Best Portable Launch Monitors for the Money
Shako Memon
Linkedin.com/in/shako-memon is a Participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, As An Amazon Associate, We Earn Affiliate Commissions From qualified Purchases.
Golfers can choose from a variety of portable launch monitor price points and user experiences. Here are some new and top portable launch monitors that are value for money. The latest portable launch monitors for golfers come in a wide range of designs, user experiences, and prices.
The modern golfer is becoming more and more tech-savvy as the season progresses. This applies to tracking advanced stat shots on the course, how to train and recover between rounds, and where to spend practice time.
Portable launch monitors have been a catalyst for many golfers to become more data-driven. This has been one of the biggest growth stories in golf technology over the past few years. 2021 has been particularly exciting with several new products being released and existing companies either updating their hardware or improving their communities.
Portable launch monitors can range in price from around $300 to $4,000 these days. Of course, there are still pro-level Trackman devices for the pro or aspiring golfer who craves accurate readings at all costs.
If you’re interested in improving your swing speed, figuring out your true carry distance, or simply practicing more responsibly on the driving range, it’s a great time to purchase your first portable launch monitor.
Best Portable Launch Monitors for the Money
1. Voice Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor
One of the best portable launch monitors for the price, the Voice Caddie SC4 is great as a standalone device, but it gets even more powerful when paired with the MySwingCaddie app.
The Swing Caddie SC4 is the latest and most powerful launch monitor from Voice Caddie, who have made great launch monitors in the past.
What makes the SC4 unique is that it has an onboard display that lets you get numbers without software, but it also supports golf simulation.
This is a combination that you’ve only seen on expensive, high-end devices like the GC3, so it’s amazing that Voice Caddie has been able to achieve this in a portable, low-cost device, especially one that weighs just a pound.
The Swing Caddie SC4 is a Doppler radar device that measures eight data parameters: carry/total distance, apex height, spin speed, club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, smash factor, and launch direction.
The SC4 has two modes: Outdoor and Simulator. In Outdoor mode, all data points can be read off the onboard display after each shot, without the need for a smartphone or software.
In Simulator mode, the SC4 can be used with the world-renowned E6 CONNECT software and Orion Live. A separate subscription is required for this.
In addition to the above, it includes a barometric pressure sensor, remote control, and voice output for distance reading. The launch monitor is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
The Swing Caddie SC4 offers impressive value for money. Initially there were launch issues such as lack of simulation and spin reading errors, but Voice Caddie has addressed these issues and now the accuracy and stability are comparable to the best budget launch monitors on the market.
2. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
A truly impressive device that makes owning a launch monitor much easier for many golfers. It’s great value for money, accurate, and consistent. The Rapsodo MLM is the best value launch monitor on the market, symbolizing just how far this technology has come in such a short space of time.
It offers a range of numbers, including carry distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, and launch direction, but perhaps its most unique selling point is that it lets you film your swing and store up to 100 videos for free (more storage is available with a subscription). It also offers a shot tracer and video playback with overlaid data.
All you have to do is download the free Rapsodo app (not available on Android) to your smartphone, place your phone in the front slot, and hold it about 6 feet behind the ball. That’s it.
On-screen lines and a GPS overhead view help with alignment and hitting direction (for better accuracy). This model is also worth considering because the Rapsodo’s pricing is incredible for an accurate, easy-to-use, and fun launch monitor, which is why we’ve put together a guide to the best cheap launch monitors.
Easy to use and provides good data, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is a great option for players looking for detailed data at a low price—if they have an iPhone or iPad.
3.?Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
Many consider the Approach R10 from Garmin, the company that makes many of the best golf GPS devices on the market, to have revolutionized golf technology in the same way that SkyTrak did in 2014. It’s extremely portable, so you can easily take it from your home to the driving range or anywhere else you want.
The R10 was the first launch monitor to measure detailed club path parameters, previously only available for $1,800 and up. It was also the first launch monitor under $1,000 with a golf simulation feature.
It received high praise from critics who were impressed by how such a small and affordable device could do so much.
