Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Golf is hard. So why plod your way around the golf course guessing about carry distances over hazards or to the inside corner of the dogleg?
I hear some of you protesting already. “But I’ve already got a rangefinder so why do I need a GPS for yardage, too?”
Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. It really comes down to how you like to play the game. How many times have you played a new course and said to yourself later, “I would have played the hole differently if I had known that was there”?
With a clear line of sight, a standard golf laser rangefinder can provide pinpoint accuracy to the target. On the flip side, the varying models of golf GPS devices can provide you with as little as center-of-the-green distances to complete hole layouts/flyovers, green contours, front-middle-back green distances, hazard distances, wind direction, etc.
Today’s golf GPS watches and handhelds offer a host of information at your fingertips to help with course management and, hopefully, lower scores. Maybe you don’t need a GPS and a laser rangefinder but, then again, maybe you would benefit from both. It’s your call. Accurate distances and shot tracking matter.
We tested 12 golf GPS devices to find the one that may give you an edge over the members in your weekly foursome or to guide you around that bucket list course. If you want to only see our highest rated golf watches and not the complete guide check out this guide: Best Golf Watches of 2024.
Here are the best golf GPS devices of 2024.
We’ve tested and analyzed GPS devices for years to find the best of the best. The best golf GPS devices are intuitive with clear displays, accuracy, premium quality and user-friendly functionality. In addition, many GPS units will have additional features that help you on and off the course.
If a golf GPS lacks any of these attributes, you’re not getting the performance benefits nor the most bang for your buck from your equipment.
Maybe it’s time to consider adding a golf GPS to your arsenal, either as your first piece of golf technology or to supplement your laser rangefinder.
Review Score
Price
The Garmin Approach S70 not only gives you the distance to various targets on the golf course but it can also track club distances, provide wind speed/direction and other golf-related analytics when paired with the Garmin Golf smart-device app.
The Approach S70 will not disappoint when you leave the course. This feature-laden device rivals the latest smartwatches with applications to monitor your health, improve your fitness and to keep you connected with the outside world or listening to your favorite songs.
If you have a fist-full of Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket, you're good to go. However, if you are at the drive-thru rummaging around the floorboard of your vehicle for the quarter you dropped a while ago to pay for your order, you may want to reconsider.
The Garmin Approach S70 is the best overall golf GPS for 2024. The Approach S70 is at home on and off the course with features that rival the latest smartwatches.
Our testers raved about the “ridiculous amount of features” for a golf GPS. One even commented, “I can wear this thing everywhere.”
Our resident sneakerhead said the Garmin Approach S70 is the best golf watch he has ever used. He was on a mission to find a “daily driver” and feels he may have found it in the S70. “The one catch, if you will? The price.” For the price, however, the Approach S70 can keep up with the latest smartwatches of similar price point and keep you on track on the golf course, too. Sounds like a win-win.
Review Score
Price
With ground-verified, error-corrected maps, the SkyCaddie Pro 5X provides consistent, spot-on accuracy to all targets on the course, helping you play with confidence.
The SkyCaddie Pro X5's 5.5-inch LCD color touchscreen won't let you down or leave you in the dark.
While the SkyCaddie Pro X5 comes with a complimentary 30-day trial period that starts with your first round, you'll need a subscription plan to continue to access course maps. The lowest statewide subscription rate will probably run you less than the 18-hole cart fee at your favorite course. So get some exercise and walk a round to save some coin and pay for your subscription.
SkyCaddie says the Pro 5X is like “a professional tour book with laser accuracy. If accuracy, vivid graphics and a large display are important to you in a GPS, the Pro 5X ticks all the boxes.
Testers noted how “extremely detailed” the courses and holes were. One tester said, “This thing is spot-on for all distances.”
The SkyCaddie Pro 5X will have you plotting your way around the course like having a tour caddie at your side. The Pro 5X’s views and features will have you pulling the right club with confidence. While it is the size of today’s smartphones, maybe you should put down your phone and focus on your game with the SkyCaddie Pro 5X showing you the way.
Review Score
Price
Your swing may lack the grace of a ballet dancer but the Voice Caddie T11 Pro with tempo practice may help you smooth it out.
The T11 Pro's "Smart Putt View" function with new long-putt and slope guides may get you into the hole quicker and help you avoided the dreaded three-putt.
The Voice Caddie T11 Pro is a dedicated golf GPS with limited off-course function. Maybe you don't need or want all the bells and whistles. It will, however, provide you with phone notifications via the MyVoiceCaddie app.
