2020 LASER RANGEFINDER BUYERS GUIDE
Every golfer is looking for the next new, big thing that’s going to take their game to the next level. In modern golf, like modern life, technology is quickly changing the way we approach and conquer tasks. It’s been a number of years since golfers had to use landmarks or guesses to estimate yardage, but the field of available laser rangefinders continues to improve and evolve.
Our games have become more precise and strategic, thanks not only to the ability to digitally measure pin distance but also to see hole layovers and utilize GPS technology.
What’s impressive with this year’s group of laser rangefinders is that accuracy has dramatically improved across the field. Nearly every rangefinder in the test is accurate to the pin within five yards making the number of quality laser rangefinders available to you, vast.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new laser rangefinder today, looking for some buying advice, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right rangefinder to fit your needs.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect laser rangefinder to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no display unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Rangefinders are tested head to head with rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating rangefinders include Accuracy, Speed, Optics, Display, and Additional Features.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Accuracy
A rangefinder is useless if it’s not accurate. By and large, the rangefinders we tested read within 5-yards of each other. Lasers that consistently read the same number every time give golfers confidence in knowing the number they see can be trusted. We test each laser vigorously to verify that the numbers provided are both accurate and consistent.
There is no more consistently accurate laser rangefinder than one made by Bushnell. In 2020, The Pro XE, Tour V5 Shift and the Tour V5 were decisively at the top of the accuracy list.
Optics and Display
When we talk about the optics of a rangefinder, we’re focused on the clarity of the viewfinder and the digital display. The simpler the display, the easier it is to understand. Ideally, you want to look for a display that provides clear and concise information so that you know you’ve got the correct yardage every time. Note that most units include a diopter adjustment to improve focus.
The clearest optics in the 2020 test belong to the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized. The clarity of the lens allows you to easily lock on to a target and gain accurate yardage.
If you’re the type of golfer that prefers to have the most amount of information available to you on a single display, the Garmin Approach Z82 employs a GPS generated hole layover visual, yardage from front, middle and back, distances to fairway bunkers as well as slope.
Locking indicator
There are a number of different ways a laser rangefinder can use to lock on to a target. Some work better than others. Jolt technology, pulse and visual indicators are all examples of alerts that serve as notification that you’ve found your intended target. It’s personal preference, but in our experience a combination of these alerts, as well as a confident yardage read out tend to be the best.
The Bushnell Pro XE gives you a flashing red visual indicator in addition to a jolt technology alert.
Fastest Rangefinder - Sureshot Pinloc 5000iPS Laser
No time for BS? If not, get the fastest rangefinder on the market. The SureShot Pinloc 5000iPS Laser quickly locks on to your target. The highly ranked accuracy, optics and display features allow you to get a clear picture of what obstacle you need to overcome. This one is worth your consideration.
EXPERT TIP-Slope
If you play on a course with considerable elevation changes, a rangefinder that calculates slope will give you the most accurate yardage readout. It takes the elevation changes into consideration and generates both the actual yardage as well as adjusted yardage.