The R10 can do three main things. First, it uses radar technology to directly measure four data parameters and derive many other parameters (over 10) including spin and face angle. The directly measured metrics are:
Second, the Approach R10 supports golf simulation. With the updated Garmin Golf app, you can practice and analyze sessions on the virtual driving range or play courses around the world with the subscription-based Home Tee Hero. You can also play tournaments on the world-renowned E6 CONNECT software, Creative Golf, Awesome Golf, The Golf Club 2019, and PinSeeker apps.
Third, you can place your phone camera behind the hitting area to capture footage of your shots. Stats like ball speed, carry distance, total distance, and the club you hit are superimposed on each clip.
The Garmin Golf app required to use the R10 has been around for quite some time and boasts a high average rating, which is rare for an app of this type. You can view club performance data, enter weekly tournaments, share your results, and more through the app.
The R10 sits on a magnetic tripod mount and is positioned 6-8 feet behind the ball. It’s a great performance when compared to launch monitors costing $2,000 or more.
4. PRGR monitor
The PRGR has updated its 2021 monitor and is a no-frills, yet very affordable and portable model that works indoors and outdoors. You don’t need a phone to use the PRGR and the controls are on the device itself. It stores 500 shots but doesn’t export the data to the cloud, so it’s more of a fleeting monitor.
In independent testing, instructor Trillium Rose reported that 3 out of 4 numbers were very consistent with Trackman. The 2021 update includes a higher resolution display, higher quality processor and radar, and it stores the last 500 shots taken.
The PRGR is part of the Super Speed family of products and is great to use with the Super Speed range of training products as well as the clubs. In fact, there is even a holiday bundle that includes three Overspeed training clubs and the PRGR monitor for $429.99.
5. Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC4
The SC4 is definitely one of the best value portable launch monitors on the market, and it may be the easiest to use right out of the box. Simply charge it, turn it on (10+ hours of use on a full charge), place it 5 feet behind the ball, and align it with your target line.
The SC4 has its own display, so you don’t need to tether it to your smartphone or tablet like other launch monitors. Just swing, listen, and watch. The remote control magnetically attaches to the device, making it easy to use and allowing you to change modes, clubs, and adjust other settings while you’re hitting balls.
The monitor comes with a carrying case and charging cable, and while the kit is a bit larger and heavier than some of the other models we tested, it easily fits into your golf bag. This allows you to use it on the range before heading out for a competitive round on Sunday, without having to return to the clubhouse to pack it in your car or locker.
As for metrics, the SC4 has pretty much all the essentials. Starting with distance, you can switch between carry and total distance. It provides launch direction, swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, apex, smash factor, and spin. However, during testing, the spin rate felt a bit higher than expected.
6.?SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor
The SkyTrak Plus (ST+) was released in 2023 as an upgrade and modernization of the original SkyTrak, the most popular and successful launch monitor of all time.
It is designed to help you understand your game at a better level with a faster processor, dual Doppler radar functionality, club data, upgraded software, and other improvements.
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Like the original SkyTrak, the SkyTrak+ is a portable golf simulator that includes a ready-to-use driving range and is compatible with a variety of third-party software. Weighing in at 3 pounds, it can be carried around when needed.
With the addition of a new dual Doppler radar system that works in conjunction with the light measurement system, SkyTrak Plus can now measure club data that SkyTrak couldn’t.
These new parameters include club head speed, club path, face-to-path, and face-to-target. Better yet, unlike other launch monitors, you don’t need a club sticker or specially marked ball to get an accurate reading.
The ST+ also measures a variety of ball parameters, including ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, spin, and descent angle. It uses advanced algorithms to calculate additional parameters within the SkyTrak software.
You can also enhance your Essential Plan with a Course Play membership, which unlocks access to 30 world-renowned courses, including Pebble Beach and Quail Hollow.
In addition to our own software, ST+ is compatible with third-party solutions such as E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, ProTee Play, and Creative Golf.
With the SkyTrak+ unit up front, you only need enough room to swing your longest club. This launch monitor offers incredible value for your money.
If you’re interested in the original SkyTrak, which costs $1,000 less, check it out here. The SkyTrak is still a great launch monitor and integrates with the same software as the SkyTrak+.
