Best Portable Golf Launch Monitor Reviews [2023]: Affordable Options For All Budgets
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Golfing is a sport with lots of depth and nuance. It can take time to become good at it, so you want to take advantage of any help you can get [1]. Getting a launch monitor for golf is one way you can quickly improve your game.
But what is a launch monitor? They’re small electronic devices that measure different elements of your golf ball at impact, like power, direction, and spin. Golf pros regularly use them [2], but they’re not always easy to find at the average golf retailer, owing to their high cost and specialized purpose.
By providing you with data about your swing, you can see your weaknesses and know what you need to change or work on. As technology has advanced, there is now an array of golf monitors available at much more budget-friendly prices. Let us help you find the best golf launch monitor for your needs.
Best Overall Pick
Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- High-speed camera launch monitor
- Non-marking ball technology
- Real-time clubhead and ball data
Our Favorite Picks for Golf Launch Monitors
- Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- Ernest Sports ES16 Tour Golf Launch Monitor
- SkyTrak Launch Monitor
- Swing Caddie SC300 Launch Monitor
- Flightscope Mevo Launch Monitor
- Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
- Garmin Approach G80
- Foresight Sports GC2 Launch Monitor
| Image | Product | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Best All-Round Launch Monitor  | Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
| |
| Best All-Round Launch Monitor Runner-Up  | Ernest Sports ES16 Tour Golf Launch Monitor
| |
| Best Value Launch Monitor  | SkyTrak Launch Monitor
|
Top 8 Best Golf Launch Monitor Reviews
1. Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor: Best All-Round Launch Monitor
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 12’ x 16’ x 9’
- Launch Monitor Specs: Ceiling mounted, bracket mount, and calibration chart included
- Simulator Software: EYE XO View, Refine, Succeed
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
The Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor is a great golf launch monitor. Though it comes in at a high price, it’s features make it well worth it.
This camera-based monitor system features 2 cameras capable of capturing thousands of frames per second, meaning it can highlight all the tiny nuances of your swing.
Doing this provides you with real-time data on your clubhead and your ball, so you know exactly what you need to improve or change in the future. Some of the metrics it tracks include backspin, club path, and impact point. [3]
The system also comes equipped with Club and Swing OPTIX, Uneekor’s photographic validation photographic technology. It provides a recorded replay of the clubhead striking the ball so that you can see precisely where you hit the ball on your clubface. This feature provides you with insight into one of the essential variables for getting a consistent golf game.
The launch monitor is bundled with simulator software, so make sure you have a computer that can take advantage of it.
We were particularly impressed with the non-marking ball technology that allows you to use any ball you want. Compared to the Uneekor QED model, which requires marked balls, this is a huge improvement and one that won us over.
What We Like:
- 2 hyperspeed cameras capable of 3,000+ fps
- Non-marking ball technology
- Swing motion analysis available
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs to be installed on a mount indoors
2. Ernest Sports ES16 Tour Golf Launch Monitor: Best All-Round Launch Monitor Runner-Up
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 10’ distance from screens and nets, 12” from ball
- Launch Monitor Specs: 7.8” x 10” 3 lbs.
- Simulator Software: Free Ernest Sports app
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
The Ernest Sports ES16 Tour Golf Launch Monitor is a unique entry in the launch monitors space. Where most launch monitors opt to use just a camera or radar system, the ES16 uses both.
It features 4 doppler radars, which excel in accurate speed measurements, and 2 cameras for spin and directional measurements. Together, the device allows you to track a wide array of metrics, from ball data such as carry distance to club data like the angle of attack and smash factor [4].
The data it gathers can be saved and stored individually so that you can see club averages and general session performance. This data can be further tweaked with the free Ernest Sports app. Once connected, you can see live ball flight from aerial and lateral views and analyze stats such as shot dispersion and shot shape.
This unit is excellent for the outdoors because it comes in a very compact package and has long-lasting battery life. You can play a full set without worrying about your monitor. We were a bit disappointed that even though it is geared towards the outside, it doesn’t come with any weather-resistant finishes, meaning rain can still be a game-killer.
It’s also compatible with popular simulator software so that you can use it with your indoor set-up.
What We Like:
- Saves data from practice session
- Stores club data so you can see individual averages
- Compact design is perfect for the outdoors
What We Don’t Like:
- Not weather-resistant
3. SkyTrak Launch Monitor: Best Value Launch Monitor
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 10’ x 10’ x 9’
- Launch Monitor specs: 6.75” x 5.75” x 2.5”
- Simulator Software: Compatible with popular simulation packages on iOS, Android, PC
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
This is an insanely affordable launch monitor that doesn’t skimp on the quality as you might expect. It’s also light and portable so you can bring it around with you wherever you want.
You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home if you don’t want to because it comes with a SkyTrak app that can connect the monitor to your iPad or PC. This app shows all the metrics you expect, like shot shape, angle, spin rate, and distance, while also offering a built-in 3D driving range.
This range lets you hit the ball indoors, as it allows you to see where it would go via cutting-edge simulation technology. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have multiplayer, so you can’t play with your friends.
