You Can Spend $600 On A Handheld Golf GPS—But Should You? Here’s What Our Testing Found

If you’re in the market for a handheld golf GPS, you’re probably confused by the vast difference in prices.

Some cost $170, others $200 and one of the most expensive models lands at roughly $600. If you’re not extremely well-versed in golf technology, you may not know what to look for. Luckily for you, we know exactly what separates an affordable golf GPS from a premium model.

One gets the job done while the other gets the job done and much more. Think Toyota Corolla versus Porsche 911 Turbo. Both vehicles take you from point A to point B. One just does it with a lot more … pizzazz.

Should you spend $600 on the Porsche 911 Turbo of handheld golf GPS devices—or should you stick with the ol’ reliable Toyota Corolla?

In this case, the Porsche 911 Turbo is the Garmin Approach G82 while the Toyota Corolla is the Shot Scope H50.

Let’s find out.

Accuracy

In terms of accuracy, the Garmin Approach G82 and Shot Scope H50 performed similarly, notching 13.5 out of 15 points in the category. If you prefer letter grades, both models received an A-minus.

The Approach G82 and H50 went toe to toe, finishing within one yard of each other across a variety of distances. Only a couple models were more accurate, proving that accuracy is still a focal point with the golf GPS ecosystem.

If accuracy is your top priority when buying a handheld golf GPS, both models are worth considering.

Display

Once again, the G82 and H50 go head to head, scoring 19.25 out of 20 (A-grade).

The H50 features an AMOLED display while the G82 uses a transflective color touchscreen. Both are good for different reasons.

G82: Better visibility in direct sunlight.

H50: More vibrant but generally harder to view in direct sunlight.

If you prefer a more vibrant display, pick the H50. If you prioritize screen visibility when it’s bright outside, the G82 will suit you much better.

Functionality

The G82 wins the functionality category due to its consistent ease of use.

Like the rest of the Garmin catalog, the G82 is extremely easy to use and offers simple phone connectivity. If getting new technology set up and figured out has been a problem for you in the past, the G82 will be a refreshing change.

The H50 was fine but struggled with consistent connectivity. Although it comes with more than 42,000 preloaded courses, the device runs slower when your phone isn’t connected, negatively affecting the overall experience.

If functionality and ease of use are priorities for you, the G82 is the clear winner.

Features

We’ve reached the boiling point. This section will make your final decision crystal clear.

Both the G82 and H50 have a few main features that improve your experience such as:

• Front, middle and back distances
• Preloaded courses
• Touchscreen displays
• Digital scorecards

Now that I’ve listed the simple overlapping features, it’s time to chat about what makes the G82 greater—and $400 more expensive:

A built-in launch monitor.

That’s right, the G82 contains a built-in launch monitor that gives you ball speed, club head speed, smash factor and tempo. Those four metrics alone are enough for meaningful training and optimized performance. It’s got everything you need if you’re hoping to dial in your golf game.

So the answer is simple.

If you’re searching for a handheld golf GPS that performs the basic functions a handheld golf GPS should, the Shot Scope H50 is a better option at a fraction of the price.

If you need that and more, the Garmin Approach G82 will perform all the basic functions while also offering a built-in launch monitor to help you dial in your game even more.

Long story short: the Shot Scope H50 is perfect for the golfer looking for a traditional golf GPS; the Garmin Approach G82 is the best all-in-one option and the best overall handheld golf GPS.