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Buying guide

Best portable launch monitors for the driving range

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

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Voice Caddie SC4 PRO: radar with 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, spin axis

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

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Garmin Approach R10: spin and launch, 10 h battery

    Measures club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, ball spin and launch angle, as listed.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

At a driving range you cannot see where a range ball really lands, and range balls fly differently from your own. A portable launch monitor sits behind or beside the mat and tells you carry, ball speed and club speed for every shot, so practice has a number attached. For outdoor use the questions are simple: does it run on a battery for a full session, does it show data on its own screen or only through a phone, does it measure spin or only speed and carry, and are the best features locked behind a subscription. This guide compares portable units from Garmin, Rapsodo, Voice Caddie, Shot Scope and PRGR on tracking method, data, battery, display and app requirements, using only what each listing states.

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 with built-in screen

HOLES

Not stated

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, spin axis

HOLES

8 h (listing figure)

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 · Certified Brands

Garmin Approach R10: spin and launch, 10 h battery

HOLES

Up to 10 h

Garmin's pocket launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, spin and launch angle through the Garmin Golf app, with up to 10 hours of battery. The best all-round pick for range sessions.

In its favour

  • Measures club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, ball spin and launch angle, as listed.
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life covers long range sessions.
  • Training mode shows per club stats and a shot dispersion chart in the app.

Good to know

  • Needs a phone for data, and virtual rounds need an active subscription.
  • This bundle's wall charger plug type is not stated, so check it suits UK sockets.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Garmin Approach R10, Portable Golf Launch Monitor, Take Your Game Home...

No. 4 · Voice Caddie

Voice Caddie SC300i: radar, LCD and voice output

HOLES

Not stated

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: 3.5 inch colour screen, 5 h

HOLES

Up to 5 h

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 · Rapsodo

Rapsodo MLM: turns an iPhone into a monitor

HOLES

6 h (listing figure)

The original Rapsodo mobile launch monitor that turns an iPhone or iPad into a launch monitor with shot trace and instant swing replay. For Apple users who want video with data.

In its favour

  • Immediate swing replay with shot trace on your phone or tablet.
  • Indoor and outdoor use is stated in the listing.
  • Carrying case and charging cord are included.

Good to know

  • Works with iPhone and iPad only, so Android users should look elsewhere.
  • Listed battery life is 6 hours, and the specific metrics are not listed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf Indoor and Outdoor Use with GPS...

No. 7 · Voice Caddie

Voice Caddie SC200+: voice output, 30 to 320 yds

HOLES

Alkaline, not included

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

HOLES

4 x AAA alkaline

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

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.