Skip to content
Pin and Yard
Menu

Buying guide

Best golf launch monitors

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Voice Caddie SC4 Pro: radar, spin, built-in screen

    Measures spin, launch angle, launch direction and apex as well as speeds and distances.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Rapsodo MLM2PRO: cameras plus radar, measured spin

    Six measured metrics including spin rate and spin axis, out of 13 shown in total.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    SkyTrak ST MAX: dual radar and photometric cameras

    Dual Doppler radar and photometric cameras for ball and club data.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A personal launch monitor turns range sessions into numbers: club speed, ball speed, carry and, on better units, launch angle and spin. The differences are bigger than the prices suggest. Some units measure only speeds and calculate distance, others read spin directly with cameras or combined radar and camera systems. Some work happily in a garage, others need several metres of ball flight. Software matters too, from a simple screen on the unit to full course simulation that may carry a yearly fee. This guide compares launch monitors on what their listings state: the technology used, which data they show, whether spin is included, indoor and outdoor use and the software or app that comes with them. Decide first whether you need spin and simulation, then match the unit to your space.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Voice Caddie

Voice Caddie SC4 Pro: radar, spin, built-in screen

The most complete data set at this level from a single box with its own screen: eight measures including spin, a 3D range simulator and voice output. Best overall in this tier.

In its favour

  • Measures spin, launch angle, launch direction and apex as well as speeds and distances.
  • Built-in screen and voice output let you practise without staring at a phone.
  • Free E6 Connect tier includes one course and a driving range.

Good to know

  • Simulators are iOS only, as the listing notes.
  • Extra courses need an optional subscription.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Voice Caddie SC4 PRO Golf Launch Monitor & 3D Driving Range Simulator ...

No. 2 · Rapsodo

Rapsodo MLM2PRO: cameras plus radar, measured spin

A compact launch monitor and simulator that combines two cameras with radar to measure spin rate and spin axis, with swing video and course simulation. The best all-round personal unit here.

In its favour

  • Six measured metrics including spin rate and spin axis, out of 13 shown in total.
  • Shot Vision and Impact Vision give swing replay options alongside the data.
  • Works fully indoors and outdoors and is compatible with Apple and Android.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state which features need an ongoing Rapsodo membership.
  • Camera based units need good lighting and a clear view of the ball.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Rapsodo MLM2PRO Mobile Launch Monitor + Golf Simulator, Grey

No. 3 · SkyTrak

SkyTrak ST MAX: dual radar and photometric cameras

SkyTrak's top unit pairs dual Doppler radar with photometric cameras, adds GOLFTEC speed training and comes with a year of software. Aimed at serious golfers and simulator builders.

In its favour

  • Dual Doppler radar and photometric cameras for ball and club data.
  • Exclusive speed training powered by GOLFTEC with guided drills.
  • Dual USB ports allow charging and data transfer at the same time.

Good to know

  • Only one year of software is included, so plan for renewal costs after that.
  • Spin and indoor set-up details are not spelled out in this listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: SkyTrak ST MAX Golf Launch Monitor with 1-Year Software Included

No. 4 · Voice Caddie

Voice Caddie SC300i: radar with spin and apex

A portable radar unit with launch angle, apex and spin as well as speeds and distance, voice output and an app with video analysis.

In its favour

  • Spin rate, launch angle and apex for a fuller picture than speed-only units.
  • Voice output and an LCD give instant feedback.
  • A 2 year manufacturer warranty is stated in the listing.

Good to know

  • Indoor use is not stated; radar units generally need room for ball flight.
  • Android app support is marked as to be confirmed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Voice Caddie Sc300I Portable Golf Launch Monitor (2021)

No. 5 · Shot Scope

Shot Scope LM1: colour screen, speed training mode

A compact speed and distance monitor with a 3.5 inch colour screen, speed training mode and free session history in the Shot Scope app.

In its favour

  • Clear 3.5 inch colour display on the unit itself.
  • Speed training mode for clubs and speed sticks.
  • Indoor and outdoor use is stated in the listing.

Good to know

  • No spin or launch angle data is listed for this unit.
  • Battery is listed at up to 5 hours per charge, so charge before long sessions.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Shot Scope LM1 Launch Monitor

No. 6 · Garmin

Garmin Approach G80: GPS handheld with launch monitor

A GPS handheld for the course that doubles as a launch monitor, showing club speed, ball speed, smash factor, tempo and estimated distance. For golfers who want one device for both.

In its favour

  • One device covers course GPS with 41,000+ maps and range practice.
  • Practice and game modes let you set targets during sessions.
  • Up to 15 hours of battery with GPS, according to the listing.

Good to know

  • Distance is estimated, and the listed club speed accuracy is plus or minus 5 mph.
  • No spin or launch angle data is listed for this handheld.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Garmin Approach G80, All-in-One Premium GPS Golf Handheld with Integra...

No. 7 · Voice Caddie

Swing Caddie SC200 Plus: speeds and carry, remote

A straightforward unit with carry, swing and ball speed and smash factor, a no-ball swing speed mode and a remote. Suits golfers tracking speed gains.

In its favour

  • Swing speed mode works without hitting a ball, handy for speed training.
  • Measuring range of 30 to 320 yards is stated.
  • Remote control and voice output are included.

Good to know

  • Listed as not water resistant, so keep it dry on an open range bay.
  • No spin, launch angle or app based analysis is listed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: VOICE CADDIE SWING CADDIE Golf LAUNCH MONITOR SC200+

No. 8 · PRGR

PRGR launch monitor: radar, no app needed

A very simple radar unit that shows swing speed, ball speed, carry, total and smash factor on its own LCD, powered by AAA batteries.

In its favour

  • No app, wifi or downloads are needed, so it is ready in seconds.
  • LCD shows results and a history of shots.
  • IP54 rating and a 12 month warranty are listed.

Good to know

  • No spin or launch angle data is listed for this unit.
  • AAA batteries are not included according to the specs.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: PRGR Portable Golf Launch Monitor

Read before you buy

More buying guides: Launch monitors

Pin and Yard chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.