinder, I was excited but apprehensive.
Could they really pull off creating an entirely new, highly technical product – and do it at a budget price?
I had my doubts.
But after using the Precision Pro R1, I’m blown away.
Not only is it an excellent rangefinder on its own, but the smart features and companion app worked great, and legitimately enhanced my rangefinder experience in ways I wasn’t expecting. Highly recommended if you’re looking for this type of product.
It doesn’t hurt that it comes in at close to half the price of its closest smart competitor, the Garmin Z82 I mentioned above.
- Price: $319 (USE CODE BREAKINGEIGHTY for $20 off. January 2023: This is currently on crazy sale at Precision Pro for $229. Take $20 off and it knocks it down to $209. If you want a smart rangefinder, this is a no-brainer.
- My Rating: 9.6 Read my Precision Pro R1 Review
- Where to Buy: Buy at Precision Pro
A fantastic rangefinder with great optics and high-tech features in a package that's both easy and enjoyable to use. Highly recommended.
Best Image-Stabilized Rangefinder: Leupold GX-6c
Leupold golf flies under the radar. People “in the know” have known for years that they have some of the most accurate and well-built devices in golf. But next to the marketing hype of other brands, they haven’t quite hit the mainstream.
I don’t expect it to stay like that for long though, because their current lineup has something for everyone.
And the best of the best? It’s the Leupold GX-6c, which has all kinds of tech from fog mode, to an automatic club selector, and yes, image stabilization.
This and the Nikon I mentioned above are the only image-stabilized rangefinders I know of. This works in the same way a stabilized camera lens works, and makes it incredibly easy for even the shakiest of hands to range long distances.
You sacrifice a couple of other modern features like flag-lock vibration and a built-in magnet. But for some golfers, what you gain makes this device well worth the purchase.
- Price: $599. Although, you often see it cheaper on Amazon.
- My Rating: TBD. Read my full overview of Leupold’s current rangefinder lineup.
- Where to Buy: Buy from Amazon.
- Solid Alternative: Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized. If you’re set on image stabilization, but want to save few bucks – the Nikon is a great choice.
Incredibly well built, tons of tech, and image stabilization. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line rangefinder that will last for years to come, the GX-6C is a great choice.
Most Compact Rangefinder: TecTecTec KLYR
The KLYR rangefinder.
I tested multiple TecTecTec rangefinders a couple years ago, and didn’t have a great experience.
Fortunately, their latest device, the TecTecTec KLYR completely changed all of that.
Not only are the optics and usability very good, but it’s also the most compact device on this list.
Oh, and it does all of that at a price under $200.
I’d still likely stay away from their VPRO500, but if you’re looking for a golf rangefinder that’s going to leave the smallest footprint in your golf bag, but you still want a good user experience? The TecTecTec KLYR is absolutely a product to consider.
- Price: $199
- My Rating: 9. Read my TecTecTec KLYR Review.
- Where to Buy: Buy from TecTecTec.
- Solid Alternative: Precision Pro NX7.
The KLYR is miles ahead of the previous TecTecTec rangefinders we've tested. Its optics are fantastic and its compact size make this an excellent budget rangefinder.
Best Golf GPS for Carts: Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS
So this isn’t a rangefinder, but for many people it may be a more inexpensive option that accomplishes the same goal.
This tiny device uses a magnet to attach to your cart, and gives you very accurate GPS distances to the front, back, and center of the green on over 36,000 courses.
While you don’t get the pinpoint accuracy of a laser rangefinder, you get the information most of us need, at a fraction of the price.
The recently upgraded Phantom 2 also features a larger screen and the ability to update pin locations for more accurate results.
- Price: $129.99
- My Rating: 9.4
- My Review: Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS Review
- Where to Buy: Buy the Phantom GPS on Amazon
- Solid Alternative: Shot Scope Pro LX+. One of the only devices on the market that integrates a traditional laser rangefinder with a GPS unit.
Do you normally ride in a cart? Don't need the pinpoint accuracy of a rangefinder, but want green distances? Go buy the Phantom 2 right now. You won't be disappointed.
Best Golf GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S62
If a traditional rangefinder isn’t your thing, and you prefer to get your yardages from a watch? Look no further than the Garmin Approach S62.
It’s more expensive than offerings from Bushnell, or Garmin’s own Approach S42 – but the extra money is worth it.
It’s one of the most versatile watches we’ve used on the course, and provides extremely accurate yardages. If you pair it with their CT10 sensors and/or the Z82 rangefinder, you’ll have the ultimate high-tech golf setup.
- Price: $499
- My Rating: 9
- My Review: Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch
- Where to Buy: Buy the S62 from Play Better. Buy the S62 from Amazon.
- More GPS Watches: Here’s our list for the best GPS golf watches.
Do you want a GPS golf watch that can do just about everything? Look no further. This is the watch for you.
Final Thoughts on the Best Golf Rangefinders for 2023
The good news for golfers right now is that there are a lot of options out there for rangefinders at nearly every price point.
For $200-250 you can get a great device that will do the job of finding distances well.
For $400-550 you’ll get a few more convenient features, faster readings, and a package that is frankly, just more enjoyable to use.
Have a rangefinder you love? Let me know what it is so I can check it out!
We’ll continue to update this as new devices are rolled out for the 2023 season!
Looking for More Golf Reviews? Then Check out:
- Best Golf Balls of 2023: Trying to find the best golf ball for you game? Look no further.
