A golf launch monitor is one of the most valuable game improvement tools a golfer can own. Data received after every swing guides refinement and adds an entirely new dimension of fun and feedback to golf practicing. In this guide, we go over the best golf launch monitors that you can buy today.
We have all reviewed and details all options, from as cheap as $200 up to $10,000 or more!
And paired with a mat, screen, and software, you can have a real nice garage golf simulator or outdoor golf simulator.
After making this decision, learn how to build your DIY golf simulator today.
This guide has been updated to include new launch monitors like the SkyTrak Plus and the Rapsodo MLM2PRO.
What are the Best Golf Launch Monitors?
- SkyTrak Plus (Best Overall Launch Monitor)
- FlightScope Mevo (Best Budget Launch Monitor Under $1000)
- OptiShot 2 (Best for Compact Space)
- SkyTrak Launch Monitor (Best for Accuracy)
- FightScope Mevo Plus (Best Portability)
- Rapsodo MLM2PRO (Built-in Video Capture)
- Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (Best Smartphone Integration)
- Full Swing KIT (Best for Playing Simulator Golf Courses)
- Garmin Approach R10 (Best Battery Life)
- OptiShot BallFlight (Underrated Option)
- Foresight Sports GC3 (Best High-Speed Cameras)
- Uneekor EYE XO (Best Club Data Analysis)
- Uneekor QED (Best Customization)
- Ernest Sports ESB1 (Best Entry-Level)
- Swing Caddie SC300i (Best Voice Feedback)
- Ernest Sports ES12 Player (Simplest Monitor)
- TrackMan 4 (Best for Professionals)
Reviews of the Best Golf Launch Monitors
SkyTrak Plus (Best Overall)
KEY FEATURES
- Highly accurate data measurement
- Compatible with most golf simulation software
- Portable and convenient to use
KEY DRAWBACK
- Higher price point than the original
PRICE
The SkyTrak Plus is $2,995, a solid investment for those seeking comprehensive data and simulator golf capability.
SUMMARY
SkyTrak Plus is an excellent choice if you are looking for both a high-quality launch monitor and a golf simulator experience. It offers a seamless blend of convenience, accuracy, and versatility, making it one of the best all-around options on the market.
SkyTrak Plus uses a Dual Doppler Radar system to accurately capture and analyze your swing and ball flight. It builds upon the original SkyTrak, one of the most popular launch monitors ever.
SkyTrak Plus has good integration with all major golf simulation software. Its native app is good enough for most people. For those who want more customization, GSPro, WGT, E6 Connect, and TGC 2019 are available to integrate.
Despite its robust functionality, the SkyTrak Plus remains conveniently portable, perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
One potential drawback is that it is more expensive than the original SkyTrak. However, given its extensive features, I think it is a great value compared to premium commercial monitors.
Click here to read our complete SkyTrak Plus review.
HOW IT WORKS
SkyTrak Plus uses a Dual Doppler Radar system, which provides real-time feedback as soon as you swing your golf club.
WHAT DATA DOES THE SKYTRAK PLUS MEASURE?
- Carry Distance
- Spin Rate
- Club Speed
- Ball Speed
- Vertical Launch
- Smash Factor
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
- Carry Distance
- Ball Spin Rate
- Club Speed
- Ball Speed
- Vertical Launch
- Smash Factor
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
Click here to buy the SkyTrak Plus.
FlightScope Mevo (Best Launch Monitor Under $1000)
KEY FEATURES
- Good pricing for a launch monitor
- Extremely portable
- High accuracy
KEY DRAWBACK
- Cannot sync with golf simulation software
PRICE
The FlightScope Mevo is $500 and a good budget launch monitor as long as you don’t need to play full simulator golf.
SUMMARY
The FlightScope Mevo is a small piece of technology with many features. It is my pick for the best basic launch monitor available today.
The Mevo uses 3D doppler radar to capture your club and ball while you swing. It gives an audible “ding” when it has tracked your swing. You can view your results from the attached mobile app that syncs with the monitor.
The app will overlay your club and ball stats in the corner of your swing video, so that’s neat.
Because of its small size, the Mevo is easy to throw in your bag and use both indoors and outdoors. You only need six feet of distance behind you to set up the Mevo, which is a plus.
The biggest downside to the FlightScope Mevo is that it does not work with any golf simulator software (you’ll need the Mevo Plus for that). If you aren’t planning on building your own golf simulator, the Mevo is the best affordable launch monitor. This golf swing launch monitor offers everything you need to improve and review your shot data.
Click here to read our complete FlightScope Mevo review.