The Best Rangefinder 2020 - Features
| Product | Magnification | Reticle Color | Range | Lock Indicator | Slope | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Blue Tees Golf S2 Pro Slope Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-800 | Pulse | Y | 2 Year |
 | Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Tour Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-800 | Pulse | N | 2 Year |
 | Bushnell Pro XE Check Price | 7X | Red | 5-1300 | Jolt | Y | 2 Year |
 | Bushnell Tour V5 Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-1300 | Jolt | N | 2 Year |
 | Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-1300 | Jolt | Y | 2 Year |
 | Garmin Approach Z82 Check Price | 6X | Red | 5-450 | Laser Range Arc | Y | 1 Year |
 | Golf Buddy Aim L10 Check Price | 6X | Red | 5-880 | Black Square | Y | 1 Year |
 | Inesis 900 Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-1300 | Black Circle | Y | 2 Year |
 | Leupold GX-5i Check Price | 6X | Red | 5-450 | Red Triangle | Y | Lifetime |
 | Nikon CoolShot 20 GII Check Price | 6X | Black | 6-800 | Black Crosshairs | N | 5 Year |
 | Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Check Price | 6X | Black | 6-800 | Black Crosshairs | Y | 5 Year |
 | Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized Check Price | 6X | Red | 8-1200 | Green Circle | Y | 5 Year |
 | Precision NX7 Pro Slope Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-400 | Pulse | Y | 2 Year |
 | Presicion Pro NX2 Check Price | 6X | Black | 4-400 | Black Crosshairs | N | 2 Year |
 | Precision Pro NX7 Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-400 | Pulse | N | 2 Year |
 | Sureshot Pinloc 5000iP Laser Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-1000 | Pulse | N | 1 Year |
 | Sureshot Pinloc 5000iPS Laser Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-1000 | Pulse | Y | 1 Year |
 | Voice Caddie SL1 Check Price | 6X | Black | 5-1000 | Pulse | Y | 1 Year |
BEST TECH - Garmin Approach Z82
The Garmin Approach Z82 is a step up from the Z80. The combo rangefinder/GPS device now includes additional features. The Approach Z82 gives you the wind direction, has improved laser range (now 450 yards instead of 350), it indicates you've locked onto your target with both a visual and vibration notification, and it calculates slope. You can also see a GPS generated visual hole layover for the best view of every hole. In addition, it alerts you to the location of bunkers and water hazards. Because it has both GPS and rangefinder technology, it comes at a price. $599.99 to be precise.
More Tips
- You don’t need both a GPS and a laser rangefinder, the Garmin Approach Z82 combines both technologies into one device.
- We’ve found that ease of use in laser rangefinders has to do with the individual golfer, or user error. For example, it’s easier to stabilize a larger device than a smaller one if you have large hands. We’re advocates of trying before buying to see what fits you.
- Many rangefinders have additional features that make life easier. Magnetic mounts, sensors that integrate weather conditions into yardage numbers, vibration reduction, integrated GPS functionality…it’s a long list. Before buying, it’s essential that you decide what features you have to have and which you can do without.
- Golfers with shaky hands will benefit from the Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized. Integrated Vibration Reduction technology helps you lock onto targets quickly and efficiently. Many golfers will find it’s the one feature they absolutely can’t do without.
- Some laser rangefinders use standard disposable batteries, while others use charging ports and store power, much like a cell phone. Again, it’s personal preference. The battery life varies widely between each model. If you prefer models that uses disposable batteries, Precision Pro will provide you with an unlimited supply of free replacement batteries for life.
Most Accurate Rangefinder - Bushnell Pro XE
One of the primary reasons the Bushnell Pro XE is the Best Rangefinder of 2020 is it's ability to generate a consistent yardage readout. We put the Pro XE to the test and each time we attempted to lock in on a target, this rangefinder produced the same number. The Pro XE also takes altitude and temperature into consideration when providing a yardage number. Not only is the Pro XE the most accurate of the test, but the V5 Tour Shift and the Tour V5 (the second and third-tier Bushnell models) use the same technology and are equally as accurate. As you move down in tiers and price range, you sacrifice features but not accuracy.
GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT™
Unbiased. No Guesswork. All Major Brands. Matched To Your Swing. Advanced Golf Analytics matches the perfect clubs to your exact swing using connected data and machine learning.
