Golf Launch Monitor Buying Guide: Which Golf Launch Monitor Is Right For You?
Golf launch monitors have transformed the way golfers practise and improve their game. Once reserved for professional golfers and high end indoor golf facilities, launch monitors are now available at a wide range of price points, allowing golfers to measure everything from clubhead speed and ball speed to carry distance, launch angle and spin.
With so many options available, choosing the right golf launch monitor can be difficult. Do you need a portable launch monitor for the driving range, a device that can be used indoors at home, or a premium system capable of providing an immersive golf simulator experience? The answer will depend on how you want to use it, the data you want to measure and your budget.
At Complete Golfer, we stock a wide range of golf launch monitors from leading brands including Garmin, Bushnell, SkyTrak and Shot Scope. From the affordable Shot Scope LM1 and Garmin R10 to premium options such as the Bushnell Launch Pro and Garmin R50, there are launch monitors to suit golfers at every level and budget.
In this golf launch monitor buying guide, I'll compare the key differences between each model, including accuracy, features, indoor and outdoor use, data capabilities, simulator functionality and value for money. I'll also explain which launch monitor is best suited to different types of golfer, helping you find the right launch monitor for your game.
Golf Launch Monitors At a glance
| Category | Best For | Technology | Indoor | OUTDOOR | SIMULATION | CLICK FOR PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shot Scope LM1 | Best Value | Radar | Limited | Yes | No | Price | |
| Garmin G80 | GPS & Practice | Radar | Limited | Yes | No | Price | |
| Garmin R10 | Great All Rounder | Radar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Price | |
| Garmin G82 | GPS & Launch Monitor Combined | Radar | Limited | Yes | No | Price | |
| SkyTrak | Value Camera Based Practice | Photometric | Yes | Yes | Yes | Price | |
| Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor | Indoor Accuracy | Camera | Yes | No | Yes | Price | |
| Bushnell Launch Pro | Premium Accuracy | Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes | Price | |
| SkyTrak ST MAX | Home Simulation | Photometric | Yes | Yes | Yes | Price | |
| Garmin R50 | All in one Simulator | 3 x Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes | Price |
Which Golf Launch Monitor Is Right For Me?
The best golf launch monitor for you will depend on how you plan to use it, the level of data you want and, of course, your budget. Some golfers simply want accurate carry distances and basic swing data at the driving range, while others want detailed club and ball data or a complete indoor golf simulator experience.
I've compared the golf launch monitors in our range below to help you find the right option for your game.
Shot Scope LM1 - Best Budget Launch Monitor
If you're looking for an affordable way to start using a golf launch monitor, the Shot Scope LM1 is an excellent entry level option. It's designed for golfers who want useful performance data without spending hundreds or thousands of pounds on a more advanced system.
It's a great choice for golfers who primarily want to understand their distances and improve their practice sessions without needing an extensive range of features or a home simulator setup.
Best for: Golfers on a budget and anyone who is looking for a simple introduction to launch monitor technology.
Garmin Approach G80 - Best Golf GPS and Launch Monitor Combination
The Garmin Approach G80 is a little different from the other launch monitors in this guide because it combines launch monitor technology with a fully featured golf GPS handheld. This makes it particularly appealing if you want one device that can be used both on the golf course and during practice.
Rather than being primarily designed for indoor simulation, the G80 is an excellent choice for golfers who want to warm up before their round, practise at the driving range and have GPS course information available when they play.
Best for: Golfers who want a golf GPS and launch monitor in one portable device.
Garmin Approach R10 - Best All-Round Golf Launch Monitor
The Garmin Approach R10 is one of the most versatile launch monitors available and an excellent option for golfers who want a balance of features, portability and price.
Using radar technology, the R10 provides a wide range of swing and ball flight data and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It also offers access to golf simulation features, making it a particularly attractive option for golfers who want to practise at the range but also have the option of building an indoor setup.
Best for: Golfers looking for a versatile launch monitor that can be used for practice, data analysis and golf simulation.
Garmin Approach G82 - Best Golf GPS and Launch Monitor for Advanced Practice
The Garmin Approach G82 builds on the concept of the G80, combining a premium GPS golf handheld with an integrated launch monitor. It features a larger 5 inch colour touchscreen and expanded radar metrics, including ball speed, club speed, smash factor and tempo.