HOW IT WORKS
The FlightScope Mevo uses 3D doppler radar to track your club and ball in real-time as you swing.
WHAT DATA DOES THE FLIGHTSCOPE MEVO MEASURE?
- Carry Distance
- Spin Rate
- Club Speed
- Ball Speed
- Vertical Launch
- Smash Factor
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
- Carry Distance
- Ball Spin Rate
- Club Speed
- Ball Speed
- Vertical Launch
- Smash Factor
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
- Practice with purpose with this lightweight and portable 3D Doppler radar launch monitor.
- Practice Anywhere- Use Mevo to improve on the range, on the course, and at your home with video and data on every shot
- 8 Data Parameters- Includes 8 full swing performance data parameters with direct spin measurements
- Mevo Skills Challenges- Includes PGA & LPGA Challenges, Long Drive Competition & Range Competition
OptiShot 2 (Best for Compact Space)
KEY FEATURES
- Comes included on a hitting mat
- Full golf simulator courses included in the included software
- Instant shot feedback
KEY DRAWBACKS
- Not as accurate as 3D doppler
- Does not track the ball
PRICE
The OptiShot 2 costs $450 and is a very affordable launch monitor.
SUMMARY
If having an at-home golf simulator is important to you, then the OptiShot 2 launch monitor is worth looking into. Notably, it builds the shot analyzer right into a high-quality hitting mat. All you need to do to have your own home golf simulator is buy a hitting net to pair with this hardware.
The OptiShot 2 has 32 infrared sensors that sit on either side of where you hit the ball. These sensors measure your club as you come down and make contact. All data is sent back to your connected computer, which plugs into the side of the OptiShot 2.
At $450, this golf simulator is actually $50 less than the FlightScope Mevo above but has the hitting mat included. The data won’t be as accurate, but the fun-factor is way higher.
The software comes with 15 premium and famous golf courses, including real-world options too. For $120 per year, you get full access to over 65 courses, plus real-time online tournaments that you can take part in.
HOW IT WORKS
32 infrared sensors built into the mat track your club and ball at impact.
WHAT DATA DOES THE OPTISHOT 2 MEASURE?
- Club Speed
- Carry Distance
- Face Angle
- Path
- Face Contact
- Tempo
- Club Speed
- Carry Distance
- Face Angle
- Path
- Face Contact
- Tempo
- Have fun with your family while golfing at home with the OS2 golf simulator. Your family can play, compete online, and get instruction from our brand new Optishot Academy.
- The Optishot Academy is the world's only training plan that is personalized to fit your game.
- Our OptiShot coaches have developed a training plan that helps beginning and average golfers feel more comfortable and confident on the course.
- Play, train, and compete from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
- Access all of the OptiShot Academy training videos from your phone on the Apple and Android app, your tablet, or your computer.
SkyTrak Launch Monitor (Best for Accuracy)
KEY FEATURES
- High number of tracked measurements
- Includes a full golf simulator
- Really solid software
KEY DRAWBACK
- Camera tracking is not as accurate as other premium options
PRICE
The SkyTrack Launch Monitor costs $2000.
SUMMARY
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor is the cheapest of the expensive launch monitor options. It uses a high-speed camera to capture high-speed images of your club and ball at impact. It is filled with data points and features about your swing that are nice to analyze.
Given its price, I think the SkyTrakt is the most accurate launch monitor. It has a high reputation and is used by both personal golfers and commercial businesses.
One nice feature I like in the SkyTrak is that you can customize your golf course conditions to match real life. So by adjusting the weather or course conditions, the monitor will automatically update your results.
The software is slick to use and has a lot of analytics. You can see all of your stats positioned around a virtual driving range. You can upgrade your subscription for $100 per year and get extra games, new camera views, and even more tracking.
The SkyTrak is a golf simulator as well. You can sync it up with both E6 Connect or TGC 2019 for real-life accurate golf simulation. Overall, with so many data points to capture, this launch monitor has a lot to like. And at a still reasonable price for those serious at-home golfers, this one could be a real winner for you.
Click here to read our full SkyTrak Launch Monitor review.
HOW IT WORKS
A high-speed camera tracks the motion and impact of your club and ball.
WHAT DATA DOES THE SKYTRAK MEASURE?