While not laden with lifestyle features, the Voice Caddie T11 Pro will get you around the course with the details you need to play with confidence.
Some testers felt the the display was a bit small and crowded compared to other golf GPS watches. They did, however, note the brightness and clarity of the OLED screen.
This golf-specific GPS watch is loaded with features to guide you around the course and on the greens. The T11 Pro will not only help you with your putting and tempo but with the MyVoiceCaddie app installed it can provide you with wind/speed direction, driver arc and club recommendation on the course. If you prioritize stat tracking or want to review your previous round, the Flashback function will have you covered.
Review Score
Price
The GOLFBUDDY aim W12 is among a small number of GPS watches that features slope functionality to provide you distances consistent with elevation changes.
The large, bright display is easy to read and the green undulation feature may help you with sinking that next putt.
The GOLFBUDDY aim W12 has a small watch face which can make touch difficult at times especially if you have large fingertips.
This GOLFBUDDY aim W12 GPS watch is packed with features that makes it easy and fun to use. If you are on the hunt for a wearable golf GPS, this could be your daily driver at a mid-level price point.
Testers raved about W12’s accuracy to known distance targets. Some questioned how a device so small could be that accurate.
The GOLFBUDDY aim W12 GPS golf watch offers the golfer a competitive edge with its accurate distance measurements and green undulation feature. With its IPX7 waterproof rating and 10-hour battery life, the W12 is designed to keep you going in the wettest condition or during those sluggish rounds.
Review Score
Price
The Garmin Approach G80 is preloaded with more than 43,000 courses worldwide so you can take your game anywhere.
The Approach G80 with its 3.5-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen won't leave you squinting to read the display even in the brightest sunlight.
While the Garmin Approach G80 does have a slim design, it still has size and mass on par with smaller smartphones.
The Garmin Approach G80 is an all-in-one handheld golf GPS with an integrated launch monitor, designed to be right at home on and off the course. With its preloaded worldwide courses, pack your bags and your clubs and head for parts unknown for that bucket list trip of a lifetime.
Testers noted that the G80’s screen appeared brighter in full sunlight than in the shade.
At times, the Garmin Approach S80’s overall hole distance varied by a few yards, while the intermediate/hazard distances were spot on. In testing, the S80 almost appeared to need sunlight in order for the screen to be most vivid. Features like touch targeting, green view, pin-pointer and green contour provided the necessary data to choose a club quickly and keep the round progressing. Who couldn’t use a little help with pace of play?
Review Score
Price
The Bushnell ION Elite is a cutting-edge golf watch that combines style, functionality and accuracy. It was among the most accurate of the watches tested.
Features like HoleView and Shot Planning combine to help you strategize and, hopefully, improve your overall performance.
The Bushnell ION Elite lacks some features like a pedometer.
The Bushnell ION Elite is one of the most accurate golf GPS watches on the market. Its functionality gives it an edge over the competition.
One tester noted that the Bushnell was pretty intuitive and ready to go right out of the box.
The Bushnell ION Elite is a feature-laden golf GPS at a value price point that looks good on and off the golf course. The serious golfer need not shy away from this piece of tech as it will allow them to plot their way around the course and greens with confidence.
There are a lot of GPS devices on the market, and the list grows each year. Outside of our top choices here are a few others to consider.
Buying a new golf GPS doesn’t have to be hard. As confusing as it might seem, we’ve narrowed it down to the most important features to make your decision as easy as can be.
Not only do we want to make it easy but we want you to get what you pay for. While golf GPS devices can be expensive, there are models for every budget and one that may be right for your game.
Here’s what you should look for when you’re on the hunt for a new golf GPS.
While accuracy in a golf GPS is not on par with that of a golf laser rangefinder, it should not be discounted. In ideal conditions, one should expect accuracy to within three or four yards from a golf GPS.
Having said that, not all golf GPS units are created equal as some devices can vary in distance by up to 10 to 12 yards. This type of variation is a full club disparity for most golfers and could make the difference between being on the green or not or perhaps not carrying a hazard.
Golf GPS devices like the Bushnell ION Elite, GOLFBUDDY aim W12, and SkyCaddie Pro 5X were among those that offered the most repeatable and consistent accuracy during testing.
Pace of play is a sore subject at all levels of golf and you don’t need your equipment dragging you down. How quickly you can go from a blank display to an accurate reading matters.
