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Golf launch monitors have come a long way since they first came to market. The technology continues to improve and the price tags are shrinking. Now even casual golfers can enjoy these data-packed and game-improving devices.
We’ve spent years testing personal launch monitors in order to help you find the best fit. During our 2023 head-to-head test we paid special consideration to the cost-versus-performance, the software, and the size. We also looked at additional features, ease of use, and durability.
Whether you want the highest tech option or a budget friendly pick we have you covered. Here are the best golf launch monitors for 2023.
We’ve been testing launch monitors for more than five years. For 2023, we tested ten models head-to-head, both indoors and outdoors. We looked for accuracy (measured against the industry standard in both camera-based and doppler-based launch monitors), features, ease of use and portability.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a personal launch monitor.
Personal launch monitors are one of the most pricey pieces of golf equipment. Period. That said, there are a few really good options for less than $1,000. None of these is better than the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro, our pick for the Best Value Personal Launch Monitor of 2023.
A personal launch monitor should be more than a device used to dial in your golf bag. The best personal launch monitors feature unique software that allows you to play real golf courses and participate in golf challenges online. While some devices come with software included, others charge a yearly subscription fee to access all of the software benefits. In this regard, personal launch monitors have become largely “pay to play.” On the hardware side of things, devices such as the GolfZon Wave include an extra piece of gear (a putting simulator) to enhance your experience.
A personal launch monitor should be portable. Why? The versatility to use the device in your home simulator, your backyard and even on the range is a must. While most personal launch monitors can fit in a backpack, some can fit in the palm of your hand (see FlightScope Mevo). The largest launch monitors in the personal space are the Bushnell Launch Pro and Foresight GC3. Both are quite a bit larger than the competition.
The personal launch monitor space is growing and evolving. Just this year, we tested two new players in the space and we expect that number to keep growing.
That’s why we’ve made a checklist of what to look for in the best personal launch monitors. Here are the features that matter when it comes to finding the right device for your game.
Nothing matters more than accuracy. Nothing. Why? Because your game deserves complete confidence. No guessing. No nonsense. The best personal launch monitors provide real, accurate and actionable data to bring your game to the next level.
To find the most accurate launch monitors, we compared each device against professional-level equipment. This was done in order to produce a baseline, and industry standard against which we could measure the accuracy of each personal launch monitor we tested.
The most accurate golf launch monitor is the Foresight GC3/Bushnell Launch Pro. The devices feature the exact same hardware as one another (with different licensing and software packages). It was extremely accurate indoors and outdoors. This device provided accuracy that rivals leading launch monitors five times their price.
Looking for a sleeper pick? The dark horse as far as accuracy is considered is the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro. The addition of the new Callaway RPT golf balls really had a positive impact on its data. All things considered, its accuracy was pretty darned close to that of the Launch Pro/GC3.
The Skytrak+ and FlightScope Mevo+ round out the top five for accuracy. You can’t go wrong with either of these devices for capturing accurate data. The Mevo+ is especially great when used with the Titleist RCT golf balls.
Ball speed is one of the most important numbers that a personal launch monitor can measure. The measure is essentially how fast the ball is moving after impact. With increased ball speed, you should see increased distance. This is why accurate golf ball data collection is very important.
A personal launch monitor must provide accurate carry distances to be effective. While total distances can change depending on terrain, ground hardness, etc, your carry distances stay largely the same. If you know how far you carry the ball it takes the guesswork out of the game. The Foresight GC3/Launch Pro was the most accurate both indoors and outdoors. The Rapsodo MLM2 Pro was admirably accurate here, too, and is a great if you’re on a tight budget.
Spin rate is perhaps one of the hardest things to capture with a personal launch monitor. This is why Titleist has brought out the RCT golf balls. RCT Verified devices capture more accurate spin numbers when used in conjunction with an RCT ball. The Rapsodo MLM2 Pro won’t capture spin unless you use the included Callaway RPT ball. The Foresight GC3/Launch Pro once again reigns supreme in this regard. However, the Mevo+ and Rapsodo MLM2 Pro provide accurate spin numbers, too, for a fraction of the cost.
The best golf launch monitors should be intuitive to set up and use. I’ll put it this way: If grandpa can’t get it working, it’s too confusing. The best of the best in this regard have phone applications that are clean and user-friendly.
