ModernGolfer.co.uk is supported by its audience, so we may earn an affiliate commission if you buy products after clicking on the links listed below. Learn more about why you can trust our reviews here.
The Best Golf Launch Monitors 2022
Last updated: May 2022
If you are serious about improving your golf game, then the level of swing analysis insights and data you get from a launch monitor can be a huge help.
Golf launch monitors used to be out of the reach of ordinary golfers, being too big and expensive for anyone other than golf pro’s and instructors. Technology has advanced in recent years though, with lots of brands developing accurate launch monitors that are more portable and ultimately more affordable for amateur golfers.
The rise of more accessible launch monitors has revolutionised the way golfers practice, learn and get custom fit for equipment, with all golfers now able to access data such as club head speed, ball speed, total carry and total yardage, swing path, ball spin and more.
A lot of launch monitors are now portable enough to take onto the range or even onto the course with you – all you need to do is place it a few feet behind you and start hitting balls. For those on more of a budget, there are also golf launch monitors that work with your existing smartphone.
If you’re looking to buy a new golf launch monitor, read everything you need to know and find out what the best launch monitors are with our buying guide below.
Best golf launch monitors
Use the quick links to see our analysis of the top golf launch monitors:
Receive our latest updates, promotions, new products and more...
Benefits – why use a golf launch monitor?
If you regularly visit a driving range with launch monitor screens installed – such as TopTracer – then you will know how useful it is to see data like clubhead speed, ball speed, carry distance etc. for each club in your bag.
This data can be tracked and logged, so you get a lot of information on your strengths and weaknesses, have a good idea what your average yardage is for each club and know what areas you need to work on.
Golfers used to have to rely on ‘feel’ and instinct when practising, but now these can be combined with launch monitor data to get a more detailed insight into how you are hitting the ball and what elements of the swing you need to improve.
Almost all golf pros use a launch monitor during their practice sessions, and now many amateur players are starting to see the benefits of practising with a higher level of real-time data to improve their games. There are a lot of high-end and very expensive launch monitors on the market, but there are now smaller, more portable and more affordable devices available.
Top golf launch monitor brands
There is an increasing amount of golf and tech brands now invested in making cheap and accessible launch monitors.
For instance, Garmin have recently released a portable launch monitor as part of their growing ‘Approach’ golf range.
There are also a host of specialist launch monitor brands to look out for such as PRGR, Rapsodo, SkyTrak, Foresight Sports and more.
What to consider before buying a launch monitor
Although launch monitors are becoming more accessible for the average amateur golfer, they are still an expensive purchase, so it pays to know as much about them as possible before you choose to buy.
Here’s everything you need to consider when deciding which golf launch monitor to buy:
What metrics does it include?
Perhaps the most important element of a launch monitor is what metrics or parameters it uses, and which ones do you think you need.
Most of the popular metrics golfers want to see on a launch monitor include:
- Ball speed
- Clubhead speed
- Club face angle
- Launch angle
- Angle of attach
- Ball spin
- Carry distance
- Total distance
As you can imagine, some of the cheaper launch monitors have limited parameters – so it’s worth knowing what data you are missing out on if you choose to compromise on price.
At a minimum, most golfers want to know the basics like how far they hit it and the ball speed they generate with each club, and nearly all cheap launch monitors provide this level of data. So if that is all you really need a launch monitor to do, you can stick to one of the more affordable models.
However, if you want more detailed analysis of your swing then you will want a launch monitor that provides that level of data.
Does it use a camera or radar to track your swing?
There are two types of technology used in launch monitors these days – camera and radar.
Camera-based launch monitors use high-definition cameras to take multiple pictures to capture data at impact and after impact. Due to this, they are usually better for indoor use as some models can struggle in changing light conditions.
Radar-based launch monitors use Doppler radar to track the flight of the golf ball. These waves bounce off the ball repeatedly to provide the device with an accurate reading, which makes them better for outdoor use.
Accuracy
Obviously, a launch monitor that isn’t very accurate is not much use to anyone. It also stands to reason that the more expensive premium launch monitors are more accurate than the cheaper, portable ones.