FREE FITTING
The Best Rangefinder 2020 - Results
| Product | Accuracy | Speed | Optics | Display | Features | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Pro XE Check Price | 1st | 3rd | 1st | 3rd | 2nd | 95.5 |
| Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized Check Price | 6th | 7th | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 94 |
| Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Check Price | 1st | 3rd | 1st | 9th | 4th | 93 |
| Bushnell Tour V5 Check Price | 1st | 3rd | 1st | 17th | 10th | 91 |
| Garmin Approach Z82 Check Price | 4th | 16th | 18th | 1st | 1st | 91 |
| Sureshot Pinloc 5000iPS Laser Check Price | 6th | 1st | 7th | 4th | 13th | 90.5 |
| Voice Caddie SL1 Check Price | 4th | 7th | 5th | 12th | 7th | 90 |
| Precision NX7 Pro Slope Check Price | 14th | 7th | 9th | 4th | 4th | 88.5 |
| Sureshot Pinloc 5000iP Laser Check Price | 6th | 1st | 7th | 17th | 14th | 88 |
| Precision Pro NX2 Check Price | 14th | 7th | 9th | 4th | 14th | 87 |
 | Golf Buddy Aim L10 Check Price | 12th | 7th | 13th | 9th | 7th | 87 |
| Inesis 900 Check Price | 12th | 7th | 14th | 4th | 7th | 87 |
| Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Check Price | 6th | 14th | 11th | 12th | 10th | 87 |
| Precision Pro NX7 Check Price | 14th | 7th | 9th | 4th | 13th | 87 |
| Leupold GX-5i Check Price | 11th | 6th | 14th | 9th | 14th | 85.5 |
| Nikon CoolShot 20 GII Check Price | 6th | 14th | 11th | 18th | 14th | 84.5 |
 | Blue Tees Golf Series 2 pro slope Check Price | 17th | 17th | 14th | 12th | 10th | 81.5 |
| Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Tour Check Price | 17th | 17th | 14th | 12th | 14th | 80 |
GIVEAWAY: Win 3 Dozen Titleist Left Dash Pro V1x
Subscribe & Win!
Enter MyGolfSpy’s Giveaway!
The Best Rangefinders of 2020 – FAQ
Q: Are more expensive rangefinders better?
A: Not for everyone. Keep in mind that a good bit of the cost associated with the most premium units is a result of features that not every golfer needs or even wants. If you’re looking for every bell and whistle the market has to offer, expect to pay more. That being said, there are several lower-cost units that, while not feature-rich, cover the basics every bit as well as the more expensive units. Brands like Inesis and Precision Pro offer excellent products that won’t break the bank.
Q: Do I need a laser with slope functionality?
A: It really comes down to use. For serious golfers, Slope technology can help you make smarter decisions on the course. It can be an invaluable tool for tournament golfers looking to learn the nuances of a new course during practice rounds. Golfers who just want to know the yardage to the target and are happy to figure the rest out on their own should consider skipping the Slope feature and saving some money.
Q: What’s the best rangefinder for a shaky hand?
A: If you struggle to hold a rangefinder steady, there’s really only one model to consider. The Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized “freezes” the lens and allows you to lock on to the target. While the Nikon is on the upper end of the price range, it is well worth the money if you have shaky hands.
*We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
Rusty
2 years agoHow well do these compare when shooting the edges of bunkers and other objects that are less precisely defined than a flagpole? My current rangefinder (TecTecTec) only reads flag poles with reflectors.
Mike
2 years agoJust got the Nikon Cool Shot (#2 recommendation). It’s great. It’s very easy to use, stable, and has very clear, bright screen graphics. I don’t have anything to add technologically but, I’m pleased with it. If you’re looking for ease of use you’ll like this.
Amir
3 years agoI purchased the VoiceCaddie SL1 about 9 months ago and have LOVED it and am frankly surprised at these rating.s. Its extremely fast, accurate and locks on very easily. On top of that having the GPS and greens info is awesome for blind shots – knowing where the bunkers are etc…Again, I’m glad these guys do this level of testing, but am very surprised with ratings on this unit. I had top of line Bushnell and Leupold and this is every bit as good with better features.
Tony J
3 years agoI’d like to see another dimension in the ratings – customer service. Based on the Forum feedback the Bushnell fell to the bottom of the list when there was a problem.
tscdave
3 years agoGood info, that Bushnell machine is impressive. Have to wait till my oldie craps out tho.
