With so many options in golf launch monitors available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you and your budget. We’ve created a guide of the best affordable launch monitors for 2023 to help make this process easier by providing all the relevant information necessary when considering purchasing a monitor.
This market is constantly changing and new low priced models are coming out all the time. The catch is that many of them are not accurate. The only way to know accuracy is comparing them side by side both analyzing a single shot at the same time. No variance.
We’ll do our best to update this post when a new model comes out that we feel is noteworthy and should be considered for purchase.
I personally have two different monitors in my indoor golf simulator at my home. I started with the Uneekor Eye XO and later also added the Mevo Plus.
I’ll detail the difference in this post later. Both I would consider to be premium models, have positive and negatives and are at vastly different price points.
Here we go!
Quick Overview of the Best Picks
Are you looking for the best golf launch monitors in 2023? Here is a selection of affordable options, including top-rated launch monitors suited to various categories to help you with your practice sessions.
The main question is, what is an affordable price range for your golf game? What is affordable to one person may not be to another. For this reason we’ll feature multiple units within range for various budgets but nothing outrageous (we’re talking about you Trackman).
With all these choices available, finding your perfect golf launch monitor should be easier than ever!
Best for Detailed Swing Analysis: Rapsodo MLM2PRO
Best for Outdoor Use: FlightScope Mevo Plus
Best for Mid-Handicappers: Bushnell Launch Pro
Best for Compact Size: Garmin R10
Best for Indoor Use: SkyTrak Plus Launch Monitor
Best for Accuracy: Foresight GC Quad
Rapsodo MLM2PRO: Best for Detailed Swing Analysis
Price: $699 (click HERE for best deal)
Specifications:
Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
Measures that can be taken include the distance the ball has travelled, the speed of the swing, the speed of the ball, and the spin rate
Successful ball flight analysis counts on accurate readings
Pros of using a swing kit launch monitor:
Provides detailed swing analysis with video capture
Offers lateral data and social gaming experience
Second camera records swing at 240fps for detailed analysis
Cons:
Annual premium membership required for full features
RPT golf balls required for spin measurement
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is newer to the market and has established itself as one of the best launch monitors for the money for golfers who want in-depth swing data at the best price point for what you get.
Offering many features and accuracy that can match those of higher end devices, it enables you to completely scrutinize your swings metrics and make big improvements to your game with its analysis capabilities along with video capturing options.
This budget friendly launch monitor boasts a second camera which records the motion at 240 frames per second so every detail is analyzed thoroughly. Social gamers also like this choice since they can play against other users on the device’s integrated games platform but need an annual premium subscription and use dedicated RPT golf balls if more detailed spin measurements are needed.
Nevertheless, considering all these factors combined together, the MLM2PRO from Rapdoso remains one of the prime choices among players looking for affordability and precision when analyzing their golf shots and shot data.
Rating:
Accuracy: 9/10
Features: 8/10
Ease of Use: 8/10
Value for Money: 9/10
FlightScope Mevo Plus: Best for Outdoor Use
Price: $2,199 or lower (click HERE and use coupon code GOLFINTEL for best price)
The data collected when hitting a golf shot, such as Carry Distance, Club Head Speed, Ball Speed, Smash Factor and Vertical Launch Angle, can be used to analyze the performance of a golfer. Other details measured include Spin Rate for ball control to Apex Height and Flight Time for an optimal outcome.
Compatible with the FlightScope Multicam app and E6 Connect courses
Pros:
Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
Professional capabilities at an affordable price
Access to FlightScope Multicam app and 10 E6 Connect courses
Cons:
Requires a minimum of 7 feet of space behind the ball and 8 feet of ball flight in front
FS Golf app setup may be cumbersome for some users
Additional add-ons can be expensive
Golfers looking for a precise and versatile launch monitor that is ideal both indoors and outdoors with accurate results, have been choosing the FlightScope Mevo Plus recently.
Not only does it provide professional-level features at an affordable price, but also offers plenty of useful data to analyze your game with accuracy like no other (especially if you choose the optional add-ons).
