10 Best Launch Monitor for Under $500 [2023 Edition]

The launch monitors for golf are highly effective technology, which allows you to analyze every shot.

These devices measure speed, spin and distance. This will help you learn from your mistakes, improve your next shot, and make it easier to get better. Unfortunately, many golfers are discouraged by their high prices. I am however revealing the 10 best launch monitors that cost less than $500.

Here are our top recommendations for golfers who just need a quick recommendation:

1. Voice Caddie SC300i – Best Overall Launch Monitor Under $500

The Voice Caddie SC300i is the winner of our top launch monitors under $500. This is due to its data points and voice output as well as portability. It measures 5 factors of your swing using doppler radar technology to give a very accurate reading.

The device records the ball and clubhead speeds, smash factor, apex height, and carry distance. It also allows you to manually adjust the vertical launch angle for each club to get more precise measurements.

I was impressed by the accuracy of the reads for such a low-cost device. The ball speed readings were a little off my standard reading from a GCQuad, but this is acceptable for the average golfer.

Additionally, the SC300i has voice output so you can call out your yardage on shots between 15 to 370 yards. You probably won’t get close to the 370 yards mark, but it is a nice touch. I also enjoyed instant feedback after every shot. The data appeared on my screen immediately after each strike.

This launch monitor can be used to adjust the lofts for each club to improve accuracy. The SC300i syncs with the manufacturer’s iOS and Android mobile application to display historical shot data relating to distance, smash factor, ball and swing speed, spin rate, and vertical launch angle.

Pros

• Six data points are measured
• To analyze your performance, the mobile app stores historical data
• Voice output
• Instant feedback
• Portable

Cons

• Ball speed data is not as accurate as premium devices.
• The spin rate data is not displayed on this device

Requirements

• 6-8 feet space behind the impact zone
• Android tablets and smartphones
• iOS devices
• Wifi or data

2. SwingLogic SLX MicroSim – Best Indoor Launch Monitor

This golf simulator was first introduced to me by Tittle X. It is now manufactured by SwingLogic but its functionality has not changed. This is a great option if you are a golfer looking to practice indoors. The SLX MicroSim simulator allows you to use the E6 Connect simulator software.

You’ll find that the package includes a swing stick and a micro clip packed with sensors to track your swing. This model records seven data points, including carry, total distance, clubspeed, backspin and side spin, swing speed, club tempo and club face angle.

The swing stick is the main draw of the set. It allows you to generate data metrics and generate data metrics without having to hit a golf ball. You can practice in your living space, bedroom, or office.

The micro simulator can be attached to your actual golf clubs. However, you must use foam golf ball. The device can become loose if it is struck with urethane, surlyn, or any other substance. Finally, this affordable device allows for you to enjoy the features and challenges of a golf simulator.

Pros

• The setup includes a 6-month subscription for E6 Connect
• It is lightweight and easy to set up
• Affordable
• Measures 7 data points
• Offers a home golf simulator at a reasonable price

Cons

• It does not record any ball information
• You can’t strike actual golf balls when the clip is connected to your golf club

Requirements

• Windows PC
• iOS device
• Wifi or data

3. Rapsodo Launch Monitor – Most Accurate Launch Monitor Under $500

Rapsodo is a new approach to golf launch monitors. It includes video functionality to better analyze each swing. It is the most accurate golf launch monitor under $500 thanks to its robust features shot tracer and five data points.

The Rapsodo comes with a camera to record every swing. You’ll also find shot tracer capabilities, which will help you see where your golf ball is landing. This is handy to show your buddies proof of your mega drive when they weren’t around to witness it.

I enjoyed the GPS shot dispersion map. It gave me a better idea of my consistency with each club. This allows me to see which side I am missing most so that I can adjust my club path.

The club gapping feature allows you to see the distance gaps in your bag. You might find that one club has a weaker loft than the other. This could be a way to close the gap.

Before we get to the data, the last add-on is a shot archive where you can review past practice sessions. This helps me to see how I am doing over time. This precise device measures distance, ball speed, club head-speed, club launch angle, launch direction and smash factor.