The accuracy of this device blew us away. We weren’t expecting such high-caliber performance from an affordably priced device, and we found that barring the occasional misread, it was only 1-2 yards off at most. It’ll definitely let you tell the burners from the great hits.
This accuracy is possible because of this unit’s proprietary SkyTrak shot tracer technology, which traces the ball’s flight, among other things. This is a great value purchase that you are sure to love.
If you are interested in checking out more about the best value golf simulator packages out there that use this launch monitor, check out our detailed reviews
What We Like:
- Features SkyTrak shot tracer technology
- Outstanding accuracy for the price point
- Comes with 3D driving range
What We Don’t Like:
- Included simulators don’t have multiplayer functionality
4. Swing Caddie SC300 Launch Monitor: Best Portable Launch Monitor
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 11’ of shot space, 5’ behind ball
- Launch Monitor Specs: 6.5” x 4.7” x 1.1”, 15 oz.
- Simulator Software: Free Phone App
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
We can’t compile a list of portable launch monitor reviews without mentioning the king of portable devices, the Swing Caddie SC300 Launch Monitor. It’s easily the best portable golf monitor out there, so it’s a perfect fit if you like to go outside on the range.
You don’t even have to stop playing golf to use it because you can operate it entirely hands-free via voice commands. It also has a speaker that lets you know the distance you hit, so you don’t have to get pulled away from the game and your friends.
One thing we noticed is that our choice for best portable golf launch monitor tracks fewer data points than other launch monitors out there, so we weren’t able to get as comprehensive a look at our swings and performance.
This device can be used right out of the box since it runs completely stand-alone. Optionally, you can install the app to sync and save your data.
If you do decide to use it stand-alone, make sure to take advantage of its 2 modes. You can swap between practice mode for immediate feedback and target mode for a specific distance you want to hit. We found the 2 modes perfect for bag mapping and improving our wedge game, respectively.
What We Like:
- Super portable design with high-level performance
- Hands-free usage possible
- Runs stand-alone or with app
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited data points tracked
5. Flightscope Mevo Launch Monitor: Best Affordable Launch Monitor
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 7’-9’ to tee, 8’ ball flight
- Launch Monitor Specs: 3.55” x 2.76” x 1.18”, 0.4375 lbs.
- Simulator Software: FlightScope Golf App
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting pad/mat: Not included
- Landing pad/mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
The FlightScope Mevo is an entry-level launch monitor that packs in a lot of high-end features. It’s easily one of the best affordable golf monitors.
This device comes in at a fantastic price point but can track many essential metrics like carry distance, clubhead speed, and vertical launch angle. We were impressed with how comprehensive its parameter measurement is.
There was no problem with accuracy, either. While there were some slight variations compared alongside other launch monitors, this affordable golf launch monitor is still within a reasonable degree of difference. Of course, it’s not as accurate as something like the SkyTrak Launch Monitor, but this is to be expected, considering it comes in at a fraction of the cost.
Another exciting feature can be found in its companion app. If you set up your phone correctly, it can record video and then overlay that video’s data points. This is perfect for reviewing your posture while also seeing how your stats change with any given swing. Sessions can be further saved, uploaded, and shared as desired.
In our use, we noticed that it doesn’t always show all the data points it measures on our device. Specifically, sometimes it won’t display Club Speed and Smash Factor, but this is a minor bump in an otherwise very polished product.
What We Like:
- App lets you capture video and overlay real-time performance data
- Incredibly portable design
- Great price point for what it measures
What We Don’t Like:
- Occasionally doesn’t show some data points
- Low battery life
6. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor: Best Mobile Launch Monitor
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 6’ of space behind tee
- Launch Monitor specs: 6.85” x 4.72” x 2.28”, 15.52 oz.
- Simulator Software: iOS-only software app
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
This model is another affordable pick that works both indoors and outdoors.
What’s interesting about this personal launch monitor is the way you need to set it up. It comes with a stand attached to the monitor so that you can put your mobile device on top of it.
With this installed and connected via Bluetooth, it becomes possible to record complementary video alongside stat tracking. These videos can even have shot tracers put over them and overlaid with data points. It’s perfect for review and evaluation of the shots you take, and with an accuracy within 2.5% of other high-end monitors, you can trust that the figures you see are correct.
Unfortunately, and oddly, this interface, and by extension, the monitor as a whole, only works with Apple devices. It’s a limitation that locks out a sizable portion of its user base. However, this issue may be resolved in the future as Rapsodo, the manufacturer, is working on releasing an Android version.
As for other features, we were happily surprised to find that the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor also comes with a GPS satellite view. This function can be accessed through the phone and works by using your mobile’s GPS to feel out the area. From there, it allows you to track where each of your shots are landing on the course.
Overall, we were very impressed with this product.
What We Like:
- Uses mobile device to record and evaluate data
- Affordable price point
- Fast plug and play set-up
What We Don’t Like:
- Only compatible with Apple products
7. Garmin Approach G80: Best GPS Integrated Launch Monitor Runner-Up
Product Specifications and Features
- Launch Monitor Specs: 2.3” x 4.5” x 0.6”, 4.2 oz.