- Carry Distance
- Club Head Speed
- Ball Speed
- Smash Factor
- Back Spin Rate
- Side Spin rate
- Spin Loft
- Horizontal Launch Angle
- Vertical Launch Angle
- Lateral Landing
- Total Distance
- Roll Distance
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
- Shot Shape
- SkyTrak is a launch monitor designed to act as a game improvement tool while you practice
- Driving Range functionality allows golfers to practice on a virtual driving range with real data
- SkyTrak measurable parameters include ball speed, distance, launch angle, club speed, spin rates
- Includes metal protective case for your hitting mat, keep the unit safe
- SkyTrak shipping requires a signature, someone must be home to sign
FLIGHTSCOPE MEVO PLUS (Best Portability)
KEY FEATURES
- Indoor or outdoor use
- High-quality data tracking
- High number of variables
- Golf simulator compatible
KEY DRAWBACK
- Extra software license required to view advanced analytics
PRICE
The FlightScope Mevo Plus costs $2000.
SUMMARY
Like the SkyTrak, the FlightScope Mevo Plus launch monitor sits in that intermediate price range. It uses patented Fusion Tracking technology to give a high level of accuracy and consistency in tracking your swing. Fusion Tracking combines 3D doppler radar (like on the regular Mevo) plus synchronized high-speed image processing.
By default, the Mevo Plus tracks 20 different club and ball variables. Putting data is also included too. However, you can also purchase a Pro software addon which gives you access to over 50 data points. This software package is expensive, considering it has no extra hardware, but the option is there if you wish.
Unlike the regular Mevo, the Mevo Plus can connect to the E6 golf simulator, and a license is included with your purchase. You get access to 5 real-life (non-professional) courses, as well as 17 practice ranges and a variety of other online games.
You can purchase an E6 Connect license that gives you even more golf courses.
If you have the cash, we 100% recommend the Mevo Plus as your launch monitor of choice. The software app is solid and combines data + video together nicely.
Click here to read our full FlightScope Mevo Plus review.
HOW IT WORKS
Patented Fusion Tracking technology with combines 3D Doppler radar with a high-speed camera.
WHAT DATA DOES THE FLIGHTSCOPE MEVO PLUS MEASURE?
- Ball Speed
- Club Head speed
- Smash Factor
- Carry Distance
- Launch Angle
- Spin Rate
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
- Angle of Attack
- Spin Loft
- Launch Direction
- Spin Axis
- Roll Distance
- Total Distance
- Lateral Landing
- Shot Dispersion
- Shot Type
Putting
- Launch Speed
- Total Distance
- Ball Direction
20+ more data points with a $1000 pro package addon.
- Simulation and Games- Mevo+ includes ownership of 6 courses and 17 practice ranges with no additional license fee *Included ONLY for iOS*
- 20+ Data Parameters- Mevo+ provides over 20 full swing and short game data parameters for ultimate game improvement and entertainment
- Data and Video Combined- Automatically record, clip, and store video of every swing without interruption for easy review.
- Use Indoors or Outdoors- On the course, at the range, or at into a net or simulation structure.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO (Built-in Video Capture)
Key Features
- Impact vision and shot vision cameras for swing replay.
- Radar processing system for precision accuracy.
- Up to 13 measured metrics, including spin axis and spin rate.
Key Drawback
- Mixed launch reviews
Price
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is $700.
Summary
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is the successor to the original Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM). The new MLM2PRO promises an enhanced golfing experience over its original design.
With the dual-camera setup, one camera is dedicated to recording the swing video of every shot, while the other camera captures photographs at impact to help you visualize your strikes.
You no longer need to depend on your phone’s camera to provide instant video replay track or monitor data, as you did with the original MLM launch monitor.
The data syncs back to the MLM app, which is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems.
How It Works
The MLM2PRO has two cameras (impact vision and shot vision cameras) and a doppler radar system for tracking launch data, ball flight, and swing.
What Data Does the MLM2PRO Record?
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Spin Rate (measured)
- Spin Axis (measured)
- Ball Speed (measured)
- Club Head Speed (measured)
- Smash Factor
- Launch Angle (measured)
- Launch Direction (measured)
- Apex
- Shot Type
- Descent Angle
- Side Carry
- The all new MLM2PRO mobile launch monitor + golf simulator
- Dual optical camera vision + radar processing for precision accuracy
- Shot Vision and Impact Vision for multi-option swing replay
- Simulation at 30,000+ golf courses
- 13 metrics - 6 measured metrics - including spin rate and spin axis
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM) (Best Smartphone Integration)
KEY FEATURES
- Low price
- Very portable
- Displays GPS shot scatter of your shots
KEY DRAWBACK
- Not as many data points as other monitors
PRICE
The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is $500.
SUMMARY
The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is an interesting option in this list because it uses your smart-phone to do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Rapsodo uses your mobile device phone to capture your swing in real-time using the camera and then crunches the numbers to create an accurate shot tracer for your shot.