Devices such as the Garmin Approach R10 and Rapsodo MLM2 Pro can be paired with an Android or Apple phone in mere seconds (seriously, less than 20 seconds to connect). Devices that require the use of their own onboard Wifi signal such as the SkyTrak+ and GolfZon Wave proved a little harder to connect.
Connection is only half the battle, though. The user interface should be a breeze to navigate. Devices like the Bushnell Launch Pro and its large touchscreen and the Full Swing KIT’s side mounted buttons make navigating menus and changing settings much easier than others.
| Product | Mobile App | Indoors/Outdoors | RCT Verified | Swing Video Analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Pro/GC3 | Yes | Both | Yes | No |
| Rapsodo MLM2Pro | Yes | Both | N/A *Callaway RPT | Yes |
 | FlightScope Mevo+ | Yes | Both | Yes | Yes |
 | SkyTrak+ | Yes | Indoors Only | N/A | No |
| Garmin Approach R10 | Yes | Both | Yes | No |
| Full Swing KIT | Yes | Both | Yes | Yes |
 | FlightScope Mevo | Yes | Both | N/A | No |
 | GolfJoy GDS Plus | Yes | Both | N/A | Yes |
 | GolfZon Wave | Yes | Both | N/A | Yes |
Data is cool, sure, but what else can your personal launch monitor do? If you’re shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it better do something other than show you just numbers.
Some devices capture swing video automatically for you. The Rapsodo MLM2 Pro and Full Swing KIT provide excellent swing videos. Others offer entire simulation experiences that rival anything we’ve ever seen. The GolfJoy GDS Plus has the best simulation and graphics experience. Period. The hefty simulation software was developed in-house using the Unreal gaming engine. Translation? The graphics are nuts.
We’re also big fans of Skytrak+ laser-guided ball placement. This makes it extremely easy to ensure you’re lined up correctly and that the ball is in the intended hitting position.
Nothing against a bare-bones device but a little extra meat on the bone is never a bad thing.
The Launch Pro is incredibly accurate. It uses a high-tech camera system rather than Doppler and it consistently scored extremely well in our testing. It's not the cheapest or absolute simplest option, but it is the top pick for anyone serious about improving their game.
Accurate both indoors and outdoors. Display shows your numbers in real time. Software included for first year.
Device is quite bulky. Foresight Pro app isn't the most user friendly. Note; the Launch Pro is locked for USA use only.
The Bushnell Launch Pro is a state-of-the-art launch monitor that boasts an array of impressive features designed to elevate the golfing experience. It’s important to note that the Bushnell Launch Pro and the Foresight GC3 are built with the same technology.
You’ll notice that the Bushnell Launch Pro has a lower initial price. But you do need to pay an annual fee. The Foresight Gc3 on the other hand, has a higher initial price, but no annual fees. At the same level of functionality, the breakeven point is 5-years. So if you’re confident you will be using the device consistently over the next five years, and prefer to eschew annual fees, the Foresight GC3 is the best choice for you.
During our testing, we found the GC3 and Launch Pro were easy to setup and use. The on-board touchscreen makes connecting it to the Wifi and to the Foresight Pro application a breeze.
While the device can be a bit bulky to move around on the range, it’s really good for an indoor simulator where it can stay put. Above all else, our testing showed the Launch Pro to be extremely accurate, even when compared to devices four times the price.
The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is the best value personal launch monitor for 2023. It provides incredible accuracy at a price that can't be beat.
Intuative app, easy to setup and use, captures video of each swing. Very accurate, especially indoors with special marked Callaway golf balls.
Must use included Callaway balls to get spin numbers.
The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is the best value in golf. This thing competes with the big boys, no question about it. The new, sleek design is miles ahead of the first iteration. You can tell Rapsodo spent the time to refine the product.
Our testing provided compelling results. Besides being easy to setup and connect to the intuitive Rapsodo app (for both Android and iPhone), the device proved to be extremely accurate both indoors and outdoors. We are particularly fans of the swing videos it captures at impact, and the small portable size. The included carrying case is a nice touch as well.
The FlightScope Mevo+ once again proves to be a solid choice in the under $2,000 launch monitor space.
The device is small, easy to use and provides accurate numbers. It works great indoors and outdoors
App is not the most intuative.