- Simulator Software: Garmin Golf app
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
The Garmin Approach G80 is a great golf swing launch monitor, and golf GPS rolled into one.
When we first got the device, we immediately noticed its colorful sunlight-readable touchscreen. This screen is what you look at to see the course you’re on, and with a click of the easy-access button, you can switch over to launch monitor mode.
It works through radar, which typically requires a lot of space to detect the ball, meaning this model is better suited for the outdoors than indoors. We noticed a drop in accuracy when we tried to use it inside, so we wouldn’t recommend it for that purpose.
However, the monitor worked great outside, where we could take advantage of its many modes.
Warmup mode provides simple feedback. Tempo training gave us instant feedback on the timings of our backswing and downswing. The virtual round is for tracking play in tournaments or against friends. Finally, there’s target distance practice, which we used to work on our long and short drives.
It also offers a digital scorecard with scoring options for Match Play, Stableford, Stroke Play, and Skins, with adjustable handicaps if desired. Another cool feature is the PlaysLike Distance system, which gives you distances to targets. If you’re taking blind shots, you can use the PinPointer to show you the green’s location. There’s a lot packed into this little device, and it’s affordable to boot.
What We Like:
- Functionality of a GPS along with integrated launch monitor
- Multiple modes for training and playing
- 5-round battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Less accurate indoors
8. Foresight Sports GC2 Launch Monitor: Best Professional Launch Monitor
Product Specifications and Features
- Minimum Room Dimensions: 20” from ball
- Launch Monitor specs: 5.5” x 10” x 3”, 3.8 lbs.
- Simulator Software: FSX 2020
- Projector Specs: Not included
- Screen Specs: Not included
- Net Specs: Not included
- Hitting Pad/Mat: Not included
- Landing Pad/Mat: Not included
Accuracy
User-friendly
Description
If you’re in the market for a professional-grade home launch monitor, the Foresight Sports GC2 Launch Monitor won’t disappoint.
To track your swing and launch, it uses a set of high-resolution cameras capable of capturing up to 10,000 frames per second. Paired with state-of-the-art image processing and a notably wide hitting window, it offers almost unparalleled accuracy. It works both outside and inside, paired with simulators or alone, and because of its small space requirements, you can use it practically anywhere.
Compared to other models it’s a bit bulkier and heavier. It’s not exactly back-breaking, but it’s also not quite a handheld device. However, you can still bring it with you to practice your game when you travel or visit friends.
Setting up the device was as easy as popping it open. Because it has a built-in screen, you don’t need to use any app, nor do you need to calibrate anything – it has self-leveling technology. It only took us a few minutes to get it out of the box and running, and we didn’t even need to mark our balls.
This device is excellent for club fitting and game improvement because it provides metrics that you can trust. If you want more data about your club and swing, you can buy Foresight’s head measurement technology analysis device, although this will set you back a bit more.
For more information about Foresight simulators, check out our detailed buying guide
What We Like:
- Super accurate high-speed camera system
- Small space requirements mean you can use it anywhere
- Quick set-up with no need for marked balls
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulky and hard to bring around
Conclusion
Although there is a wide selection of quality launch monitors out there, we still firmly believe that the best personal launch monitor is the Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor.
Its high price is very indicative of its quality, and every piece of it is well-made. The 2 high-speed cameras can capture all the minutiae of your swing with high accuracy. This data is then run through a proprietary OPTIX system that provides photographic validation and recorded replays. It’s also capable of delivering swing motion analysis, which we found instrumental in upping our game.
We were fans of the non-marking ball technology. It makes the experience even more polished and easy to run. This monitor can also work with popular simulation software so you can always play golf, whether the weather is cooperative or not.
Top this all off with the brand’s PowerU cloud service for data analytics and review, and you have one killer package.
This monitor will also work great if you’re planning to build your own DIY simulator.
Best Overall Pick
Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
Golf Launch Monitors Overview
If you’ve been playing golf for an appreciable amount of time, you may have heard of golf ball launch monitors. These little intricately designed devices purport to help you get better at golf, using the power of data. Golf professionals use them, and if you’re serious about upping your game, you should use one too.
What is a Golf Launch Monitor?
A golf launch monitor is a device that uses camera or radar technology to measure a comprehensive set of parameters for every single golf swing. Once set up, they can capture incredibly detailed information about the club, your swing, and the ball.
Some metrics they can measure include:
- Clubhead speed: Speed the club is traveling when it strikes the ball
- Ball speed: How fast the ball is moving on impact
- Spin rate: The amount of spin on the ball
What are the Benefits of a Golf Launch Monitor?
The benefits are twofold. First, because you have an accurate reading of each swing, you can evaluate how you did and what you need to improve. This sort of data is also perfect for club fitting, so you can get the right putters and nine-irons for your needs.
The measurements it provides can also give you concrete datasets to track how you perform over time. With a monitor, you can see when you’re improving, rather than just swinging blindly.
What are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to get a launch monitor.
You can also learn more about the best golf simulator projector you can avail in the market today for your launch monitors. Visit our website to find out more several reviews of the best golf simulators parts. Check out our golf swing analyzer if you’re looking for something to help you improve your stance and shots.
