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    Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product ReviewsBreaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews
    Home»Buying Guides»Best GPS Golf Watches of 2025: 8 Great Rangefinder Alternatives
    Buying Guides

    Best GPS Golf Watches of 2025: 8 Great Rangefinder Alternatives

    Want as much info as possible on the golf course? A GPS golf watch will give you what you need.
    Sean OgleBy Sean OgleUpdated:December 19, 20244 Comments
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    Traditionally, if you wanted to get a distance on the golf course, your best bet is to have a laser rangefinder.

    But there is, of course, another option for getting your distances – and we’re not talking sprinkler heads.

    Golf watches are the stealthy, practical alternative to rangefinders, and many golfers find them to be preferable.

    Why?

    The best golf watches include comfort, performance, simplicity, and even style – and some of them can even cost less than your typical rangefinder.

    For some golfers, GPS golf watches beat the cumbersome and time-consuming routine of pulling out a rangefinder each time you want a distance.

    Just as smartwatches are becoming more prevalent among an ever-increasing range of lifestyles, golf watches have evolved to incorporate features that may appeal to a wider range of golfers.

    I’ve tested more than 2 dozen watches over the last 4 years, and these are the best of the best.

    If you’re looking to put something around your wrist that will give you the information you need quickly and reliably all while you add a little something to your on-course style, these are your best options.

    Table of Contents

    • Best Overall Golf Watch for Most People: Garmin Approach S70
    • Best Golf Watch for Fitness Nuts: Garmin Fenix 8
    • Best Bang for the Buck: Voice Caddie T11 Pro
    • Best GPS Golf Watch Under $200: Garmin S12
    • Best Golf Smart Watch: Apple Watch Ultra 2
    • Best All-In-One Shot Tracking Watch: Shot Scope V5
    • Best Under $100: TecTecTec Ult-G
    • Best Luxury Golf Watch: Garmin MARQ 2 Golfer
    • What to Look for When Buying a Golf Watch
    • Final Thoughts on Buying a GPS Golf Watch
    • Recent Updates:

    Best Overall Golf Watch for Most People: Garmin Approach S70

    The Garmin Approach S70 came out a year ago, and is still top of the heap when it comes to a dedicated golf watch.

    Everything about it is an upgrade from the outgoing Approach S62.

    With its release, the S70 solves two of the biggest problems facing nearly every other watch on this list:

    Screen resolution and lifestyle features.

    The super bright AMOLED screen is a joy to look at, and is miles better than any other Approach series watch from Garmin.

    But almost more importantly, they’ve finally packed in many of the health and fitness features that Garmin is known for into a reasonably priced golf watch.

    Body battery, stress levels, sleep tracking – it’s a huge step up from previous Garmin golf watches.

    This makes it the best choice out there for people who want a watch they can wear all day, every day.

    And when it comes to golf? It’s the most advanced GPS golf watch to date.

    It has built-in shot tracking, advanced “plays like” distances, compatibility with Garmin’s CT10 shot tracking system, green contour data and more.

    Normally, in these “best of” posts I try and spread the love around to different products based on what different people are looking for.

    But in this case, I’m a bit more adamant. If the Approach S70 is within your budget? Buy it. It’s the best-dedicated golf watch on the market, and it’s not even close.

    Best Overall Golf Watch
    Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch
    Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch
    $699

    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.

    Buy from Play Better Buy from Garmin
    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Best Golf Watch for Fitness Nuts: Garmin Fenix 8

    I never thought I’d get rid of my Apple Watch Ultra as my day-to-day watch – until the Approach S70 came around. 

    I wore it every day for a few months and loved the fitness features it provided.

    But then I learned about the Garmin Epix series

    It has even more robust fitness tracking features than the S70 (especially for runners and cyclists), and it represents the most comprehensive and high-tech fitness watch Garmin makes.

    Well, now Garmin has released the Fenix 8. It takes the best stuff from the Epix (the AMOLED screen) and ALL of the high-end golf features of the S70 – and puts it in one watch.

    Plus it adds quality-of-life features like a microphone and voice assistant.

    For people who want the best of the best in fitness tracking, golf, and smartphone features – this is the very best watch on the market. It’s also what I’m personally wearing every single day.

    The downside? It’s expensive. It starts at $999, which is $300 more than a comparable S70 – which already isn’t cheap.

    But if you want it all? And you’re ok with it not being an Apple Watch – this is the one to get.