However, the key thing to consider here is the degree of accuracy. A more affordable launch monitor that you take onto the practice ground with you might not be as pinpoint accurate as some more expensive models that can track the yardage to within an inch, but for the amount of money you’re saving does it matter if the distance might be off by half a yard?
We believe that all of the launch monitors on our list are accurate enough to give golfers reliable readings in terms of distance, although some are naturally more accurate than others.
Where can the launch monitor be used?
Are you planning to use the launch monitor more indoors or outdoors? If you have a suitable indoor space for a full golf simulator, then a more expensive camera-based launch monitor may be better. If you want a launch monitor for outdoor use – at the range, on a practice ground or even to take on the course with you – then portability and convenience will be more important to you.
Radar golf launch monitors are better for outdoor use as they will get to record the full ball flight, while camera-based models that just record the impact and immediately after the impact are more suited to indoor simulators or for use with golf nets.
Launch monitor features
The first thing to look for when it comes to features is the way the data is displayed on the launch monitor screen. Is it easy for you to read and make sense of when glancing, or do you think it looks a bit too complicated?
You don’t want your practice sessions to become dominated by constantly checking the screen and squinting to see the data. Launch monitors should complement your practice, not take over it.
Other features to look out for include how the data is stored – is this on the device itself or do you need a smartphone app to look at past data?
Some golf launch monitors also have video recording and playback software, which some may find useful, while some also have pairing capabilities with golf simulator systems – so be sure to review the features in detail before you choose the right launch monitor for you.
Launch monitor cost
Some golf launch monitors can cost £1,000’s or even £10,000s, which is too much for most amateur players.
Fortunately, as the technology develops, there are now more affordable launch monitors that make them accessible to all golfers. That’s not to say they all come cheap though, some of the ‘more affordable’ models on this list will still set you back up to £500 – so it’s important to carefully consider everything before committing to a purchase.
The best golf launch monitors under £500
We compiled the below list following extensive research of all golf rangefinders available to buy in 2022. This research included hands-on reviews of golf rangefinders, detailed analysis of product specifications and customer reviews.
PRGR PORTABLE LAUNCH MONITOR
Best slimline golf launch monitor
PRGR’s portable launch monitor is perfect for those looking for a simple but accurate device that is easy to use and easy to transport.
This launch monitor provides all the key data points you need – club speed, ball speed, smash factor (ratio between clubhead speed and ball speed) and total carry yardage.
The PRGR launch monitor has attracted a lot of very good customer reviews, thanks to it’s simplicity, portability, accuracy and affordable price – it is currently retailing at just under £200.
Last year Japanese company PRGR upgraded their portable golf launch monitor so it now boasts a host of great new features, including:
- Ability to toggle between metric and imperial units
- Indoor use capabilities with a golf net
- Improved function to track high-lofted wedge shots
- Ability to store shot data for up to 500 shots
- Higher-resolution display screen
Considering its low price, the PRGR portable launch monitor is extremely accurate. The only downsides are the simplistic display screen and the basic data it processes. However, if that is all you are looking for from a golf launch monitor then this will not let you down.
Although it currently retails at just over £500, the Garmin Approach R10 is included in this list as it has revolutionised the level of data available to everyday golfers for an accessible price.
The Approach R10 is the first golf launch monitor to measure detailed club path parameters – something you could only previously get with models that cost well over £1,000. It is also the first launch monitor in the £500-range to include full golf simulator capabilities.
The device, which sits on a tripod around 6 feet from the golfer, collects a stunning amount of real time data which can then be viewed on Garmin’s accompanying Golf App. It provides data on ball speed, club speed, ball spin, club path, club face angle, carry distances and smash factor. This gives you an extremely clear picture on your ball striking and can help you build up a better understanding of how you are hitting each club.
The R10 can also capture video clips to help you analyse your swing, and the Home Tee Hero golf simulator mode has over 42,000 golf courses loaded so you can play at home if you have a simulator installed.
SWING CADDIE SC200 PLUS LAUNCH MONITOR
Excellent pocket-sized launch monitor
Weighing less than a pound and being no bigger than a standard smartphone, the updated Swing Caddie SC200 Plus is a very good choice of launch monitor for golfers who value portability and ease of use over everything else.