The G82 is particularly suited to golfers who want detailed practice information while still having a premium GPS device for the golf course. It's less about creating a full home simulator and more about having a highly capable practice and on course companion.
Best for: Golfers who want premium GPS functionality alongside useful launch monitor and practice features.
SkyTrak Launch Monitor - Best for Home Golf Practice
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor is aimed more towards golfers who want to take their practice indoors and start creating a home golf setup. Its focus on launch monitor data and simulation makes it a step up from entry level portable devices.
It's a particularly good option if you're looking to practise at home, understand your numbers and potentially build a simulator setup without immediately moving into the premium price bracket.
Best for: Golfers wanting a dedicated home practice and simulator solution.
SkyTrak ST MAX - Best Mid Range Home Golf Simulator
The SkyTrak ST MAX is designed for golfers who want to take their home practice and simulation experience further. It is SkyTrak's more advanced launch monitor, with features designed to help golfers analyse their performance and train more effectively. SkyTrak also offers Speed Training powered by GOLFTEC, giving golfers additional tools to work on clubhead speed.
If you're serious about creating a home golf studio but don't want to move into the highest price bracket, the ST MAX is an excellent option to consider.
Best for: Golfers building a more advanced home golf simulator or practice setup.
Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor - Best Indoor Launch Monitor
If your primary goal is to build an indoor golf simulator, the Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor deserves serious consideration. Unlike radar-based launch monitors that sit behind the golfer, the Launch Pro Indoor uses a three-camera system with infrared technology to capture what happens at impact.
This makes it particularly appealing to golfers who prioritise accurate ball and club data and want a dedicated indoor solution. It also offers access to Bushnell's FSX simulation software, although software subscriptions are an additional consideration when calculating the overall cost.
Best for: Golfers who primarily want a high quality indoor launch monitor and simulator.
Bushnell Launch Pro - Best Premium Launch Monitor
The Bushnell Launch Pro is aimed at golfers who want to take launch monitor performance to the next level. Its three camera system captures the ball and club at impact, providing detailed data including carry distance, ball speed, spin, launch angle, clubhead speed, club path and angle of attack.
Unlike the Launch Pro Indoor, the Launch Pro can be used both indoors and outdoors, giving you considerably more flexibility. It's an excellent choice for serious golfers who want detailed performance data at the range while also having the option to build a home simulator.
Best for: Serious golfers who prioritise accuracy, detailed data and indoor/outdoor versatility.
Garmin Approach R50 - Best All in one Golf Launch Monitor and Simulator
The Garmin Approach R50 sits at the top of the Garmin launch monitor range and is designed for golfers who want a premium, all in one experience. It features a 10 inch colour touchscreen, three high speed cameras and more than 15 ball and club metrics, including measured spin rate and spin axis.
Unlike many launch monitors that require a separate smartphone, tablet or computer to display your data, the R50 has its own built in screen and simulator functionality. It also includes more than 43,000 preloaded golf courses, making it an impressive option for a dedicated home golf setup as well as outdoor practice.
Best for: Golfers who want the ultimate all in one launch monitor and golf simulator experience.
| If you're looking for... | our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best budget launch monitor | Shot Scope LM1 |
| Golf GPS + launch monitor | Garmin G80 |
| Best all rounder & versatile | Garmin R10 |
| Premium GPS + launch monitor | Garmin G82 |
| Home practice | SkyTrak |
| Mid range home simulator | SkyTrak ST MAX |
| Best indoor launch monitor | Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor |
| Best premium launch monitor | Bushnell Launch Pro |
| Best all in one simulator | Garmin R50 |
Garmin vs Bushnell vs Skytrak vs Shot Scope
When choosing a golf launch monitor, the brand you choose can be just as important as the individual model. Garmin, Bushnell, SkyTrak and Shot Scope all approach launch monitor technology differently, with each brand offering products aimed at different types of golfer and budgets.
There isn't one brand that's right for everyone. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritise portability, accuracy, indoor simulation, the amount of data available or value for money.
Garmin - Best for Versatility and Features
Garmin offers one of the broadest ranges of golf launch monitors, from the affordable Approach R10 through to the premium Approach R50. One of Garmin's biggest advantages is versatility, with its launch monitors combining practice data, portability and golf simulation features across the range.
