The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2023: An In Depth Review
Updated in September 2023 to add the Voice Caddie TL1 and remove the Precision Pro NX7.
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:
-
Best Overall Golf Rangefinder – Bushnell
Pro X3 -
Best Rangefinder for Most People – Precision Pro NX10
-
Best Rangefinder Under $300 – Cobalt Q-4 Slope
-
Best Optics: Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized
-
Most Accurate: Cobalt Q-6 Slope
-
Best Budget Rangefinder – Blue Tees Series 3 Max
-
Most High-Tech Rangefinder – Garmin Approach Z82
-
Best Smart Rangefinder: Voice Caddie SL3
-
Best Image Stabilization: Leupold GX-6c
-
Most Compact Rangefinder: TecTecTec KLYR
-
Editor’s Choice: Voice Caddie TL1
-
Best Golf GPS: Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS
-
Best Golf GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S70
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: $299. $279 if you use the code “BREAKINGEIGHTY”. (Code only works on NX10 models with a custom sleeve.)
- My Rating: 10 – Read my Precision Pro NX10 Review.
- Where to Buy: Buy it from Precision Pro Here
- Solid Alternative: Cobalt Q-4 Slope
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 Rangefinder Under $300: Cobalt Q-4 Slope
The Cobalt Q-6 Slope has been one of my favorite rangefinders over the past year, and was even given the high praise of “most accurate” in this review.
But with the release of the Cobalt Q-4 Slope, that same level of accuracy has now trickeld down to a much more affordable device.
At $295 the Cobalt Q-4 isn’t quite a budget device, but it packs in enough tech and build quality to make it our current pick for the best rangefinder under $300.
The build quality is much better than competitive products at this price, and the optics are on the better end for the price range as well.
If you don’t care about “slope” and want a similar experience, you can go with the Bushnell V6 and be very happy. But for their comparable model to the Q-4, the V6 Shift, you’ll have to spend $100 more.
- Price: $295
- My Rating: 9
- Our Review: Is the Cobalt Q-4 Slope the Best Rangefinder Under $300?
- Where to Buy: Buy from Cobalt Golf here.
- Solid Alternative: Bushnell V6 Shift
With features often only found in much more expensive rangefinders, this is one of the best devices on the market under $300.
Best Budget 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.
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: Voice Caddie SL3
The Garmin Z82 may be the most high-tech rangefinder on the market, but for a lot of people the Voice Caddie SL3 may be a better bet.
It has a GPS screen built in, so you can glance at it to get green distances, and even a green heatmap showing the breaks – giving you a much better idea of where to position your approach.
Years ago, Bushnell had a hybrid laser rangefinder/GPS that I was disappointed to see go.
But if that’s something you’re in the market for, the SL3 has improved upon it in just about every way, making this the ultimate hybrid device.
- Price: $599.
- My Review: Voice Caddie SL3 Review: Best “Smart” Rangefinder in Golf?
- My Rating: 8.8
- Where to Buy: Buy from Play Better. Buy from Amazon.
- Solid Alternative: Garmin Approach Z82
Looking for the best hybrid laser rangefinder and GPS? Look no further. The Voice Caddie SL3 is the one you want. Use code "B80-VC50" to save $50 on the SL3 through Play Better!
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: $499,
- My Rating: 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 a 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.
Editor’s Choice #1: Voice Caddie TL1
The Voice Caddie TL1 is one of the best all around rangefinders I’ve ever used. It just doesn’t necessarily fit neatly into any of the categories listed above. At a retail price of $449, it’s expensive (although you can use the code “B80-VC50” to save $50 when you buy from PlayBetter.com.
At that price, it’s squarely in line with the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift. While it doesn’t have the Bushnell name, it does have better optics, and a nice external cover to help protect it from the elements.
I can’t definitively say that the TL1 is better overall, but it’s a very good product and has the most complete feature set of any rangefinder in the $400 price range.
- Price: $449 ($399 at PlayBetter)
- Discount: Use Voice Caddie coupon code “B80-VC50” to save $50 at PlayBetter.
- My Rating: 9.4. Full Review: Voice Caddie TL1 Review: A Wonderful Golf Rangefinder
- Where to Buy: Buy from PlayBetter
- Solid Alternative: Bushnell Tour V6 Shift
The Voice Caddie TL1 is an excellent premium rangefinder that has pretty much all the features you'd expect on a high-end device. Highly recommended.
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 S70
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 S70.
This is the single best GPS golf watch I’ve ever tested, and t’s not even close.
In fact, since getting it, I’ve put my Apple Watch Ultra in the box, and been wearing this as my daily driver. The health and fitness features, are just significantly better.
And oh, it’s the most advanced golf watch ever made as well. If it’s in budget, there’s no other option in my book.
- Price: $699
- My Rating: 10
- My Review: Garmin Approach S70 Review
- Where to Buy: Buy from Play Better. Buy from Garmin.
- More GPS Watches: Here’s our list for the best GPS golf watches.
Let's make this very clear: the Garmin Approach S70 is the best overall GPS golf watch ever made. Period. If you're in the market for a watch, and this is in budget? Just buy it.
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 $300-600 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!
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 Drivers of 2023: Regardless of your age or handicap, one of these will be a good fit for you.
- 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