Best Rangefinder Golf Reviews: For Every Budget (Even Under $200, $100)

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One of the most significant challenges when playing golf is estimating the distances to the pin and various hazards around the course [1]. A golf rangefinder eliminates the guesswork and provides precise distance readings, allowing you to select the best club for each shot.

As keen golf enthusiasts, we were excited to try out numerous golf rangefinders, and we found several models that surpassed our expectations. For a balanced article, we will provide the best golf laser rangefinder reviews and the best GPS rangefinder reviews.

Whether you are an experienced golfer looking to fine-tune your game, or a beginner who regularly finds yourself off the fairways, we’ve discovered the rangefinders that can help improve your golf game by learning how to correctly use it.

If you’re ready to invest in equipment that can help speed up your play, and potentially achieve more consistent results on the golf course, read on for our pick for the best golf rangefinders available.

Our Top Choice

bushnell pro xe golf laser rangefinder

Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder

  • Advanced slope with elements technology
  • Visual and vibrating JOLT locked on pin confirmation
  • BITE magnetic mount

Our Favorite Picks for Rangefinder Golf


Top Golf Rangefinders That We Think You Will Love

Image

Product

Purchase

Best Overall

Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder

  • Bright and clear optics
  • Up to 7x magnification settings
  • Range from 5-1,300 yards
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Overall Runner-Up

 Leupold 2017 GX-5i3 Digital Golf Rangefinder

Leupold 2017 GX-5i3 Digital Golf Rangefinder

  • Fog mode for use in inclement weather
  • Pinhunter 3-laser technology
  • Club Selector recommendations
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Amazing for Stability

Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder

Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder

  • Background contrasted OLED display with auto-brightness
  • External display confirms tournament mode setting
  • Slope adjusted distance feature
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Top 12 Best Golf Rangefinders Reviews


1. Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder: Best Overall

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 6” x 4.75” x 4.63”
  • Weight: 1.28 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: Black/silver

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

The Bushnell Pro XE is the best golf rangefinder on the market. While most manufacturers offer excellent slope compensation readings, Bushnell has taken their offering to the next level by adding temperature and barometric pressure readings to their technology.

The result is the most accurate slope adjustment readings we’ve ever seen, and as the unit encases their sensitive components in a fully-waterproof metal housing, we could continue our testing even when the rain started to pour.

There were no slippages as the textured grips ensured we had a firm hold, and the JOLT vibration technology advised when the rangefinder locked on to the pin. This feature helps remove any doubt that you have located the flag.

The 7x magnification setting is more powerful than you are likely to need, but the crystal clear images at that distance were impressive. There is a magnetic cart mount feature for convenience, which can also help if you are trying to stabilize your rangefinder to obtain an accurate distance reading.

If you’re wondering “what is the best golf rangefinder,” we’re delighted to say we’ve found the answer. If you purchase this model from Bushnell, you’ll get precise distance readouts when you’re on the course, and you’ll wonder how you ever played golf without it.

What We Like:

  • Robust rubber-armored metal housing
  • IPX7 waterproof design
  • Textured grips for stability

What We Don’t Like:

  • A relatively expensive rangefinder

2. Leupold 2017 GX-5i3 Digital Golf Rangefinder: Overall Runner-Up

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 8” x 3” x 1.4”
  • Weight: 0.49 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: Black/silver

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

This Leopold rangefinder comes a close second to Bushnell’s marginally superior model. Leupold also uses the atmospheric conditions to provide precise distance readings with their True Golf Range Technology, and they are accurate to within 1/10th of a yard.

We were amazed at our game’s improvement when we used these readings alongside their Club Selector functionality. After inputting our usual striking distances when using 4,6, and 8 irons, the rangefinder combines this data with the remaining yardage to the hole and recommends which club we should use for our shot.

By removing this layer of estimation from our game, we could get considerably closer than usual to the hole on several occasions. Although this uses high-level processors to produce these results, the Leupold GX Prism Lock Technology ensures there are no game delays. An audible tone confirms that the system has locked on the target, which regularly occurred with impressive speed.

Although we didn’t get the weather to test the fog mode, we’ve heard numerous anecdotal reports from golfers that it provides accurate distance readings even in overcast conditions. Some golfers overlook this feature at their peril.