Pros

• Video capability
• Technology using shot tracer technology
• GPS shot dispersion map
• Accuracy is improved
• Measures 6 data points

Cons

• It is only compatible for iPhone and iPad devices
• These personal launch monitors are more expensive than others on this list

Requirements

• 6 feet space behind the impact zone
• iPhone or iPad
• Wifi or data

4. PRGR Pocket Launch Monitor – Best Budget Launch Monitor

The PRGR Pocket Launch Monitor is a simple device that only records the basics. You can save hundreds of dollars if you’re satisfied with it. It only records four data points, and it does not connect with a smartphone application. PRGR, although it may sound unfamiliar, is a trademark of the Yokohama tire manufacturer.

This device is small enough to be carried from home to the range easily. It also comes with a simple set-up.

The PRGR records four simple metrics that give average golfers insight into each shot. This entry-level launch monitor only records clubhead, ball speed, smash factor, and carry range.

Pros

• Affordable
• Measures 4 data point
• It is easy to set up
• Minimal distractions
• Works well for both tennis and baseball

Cons

• It measures fewer datapoints than other launch monitors less than $500
• Historical data cannot be reviewed.

Requirements

• 6 feet from the impact zone

5. Garmin Approach G80 – Most Versatile Golf Launch Monitor Under $500

Garmin is known for its GPS products which give you hole yardage on 41,000 courses around the world. Garmin added launch monitor functionality to the G80, making it the most versatile model in the market.

The G80 measures your clubhead and ball speed as well as smash factor, swing pace, and estimated distance. I loved their swing tempo feature that helps you to produce a smoother swing and consistently clean strikes.

You will also have access to the standard GPS function and digital scorecard functions. The GPS provides yardage for hazards, landing zones, and the front and middle of the green. The scoring feature doesn’t require you to carry a card or pencil.

I also noticed that engineers used Plays Like Distance to adjust the reading based upon the slope angle. It was a great way to increase accuracy.

The final feature worthy of mentioning is the device’s compatibility with the Garmin Golf App. This allows you to share scores and interact with other golfers. You can also store and analyze stats to gain a deeper understanding of your golf game.

Pros

• Five data metrics measured
• GPS yardage on 41,000 golf courses
• Possessing Plays Like Distance
• Swing Tempo Training
• The app stores historical data

Cons

• It lacks data points
• This list has more options than the others.

Requirements

• You should have 10-12 inches of space parallel the golf ball
• iOS or Android device
• Wifi or data

6. Blast Golf – Best Affordable Launch Monitor For Short Game

Blast Golf doesn’t offer a launch monitor in it’s truest form. However, the price is very reasonable and you get great insight into your swing. It works with all swings but I found it most useful for short-game swing analysis.

Bluetooth connects the sensor that tracks your swing to a mobile app. To view the analysis of your tempo, you must keep the app open during training.

You can also track your tempo and record each swing. Then you can apply overlay metrics to get a better understanding. The analysis is not dependent on whether you are hitting a golf ball.

I loved the simplicity of Blast Golf sensors. They only focus on your swing speed and attack angle to encourage fluid swings.

Pros

• A great option for quick game analysis
• Super affordable
• You can video capture every swing
• For a better view of your swing, add overlay metrics to your video
• To receive the analysis, you don’t need to hit a ball of golf.

Cons

• It measures your swing tempo and attack angle.
• It is not compatible on iPhones older then the 8th generation

Requirements

• iPhone 8 and older
• Wifi or data

7. Ernest Sports B1 – Best Launch Monitor For Convenience

The ESB1 personal Launch Monitor wins the prize for most convenient device under $500. Its voice control feature and clear data display make it the winner. Ernest Sports made sure the B1 was compatible for use with their Range app. This will make your practice experience even more enjoyable.

You can view the launch monitor after each shot to see 6 data point displayed on the screen. This is a very simple setup. You can also add the mobile app to the equation to record and save your swing for later analysis. The app offers challenges and games to make practicing more fun.

You’ll see that the app allows voice control, where you can command your phone to start recording your swing without touching a thing.

The device can record 6 factors in your swing using doppler radar technology, including club speed and ball speed, smash factor and distance, launch angle and spin rate.

Despite being more expensive than other products on this list, the ESB1 launch monitor is a great choice for average golfers. It is a quality device that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Pros

• It measures 6 points in the shot
• Voice control
• Keep a record of your shots for analysis after training
• The app offers you access to games, challenges, and more
• Convenient setup

Cons

• More expensive than other launch monitors on this listing
• The data is somewhat inaccurate when compared to premium devices.