    Best High End Golf Watch
    Garmin Fenix 8
    Garmin Fenix 8
    $999

    Want a golf and fitness watch that can do it all? The Fenix 8 might be exactly what you're looking for. It's not cheap, but this is what I personally wear both on the golf course and off.

    Buy from Garmin Buy from Play Better
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    Best Bang for the Buck: Voice Caddie T11 Pro

    The previous generation T9 was (and still is) one of the best golf watches on the market, especially at the current sale price of $249.

    But for just a little bit more, you can pick up the newer T11 Pro.

    This is by far the most feature packed golf watch under $500. It’s got built in shot tracking, a beautiful screen, wind and environmental slope adjustment, and even green heatmaps.

    All with no subscription. The retail price is $349, but Breaking Eighty readers can snag it for $299. 

    It’s easily the best deal in golf watches. 

    The downside? Because there’s so much packed into it, navigating it can be a challenge at times. I also don’t love the fact it’s primarily a touch screen. But once you learn your way around it, this is going to be the best option for a lot of people out there.

    Best Bang for the Buck Golf Watch
    Voice Caddie T11 Pro GPS Golf Watch
    Voice Caddie T11 Pro GPS Golf Watch
    $349

    This is hands down the most feature-packed GPS watch under $500. And it costs way less than that. This is a wonderful value in GPS golf watches and does just about everything you could want it to do.

    See Special Breaking Eighty Pricing
    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Best GPS Golf Watch Under $200: Garmin S12

    Garmin Approach S12

    I used to give the nod in this category to the Bushnell ION Elite. And to be clear, that’s still a great watch.

    But Bushnell stopped supporting previous generations of the ION watches, which has left a few users less than happy. 

    Because of this, I’d recommend picking up a Garmin S12. Garmin is the best in the business when it comes to GPS accuracy, and you get the added benefit of being in the Garmin ecosystem. This gives you enhanced benefits when using the CT10 sensors, Approach Z30 rangefinder, or other Garmin devices.

    I also think when looking for budget watches under $200, it’s best to just focus on distance numbers. As watches with GPS hole overviews and more elaborate graphics, are usually quite cumbersome in this price range.

    Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch
    Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch
    $149.99

    If you want to get into the Garmin CT10 shot tracking ecosystem, this is the most affordable watch that is compatible. And it's a reliable, and accurate watch in it's own right as well.

    Buy on Amazon
    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
    05/28/2025 08:02 pm GMT

    Best Golf Smart Watch: Apple Watch Ultra 2

    If having a day-to-day smartwatch is more important than a dedicated golf watch, then the Apple Watch is tough (impossible?) to beat.

    With the release of the Apple Watch Ultra (and subsequent 2), so much of the watch has been improved upon, and you have multiple options for golf apps to make it function like a dedicated golf watch.

    If this is the route you want to go, then my recommendation is simple: Get Arccos Caddie, pair it with your Apple Watch, and thank me later.

    Arccos Golf just keeps getting better and better.

    And when using it with the Apple Watch you’re able to not only get all your GPS yardages directly on your wrist, but you can track every single shot you hit on the course.

    After the round? You can see the exact distance of ever shot, every statistic you could ever want, and more.

    It’s really a fantastic experience.

    Best Everyday Golf Watch
    Apple Watch Ultra 2
    Apple Watch Ultra 2
    $794.95

    It might not be a dedicated golf watch like the Garmin S70, but if you're looking for one "do it all" watch? The Apple Watch Ultra is the one to beat. Especially when used with the Arccos system.

    Buy on Amazon
    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
    05/27/2025 08:42 pm GMT
    Best Overall Gift
    Arccos Caddie Sensors - Use code "BE15" for 15% off
    Arccos Caddie Sensors - Use code "BE15" for 15% off
    $199.99

    Ever wanted Tour left analytics on your game from every round you play? With Arccos Caddie, it's possible. This is one of our absolute favorite golf products. Use code "BE15" for 15% off (Final price $170).

    Buy at Arccos.com Buy at Amazon
    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Best All-In-One Shot Tracking Watch: Shot Scope V5

    Shot Scope V5

    So let’s say you like the idea of shot tracking, but you also want a dedicated GPS watch.

    That rules out Arccos.

    And for a Garmin watch and CT10 sensors, you’re starting to get up there in price.

    The new Shot Scope V5 is likely the one for you.

    At $249, this is the latest device in Shot Scope’s lineup and despite being $50 less than their X5 watch, I like this one better.