- Best Golf Gifts: Regardless of whether it’s Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a Birthday – you’ll find the perfect gift for the golfer in your life.
- Best Golf Launch Monitors: Whether you want to spend $300, $3,000, or $30,000 there’s a launch monitor out there for you.
- Best Golf Push Carts – Are you a walking golfer? Don’t miss this.
- Best Golf Bags – Whether you carry, push, or ride – we’ve got something for you.
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.
I think Bushnell Tour Z6 is one of the best golf range finders… what’s more is that the Bushnell Z6 is among the first golf laser rangefinders from Bushnell to feature the Vivid Display Technology. Its most amazing feature is the fact that it can be used under any lighting condition. It also allows you to adjust the brightness levels of its display. That means you dont have to worry when natural light is not as bright you would want it
thanks for the review of the best golf rangefinders. I’m looking to get a rangefinder for golf myself, and I have a my eye on a few models. It’s no surprise that the Bushnell Pro X2 is on this list – I’ve heard really good things about it from friends. It’s interesting how you criticize TecTecTec; I tried it for 9 holes last year and I thought it performed great. It has a lofty status on Amazon for a reason… and it’s very affordable.
What type of batteries does these rangefinder require?
No doubt Bushnell makes a top notch range finder. Definitely an interesting take on TecTecTec, I have one on my bag that I picked up a few seasons ago and it hasn’t let me down yet. My normal playing partners have Leupold and Bushnell scopes and we rarely are more than 1 yard +/- of one another. Maybe I am lucky with mine, but I have yet to find a situation that has left me feeling like it is lacking in any way.
I originally has the TecTecTec Vpro 500, it’s the perfect entry level rangefinder. A few months ago I upgraded to the NX7 after reading another post. It was highly recommended and seems like good value for money.
The Nx7 was a great upgrade, it really does what it says on the Tin. It performs great, looks really cool and performed really well.
However I am now in a little bit of a dilemma. My brother has the Bushnell V4 and it seems to perform that bit better. It’s noticeable quicker at finding the yardage of pins and bunkers. I would be still getting the yardage and he’s selecting his club.
A few months ago this didn’t really bother me as I couldn’t justify the additional cost of the V4 ($380) compared to the NX7 ($269). But now the V4 is after coming way down in price and there’s only about $10 in the difference.
Is it worth selling my NX7 and upgrading to the Bushnell V4?
Bought. Tec tec tec last year, my first range finder. Liked the price. My golf buddies have other higher end brands. I had a more difficult time locking into the flag. Even when I felt I had it locked in it would read something in the background. Seems my golf partners could lock on quicker. In December approx 18 months after purchase it stopped working. Thought I needed a new battery but that didn’t fix the problem. Another issue I had was the silver plastic screw in covers that surround the lens. I had to super glue them in place. I just place an order for a Bushnell Prox2. The old saying “you get what you pay for”, couldn’t be more accurate. Now if I can remember to take it off the golf cart when I’m done.
I bought a Pinned golf range finder from a golf trade show recently and have been super impressed with the quality and accuracy. I had a precision pro before (it was okay but I left it in a cart :-[ ) and would definitely consider this an upgrade.
I have used both NX-7 & and Bushnell Tour V-4 Both are very good. Made the mistake of buying a TecTecTec VPro500. Worked fine for first 6-7 months, then would not lock on pin when over 125 yards. Then wouldn’t pick up anything past 110 yards, Just showed four black horizontal dashes on the read -out. The only thing worse than the rangefinder is the customer service. The absolute worst!!! TecTecTec is extremely difficult to contact via phone. I have been on hold 3 x past 45 min and they never picked up. Phone hours 8am-2pm M-F If you get a live voice – they say they will ask to see if you are a verified legit purchaser or request your orig Invoice # and once it is provided claim they will follow-up but never do. Multiple e-mails to them have gone unanswered. Avoid these guys.
The link for the BEST GOLF GPS UNDER $100: BUSHNELL PHANTOM GOLF GPS goes to a $228.93 device, not one for under $100. Not seeing that one…
Thanks for the heads up, Dave. The pricing has changed in the last couple months since they released the Phantom 2, which is $130.
I actually just got one in for review, that I’ll be writing about later this month.
But here’s the link in the meantime: https://www.bushnellgolf.com/products/gps/phantom-2-golf-gps/
I imagine everything I said about the original will hold true, and likely have a couple added features.
Why is the Leupold never reviewed? I’ve had my GX-4 for about 7 years. I think I’ve used 3 batteries, total. I’ve dropped it had it fall out of the cart onto cart paths, used it in pouring down rain, it shoots through glass and plastic windows and is always accurate. Scanning feature tells you easily if your hitting the pin or not and when you set it up properly tells you a club with altitude and temp selection. fog, rain…doesn’t matter. Works every time.
expensive. Yes, but you get what you pay for
I’ve reached out to them to try and get devices for review, but haven’t got much of a response.
Why no review on the Garmin Z80 or Z82?
It’s cominh soon! Have a Z82 in hand, and just waiting for the weather to get better so I can get out and test.
What is your opinion on the Callaway 300 Pro Slope rangefinder? If you haven’t used it, have you heard or read anything about it? I am looking at getting this one or the Precision Pro NX9 and was hoping for a little feedback as the Callaway is a bit cheaper right now. Thanks in advance for your response