The Garmin R10 is particularly popular with golfers looking for an affordable all round launch monitor, while the R50 takes things much further with built in simulation, a large touchscreen and advanced camera based technology.
Choose Garmin if: You want a versatile launch monitor that can be used for practice, indoor simulation and, depending on the model, GPS golf functionality
Bushnell - Best for Accuracy and Detailed Data
Bushnell's Launch Pro range is aimed at golfers who want highly detailed launch monitor data and a more premium experience. The Launch Pro uses a three camera system to measure the ball and club at impact, making it particularly appealing to serious golfers who want accurate data for practice and club fitting.
The Launch Pro Indoor offers a dedicated indoor solution, while the standard Launch Pro provides greater flexibility for golfers who want to use their launch monitor both indoors and outdoors.
Choose Bushnell if: Accuracy, detailed ball and club data and a premium launch monitor experience are your priorities.
SkyTrak - Best for Home Golf Simulation
SkyTrak has built its reputation around bringing accurate launch monitor technology and golf simulation into the home. Its launch monitors are particularly suited to golfers who want to create an indoor practice or simulator setup without necessarily moving straight into the most expensive systems.
The SkyTrak ST MAX takes the experience further, offering more advanced features for golfers who are serious about home practice and simulation.
Choose SkyTrak if: Your main priority is creating a home golf simulator or dedicated indoor practice setup.
Shot Scope - Best for Value
Shot Scope takes a much simpler approach, making launch monitor technology accessible at a considerably lower price point. The LM1 is designed for golfers who want useful performance data without spending a significant amount of money.
It won't offer the same level of data, simulation capabilities or advanced technology as premium options from Bushnell, SkyTrak or Garmin, but that's not necessarily the point. For golfers who simply want to understand their distances and improve their practice sessions, it offers excellent value.
Choose Shot Scope if: You want an affordable and straightforward introduction to golf launch monitor technology.
Garmin vs Bushnell vs SkyTrak vs Shot Scope: Which Should You Choose?
| If your priority is... | best brand |
|---|---|
| Best all round versatility | Garmin |
| Advanced accuracy and detailed data | Bushnell |
| Home golf simulation | SkyTrak |
| Best value for money | Shot Scope |
| Portable practice | Garmin |
| Premium launch monitor experience | Bushnell / Garmin |
| Getting started on a budget | Shot Scope |
Ultimately, there's no single "best" golf launch monitor brand. Garmin is arguably the most versatile, Bushnell is particularly strong for golfers who prioritise detailed data and camera-based measurement, SkyTrak is a great choice for home simulation, while Shot Scope offers an affordable way to get started with launch monitor technology.
For Complete Golfer customers, the best choice will ultimately come down to how you intend to use your launch monitor, the data you want to see and how much you're prepared to invest.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Golf Launch Monitor?
With so many golf launch monitors available, it's easy to get distracted by the number of features and data points each manufacturer lists. The most important thing is to consider how you will actually use your launch monitor. A golfer looking for basic distance data at the driving range will have very different requirements from someone building a dedicated home golf simulator.
Accuracy
Accuracy should be one of the first things you consider when buying a golf launch monitor. After all, there's little benefit in having access to lots of data if you can't rely on the numbers you're seeing.
More advanced launch monitors use sophisticated radar or camera-based technology to measure what happens during your swing and at impact. Premium systems can provide highly detailed information on both your club and ball, while more affordable models tend to focus on the key measurements most golfers need.
If you're using a launch monitor to make important changes to your swing, practise specific numbers or make equipment decisions, investing in a more advanced system can be worthwhile.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Think about where you will use your launch monitor most often.
If you primarily practise at the driving range, a portable outdoor launch monitor may be all you need. However, if you want to practise at home, you'll need a model specifically designed to work indoors.
Some launch monitors, such as the Garmin R10, SkyTrak ST MAX, Bushnell Launch Pro and Garmin R50, can be used both indoors and outdoors, giving you greater flexibility.
For an indoor setup, you'll also need to consider the amount of space available behind and in front of the ball, as well as ceiling height and the distance required between the golfer, launch monitor and screen.
What Data Do You Want to Measure?
Not every launch monitor provides the same amount of information.