The exact club and ball flight data you can view range from clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor as well as spin rate, all essential components required when taking strokes off your handicap! The Mevo Plus is unrivaled in its ability to offer golfers detailed stats such as these without breaking their budget.
Carry distance
Club head speed
Ball speed
Ball Spin rate
Smash factor
Launch angle
Apex height
The Mevo Plus is an excellent mobile device option for those looking for a reliable and accurate launch monitor that can be used outside.
It includes the FlightScope Multicam app plus 10 E6 Connect courses, but requires ample room to set up correctly. While some may find using its accompanying FS Golf app tedious, it still stands as one of the top choices available in this category of product especially after you get used to it for awhile.
Rating:
Accuracy: 9/10
Features: 8/10
Ease of Use: 7/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Bushnell Launch Pro: Best for Mid-Handicappers
Price: $1,999 and up (click HERE for best deal)
Specifications:
Measures 17 data points, including carry distance, club speed, ball speed, and more
Requires a gaming PC for simulator use
Pros:
Superb accuracy
Designed specifically for mid-handicappers
Real-time flight view and analysis
Cons:
Expensive launch monitor
Basic subscription doesn’t offer full simulator experience
The Bushnell Launch Pro, specifically designed for mid-handicappers, is a premium golf simulator setup that delivers impressive accuracy with its 17 data points. With this launch monitor in your corner, you can observe the flight of each shot and analyze it to make essential improvements to your game.
This cutting edge device from Bushnell ensures astounding accuracy which gives users all they need to excel.
Although pricey and lacking certain features as part of the basic subscription package, the Launch Pro remains an ideal choice for those looking to take their skills up another level using only top notch technology like what’s available with this launch monitor by Bushnell.
Rating:
Accuracy: 9/10
Features: 8/10
Ease of Use: 8/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Garmin R10: Best for Compact Size
Price: $600 (click HERE for best deal)
Specifications:
Carry Distance
Club Head Speed
Ball Speed
Smash Factor
Vertical Launch Angle
Spin Rate
Apex Height
Flight Time
Full features require a subscription to the premium version of this golf tracking and performance analyzing app. It records all relevant details in order to follow a shot’s trajectory, helping you refine your technique on the course.
Pros:
Compact and portable design
Wide array of launch data at an affordable price
Accurate and beginner-friendly
Cons:
Not compatible with several third-party golf simulation software providers
Requires a premium app subscription for full features
The Garmin Approach R10 is a top pick among those searching for an affordable and portable launch monitor with a crazy low price tag.
It’s an excellent choice.
Its compact size makes it easy to bring with you anywhere, while still providing accurate data no matter the skill level of its user. There are some drawbacks: not being compatible with multiple third-party golf simulation software providers, as well as requiring a paid subscription app in order to get access to all features.
Regardless of these cons, this launch monitor remains at the head when looking for reliable performance that comes without breaking your budget!
Rating:
Accuracy: 8/10
Features: 8/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Value for Money: 9/10
SkyTrak Plus Launch Monitor: Best for Indoor Use
Price: $2,995 (click HERE for best deal)
Specifications:
Camera-based launch monitor
Indoor use only
Requires a subscription for simulator use
Pros:
Accurate and user-friendly
Designed specifically for indoor use
Offers multiple modes and data options
Cons:
Indoor use only
Mandatory subscription for simulator use
The SkyTrak Plus launch monitor is a compact and convenient device tailored for indoor use, providing precise statistics with easy-to-use software. This specialized technology has become the go to source of reliable data gathering among golfers everywhere.
Indoor-only design
Accurate data tracking
User-friendly software
Compact size
For golfers looking to practice and refine their game from the comfort of home, SkyTrak Plus is an excellent option as a personal launch monitor.
Its precision makes it stand out among its peers, allowing users to train with confidence. Nevertheless, this device should only be used indoors and a subscription for simulator use needs to be purchased as well.