Golf is an outdoor sport, and many choose to play all year round, even when the conditions aren’t ideal. If your rangefinder doesn’t cope well in inclement conditions, it can provide inaccurate readings that could wreak havoc on your game.

Leupold rangefinder

Image Credit: Michael LaBranche

What We Like:

  • Accurate to nearest 1/10th of a yard
  • Prism lock technology for faster play
  • Multi-coated lens reduces glare

What We Don’t Like:

  • Some golfers may prefer a larger rangefinder

3. MiLESEEY Golf Rangefinder, High-Precision Laser Range Finder: Best Value Under $200

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 33” x 2.56” x 1.5”
  • Weight: 0.37 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: Black/white/red

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

If you’re buying a golf rangefinder on a budget, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or functionality for affordability. This high-precision rangefinder from MiLESEEY has a flagpole locking function accurate for ranges up to 250 yards, which is enough for most shots from the fairway.

If you’re too far to make the green, the continuous scan feature provides distance information for a range of possible lay-up points to get you in the ideal position for your next shot.

Because we used the rangefinder before each shot, we appreciated the ergonomic soft casing that made it easy to grip the unit and didn’t slip even when our hands became sweaty.

Although this rangefinder is more affordable than many rival models, the clarity of images even at 6x magnification was excellent, making it our pick for the best golf rangefinder under $200. If there was any blurring, turning the eyepiece’s quick adjustment feature quickly gave a clear and bright picture.

This unit has many standard functions that are familiar on many rangefinders, but there’s also the handy ability to see your distance in yards or meters.

MiLESEEY has not skimped on the accessories, including a premium pouch with a hook, a CR2 battery, and lifetime customer support. This model has a superb complete rangefinder package, and we have no hesitation in making it our best value golf rangefinder.

What We Like:

  • Easy access battery compartment
  • Includes belt strap and carrying pouch
  • Adjustable eyepiece for improved focus

What We Don’t Like:

  • May not be as durable as some rival models

4. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder: Value Runner-Up

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 1.61” x 2.83” x 4.09”
  • Weight: 0.41 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: Black/silver

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

Some best rangefinder golf reviews can become slightly sidetracked by only focusing on accuracy, but there are other crucial variables. TecTecTec takes pride in its ability to produce high-quality lenses that provide crystal clear images, and this rangefinder does not disappoint. The brand used a fully multi-coated lens to reduce glare and reflections, leaving only clear images that show your target in precise detail.

This model can help those near or far-sighted to better see the flag and boost confidence that you have the correct distance before you take your shot. This feature is complemented by the Advanced Pin-Seeker Technology that can find and lock onto the flag even if you are having trouble manually locating it, helping to speed up play.

Although it has powerful optics, this is a compact and lightweight rangefinder that you can keep in your golfing jacket pocket. The rain-resistant design allows you to measure distances even in damp conditions, although it’s not entirely waterproof, so we’d recommend keeping it in your golf bag during heavier downpours.

The 540-yard range is more than enough distance for most golf courses, although it’s nice to have the safety net of the extra yardage in case you stray too far off the fairway. This version is one of the more affordable models on the market, and TecTecTec stands over its rangefinder with a 2-year limited warranty.

What We Like:

  • Accurate up to a range of 540 yards
  • Crystal clear optics
  • Comes with a limited 2-year warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • Some golfers have reported inconsistencies in range data

5. Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder: Great For Stability

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 3.8” x 2.9” x 1.7”
  • Weight: 0.4 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: white/blue/black

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

Using a rangefinder when your hands are shaky can adversely affect the accuracy of the distance readings. Some shaking can be almost imperceptible and could result from unusually cold conditions, excess caffeine consumption, the adrenaline from the excitement of competition golf, or merely the consequences of getting older.

The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf rangefinder uses exclusive technology to ensure that the viewfinder and outbound laser are steady for superior results. When you’re playing in golf competitions, the external LED confirms that the slope adjustment function is off and that you are adhering to USGA regulations. [2]

We found the quick multi-target mapping invaluable for measuring the distances to various hazards, trees, and the pin in the 8-second scanning feature. Aside from helping us speed up our play, it provided all relevant information to decide how to play our next shot.

Nikon has ensured its rangefinder can operate in the most challenging conditions, as it is completely waterproof and even has a nitrogen filling that eliminates internal condensation. This unit is one of the best golf distance finder models for overall quality and assistance for achieving accurate results.