    Main reason? It has physical buttons as opposed to a touch screen. This makes it easier to navigate quickly on the course, and saves some money in the process.

    There is a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to using the watch and editing your rounds in the app after you finish, but once you get it, it’s pretty straightforward

    So to have an accurate GPS watch with shot tracking, and no annual subscription? That’s a pretty compelling package. And the fact you can save an additional 15% using our Shot Scope coupon code “BREAKINGEIGHTY” makes it even better.

    Shot Scope V5 GPS Watch and Shot Tracking - Use code "BREAKINGEIGHTY" to save 15%
    Shot Scope V5 GPS Watch and Shot Tracking - Use code "BREAKINGEIGHTY" to save 15%
    $249

    Looking for a game tracking system and GPS watch combo? Hate subscriptions? Then this is absolutely a product to consider.

    Buy from Shot Scope
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    Best Under $100: TecTecTec Ult-G

    TecTecTec GPS Watch
    TecTecTec GPS Watch

    Let’s face it. A lot of golfers don’t need all of the features that a lot of expensive golf watches or rangefinders offer.

    They really just need to know how far it is to the green without having to pace off distances from the nearest marker.

    If that’s you, there’s no need to spend more than $99.99. 

    The TecTecTec Ult-G gives you everything you need – distances to the front, middle and back of the green and distances to various hazards. 

    And that’s about it.

    But do you really need anything more? 

    If not, save some money and pick up this solid, reliable option.

    Review: TecTecTec Ult-G Review: Solid Watch. Solid Price.

    TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch
    TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch
    $109.99

    Looking for a no-frills GPS golf watch that just works? The Ult-G from TecTecTec is just that. Accurate distances. Easy to use. Less than $100. What more do you need?

    Buy on Amazon
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    05/28/2025 07:37 pm GMT

    Best Luxury Golf Watch: Garmin MARQ 2 Golfer

    Garmin MARQ 2 Golfer

    Over $2k for a Garmin watch? Seems steep. And honestly? It is.

    But the MARQ 2 Golfer is more than just a smartwatch, it truly is a luxury timepiece. And it both looks and feels like one.

    The benefit of this, over say the luxury golf watch from Tag Heuer is that Garmin has been perfecting not just its golf watches, but its fitness watches for years now.

    So you get the wonderful Garmin Golf eco-system, plus all of the health and fitness benefits that Garmin is known for.

    Better yet, it just got an update that rolled out some of the most high-tech features from the new Approach S70 – so it’s better than ever.

    If you’re looking for a smartwatch that looks just as good in the board room as it does on the course? Look no further.

    Best Luxury GPS Golf Watch
    Garmin MARQ 2 Golfer GPS Watch
    Garmin MARQ 2 Golfer GPS Watch
    $2,399

    I never thought I'd see myself wanting to spend over $2k on a smartwatch. But the MARQ 2 Golfer may have just convinced me to change my mind...

    Buy Now
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    What to Look for When Buying a Golf Watch

    Still not sure exactly which one is for you? Here are a few more things to consider.

    First of all, you’ve got to settle the internal debate you’re likely having about whether to go laser (as in rangefinder) or watch.

    We could throw hand-held GPS devices into this conversation. But based on what I’m seeing on the courses I’m playing, rangefinders and watches far exceed hand-helds in popularity.

    The best golf rangefinders are going to give you that seeing-is-believing, pinpoint accuracy. For some golfers, there’s no substitute for looking through a telescopic lens, seeing their target, and getting the exact distance.

    But let’s face it, you’re not a good enough golfer to need an exact, down-to-the-tenth-of-a-yard distance to the pin.

    A modern GPS golf watch will also give you accurate yardages, but typically with tolerances of plus/minus a few yards. 

    With a watch, you’re getting your yardages based on GPS that does not (usually) factor in that day’s specific pin locations. So instead of an exact number to the pin, you get yardages to the front, middle, and back parts of the green.

    Another area where rangefinders shine is battery life. While with a rangefinder, you may only change the battery once a year (if that), with a golf watch you’ll usually need to recharge after every couple of rounds.

    But what a lot of rangefinder users might not realize is that golf watches have evolved to the point that they can do things – a lot of things! – that a rangefinder cannot.