Even with that, SkyTrak Plus still remains one of the most reliable indoor launch monitors available today.
Rating:
Accuracy: 9/10
Features: 8/10
Ease of Use: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Foresight GCQuad: Best for Accuracy
Price: $14,500 (click HERE for best deal)
Specifications:
Measures ball speed, horizontal launch, vertical launch, spin, spin axis, and carry distance
Also measures club head speed, smash factor, angle of attack, club path, loft at impact, lie angle at impact, face angle at impact, and impact location on the face
Pros:
Industry standard for accuracy
Easy to use
Great software
Cons:
Expensive
As the most accurate and portable golf launch monitor available, The Foresight GCQuad stands out with its impressive data and insights which set it apart from others on the market.
You will often see this in the hands of professional golfers on every tour. It has a handle where you can just carry it around, set it down and hit shots.
A great option for getting on-course data of real shots which can vary VASTLY from hitting repeated shots on the driving range with oftentimes sub standard golf balls. That by itself tells you a lot.
This golf technology device is user-friendly in terms of both interface and comprehensive software applications, making it a top choice for those seeking to hone their swing performance.
TheGCQad’s ability to track club data as well as ball measurements places it ahead of other monitors. This extra edge comes at an expensive cost that makes substantial investment necessary for users wishing to utilize its features fully.
Even so, among all models out there currently, this remains the best option if you are determined on obtaining ultimate accuracy.
Rating:
Accuracy: 10/10
Features: 9/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Choosing Your Perfect Golf Launch Monitor
When selecting the ideal launch monitor, there are a few things to consider. For instance, you’ll need to determine whether it’s for outdoor or indoor use as that will dictate what technology is used.
Camera-based systems such as SkyTrak Plus are better suited indoors and radar based models like FlightScope Mevo Plus being more flexible for both uses.
Accuracy should also be taken into account since this affects data accuracy and your decision making when changing your swing and working on drills. Rapsodo MLM2PRO and Foresight GCQuad are considered reliable in this regard.
Portable devices like Garmin Approach R10 may be preferable if taking your launch monitor on trips or practicing at ranges is planned – Making sure extra features from subscriptions etc., provided by various other monitors fit your needs too prior to purchase works best here!
My Personal Home Setup And Launch Monitor Choices
As I mentioned earlier in this post, I’m fortunate enough to have a home golf simulator. I have to say that it is awesome. It was a lot of work to install the way we did it (we dropped the cement floor 2 feet to give us swing room overhead). It was a total mess and a risk as well. I would not recommend doing it this way unless you have no other choices. I’m a risk taker so here we are!
When we installed it, we had to pick the right launch monitor technology that would give us both good swing data and a library of golf course choices to play for entertainment purposes as it sits in our furnished basement with a nice bar for entertaining.
I did a lot of research when going through this process of picking a unit. One of the key factors in my decision was ball and club markings.
I didn’t want them, AT ALL. For many launch monitors on the market, you have to have markings on either the ball, the club or sometimes both.
Manufacturers are getting better at this all the time. I wanted to be able to pick up my club I just used on the course yesterday, drop any ball down and get accurate data. No stickers on anything!
Back then, to get this type of a feature that I wanted, you had to spend a mint on the tech. I didn’t want to do that either. For this reason I went with the Uneekor Eye XO.
This overhead mounted system had great accuracy from what I could tell. No club or ball markings are needed.
In my research I also saw great reviews on the accuracy. As an added benefit, there was nothing needed to sit on the floor to catch data and I didn’t have to hit off of one single spot on a mat. This is an issue as mats wear out.
Nothing worse when you go to play in a simulator and you hit off of a six inch area that is beat to hell and your ball actually sits down due to the wear of the mat.
This definitely affects ball data. My Uneekor unit allows me a generous space to just drop a ball and hit. You don’t have to hit from one little spot. My hitting area is about 18 x 24 inches I would say. Plenty of room for variety.