The FlightScope Mevo+ is everything you’d want in an under $2000 personal launch monitor. Accurate numbers? Check. Small footprint? Check. Our testing showed that the FlighScope Mevo+ owns the mid-price category. It was very accurate (especially with the Titleist RCT golf balls) and the compact size is a big bonus.
We did find the FS Golf app to be a little finnicky at times. It could definitely be more polished, but we loved that it had support for both Android and iPhone.
The Full Swing KIT has a fantastic display to make digesting your numbers a seamless experience. It boasts improved accuracy both indoors and outdoors.
Big, bright display is great and easy to read. Setup takes mere seconds.
Data visualization and export could be better.
The Full Swing KIT is a Doppler radar-based personal launch monitor that offers accurate data collection for golfers. It can be used both outdoors and indoors, making it a versatile option. The Full Swing KIT is awesome to use. Throughout testing we loved the bright display and how it can be customized to show the most important metrics.
We found the setup process and connection to the application very easy. Although, we do wish that there was support for an Android application. Regardless, the Full Swing KIT provided accurate numbers and is more portable than some of the big boys like the GC3/Launch Pro.
The Garmin Approach R10 showed off increased accuracy in a compact package that's hard to beat.
Very compact form factor. App is clean and easy to navigate. Fairly accurate numbers.
Not as accurate as the Bushnell Launch Pro.
The Garmin R10 is a radar-based launch monitor that’s both extremely portable and easy to use. During testing, we found the Garmin Golf app to be one of the best applications out there for personal launch monitors. It provided a succinct and easy experience. The graphics provided within the Garmin Golf app were very fun and playful as well.
Perhaps our favorite thing about the Garmin R10 is its size. The device can nearly fit in the palm of your hand. Little touches like the magnetic tripod mount give the device a premium feel without the premium price tag.
Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
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Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
Looking for more detailed information on golf technology?
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Connor is MyGolfSpy's resident sneakerhead who believes that golf is more enjoyable with a fresh pair of kicks. When he isn't scrolling Twitter to find his next golf shoe purchase, you can find him at the piano or trying a new dessert place with his wife. #Lefty
| Driver PING G410 SFT | Hybrid Cobra KING TEC |
| Irons Srixon ZX4 MK II | Wedges Titleist Vokey SM10 |
| Putter L.A.B Mezz.1 Max Custom | Ball Maxfli Tour X |
6 months ago
I have a new Garmin R10 and I am delighted with it. I have not been able to use indoors, but at the range and golf course it’s great. I find it very accurate given it cost $400 odd (ebay)-if you look at the charts above, it is within a couple of % accuracy of the more expensive monitors and more accurate than the others overall, I’m surprised it was ranked last. I’d say that 1 in 10 shots is not accurate in terms of flight path-I’m guessing misreading face or path. If the balls have any markings, it also reads spin fairly well. I’ve confirmed on courses that carry distance is very accurate. I’d be interested in more detail from Ned above on why he thought skytrak was so much better, based on what I have seen outdoors, there is little difference between using the Garmen versus flightscope/trackman (on which I have done sessions with pros). So to summarise, I mainly want ball and club speed, club and face path, angle of attack and carry distance. While I cannot yet speak for indoors, The Garmen at $400 odd seems almost unbeatable in my mind. (I also use a SC200 and PNGR, but the garmin gives all the data I need, even if face/path might be wrong occasionally, easy to know visually).
6 months ago
Anyone know which device would be best to use in a garden net? I think I have enough space to use any device but i’m not sure which will work best if the home wi-fi doesn’t reach the net in the garden.
6 months ago
Which of these allow use of unmarked balls? Want to use at the range with range balls.
7 months ago
Feels like some biased reporting. you state SkyTrak/SkyTrak+ is one of the most accurate, which is key with simulators, but is barely mentioned. It has a low cost for annual licensing and is compatible with 3rd party software packages like E6, TGC2019, etc. Did you take into consideration the cost to own/maintain? Also, for indoors, it requires only 3′ of space between your ball and net to gather the information, PLUS you don’t need any special golf balls to get spin numbers. Mevo+ requires 7-9′ behind the monitor and “unrestricted” flight in front of it. Bushnell requires 13′ in front of the ball after contact. Bushnell requires 10′ behind the ball, Garmin G10 is 10′ behind and 4′ in front of the ball. The Rapsodo MLM2PRO requires 8′ behind the ball and another 8′ in front of the ball. Not sure how many people really have this much room, especially in garage-type set-ups.