Because your phone is a key piece, it stores all of your videos within the Rapsodo app for real-time and slow-motion playback.
Rapsodo claims that its Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM) has accurate distances within 2% of the Trackman, one of the best golf launch monitors available today (see below).
Rapsodo upsells a premium subscription, which gives you more features:
- Unlimited video storage
- Personalized insights
- Shot apex data
- Access to online golf lessons
Coming in under $500, this is a great price for one of the best launch monitors on the market today.
HOW IT WORKS
The Rapsodo swing monitor uses your mobile phone to record your swing and send data to the launch monitor for calculations. Results are sent back and displayed on your mobile phone over Bluetooth connectivity.
WHAT DATA DOES THE RAPSODO MOBILE LAUNCH MONITOR MEASURE?
- Distance
- Ball Speed
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Launch Angle
- Launch Direction
- Distance
- Ball Speed
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Launch Angle
- Launch Direction
- Game and industry changing Mobile Launch Monitor
- The only device to pair iOS camera with radar processing for precise measurement
- Immediate swing replay with shot trace technology
- 10 metrics - 4 measured
- Rapsodo Combines - 24 total shots - 2 approach targets - 1 driver target
Full Swing KIT (Best for Playing Simulator Golf Courses)
KEY FEATURES
- Machine learning features
- OLED color display
- Built-in camera
KEY DRAWBACK
- Cannot connect to golf sim software.. yet
PRICE
The Full Swing KIT costs $4000.
SUMMARY
The Full Swing KIT is a brand-new launch monitor that just launched in late 2021. It comes at a premium price of $4000 but offers some unique features that are not found in any other launch monitor.
To start, the monitor includes a full OLED touchscreen display, giving you all your instantaneous data points.
Secondly, the Full Swing KIT shows you 16 different data points, which we’ve listed below. It offers one of the most comprehensive data sets on the market.
Next, the KIT has a built-in 4K camera that captures your entire swing right from the monitor. This means you don’t need to set up your phone camera to take a video of yourself while playing.
Notably, the Full Swing KIT doesn’t connect to any golf simulator software yet. It promises that E6 Connect support is coming real soon.
The Full Swing KIT is endorsed by Tiger Woods, who advertised the launch monitor while he was recovering from knee injuries in 2021.
HOW IT WORKS
Machine learning and radar technology.
WHAT DATA DOES THE Full swing KIT LAUNCH MONITOR MEASURE?
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Spin Rate
- Spin Axis
- Face Angle
- Face to Path
- Attack Angle
- Launch Angle
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Horizontal Angle
- Apex Height
- Side Carry Distance
- Side Total Distance
Garmin Approach R10 (Best Battery Life)
KEY FEATURES
- Reasonably priced for the data accuracy
- The Garmin App is very highly rated
- Portable and easy to move
KEY DRAWBACK
- A larger distance behind you is required for the radar
PRICE
The Garmin Approach R10 costs $600.
SUMMARY
The Garmin Approach R10 is a fairly new golf launch monitor, released towards the end of 2021. It is very portable, so you can move it from home to the driving range as you need, weighing only 148 grams.
The R10 has a nice companion app that stores all the data about every shot you take. You can view all of your shots in the app, which gives you a detailed dispersion chart to show you where your shots went – handy if you are hitting into a golf net. You can also easily record each of your shots and view them back in real-time and slow-motion playback.
The Garmin golf app also has over 41,000 pre-loaded virtual courses that you can play without ever leaving your house. it leverages the data found from Garmin’s line of rangefinders and GPS equipment to load these courses in to the launch monitor. You can also connect right to the E6 Connect and TGC 2019 software for more realistic virtual courses to play.
I really like the battery life on the Garmin Approach R10 as well, advertised at 10 hours but more in the 8-hour range from my testing.
The main drawback is that doppler radar technology benefits from a large capture distance of over 12 feet. Some golfers might not have that much space unless you have a good space for outdoor use.
You might want to consider the tripod to go along with this launch monitor. It’s a bit of an extra cost, but you won’t have to worry about how your R10 sets up to capture data.
HOW IT WORKS
The R10 is a doppler radar based launch monitor. It directly measures four radar metrics (bolded below) and then manually calculates 10 other variables in real-time.
WHAT DATA DOES THE GARMIN APPROACH R10 MEASURE?
