Garmin vs Bushnell golf GPS

The two brands in brief

Garmin's Approach line covers simple button watches like the S12, mid-range AMOLED watches like the S44, older touchscreen models like the S60, the G80 handheld with a built-in launch monitor and CT10 club sensors. Everything links to the Garmin Golf app for scores, stats and course updates. Some advanced map features need a Garmin Golf membership.

Bushnell's GPS range is smaller. The iON Elite is a touchscreen watch with dynamic green mapping and GreenView with a movable pin. The Phantom 3 Slope is a tiny handheld with front, centre and rear distances, up to 6 hazards per hole and GreenView. Bushnell's lasers are covered in our Bushnell rangefinder guide.

Listing facts side by side

Where Garmin is stronger

Our Garmin Approach range guide explains what each model adds.

• More choice, from simple to premium watches and a handheld.
• Battery options up to 30 hours of GPS on the S12.
• Smart notifications and activity tracking on watches like the S44.
• Shot tracking with CT10 sensors and a mature app.

Where Bushnell is stronger

• GreenView with a movable pin on both watch and handheld.
• Slope compensated distances built in on both devices listed here.
• Pairs naturally with Bushnell lasers, the brand's core product.
• Very small handheld option at 78 g with the Phantom 3 Slope.

Apps, updates and support

Both brands rely on an app for the extras. Garmin's Golf app handles scorekeeping, stats, weekly leaderboards and course updates for the Approach range, and the S44 listing notes that a Garmin Golf membership unlocks colour CourseView, green contours, PlaysLike Distance and touch targeting. Garmin Express on a computer also updates devices. Bushnell's app, described in its laser listings, adds hole layouts with distances, 3D flyovers and wireless course updates.

Support and warranty terms are worth comparing as well. The Garmin listings here state a 2 year manufacturer warranty on watches such as the S12 and S44, and the Bushnell iON Elite listing also states a 2 year warranty. Both brands sell widely in the UK through golf shops and online, so spare chargers and straps are easy to find. If you already own a device from one brand, staying with it keeps all your rounds in one app.

Pricing structure is the last practical difference. With Garmin you can start with a simple watch and add a membership later only if you want richer maps. With Bushnell the GPS features listed come with the device. Our subscription explainer covers how this works across brands.

Using GPS and a laser together

Many golfers combine a GPS device for the overview with a laser for the flag. Bushnell users often pair a Phantom or iON with a Tour laser; Garmin also sells Approach Z lasers, though none are included in our listings. Either brand's GPS works alongside any laser, so you do not need to match brands. Our GPS vs rangefinder comparison explains how to split the jobs.

Note:Slope and plays-like features must be switched off in competition rounds under Rule 4.3.

Compare golf GPS watches across brands →

Frequently asked questions

Is Garmin or Bushnell more accurate? Both use satellite GPS and their own course maps, so accuracy is similar. Differences come from map quality on a given course, which you can check by comparing with known markers.

Does Bushnell GPS need a subscription? The listings for the iON Elite and Phantom 3 Slope do not mention one. Check Bushnell's website for any app features that are paid.

Which brand has the best app? Garmin's Golf app is well developed with stats, leaderboards and course updates. Bushnell's app adds hole layouts and flyovers. Both work for most golfers.