Steve S
3 years agoI’m really disappointed with the latest Golf Buddy products. Their manuals are incomplete and trying to contact them for service or questions has proved to be impossible. Multiple attempts with emails have gone unanswered and their is no phone contact. Stay away from them.
David
3 years agoAll the Bushnell rangefinfers I’ve handled feel like cheap plastic toys compared my Leupold GX-3i. Everyone in the optics world for firearms knows Leupold is quality and Bushnell is budget. My buddy’s newer Bushnell is constantly giving him problems. No issues from my 5 year old Leupold.. Regardless of features, I’d rather spend my money on a well built, quality piece of equipment that’s going to last.
dr strangelove
2 years agoLeopold customer service and lifetime warranty cannot be beat.
Kyle
3 years agoI recently purchased the Precision Golf Pro NX9 Slope. I was using the Nikon Cool Shot Pro Stabilized before. I have also owned a few Bushnell. I liked the Nikon, but after 1. and a half years it shopped working. I sent it in for a warranty claim and it got stuck in CA due to COVID-19 shutdowns. The NX9 Slope has been great. Lightweight, easy to use, accurate and inexpensive. The price makes me never want to buy a $500 range finder again. I measured the accuracy vs. ShotScope V3 watch, the golf cart GPS as well as other players range finders. The NX9 is as accurate as any of the comparators. If you need a range finder, look here first. BTW, the lifetime battery is a nice value add.
Lakeside Steve
2 years agoI have the Coolshot Pro’s predecessor, the 80i VR. Sent it back recently to Nikon when the VR a stopped working, but without the original receipt (long story, but finding the receipt would entail hopping on a plane back to UT, which with all this COVID crap isn’t happening).
Despite the fact that my unit is 2.5 years old, and the 80i VR is less than 5 years old anyway, Nikon refused to honor their warranty without the receipt, and quoted me $397 to “repair” my unit.
So bottom line is, I’ll be doing the same as you and be going with Precision Pro perhaps.
pat
3 years agoFor th Nikon Coolshot, you mention as a con the small size. Who wants a large rangefinder? I want the smallest rangefinder I can find. The smaller the better as I can carry the smaller rangefinders in a jacket pocket for quick access.
mackdaddy9
3 years agoI have the Z80 and having the gps in the unit is invaluable. I gorilla glued two strong magnets to it so I can mount it on the cart frame. It is worth every penny for me. It’s the best of both worlds, gps and laser info.
Cotton Combs Ph.D.
3 years agoI can confirm the findings. I recently bought the Pro XE, it’s amazing! Bushnell costs more, but they hold their value. I had one that I used for 4 years with no problems and was able to sell it used for $75, plus Bushnell was running a $50 off special, and I asked for a discount at my local retailer, I ended getting $100 off, plus the $75 from the last it turned out being affordable. I just LOVE this Rangefinder. The magnet is amazing. You can attach to the black frame of the golf cart and it stays put. It stays clean that way! Could not say enough good things about the Pro XE
Gisle Solhaug
3 years agoThe Slope estimates on these range finders are as good as worthless if you are not hitting the trajectory that the algorithm assumes you are.
Same problem with temperature and climate. The algorithm does not know your baseline.
Dr. Strangelove
3 years agoI think the slope is from the unit to the flag. If so, that would have nothing at all to do with your launch trajectory. Just plain geometry.
DL23
3 years agoI bought the INESIS range finder last year based on a few MGS articles, It has been brilliant, i really cannot fault it. Continuously churns out the same distances as a friends bushnell, every single time.
Just curious, how did the INESIS rangefinder get special mention for “…Exceptional accuracy” last year, but only managed to finish 12th in the accuracy table this year? Has rangefinder technology come on that far in the last year? Or is 12th still classed as exceptional?
๋Jonas
3 years agoI really think so. Last year I bought INESIS rangefinder based on MGS review, and it still working very well.