After using for quite some time, I found it could be a bit laggy when playing golf courses, especially with multiple people playing.
Sometimes you can hit a shot and the ball won’t show up on the screen for a couple seconds. It gets extremely annoying to say the least.
It doesn’t happen all the time but enough to be noticeable. Could be my computer (which was a high end gaming computer purchased at the same time). Not sure.
For golf courses, I chose to go with GS Pro. This is an open forum for golf course developers at a cost of $250 per year. Pretty cheap for getting a library of hundreds of top courses. It’s very good.
In doing more launch monitor research, I noticed Mevo Plus picking up steam and getting a lot of publicity. A nice little compact unit that can be used in or outdoors. I pulled the trigger and got the unit.
This little device is just that… little! It is very different from my Uneekor model. Vastly different. This one sits on the ground behind the hitting area where the Uneekor is in the ceiling.
The biggest drawback is course choices on the standard plan. Not many. To get good courses I would recommend the E6 software add-on. This is good but still doesn’t give you what GS Pro does for course choices.
I constantly tell people that I’m simply amazed at what we have available to us in the technology space as golfers. Seriously!
When launch monitors first came out, you either went to a VERY high end golf simulator business and rented by the hour or nothing. That was it.
We now have options for a couple hundred bucks you can put in your garage and hit into a net while getting data on your swing an ball flight. It simply AMAZES me!!
This technology is getting better all the time as well. There’s no telling where this space will be in five years from now.
While Trackman is still the leader (in accuracy and cost unfortunately), there’s a ton of great options now. While on the topic of Trackman, a quick note.
When I looked into this option, for an indoor simulator, I found it not worth the money. It’s a great option if you can use it outside or in a hitting bay that is protected under roof and hits to the outdoors.
It gets its best data when it can see the entire ball flight all the way to landing. This is why you see it every week on the PGA Tour behind tee boxes.
Very good, very expensive ($20k-$25k plus annual fees!) If using Trackman indoors, you have to have plenty of room to hit. I think the hitting area has to be a minimum of about 12 feet from the screen. Mine is not that far unfortunately.
I wasn’t about to spend that kind of money and have it possibly miss shots or be inaccurate. Not worth the risk for me.
In summary, I’m a real techy guy. I love golf tech especially. When I go to the PGA Merchandise Show every year, I go straight for the tech booths first and spend most my time there.
I’m sure my third launch monitor is probably not far off if history is any indicator of my habits!
Summary
When seeking to take your game to the next level, a golf launch monitor is essential. The range of devices on the market has experienced huge improvements in recent times and there is now something suitable for all budgets, preferences and needs.
Whether you are after detailed swing analysis or just require a lightweight option that will be easy to transport outdoors. It’s vital that time spent researching the numerous alternatives highlighted within this guide should ultimately result in finding the perfect golf launch monitor for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GC3 better than SkyTrak?
If you are weighing your individual needs and budget, SkyTrak may be the more cost-effective choice if portability is also important to you. GC3 would provide better results if accuracy in simulations is most critical for you due to its high quality output.
What launch monitor does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods relies on the Full Swing KIT Launch Monitor to assess his swing, as it is equipped with advanced radar technology and a high-resolution camera that allows for capturing 16 points of data plus video.
What launch monitor do tour pros use?
Foresight GCQuad launch monitor is widely used by tour pros for its convenient portability and accuracy, providing information on clubhead speed, ball velocity, the launch angle as well as rate of spin. This variability permits golfers to have improved control over their swings and distance covered with each shot.
Are personal launch monitors worth it?
Personal launch monitors can be a great tool for golfers to help them elevate their game. These devices are portable and give precise readings that will enable those who use it, to increase both swing speed as well as ball distance. Making the investment worth its value.
What is the difference between camera-based and radar-based launch monitors?
Launch monitors that operate via camera technology are usually placed ahead of the ball and tend to be more effective when used indoors. By contrast, radar-based monitors which can be positioned behind the user provide an ideal option for both indoor and outdoor scenarios.
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