The R10 tracks the following radar metrics:
- Club Head Speed
- Club Face Angle
- Club Path Angle
- Angle of Attack
- Ball Speed
- Launch Angle
- Launch Direction
- Spin Axis
- Spin Rate
- Apex height
- Smash Factor
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Deviation Distance
- Work to improve your game at home, indoors or on the driving range with a portable launch monitor .Waterproof : IPX7.Control Method:Application,VoiceWater Resistant: Yes.Club Head speed accuracy : plus/- 3 mph, Ball speed accuracy : plus/- 1 mph, Launch angle accuracy : plus/- 1 degree, Launch direction accuracy : plus/- 1 degree.
- Track key metrics when paired with a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Golf app to help better your shot consistency, including club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, ball spin, launch angle and more
- Understand your golf strengths and areas for improvement by using training mode, which tracks stats for each club and shows a shot dispersion chart based on estimated ball flight using the Garmin Golf app
- See and analyze your own swing with automatically recorded video clips that include the metrics of that swing when paired with a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Golf app
- With an active subscription and the Garmin Golf app, play virtual rounds on over 42,000 courses around the world and take part in a weekly tournament with scores posted to our global leaderboard
OptiShot BallFlight (Underrated Option)
KEY FEATURES
- Trio sensor tracking
- Easy-to-use simulation software with over 20 golf courses
- High accuracy
KEY DRAWBACK
- Price
PRICE
The OptiShot BallFlight costs $6000.
SUMMARY
The OptiShot BallFlight is a premium trio tracking launch monitor that uses radar, infrared sensors, and a high-speed camera to track your golf swing accurately. The OptiShot software analyzes the data from all their sensors to produce highly accurate analytics about your golf shot.
BallFlight creates a data-mapped replay of your swing, showing you the complete ball flight. The whole experience is quite smooth, and the attached software works pretty well.
The software includes over 20 premium real-life golf courses, which can be expanded up to 65 with a $120 per year “Season Pass” feature.
The price range on the BallFlight is in the premium range, but it’s actually reasonable compared to other expensive options in this list of golf launch monitors.
HOW IT WORKS
Three different tracking methods watch your swing and ball at impact:
- 40 infrared sensors
- 1 high-speed camera
- Radar Technology
WHAT DATA DOES THE OPTISHOT BALLFIGHT MEASURE?
- Club Speed
- Ball Speed
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Backspin
- Vertical Launch Angle
- Horizontal Launch Angle
Foresight Sports GC3 (Best High-Speed Cameras)
KEY FEATURES
- High-accuracy photometric swing capture
- Good indoor and outdoor accuracy
- Included touchscreen on the monitor
KEY DRAWBACK
- Forced to use Foresight’s golf simulator software
SUMMARY
Foresight is a premium launch monitor brand that can be found in indoor golf simulator businesses around North America. The GC3 (Game Changer) is a premium monitor but at a price point that may be doable for some serious golfers who want good data.
The GC3 has a touchscreen on top of the monitor that provides real-time feedback after you hit. The data also transfers to the included software for more in-depth tracking and analysis. The GC is extremely fast compared to other monitors, giving you nearly instantaneous data after each swing.
The Foresight GC3 really shines outdoors where it is unaffected by sun, rain, or wind. It isn’t as portable as other options in this best launch monitors list, though, such as the FlightScope Mevo and Garmin Approach R10.
The one drawback to the Foresight GC3 is that you are tied into their golf simulator software, Foresight FSX Play. It is very realistic and includes 18 real courses. However, these courses can be $150 per course or more if you don’t pay an upfront license for the software.
HOW IT WORKS
The GC3 uses photometric technology to capture your club data as you come down and contact the ball using the three included cameras. A barometric sensor is also included to measure temperature, humidity, and altitude to more accurately calculate your variables.
WHAT DATA DOES THE FORESIGHT GC3 MEASURE?
The GC3 provides 10 variables worth of data on every swing:
- Launch Angle
- Side Angle
- Ball Speed
- Total Spin
- carry
- Side Spin/Spin Axis
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Angle of Attack
Uneekor EYE XO (Best for Club Data Analysis)
KEY FEATURES
- Highly accurate ball and club data
- Maximum compatibility with golf sim software
- Commercial quality at a lower price
KEY DRAWBACKS
- Unable to be moved around
- Full computer required
PRICE
the Uneekor EYE XO costs $10,000
SUMMARY
The Uneekor EYE XO is another premium overhead launch monitor. Unlike the portable monitors in this article, the EYE XO is meant to sit in your indoor golf simulator setup.
The EYE XO has two high-speed cameras that record your swing area in over 3000 frames per second (FPS). It can track balls hit as low as 10 centimeters and as much as 435 yards. The EYE XO tracks more data points than other monitors – over 20!