    When you’re searching for a golf watch or comparing them to a rangefinder, consider which of these readily available golf watch features are most important to you:

    • Wind speed and direction
    • Slope
    • Scorekeeping
    • A compass
    • Swing speed
    • Stats about your distances with each club
    • A shot-by-shot breakdown of your round
    • A 3D flyover of each hole
    • Distances to multiple hazards
    • A virtual caddie to recommend club selection based on your shot data
    • Touchscreen technology
    • Step and calorie-burning counters
    • A heart rate monitor
    • Ability to receive and send email and text messages
    • Ability to pay for transactions

    The best golf watches today are absolutely loaded with technology and features. They are far more versatile and offer so much more data than a rangefinder.

    But are you cool with wearing a watch while you play golf? Some people find it to be uncomfortable or distracting. Think of how it might feel when you’re sweating. And what about the sweet tan lines you’ll get?

    You might want to play a round with a different athletic watch that you already own to see if you find wearing a watch while you play to be a problem for you.

    On the flip side, a number of golfers look at a watch as an additional fashion accessory to complement their on-course style. If that’s important to you, there are a wide range of different sizes and looks to consider when shopping.

    Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget. The good news is that you can get good functionality for very reasonable prices. However, it can be tough to resist some of the slick features that come as you ratchet up the price list.

    No matter your budget or what features are tops on your list, there is a perfect golf watch option for you. With this list, we give you our top picks for some of the most common consideration factors.

    Final Thoughts on Buying a GPS Golf Watch

    Alright, hopefully by now you have a good idea of what type of golf watch might fit your game, style and budget.

    We’ve picked out 10 surefire winners, ranging in price from $100 to $2,000+.

    If all you need is yardage, grab the TecTecTec Ult-G.

    If you want a top-of-the-line experience and a classy look, go with the Garmin Marq 2 Golfer

    Are you an Apple Watch devotee? If you add Arccos Caddie to the mix, you’ll have one of my personal favorite golf watch setups.

    Are you anti-IOS? You can still get great shot-tracking functionality with the Shot Scope X5.

    If you truly just want the best and most well-rounded golf watch available? Get the Garmin Approach S70.

    And if you want that, plus a whole bunch of fitness features as well? Then grab a Garmin Epix Pro.

    Whatever you choose, realize that golf watches offer an unbelievable array of features. If you’ve only considered rangefinders to date, you might want to stop to consider what this alternative option might bring to your game.

    And if you’re still set on a rangefinder, don’t miss our top picks for 2025.

    Where do you come down on the golf watch vs. rangefinder debate? Do you have experience using both? Let us know in the comments.

    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:

    December 17th, 2024: Updated pricing. Added a video review for Voice Caddie T11 Pro. Changed dates to 2025. Added Table of Contents.

    September 17th, 2024: Added the Garmin Fenix 8 and removed the Garmin Epix Gen 2. Added comparison video for Fenix 8 vs S70.

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    Sean Ogle

    As the Founder of Breaking Eighty Sean has spent the last 10+ years reviewing the best golf products and golf courses in the world. He prides himself on only writing about products and courses he's experienced first hand, and helping others find exactly what they need to enhance their enjoyment of the game we all love so much.

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    4 Comments

    1. kd on July 9, 2024 11:40 am

      The Voice Caddie T11 Pro looks interesting but seems like I have read about many issues in regards to customer service. Curious if you know more.

      Reply
      • Sean Ogle on July 9, 2024 11:42 am

        The only time I’e had to use their customer service they were pretty responsive. I’ve talked to their marketing team, and they’ve always been very quick to respond. But outside of that, I unfortunately don’t have a ton more info. As to your point, I’ve heard occasional issues of others having a tough time getting help. Will see if I can get any extra info about their support team.

        Reply
    2. Rob on August 11, 2024 9:31 pm

      So I’m a current arccos user, however , my primary golf is playing in a weeknight league which is scramble (or is that best ball… I believe it is scramble which is using best shot between me and partner).

      I like the arccos for distances but obviously it gets messy for shot tracking and stats since the shots are not always mine.

      Any thoughts on best system. I’ve ended pivoting more to range finder as the arccos shot tracking gets all messed up (yes you can say to not include round)

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Sean Ogle on August 12, 2024 2:20 pm

        Yah Arccos (or any shot tracker) is definitely not going to be ideal if you’re playing in a scramble. So your best bet is to probably find a rangefinder or GPS solution that works for you. Personally I’d lean towards a Garmin watch, and just not use any of the shot tracking capabilities – but that’s just me.

        Reply
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