Displays should be vivid, bright and easy to read.
In handheld devices, the Garmin Approach G80 and SkyCaddie Pro 5X really stood out when it comes to graphics and ease of readability and you can’t scoff at the Garmin Approach S70 given its larger display. Watches with slightly smaller displays that stood out include the GOLFBUDDY aim W12 and Voice Caddie T11 Pro.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at the first tee and having to scroll through a list of courses to find the one you’re playing. Thankfully, the majority of golf GPS devices have auto course recognition and get you into the game quickly. The best golf GPS devices attempt to acquire a satellite signal as soon as you turn them on.
Most users appreciate plug-and-play functionality and those devices that require you to download courses are simply not as user-friendly. Furthermore, the top devices stood out due to organization of the screen and ease of navigation.
Across all the devices tested, most offered strong functionality and ease of navigation across the board. None required us to download courses prior to use. However, it is important to note that many offer course updates, too. One device, however, really stood out for its simplicity of use. The Voice Caddie VC4 Voice Golf GPS required nothing more than to be powered up to recognize the course and hole we were on.
All GPS devices are capable of giving distances to targets. However, may of them don’t include pedometers, heart rate/fitness, monitors, green/putt views, wind speed/direction, round tracking, club selection, etc.
While some of the golf GPS devices offered these features in one complete package, others required phone and app connectivity to be fully functional. You’ll have to decide which fits the way you like to play golf and/or what’s important to you.
For the avid golfer, the Garmin Approach S70 GPS golf watch is one of those devices that could replace your smartwatch. Not only is it at home on the course, giving you distances and green contours, but it has many other features that will keep you connected on and off the course. On the other hand, if you’re not into the golf GPS watch or not needing the other smart functions, consider the Sky Caddie Pro 5X handheld for your golfing needs.
Golf GPS devices are tested by our expert staff in our state-of-the-art facility and on the course. Here, golf GPS devices undergo a series of rigorous tests, using strict protocols to ensure each device meets our standard before receiving a final score.
Golf GPS devices are scored based on the following criteria:
Accuracy: The goal is to test the consistency of the distances provided with multiple, serial measurements at targets of various known distances. While minor variations of +/- one or two yards were common across all models, some models varied significantly more by up to 10 or 12 yards.
Display: A golf GPS display should be well organized, intuitive and easy to see in varying light conditions. These devices were evaluated in full sun and in the shade to observe for clarity and brightness. The displays were further evaluated for their layout and ease of touchscreen navigation.
Functionality: The best golf GPS devices offer ease of use with a simple powering-up of the device. Each golf GPS was put through the paces to identify its ease/rapidity of acquiring a satellite connection and listing the appropriate course(s). Some devices could be turned on away from the course, lock onto a satellite signal and display courses in the vicinity in short order. Other units, however, would not lock onto a satellite and/or display a course list until at or near to the course.
Features: Golf GPS devices are fundamentally designed to give distances to various targets. However, in today’s fast-paced environment, we are looking for devices that do more than just the basics. We evaluated each device to discern its features and usefulness on and off the course.
Under ideal conditions, the most accurate golf GPS are accurate to within three to five yards. For most average golfers this level of accuracy is sufficient.
The displays of the varying models range from that of a watch face to full-size smartphone screens. The quality and clarity of both types of displays varies. Take your own eyesight into consideration when considering the various device types. Handheld GPS devices are better for those with vision issues.
Upon turning on the various golf GPS devices, one will quickly realize they are not all created equally. Some acquire a GPS satellite signal quickly, while others languish. Some will automatically advance to the next hole while others require you to navigate/scroll through various screens/lists.
The disparity between the best and worst models was quite significant. Some couldn’t provide repeatable, accurate measurements; lacked quality optics and had fussy or overly complicated displays. Before you drop your hard-earned money on just any model, evaluate your needs (wants) and try various models before committing.
| OEM | Model | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin | Approach S70 | 9.9 |
| Sky Caddie | Pro 5X | 9.8 |
| Voice Caddie | T11 Pro | 9.7 |
| GolfBuddy | Aim W12 | 9.7 |
| Garmin | Approach G80 | 9.7 |
| Bushnell | Ion Elite | 9.5 |
| Voice Caddie | A3 | 9.3 |
| Rad Golf | Watch + | 8.8 |
| Blue Tees | Ringer | 8.8 |
| Shot Scope | V5 | 8.7 |
| Rad Golf | Hand + | 8.7 |
| Voice Caddie | VC4 | 7.8 |
World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.