The EYE XO is a premium model over the Uneekor QED (see below). It tracks your club path at a higher resolution and extra club data like attack angle, club loft and life angle, and impact points. Your golf balls also don’t have to be marked up, which is our one disadvantage with the QED.
Unlike Foresight above, EYE XO has its own sim software, View, and also supports E6 Connect, The Golf Club 2019, and Creative Golf 3D.
A full computer with a gaming GPU and 8 GB of RAM is required to use the EYE XO. This might not be a big deal for those looking to use this to power your indoor golf simulator but is an extra cost worth mentioning.
HOW IT WORKS
Two high-speed cameras capture your swing area at 3000 frames per second. Extra internal sensors crunch data and provide feedback in real-time.
WHAT DATA DOES THE UNEEKOR EYE XO MEASURE?
Ball Data
- Ball Speed
- Side and Back Spin
- Side Angle
- Launch Angle
- Angle of Descent
- Flight Time
- Distance to Apex
- Carry
- Run
- Total Distance
Club Data
- Club Speed
- Dynamic Loft
- Angle of Attack
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Face Angle
- Club Face to Path
- Club Lie Angle
- Club Loft Angle
- Impact Point Vertical
- Impact Point Horizontal (with metallic stickers on your ball)
Uneekor QED (Best for Customization)
KEY FEATURES
- Accurate swing information
- Costs less than other commercial solutions
- Patented ball and club OPTIX provide detailed swing analysis
- Indoor launch monitor
KEY DRAWBACK
- Low number of data points for the price
PRICE
The Uneekor QED costs $7,000.
SUMMARY
Like the Uneekor EYE XO, the QED is an overhead launch monitor that sits in place in your simulator area. It was the original release by Uneekor, providing high accurate golf ball data at less price than traditional commercial alternatives.
the QED contains dual infrared cameras that track your club in real time. It has two patented technologies: Ball OPTIX and Club OPTIX, which can fully replay your swing and ball flight from analyzing only your hit.
Within the Uneekor software, you can see your swing in regular and slow motion. You can also buy extra Swing Optix cameras and view your swing from multiple angles.
Being older than the EYE XO, the QED is less in price and less in data points. When you compare the list of data below and above, though, I question whether the QED is a bit outdated for today’s monitors.
HOW IT WORKS
Two infrared cameras track your club and ball flight in real-time.
WHAT DATA DOES THE UNEEKOR QED MEASURE?
Club Data
- Smash Factor
- Club Speed
- Club Path
- Club Face Angle
- Club Face to Path
Ball Data
- Carry
- Run
- Total Distance
- Distance to Apex
- Ball speed
- Side and Back Spin
- Side Angle
- Launch Angle
- Angle of Descent/Land Angle
Ernest Sports ESB1 (Best Entry-Level)
KEY FEATURES
- Voice commands
- LED panel included to display shot information
- Indoor use or outdoor use
KEY DRAWBACK
- Less data points tracked
PRICE
The Ernest Sports ESB1 is $500.
SUMMARY
The ESB1 is a portable launch monitor from Ernest Sports. It is an upgrade over their old ES 14 model. The new ESB1 uses 3D doppler radar technology to track your club swing. Results are displayed instantaneously on the included LED display panel. Results are also synced back to your phone.
The attached app has shot tracing included, so you can see the direction, data, and video of each of your shots. It also includes some interactive games to try with the monitor, including a golf skills challenge and Capture the Flag game.
One of the features I really like in the ESB1 is the inclusion of voice commands. Just like you are talking to Siri or Alexa, you can adjust the club selection and start recording by talking to the ESB1.
The price range of the ESB1 falls in line with the Garmin R10 and FlightScope Mevo. And while the data isn’t as accurate or full-featured as those options, some of the other features included in the ESB1 are nice to have (like the LED display).
HOW IT WORKS
The ESB1 uses 3D doppler radar to track your club and ball in real-time as you swing.
WHAT DATA DOES THE ESB1 MEASURE?
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed
- Distance
- Smash Factor
- Spin Rate
- Launch Angle
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed
- Distance
- Smash Factor
- Spin Rate
- Launch Angle
- Re-chargeable lithium battery
- Data provided: Ball Speed, Club Speed, Smash Factor, Spin Rate, Launch Angle and Distance
- Compare to LPGA and PGA Tour Averages
- Works independently or with the free iOS ESB1 App
- Charging Cord Included
Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300i (Best Voice Feedback)
KEY FEATURES
- LCD display
- Voice feedback
- Shot statistics for every club within the app.