Requirements

• 5 feet space behind the impact zone
• iOS and Android devices
• Wifi or data

8. Swing Caddie SC200 Plus – Best Portable Launch Monitor

The Swing Caddie SC200 Plus, which is the predecessor of the SC300i, is our top-rated launch monitor under $500. It has apex and all the data points that its predecessor. A remote control and voice distance output are also available. The SC200 Plus is compact and easy to transport.

This launch monitor measures four data points. It gives you information about your carry distance, ball speed, club head speed, smash factor, and club head speed. Although it is not as detailed as other devices, this device is sufficient to provide basic information for most golfers.

The Voice Distance Output feature was similar to the SC300. It saved me the effort of going over to the device to check the yardage for each shot. You can adjust settings with the SC200 Plus remote control, which is convenient.

Pros

• Portable and compact
• More affordable than SC300i
• Records 4 metrics
• Voice distance output
• The remote control lets you adjust settings remotely

Cons

• It measures fewer data points that other devices on this list.
• It does not sync to an app to store historic data

Requirements

• 6-8 feet space behind the impact zone

9. Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors – The Best For Data Nerds

Technically, the Arccos Caddie smart sensors are not launch monitors. These sensors provide incredible insight into our performance with each bag of golf clubs. I am impressed by the forward-thinking capabilities of Arccos sensors, in addition to the usual hindsight data.

The sensors measure distances between clubs and then use A.I. You can then use A.I. to suggest clubs based upon past performance. You’ll notice that the sensors pair via Bluetooth with the Arccos app, which is where the magic happens. You get a 12-month free subscription when you purchase the sensors.

Another feature that is very useful is the strokes gained analysis. This allows you to identify weak links and helps you make better decisions. This information can be used to contact your coach to help you improve your scores.

Finally, the Arccos Golf app acts as an A.I. powered rangefinder giving distances and club selection tips to help you plan your next shot.

Pros

• Club selection suggestions
• Automatically tracks the distance between each shot
• This allows you to see your strokes with each club
• The app includes GPS functionality
• Affordable setup

Cons

• It is not a rangefinder
• It does not provide information on club speed, apex and spin rate.

Requirements

• iOS or Android devices
• Wifi or data

10. Garmin R10 – The Best Launch Monitor For Slightly More Than $500

While I am aware that this launch monitor exceeds $500, it is not by much. I wanted to show you how much quality you can get if your budget is $600. The R10 provides enough metrics to allow me to analyze each shot in detail.

You’ll notice that the device is paired with a phone mount that elevates its position for a clear view of the impact zone. The R10 has the ability to measure ball and club head speeds, spin, launch direction and angle, as well as smash factor. I found these measurements sufficient to provide accurate results.

Its versatility was also a plus, as I had access to 42,000 golf courses’ hole data via the Garmin app. I received yardage to hazards, the front, center, and back of each green.

The R10 is compatible with E6 Connect software, which makes it an enabler for a virtual golf simulator. You can access virtual golf challenges, games, and courses if you’re looking for the full simulator.

Pros

• Metrics 6
• Provides yardage on 42,000 golf courses
• Portable and lightweight
• Compatible with E6 Connect software for golf simulator
• The package also includes a phone mount that can be used to raise the device.

Cons

• Exceed our $500 threshold
• Garmin Golf App is only 30-days free

Requirements

• Allow 6-8 feet space between the contact zone and the ground
• Android or iOS device
• Data or wifi

FAQ’s

Is it worthwhile to invest in a launch watch?

It is worth investing in a launch monitor to help you understand your shots. It is impossible to monitor your swing, ball speed, distance, spin rate, and apex without a launch monitor.

Launch monitors can be used to see whether your practice is progressing or falling behind.

How accurate are launch monitors

Premium golf launch monitors can measure club and ball data and are highly accurate. They produce minimal discrepancies and are highly reliable. However, launch monitors that only record a few data points are less accurate. The average golfer will not notice the difference in accuracy.

Is it worth paying more than $500 to get a launch watch?

If you are serious about improving the quality of your game and are committed to the cause, it is worth spending more $500 on a Launch Monitor. An accurate launch monitor will give you detailed insight to help you tweak and improve your swing.