Chris
3 years agoI absolutely love my Caddtek Range Finder from Costco. $139 dollars and that includes slope.. A shame none of the more affordable models besides precision pro were tested.
Art
3 years agoAgreed. The price, Costco customer service, functionality….the fact that I occasionally bounce them out of the cart…the Caddytek unit rocks!
Bryan
3 years agoI got one last year on sale at Costco for $99. It works great same as guys I play with who have $400+ range finders. Its a great deal!
suLLY
3 years agoI’m on my second PP NX7. I’m satisfied with the “bang for buck”, but I am curious if other users who added the Stick-It strap had any issues with the unit. Things like not shooting distances, giving bad numbers or inaccurate battery status.
Lakeside Steve
2 years agoI had to be careful using the Stick It strap to not over tighten the Velcro strap as it would inadvertently push down on the function button of my Nikon rangefinder.
don
3 years agoThere is a glut of rangefinders under 100$ and none of them are tested here. As a junior golf coach I get to see a ton of these cheap ones and 90+% do a very very very good job. The biggest difference is how they predict slope and they normally do it poorly so I turn it off as it is illegal in play anyhow. 10 years ago the cheap models did not but things have changed dramatically with pin finder.
Mark M
3 years agoDoes first in accuracy mean they are dead nuts accurate from every yardage or just less off than the others?
“the rangefinders we tested read within 5-yards of each other. ”
Holy sh*t, 5 yards can be a HUGE difference when you’re hitting over a hazard or bunker or conversely to a back pin.
I would like to know how much a rangefinder is off at particular distance. Is it accurate inside of 100 but then loses accuracy over 150, 200, etc.?
Maybe for future tests you might think about splitting the accuracy metrics. One for giving an accurate distance period (showing the differences – won’t the rangefinder companies love that!) and another for consistently getting that correct distance.
I’m also assuming that all of these devices with features like wind measurement, slope, etc. can be turned off. If not, then they’re useless any time you’re in competition and playing by the Rules of Golf.
Jay
3 years agoWere the Bluetees rangefinders that bad? I liked the price and just ordered one to try (60 day return policy) but seeing they got last has me re-thinking my purchase. Did I make the wrong choice?
Jonah Mytro
3 years agoWith a 60 day return policy, try it out and see how you like it.
Precision Pro offers a 90 day return policy and 2 year replacement warranty so you can try an NX7 PRO slope as well.
https://www.precisionprogolf.com/customer-care/precision-care-package/
Thanks
Tom Stripling
3 years agoA couple of my golf buddies had the TECTECTEC ULT-X . So I tried it a few times and liked it.. Bought on and am very happy with it. Has slope, vibrates with pin aquisition, good optics. Got mine for $199 normally $249. Try it you’ll like it.
DL
3 years agoIt’s too bad some of the top budget Amazon models (Boblov, Mileseey, TecTecTec etc) weren’t tested as well. I’m more interested in $100 model vs $400 than I am $400 vs $400 honestly. Even a couple of these cheap ones thrown in would give a good sense of value and what we’re getting for $300 more.
Jonah Mytro
3 years agoDL – these cheap rangefinders you mention are made from Chinese companies and are only available on Amazon. They import products directly to Amazon warehouses and list them under the top brands to sell units. They can only compete on price.
You can order one and Amazon honors a 30 day return period only. You would need to contact the actual manufacturer to get an extended warranty of 1-2 years (good luck : ) )
You can go with a $100 rangefinder but you need to consider that if it craps out after 5-6 months, you may have to drop $100 on a new one.
Some of these non branded generic rangefinder were reviewed last year:
https://mygolfspy.com/best-laser-rangefinder-of-2019/
Franc38
3 years agoI use a Boblov one… It’s been more than a year (and I play about 3 times a week, under the rain, in heat waves, whatever). Not a single issue. Gives me the same yardage (give or take 2 or 3 yards max) than my friends’ Bushnell’s. It’s very clear in the viewfinder (again not differing significantly from the big boys). Only problems? The dioptric adjustment moves a bit over time so I have to readjust regularly, the speed is not up to that of a Bushnell, but still I get my trading in less than 2 seconds, and the jolt tech is a bit fiddly but once you get the knack works great.