The Plus version of the SC200 includes swing speed data as well as the usual metrics – ball speed, carry, smash factor etc.
It also has a voice output option for the total carry distance, which is a useful feature when you are practicing, and a variety of different practice modes to help you get the most out of your session.
The accuracy and build quality of the Swing Caddie SC200 Plus are both great selling points, and the fact that it currently retails for less than £300 means it is a very good option for those on a budget.
The best camera-based golf launch monitors
If you are looking for more premium launch monitors for use with a home golf simulator, see our pick of the best options below.
SKYTRAK LAUNCH MONITOR
Best for home set-ups
SkyTrak’s famous launch monitor has been around a long time and is still the premium unit all others are compared to.
The launch monitor uses photometric technology to provide real-time 3D shot analysis and ball-flight data and delivers a host of metrics such as ball speed, launch angle, side spin, side angle, and back spin.
It does this by taking several high-speed photos of the ball’s first few inches of flight and uses advanced algorithms to calculate six extra metrics:
- Distance
- Flight path
- Club head speed
- Angle of descent
- Offline
- Roll
When paired with a simulator the SkyTrak launch monitor offers various game play modes such as Closest To The Pin and Longest Drive. As well as the built-in software, the SkyTrak is also compatible with lots of third-party technology such as E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, Fitness Golf, ProTee Play, and Golfisimo.
FORESIGHT SPORTS GCQUAD LAUNCH MONITOR
Best launch monitor for accuracy
Foresight’s GCQUAD launch monitor is well regarded as the most accurate camera-based indoor launch monitor around. It uses four cameras to capture 200 pictures at impact to track a host of ball striking and club face metrics with high accuracy.
As well as the highly precise data you get, the GCQUAD also has a unique Essential Putting Analysis feature which allows you to track putting data like path, loft and so on.
If that isn’t enough to convince you, this is the launch monitor of choice of PGA Tour pro Bryson DeChambeau – who is rarely seen on the practice ground without one.
TRACKMAN 4 LAUNCH MONITOR
Best of the best – with a price tag to match
The gold standard in golf launch monitor tech, the TrackMan 4 is the result of three years of development to create the most powerful and accurate launch monitor ever made.
The TrackMan 4 is used by top pros, equipment manufacturers, golf instructors and club fitters simply because it is the most accurate launch monitor and has the most features.
In terms of technology, the TrackMan 4 is unique in that it combines camera and radar sensors to allow even more swing data to be captured. In total, 27 different metrics are delivered in real-time, giving you unrivalled insight into your ball striking and game improvement needs.
Receive our latest updates, promotions, new products and more...
FAQs
A launch monitor is an electronic device that is used to track and measure data when a golf ball is struck by a club. Data can include clubhead speed, ball speed and spin, smash factor, total carry distance and more.
Launch monitors are typically placed behind the golfer when they swing, so they can use either radar or camera sensors to track what happens to the ball after it has been hit. Some launch monitors then display the corresponding data on a screen, while others need to be paired with an app to show the data.
Launch monitors can be used to help improve golfers game on the range, practice ground or on the course. They are also used during golf lessons and during club fitting sessions.
From the blog...
The Best Golf Hoodies For Women
Golf hoodies are a great way to add warmth and style to golf attire, with most now designed to look great both on and off the course. As the popularity of golf hoodies has grown in recent years, many top brands such as Adidas and Under Armour have introduced golf hoodies for women which are […]
Get SkyCaddie’s new LX2 golf watch for less than £150
SkyCaddie’s new LX2 GPS golf watch is currently available for just £149.99 as an autumn promotion – but you don’t have long to take advantage! The £50 discount, which ends on 10th October, makes the powerful LX2 one of this season’s must have golf watches. SkyCaddie’s LX2, which was released in the UK earlier this […]
Bushnell Pro X3 rangefinder – new features announced ahead of release
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is currently one of the best on the market, so what does Bushnell Golf have in store for its new flagship rangefinder – the Pro X3? One of the features that make the Pro XE so popular is the Slope with Elements function, which takes into account elevation, temperature and […]
Get in Touch