Basic models may give you key figures such as:
- Carry distance
- Total distance
- Ball speed
- Clubhead speed
- Launch angle
More advanced launch monitors can provide significantly more data, including:
- Spin rate
- Spin axis
- Club path
- Face angle
- Angle of attack
- Dynamic loft
- Smash factor
If you're simply looking to dial in your distances, you probably don't need every available metric. However, golfers working seriously on their swing or equipment may benefit from having access to more detailed club and ball data.
Golf Simulation
If you're planning to use your launch monitor at home, consider whether golf simulation is important to you.
Some launch monitors allow you to play virtual golf courses, practise on virtual driving ranges and compete in games and challenges. Others are primarily designed to provide practice data and don't offer the same level of simulation.
If creating a home golf simulator is your goal, check which software platforms the launch monitor is compatible with and whether additional subscriptions are required.
Portability
Do you want to leave your launch monitor permanently set up at home, or take it with you to the driving range?
Compact launch monitors such as the Shot Scope LM1 and Garmin R10 are easy to transport, making them particularly useful for golfers who want to practise in different locations.
Larger premium systems can offer more advanced features but may be better suited to a permanent home setup.
Radar vs Camera Based Technology
Golf launch monitors generally use either radar or camera based technology, and understanding the difference can help you choose the right system.
Radar-based launch monitors, such as the Garmin R10, use radar to track the movement of the club and ball. They are often compact and portable, making them particularly useful for outdoor practice.
Camera-based launch monitors, such as the Bushnell Launch Pro and Garmin R50, use high-speed cameras to capture what happens around impact. These systems can provide highly detailed information about the club and ball and are particularly popular for indoor golf simulator setups.
Neither technology is automatically "better" for every golfer. The right choice depends on your intended use, available space and budget.
Subscription Costs
Some launch monitors offer additional software, simulator courses and advanced features through paid subscriptions. These costs can add up over time, particularly if you're planning to use your launch monitor regularly for golf simulation.
Before buying, check exactly which features are included with the device and which require an ongoing subscription.
Price
Finally, consider your budget and what you actually need from your launch monitor.
There's a huge difference between an entry level model and a premium launch monitor, but spending more doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a better experience for your needs.
If you simply want reliable distance information, an affordable model such as the Shot Scope LM1 may be enough. If you're looking for detailed club and ball data, indoor simulation and a more advanced practice experience, models such as the Bushnell Launch Pro, SkyTrak ST MAX or Garmin R50 offer significantly more.
The best golf launch monitor isn't necessarily the most expensive one, it's the one that gives you the data and features you actually need.
Best Golf Launch Monitor by Budget
Golf launch monitors are available at a wide range of price points, from simple devices designed to provide essential practice data to premium systems capable of delivering a complete indoor golf simulator experience.
Here's our guide to the best golf launch monitors at different budgets.
Best Golf Launch Monitor Under £250: Shot Scope LM1
The Shot Scope LM1 is an excellent starting point for golfers who want to experience launch monitor technology without making a significant investment. It provides an affordable way to access useful performance data and take more information into your practice sessions.
It's particularly suited to golfers who want a straightforward launch monitor rather than a comprehensive golf simulator, making it a great option for practising at the range and understanding your distances.
Best for: Golfers on a budget and anyone buying their first launch monitor
Best Golf Launch Monitor Under £500: Garmin Approach R10
The Garmin R10 is one of the most versatile launch monitors in this price range. It offers considerably more functionality than an entry level device, while remaining compact and portable enough to take to the driving range or use at home.
For golfers who want a launch monitor that can provide detailed practice data while also offering golf simulation capabilities, the R10 represents an excellent balance between price and functionality.
Best Golf GPS & Launch Monitor Under £300: Garmin Approach G80
If you want more than just a launch monitor, the Garmin G80 is worth considering. It combines launch monitor functionality with a full-featured golf GPS, making it particularly useful for golfers who want one device for both the course and their practice sessions.
Best Golf Launch Monitor Around £2,000: Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor
If you're serious about creating an indoor golf simulator, the Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor represents a significant step up in technology and performance. It is designed specifically for indoor use and uses camera based technology to provide detailed launch monitor data.
Best Premium Golf Launch Monitor: Bushnell Launch Pro
The Bushnell Launch Pro is designed for golfers who want highly detailed launch monitor data and premium camera-based technology, while retaining the flexibility to use the device both indoors and outdoors
Best All-in-One Golf Simulator: Garmin Approach R50
At the top end of the range sits the Garmin Approach R50. It's a significant investment, but it's designed to offer an all-in-one launch monitor and golf simulator experience rather than simply measuring your shots.