For me, part of the magic of launch monitors is testing not only clubs, but also the balls to find what works best for me. Those LM’s that require stickers or special balls – no thanks!
7 months ago
Agree I have the Skytrak Plus and it has one of the best practice ranges available. I find it to to very accurate and combined with GSPRO it’s amazing. I had a R10 and there’s no comparison between the two the Plus is way about the R10. Makes me wonder about MYGOLFSPY testing.
7 months ago
Plus, they say that it can’t be used outdoors. It can, off mats only, but it still can be used outdoors. MGS seem to be more opinion than fact these days.
7 months ago
We are aware that it can be used off of mats outdoors. We consulted with Skytrak and they said it would be best to test indoors. Afterall, outdoors of of a mat (especially for a device that doesn’t capture the entire ball flight) is not really outdoors.
7 months ago
Something seems funky with the Mevo+ data… the spin rate indoors seems wildly inaccurate compared to how well it scored everywhere else. Also with speed and spin so tight, how could it’s carry be so far off…?
Also, if you plan on practicing outdoors with a net – would it be more relevant to look at the “indoor” stats?
And last question… which device (s) gives you all the data and courses to play without additional subscription – is it only Mevo+ ? I know Rapsodo actually requires an at least $100 yearly subscription, and R10 only works with the Garmin app which is also like $100/yr right?
So if I wanted data, a range, at least 1 18 hole course, and be able to do speed training (without a ball) does that leave me at just the Mevo+ ?
I feel like I keep delaying buying a PLM bc I can’t make up my mind as to what the best solution will be with a limited budget
7 months ago
One thing not mentioned here is space requirements. If you are tight on space, then doppler based LMs won’t work. I’m surprised SkyTrak was barely mentioned as I thought it was more accurate than MLM2Pro.
7 months ago
Things may have changed in recent months, but the last time I looked into it, the Bushnell Launch Pro was not available outside of the USA to the point that if it was bought in the US and used elsewhere there were region locks which made things tricky. Is this still the case? If so, it’s got to be a fairly significant thing to add to the ‘Cons’ list. Can Bushnell please get their act together.
7 months ago
Any thoughts on finding an older flightscope or something similar? I picked up an Xi Tour when considering the Mevo+. I’ve used it outdoors and it’s been great, currently getting everything setup at the house for winter. Is a new personal LM better than an “regular” LM that’s a couple models old?
7 months ago
Exactly. Plenty of used ones out there, including the older Foresight GC 2 for a decent price.
7 months ago
Would’ve liked to see a bit more options. Although skytrak plus is mentioned it wasn’t written about aside from a little snippet.
Overall you can and should do better as this topic is probably the hottest in golf. Anyone who loves the game wants one and is torn by the various differences and options and subscriptions and fees and courses available. Almost none is looking for numbers like a top instructor.
In order of importance:
Accurate. Bang for buck. Golf course options and fees.
7 months ago
Why was the regular Mevo not tested with RCT balls? They should improve the spin detection of any radar based system to some extent so N/A doesn’t seem correct. Did you test with and without RCT balls to see if it made a difference?
Also, some of the spin data numbers don’t make sense. How was the mevo+ the 2nd worst device at spin detection indoors with the RCT balls that should help spin detection and then jump to 2nd best outdoors with range balls? The only logical conclusion is that RCT balls screw up the spin detection somehow on the device as it got an order of magnitude worse with them.
Isn’t the new skytrak+ able to be used outdoors, but only off of mats? The site straight up lists it as indoor/outdoor. The Skytrak+ consistently beat the Mevo+ on all the indoor tests and if those results carried through to the outdoors then I might be willing to make the sacrifice of hitting off the mats for sessions where I want to use a LM
7 months ago
So you have to use the special RCT style balls for all of these? What if you want to do ball testing, which one could we use? Or if you have a preferred ball, the to match on course, which one would allow me to do that?
That should be more defined and to me a key data factor when deciding.