KEY DRAWBACK
- Low number of data points for the price
PRICE
The Swing Caddie SC300i costs $500.
SUMMARY
The Swing Caddie SC300i by Voice Caddie is another doppler radar launch monitor in the same price point as the Mevo and the R10.
Compared to the Mevo, it doesn’t track as many data points, and the app is simpler to use.
Still, the SC300i does have some nice perks to it. For one, there is an included screen to see analytics right after you hit the ball without running back to your phone. You can also analyze your swing and draw overlay lines in the MySwingCaddie app. It also has a voice output that tells you how far you hit the ball.
The battery life on this monitor is over 20 hours of use, which is really good considering it has a screen.
Overall, Voice Caddie has created a decent launch monitor here. We wish it had a few more data points and some golf simulation integration, and then it could be our top pick.
HOW IT WORKS
Doppler radar tracks your club and ball on impact.
WHAT DATA DOES THE ESB1 MEASURE?
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Launch Angle
- Swing Speed
- Apex
- Ball Speed
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Launch Angle
- Swing Speed
- Apex
- Ball Speed
No products found.
Ernest Sports ES12 Player (Simplest Golf Monitor)
KEY FEATURES
- Low price point
- Doppler radar technology
- Durable for indoors and outdoors
KEY DRAWBACK
- Low number of data points are tracked
PRICE
The ES12 Player costs $200.
SUMMARY
If you are looking for a basic entry-level launch monitor, then the ES12 Player from Ernest Sports is your cheapest option.
It uses doppler radar tracking, the same as more expensive options like the Mevo or Garmin R10. However, it simplifies things for the end user by only tracking ball speed, club speed, and distance. All results go back to the included free app.
The ES12 is portable and can be used indoors and outdoors. It comes in a durable rubber case that protects it from any elements.
If you are a golfer on a budget and want to be able to view swing data from your phone and not much else, the ES12 Player gives you good value.
HOW IT WORKS
Doppler radar tracks your club and ball on impact.
WHAT DATA DOES THE ESB1 MEASURE?
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed
- Distance
TrackMan 4 (Best for Professionals)
KEY FEATURES
- High shot accuracy
- The largest number of data points
- Premium look and feel software
KEY DRAWBACK
- Extremely high price range required
PRICE
The Trackman 4 costs $19,000.
SUMMARY
The TrackMan 4 uses radar and camera tracking to provide highly accurate swing data for you. It is the best professional launch monitors if the price is not an option for you. If you are building yourself an at-home golf simulator, the TrackMan is the best option for two reasons:
- You get tons of data and analytics on every shot
- The system is extremely easy and intuitive to use
Unlike most of the best launch monitors on this list, the TrackMan 4 also tracks your putts.
The software included with this monitor is also top-notch. In addition to simulator software, all of your club data is displayed at the bottom of the screen after every shot. Over 120 real-life courses are included in the app, including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Valderrama.
PGA tour players like Patrick Rodgers, Claude Harmon III, and Jason Dufner are brand ambassadors for TrackMan.
HOW IT WORKS
A dual radar system tracks short-range data like putts and impact and long-range like ball tracking. Plus, a dual camera system captures live data and feedback, synchronizing up with the radars.
WHAT DATA DOES THE TRACKMAN 4 MEASURE?
Club Data
- Club Speed
- Attack Angle
- Dynamic Loft
- Club Path
- Face Angle
- Face to Path
- Spin Loft
- Swing Plane
- Swing Direction
- Low Point
- Impact Height
- Impact Offset
- Dynamic Lie
Ball Data
- Ball Speed
- Smash Factor
- Launch Angle
- Spin Data
- Launch Direction
- Spin Axis
- Height
- Curve
- Landing Angle
- Carry
- Total
Plus, 20+ putting variables.
The Best Golf Launch Monitor For Your Situation
Best Launch Monitors Under $1000
Best Launch Monitors Under $2000
Highest Quality Monitors
Full Golf Simulator Setup
Once you have determined the perfect launch monitor for you, you’ll want to consider some final pieces for a complete setup at home:
- a golf hitting mat
- a golf practice net or a projector & impact screen.
Luckily for you, our team of researchers have already found the best of each!
Click here to learn how to build your own DIY golf simulator.
Golf Launch Monitor Buying Guide
Price
For starters, one should look at the price of these items when buying them. They are not cheap, ranging anywhere from $200 to close to $2,000 dollars (for the most accurate ones) and beyond, with more expensive “professional” monitors being available as well. So, you will want to buy a monitor in a range you are comfortable with.