2 years ago
Because the launch monitor radar is a addon (approach R10) and that’s another $600 msrp. Works with the Garmin phone app and the watches as well though.
2 years ago
Not sure why anyone would spend the money for these devices when you can get 18 Birdies or another app on your phone for free.
2 years ago
Because I don’t like anything as big as phone in my pocket. but I don’t mind a watch, the brain quickly adapts to its presence and becomes nearly not even there. I mostly want the size shape and terrain of the green.
2 years ago
Agreed. Golfshot gives me most of what I need on my Apple Watch (distance to front, back, and middle, plus club recommendations tailored to me). If I want to pull up distances to hazards, etc, I can easily pull out my phone to do that. (I keep my phone on me, but keep it in the cart or bag for those who prefer it that way.) Plus it tracks all my stats (including quite a bit of swing analysis), all for the annual cost of a single nice lunch out.
2 years ago
I use the Shot Scope V5 and find it to be very accurate. The big plus of this device is it comes with the trackers included. After a round I can upload the round and see where every shot went on a satellite image of my course. With others you have to pay extra for it.
2 years ago
The better I’ve gotten, the less I use these gadgets. All I use is front middle back. It gives me a lot of confidence to hit deep in the green with an extra club or plan to hit short and chip up in steeply slopes front to back greens. Because of the attempt at positioning the ball I rarely if ever need to know the exact distance because I almost never aim at the pin. If I was a scratch golfer I’d probably change my mind. But when will I become a scratch golfer? ….. never.
2 years ago
I use a range finder for distances and Golf Pad for GPS. Golf Pad provides flyovers and distances to hazards and front-center-back of greens. Most of the time – about 90% of the time – I just use the range finder because I’m playing courses that I’m familiar with. On those occasions where I’m playing a new course or need other distances, I just pull out my phone and check Golf Pad. Golf Pad also provides course history with more stats than you could possibly use as well as handicap indexing. Wearing a watch or buying a separate GPS device is just way overkill.
2 years ago
I could go into a long explanation, but it is safe to assume that most readers here are avid golfers and probably somewhat better than average, Still for the most part most of this stuff is a bit of overkill.
2 years ago
I have used GolfShot Plus on my cell phone for several years. Why was it not included in the review?
2 years ago
The best kept secret with Garmin is to not buy their golf watches but to figure out which models have the golf “app” (which is many mid and high end models) and support shot detection and club sensors. Example, I got a Garmin Epix Gen 2 for $380 around Christmas and it has every golf feature that my older S62 had plus all of the other features most Garmins have, plus a better screen and better battery life. Sometimes golf specific gear just means an upcharge!
2 years ago
I’m not sure what any of these would get me that’s better than Arccos. Not that Arccos is perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I don’t have to wear a special watch or carry an extra device besides my phone, and it gives me GPS distances, club/performance metrics, etc. I just wish they’d fix some of the bugs.
2 years ago
I did not like Arccos because it would register the sounds of other people’s shots as if I had just hit. So if I am in the cart with my son hitting his ball from the fairway, it thinks I hit the shot and the distances get all screwed up. I gave up on Arccos after 3 rounds and went back to Garmin.
2 years ago
Do you find it accurate? I have been noticing recently that it is off by 5-10 yards compared to what my playing partners are saying.
2 years ago
I sometimes doublecheck with a rangefinder when I tap to get the distance to some specific hazard and the number sounds wrong, and it sometimes is significantly wrong – 20 yards or more off. That feature might be buggy. I’ve never seen the distance it gives to center green be off by more than a couple yards, though, and club distances are always very plausible compared to my simulator numbers.
2 years ago
I used to be big on Shot Scope, but I have nothing but problems with both the X5 and V5, X5 flaked out, and V5 couldn’t maintain a connection when I was in Ireland.
2 years ago
I prefer to use SwingU (or others) on my phone this way I get Strokes Gained for the same price and don’t have to charge two devices…
2 years ago
If you want 90-95% of what the S70 can do, way more off-course health and exercise tracking, and save some money, the Garmin Epix Gen2 is on Amazon for $549.
Donn Rutkoff
2 years ago
Thanks, timely, I don’t need one, but I am thinking to splurge on a wristwatch type just for convenience , mainly to see shape and size of green. Bushnell Ion Elite, VoiceCad T9, or ShotScope V5. Anybody want to pick one for me, by all means, post your experience.