When it dies in X years I’ll certainly buy another cheapo from Amazon for less than $100!
Hawk
3 years agoHey just curious, how did the Voice Caddie come in 7th behind or tied with ones like the precision pro (4th) and golf buddy (7th) whose features seem to be pretty standard distance and slope when the VC offers distance to back front and middle along with showing you green slopes? Just asking because I thought of getting one.
Pete
3 years agoI gotta admit following a previous MGS test I’m loving my Precision Pro from a couple of years back. No wonder it made the cut again this year. Bang for buck this has to be great value, even to the point with free replacement batteries sent all the way down to Sydney. Thanks My Golf Spy, you’ve done it again.
MyGolfSpy
3 years ago?
Jonah Mytro
3 years agoThanks for the support!
Michael
3 years agoJust curious as to why you didn’t test the newest Precision Pro NX9 HD Slope?
SamIam
3 years agoWondering the same thing about the NX9. Were they recalled? I am okay with grabbing a top shelf Bushnell, but would rather see what the NX9 offers. Any word from the PPG crew on what is happening with this one?
Waffle House Tour
3 years agoIt would be helpful to see some stats on accuracy. Partly because you’ve injected some doubt into my mind as to the accuracy of my current rangefinder…
Can MGS share any metrics? I assume you based everything off the same “shot” to a pin flag at something like 165 yards at a known, verifiable number. Can you share how far off each rangefinder was? A ranked order of accuracy doesn’t tell me how accurate they actually are… Could be ranked 10th but could only be off by three yards, conversely it could be off by a dozen…
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoWe test at 4 different distances. 50, 150, 250, 350 (All mapped out at the start to get the correct yardage)
We hit the same flag, at the same spot, 10 times with every model. Models that say the same yardage every time and read the same yardage as previously mapped out score higher. Models who give multiple readings at each target score lower based on the mapped distance.
If a reading is different, it gets a mark against its name and the more marks you have at each distance the lower the score it receives. Those with less or no marks are awarded with higher scores.
Rangefinders that fluctuated by 3/4 yards from one to another can be the difference of carrying it over a hazard or landing in one.
Mike G.
3 years agoFWIW, it seems that what was described is a measure of precision (and very important), but accuracy is how close each unit reads to the true yardage to the pin. Was that also baked into the accuracy score? Perhaps through calculating the std. deviation between each unit’s 10 readings?
Matt N
3 years agoWhy not show another column of the average distance zapped by each range finder across the 10 zaps (or average absolute distance off so you don’t get +/-‘s tightening the average), or the average standard deviation? I agree with the above. I mean, if a range finder zaps 149.9, 149.8, 149.7, on a 150 flag, would that be 3 marks? Conversely, if a range finder zapped 149.7, 149.7, 149.7 on the same flag would it receive zero marks for displaying the same number each time? In this example of these 2 range finders, which one would rank higher for accuracy?
Mat
3 years agoAll I can say is these guys are right. The lack of data in the only truly objective test makes me wonder why you guys are so quick to toot your horns on objectivity.
“All mapped out”. Mapped out is probably the worst way of doing this kind of test. All you had to do was borrow an architectural laser, and set pins. Then you give us the numbers each one said when reading the flags. It’s literally the one thing you cannot do almost ever as a consumer, and it’s the only thing that matters in a laser.
What good is a laser if it consistently says 106y on a 100 flag? I guess if it says the same thing every time, sure, but that means that you’re out from any course marks or yardage books.
This just reads like an ad for Bushnell.
Nothing on metres. Nothing on accuracy… is it a yard/metre, or a half, or a tenth? How well does the reticle line up with a bunker lip? How often is a pin and tree switched?
Come on, guys…