Our Verdict
Which Golf Launch Monitor Should You Buy?
There is no single golf launch monitor that is right for every golfer. The best choice depends on how you intend to use it, the level of data you want, whether you need indoor and outdoor functionality, and how much you're prepared to invest.
For golfers looking for an affordable first launch monitor, the Shot Scope LM1 is a great place to start. It provides the key data most golfers need for practice without the need to invest in a more advanced system.
If you're looking for the best all-round combination of features, portability and performance, we'd recommend the Garmin Approach R10. It offers a wide range of practice and simulation features while remaining compact and portable enough to take to the driving range or use at home.
For golfers who want GPS and launch monitor technology in one device, the Garmin Approach G80 and G82 are particularly appealing. They combine golf GPS functionality with launch monitor and practice features, making them ideal for golfers who want one versatile device for both the course and practice.
If your priority is home golf simulation, the SkyTrak and SkyTrak ST MAX are strong options. They are designed around bringing launch monitor technology and golf simulation into your home, making them particularly attractive to golfers looking to practise indoors or build a dedicated simulator setup.
For golfers who want premium camera-based launch monitor technology, the Bushnell Launch Pro is an excellent choice. Its advanced camera system provides detailed ball and club data, while its indoor and outdoor versatility makes it suitable for both serious practice and home simulation.
If you're building a dedicated indoor golf simulator, the Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor is worth considering. It is specifically designed for indoor use and offers the detailed data and simulation capabilities that serious home golfers are looking for.
Finally, for golfers who want the ultimate all-in-one launch monitor and simulator experience, the Garmin Approach R50 sits at the top of the range. With its large touchscreen, advanced tracking technology, extensive data and built-in simulator capabilities, it's designed for golfers who want a premium home golf setup.
What is a golf launch monitor?
A golf launch monitor is a device that measures what happens when you hit a golf shot, providing data about your club and ball. Depending on the model, this can include carry distance, total distance, ball speed, clubhead speed, launch angle, spin rate, club path and more. Launch monitors are used by golfers for practice, club fitting, swing analysis and golf simulation.
What is the best golf launch monitor?
There isn't one golf launch monitor that is best for every golfer. The right choice depends on your budget and how you intend to use it. The Shot Scope LM1 is a great entry-level option, while the Garmin R10 offers an excellent balance of features and portability. For more advanced data and premium performance, the Bushnell Launch Pro is an excellent choice, while the Garmin R50 is ideal for golfers looking for an all-in-one launch monitor and simulator.
What is the best golf launch monitor for home use?
For home use, the best launch monitor will depend on whether you want basic practice data or a complete golf simulator. The SkyTrak and SkyTrak ST MAX are particularly well suited to home golf setups, while the Bushnell Launch Pro Indoor is designed specifically for indoor use. The Garmin R50 is another excellent option for golfers looking for a premium all-in-one home simulator experience.
What is the best golf launch monitor under £500?
The Garmin Approach R10 is one of the best options for golfers with a budget of around £500. It offers a wide range of performance data, can be used indoors and outdoors, and provides access to golf simulation features. If you want to spend less, the Shot Scope LM1 offers a more affordable way to get started with launch monitor technology.
Are golf launch monitors accurate?
The accuracy of a launch monitor depends on the technology and model being used. Premium launch monitors such as the Bushnell Launch Pro and Garmin R50 use advanced camera-based technology to capture detailed information about the club and ball. More affordable radar-based launch monitors can still provide extremely useful data for practice and distance control, although the level and type of data available varies between models.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Golf Launch Monitor?
The amount of space you need for a golf launch monitor depends on the model and whether you're using it indoors or outdoors. For an indoor setup, you'll need enough room to swing comfortably and safely, as well as sufficient space for the launch monitor, golf net or impact screen. As a general guide, around 10–12 feet of ceiling height and approximately 15–20 feet of room length will provide a comfortable setup for many golfers, although the exact requirements vary between launch monitors and simulator systems. Radar-based monitors normally require additional room behind the ball, while camera-based systems are often better suited to shallower indoor spaces. Always check the manufacturer’s stated setup requirements before buying.