7. PRGR Portable Launch Monitor (HS130A)
Simple, slim, and easy to use, the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor is one of the most affordable options on the market, making it perfect for the budget-conscious golfer. Just power up this battery-powered device, which is about the size of a cell phone, place it behind your stance, and it registers and displays five Doppler-assisted metrics on an easy-to-read screen.
While the readouts may feel a little old-fashioned to some, this product is backed by Padraig Harrington, a three-time major winner and 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee.
8. Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor
Simple, effective, affordable and portable, the Swing Caddie SC200 PLUS is the size of a cell phone, making it easy to carry to the course or practice range.
Standing just 4-5 feet behind the ball, the device calculates shot distance, swing speed, ball speed and smash factor in three modes: Practice, Target and Practice Swing.
Digital voice output, measured by Doppler radar technology, automatically reports distance after each shot, and the remote control allows you to easily switch between modes, clubs or target distances.
9. FlightScope Mevo+ 2023 Edition
The FlightScope Mevo+ 2023 Edition Launch Monitor and Simulator provides over 20 full swing and short game metrics measured by our patented Fusion Tracking Technology, a combination of 3D Doppler radar tracking and synchronized high-speed image processing.
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, play on 10 virtual golf courses and 17 practice ranges, all available at no additional licensing cost, with this compact, easy-to-use launch monitor.
10. Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitor
You’ll see a lot of people on the web and in the golf community talking about using the Bushnell Launch Pro, and for good reason.
This portable camera-based launch monitor is essentially the GC3 (made by Foresight Sports) but sold under the Bushnell Golf brand.
When you first purchase it, you’ll be able to view ball and club data parameters on the LCD display after each shot, depending on whether you purchase the Ball Data Activation Unit or the more expensive Ball & Club Data Activation Unit.
An optional Gold subscription provides even more features and allows you to use simulation software with the Launch Pro.
The main appeal of the Bushnell Launch Pro payment system is that you save money by only paying for the features you want and giving up the ones you don’t.
The Launch Pro has a sleek, portable design that outputs directly to the touchscreen-enabled display. It weighs 5 pounds and has a convenient carrying handle.
This launch monitor measures a variety of club and ball data parameters using infrared object tracking and a triple high-speed camera system that works beautifully indoors or outdoors.
11. Garmin Approach G80
Two heads are better than one, so why not two products are better than one? The answer is yes. At least when it comes to this launch monitor. The first all-in-one premium GPS golf handheld with an integrated launch monitor, the Garmin Approach G80 gives you the best of both worlds in one device.
Featuring a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, you can track club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, and more while playing on 43,000 preloaded courses. With up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ll never have to worry about your device breaking down on the course again.
12. Foresight Sports GC3
The GC3 is a comprehensive and versatile launch monitor that offers decent value for money given all the features it offers.
Built on the same advanced photometric technology found in the company’s flagship launch monitor, the GCQuad, the GC3 features a three-camera system that precisely and accurately measures ball and club performance data both indoors and outdoors. It’s probably the closest thing to tour-level data analysis for your golf swing.
What makes the GC3 so accurate is its barometric pressure sensor, which takes into account temperature, humidity, and altitude to provide as accurate data as possible.
It’s portable and compact, measuring just over 30cm long and weighing just over 2kg, but it might not fit into your golf bag as well as some of the other products in this buying guide.
It shares many of the same features as its larger, more expensive sibling, the GCQuad, including ease of use, measurement, and feedback speed.
It doesn’t measure face angle, loft and lie, impact location, or closure rate like the GCQuad, and it doesn’t provide full putting data either, but basic data for the latter can be accessed with a simple sticker attached to the putter face.
Considering the indoor and simulator experience, the GC3 is an attractive prospect for serious golfers.
Conclusion
The portable launch monitors mentioned above provide a ton of valuable data on your swing, can create an indoor golf simulator, and are portable enough to take to the driving range. They are the best devices that walk the line between affordability and power.
We Earn Affiliate Commissions From Qualifying Purchases without additional cost.