Seeing as this usually is an expensive item, they may not be for everyone. If you don’t see these items as something you need or don’t head out to the course enough to use one, you may well want to save your cash and pass on a device or give it a rain check like a Foresight Sports.
Ease of Use
Should you find after a practice session that these products are right up your alley, then you will want to find one that is simple enough to set up and use from day 1. Some of these devices have many functions that can become overwhelming and confusing, so you will want one that makes use simple enough for you.
Battery
And finally, as with any electronic device these days, you will want something that has good battery life. Seeing as a lot of them run on 9-Volt batteries, they can become quite pricey if they quickly suck the life out of said batteries, so you will want a tool that can last a while.
And the Doppler radar is energy hungry. Some models have rechargeable batteries built-in which affects cost, but might be preferable compared to a high rate of battery changes.
Accuracy
Buying an accurate launch monitor is highly important no matter how cool the technology is. Most of the options on this list offer accuracy down to 3% or less. In general, the doppler radar technology found on most consumer monitors is good if you properly position and set up the device.
Number of Data Points
If you buy a monitor, you might as well go for something that offers you as many key metrics as possible. Most monitors will do swing speed and launch angle, but what about your swing path? I recommend picking a monitor that will give you golf ball data and swing data so that you can analyze all parts of your swing.
Conclusion
As you can see, plenty of portable and fixed launch monitors are available today. This is a growing market because data and analytics is becoming a huge factor in golf.
Lower-end monitors use cameras to track your swing and provide feedback.
Middle-tier monitors use 3D doppler radar to track your full-swing motion.
High-tier monitors can use radar, infrared, camera, or a combination of technology to create a full golf swing analysis.
Commercial-tier monitors use the latest technology, provide more data points, and connect to some of the world’s top golf simulator software.
Whatever you are looking for, hopefully, the list of best launch monitors above provided you with what you need.
If you have any questions, make sure to comment down below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do portable golf launch monitors work?
These small portable devices are set on the ground at the level of the ball and typically use Doppler radar, the same kind of radar used to predict weather, to measure various parameters of the golf swing and hit.
The information is either displayed on the device itself, or sent to a personal device for review and storage. Most devices allow golfers to control for which clubs they use.
What does a launch monitor tell you?
Launch monitors tell between 2-20 factors related to the golfer’s swing and hit depending on the model. The device is placed on the ground at the level of the ball and picks up measurements with each swing.
The most common measurements are clubhead speed, ball speed, and total distance. But from there, the sky is the limit. More advanced models will display and analyze spin rate, vertical launch angle, flight time, apex height, carry distance, and more.
How much does a launch monitor cost?
There are plenty of excellent golf launch monitors with many parameters measured, high accuracy, and features in the $500 – $1,000 range. Our favorite model, as featured in this article, is the Flightscope Mevo.
Basic launch monitors cost around $200 and will give you a few measurements with varying degrees of accuracy. These are not a bad choice for beginners looking for some basic numbers to spice up practice sessions. From there, the price can get all the way up to $10,000.
How much does a professional launch monitor cost?
Professional launch monitors cost over $5,000 to start with. They are a world in their own and typically require either payment plans or a sponsorship before purchase. That being said, for the golfers that use them, they are absolutely worth every penny as the accuracy of data and value of the feedback are indispensable.
How much is a FlightScope launch monitor?
The Flightscope Mevo is $500 and comes with about 10 variables worth tracking. It is highly accurate and is perfect for reviewing and analyzing your swing. The more expensive Mevo Plus costs $2000 but allows you to track more variables and connect to a full golf simulator software.
What does a golf launch monitor do?
A golf launch monitor is a small device placed on the ground near a golfer that measures various factors from the golfer’s swing and hit including club head speed, ball speed, vertical launch angle, and so on. The device either displays data itself or sends it to an app on a personal device for further analysis.
Golfers use portable launch monitors to gather analytics about their swing and areas to improve.
What launch monitor do PGA pros use?
PGA professionals use some of the more expensive launch monitors such as the FlightScope Mevo Plus or SkyTrak monitor. These are portable and can be carried from the home to the driving range. PGA professionals with serious at-home setups use advanced options like the Foresight GC3 or the Uneekor EYE XO.
Doppler radar vs photographic, which is better?
Doppler radar is generally cheaper and still able to track your golf ball through the air. These monitors need to be setup behind you while you swing, so you need more space in your area. Photographic cameras can process more data points, but can be quite costly. Technically, photographic is better, but the price is a big factor.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API