3 weeks ago
SkyTrak. You don’t need special balls for this LM, however, it won’t pick up some colored balls. I’ve had mostly good results with yellow and some orange and blue balls (depends on the type of cover I think). The other colors don’t get picked up.
7 months ago
Don’t know whether this would’ve been possible, but I would’ve liked to see comparative data using “premium” range balls as well as what you used. IINM, most of us can’t practice with our game balls. Some of us are lucky to have a range that uses our game balls or premium retail balls (Reynolds Lake Oconee, I’m talking about you!). But most of us have to use range balls, so knowing the performance deviations from retail balls to range balls would be helpful in knowing our actual data with our retail/game balls.
7 months ago
I HATE the Foresight software on the computer. It is the dumbest software for a machine that everybody wants to use and many places use it for their professional application. It is seriously cumbersome and counter-intuitive on so many levels, it makes you wonder if anybody at Foresight even owns a smartphone or an iPad thing, because you would’ve thought it would work like many Apps with clicks to show or open things, but it doesn’t. There are extra steps you have to take to reveal the next thing you have to click, it’s tedious.
Anyways, I’m surprised at this short list. And I get that price was not really considered as a factor, but anything above $1000 should be a separate category. Most cheap low end hackers out there like me aren’t going to be carrying a bulkier, more expensive thing in my bag and tote it around everywhere for everyday general practice use
7 months ago
Have had my Mevo+ for about 2 years now and biggest factor that led to picking Mevo over Skytrak and others at a similar price point was simply that you got 6 full 18 hole E6 courses for free for life with no subscription costs or additional one time charges. this was key for me because it allowed me to take what I practiced on the flightscope driving range and apply it to varying distances and situations in a golf-like atmosphere without having to fork up $950 for TGC or pay monthly for another program that I don’t have enough time to fully utilize. Do any of these other options come with any free courses or are they all still a subscription fee/upfront cost?
7 months ago
Surprised to see that UNEEKOR Eye Mini was left out, considering that the team at MyGolfSpy were excited test it during the PGA golf show.
Hopefully down the road, the team can review it because I’ve heard good things about it.
Great to see that Rapsodo MLM2 Pro took second, however it doesn’t fit my needs at this time. Great job Justin
7 months ago
Despite our efforts and assurances by Uneekor, the Eye Mini did not arrive in time for testing (or at all).
7 months ago
Why leave out the Voice caddie SC4? It has great performance tested against a Trackman, a nice display that doesn’t require another device, and it is affordable.
7 months ago
I agree, the “Biggie” for me is it fits in my golf bag and I can take it everywhere. “Size” is very important and I use mine extensively as do my fellow playing partners who also have it. These ‘big’ expensive launch monitors are impractical for the guys who play and practice a lot and I am thankful there is a fairly priced launch monitor.
7 months ago
Oh, forgot to say I use the SC 300 Model.
7 months ago
WRT the MLM2Pro (which I’ve owned since April):
“Does it require a subscription for full features?
No, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO does not require a subscription for accessing its full set of features. Once you purchase the device, you can enjoy all its functionalities without any additional costs.”
“CONS
Must use included Callaway balls to get spin numbers.”
I’d argue that both of these statements are false. Yearly subscription of $200 is required if you want to have spin axis access – and other features.
Aftermarket dots can be applied to the ball of your choice and have been shown to be just as accurate as the RPT balls from Callaway. And essentially as durable – for a small fraction of the price.
7 months ago
Also – the MLM2Pro integrates with Awesome Golf – in addition to E6.
7 months ago
early MLM2Pro user as well. It is a great product at its price range but software is still not working like a finished product. In addition, If it offers the club data that would be great! It has impact view so generate a club path is not an impossible thing. The software development team really drag its performance down from the best LM for its price.
7 months ago
Agree. I use it almost exclusively with the AG app. Rapsodo really needs to get on the stick to justify the subscription fee.
Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls
GordD
3 weeks ago
Not much love shown for SkyTrak here. Space requirements are a big plus with this one as you only need space to swing the club. One thing I use SkyTrak for is testing different balls. Winter time in the basement or garage in Canada is cold and balls react differently when cold. I’ve found lower compression ‘soft’ balls go quite a bit further than higher compression balls. Makes a difference when playing a round. I wouldn’t be able to try this out accurately if special balls were needed.