Nikon Coolshot Pro

Image Credit: pgapappas

What We Like:

  • Exclusive laser and viewfinder stabilization technology
  • Rear diopter ring for fast viewfinder focus
  • Nitrogen filling eliminates internal condensation

What We Don’t Like:

  • The white color scheme could get dirty over time

6. Skarlie Golf GPS Watch Devices Golf Course Preloaded Rangefinder: Best GPS Rangefinder Watch

Product Specifications and Features

  • Size of watchband: max 9.5”; min 5.5”
  • Weight: 0.14 lbs.
  • Power supply: USB charging cable included
  • Color: Black

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

Not all rangefinders use hand-held laser technology, and if you prefer GPS, then this could be the model for you. Because it’s a watch, you can easily walk around the course without needing to retrieve a rangefinder from your bag for each shot. The lightweight design ensures the rangefinder doesn’t impact your swing, and it also looks stylish when playing.

We found the auto golf course and hole recognition features to be quick and accurate. As the watch has preloaded 40,000 courses, it is unlikely you’ll play a round that isn’t pre-measured. There are also free lifetime updates, so as Skarlie adds more courses to their library, you’ll also receive the course data.

One advantage over a laser pinpointer is that the GPS feature provides accurate distance reading to the front, back, and center of the green for better shot selection. There is also the ability to see distances for up to 4 hazards per hole, increasing your chances of staying on the fairway. One potential downside is GPS requires an unobstructed link to a satellite to operate.

While we didn’t have any issues during our round, it’s something to consider when playing in poor weather conditions or areas heavily sheltered by trees.

What We Like:

  • Free lifetime courses and firmware upgrades
  • Stylish and comfortable to wear
  • Scorecard setting displays results from previous rounds

What We Don’t Like:

  • Does not work if there isn’t a satellite connection

7. Voice Caddie Golf SL 1 True Hybrid Laser Rangefinder: Most Detailed Course Data

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 8” x 6” x 4”
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Power supply: USB2
  • Color: Brown/silver

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

If you want golf rangefinders best in providing details about a course, this rangefinder combines a vintage appearance with modern technology to offer astonishingly accurate distance readings to within 1 yard. Using GPS and laser technology to map the course and locate the flag with pinpoint accuracy, this rangefinder provides a wealth of information.

The color LCD screen displays green undulation for a more accurate assessment of your target area. Although the green undulation feature isn’t yet available for all courses, Voice Caddy continually strives to include more in their library.

For the courses that are already on their system, the rangefinder advises of the green slope, height, and nearby hazards. The easy-to-understand visual display allows you to choose the best location for your shot before taking your swing. Applying the slope adjustment technology, you can select a club based on the slope compensated distance, reducing the chances of over or under hitting your ball.

We played into the late afternoon during testing, and the OLED screen performed well in low light conditions. The 6x magnification setting showed good clarity even at long distances, which helped the flag move, allowing us to judge the wind direction and speed more accurately.

The vibration target capture alert was useful on the holes backed by wooded areas and prevented us from aiming towards the trees. This model is our pick for the best golf rangefinder with slope because of the extra green undulation data.

What We Like:

  • More traditional style appearance
  • Provides green undulation and course layouts
  • High clarity lens for sharper images

What We Don’t Like:

  • Heavier than many rival rangefinders

8. Golf Buddy Voice 2 Golf Rangefinder: Lightweight Design Under $100

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 1.76″ x 1.78″ x 0.49”
  • Weight: 0.06 lbs.
  • Power supply: Lithium polymer rechargeable battery
  • Color: Black/white

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

Hands down, the Golf Buddy Voice 2 is the best golf rangefinder under $100. The stand-out feature is the talking GPS device that reads your distances aloud, so you don’t need to look at the display. This model is accurate up to 385 yards, so it is suitable for all but the longest holes.

There is an included watch strap which is ideal for carrying your rangefinder on your wrist, although it is detachable, so you can also keep it in your pocket. If you prefer, you can also clip the unit to your hat or golf bag, and as it weighs only 0.06 lbs. The lithium polymer rechargeable battery lasts up to 14 hours on one charge, which is enough for approximately 3 rounds of golf.

The most significant disadvantage of this rangefinder is that it only uses GPS, so you can not view your target through a viewfinder. While some golfers are happy to have accurate distance readouts, some may prefer to see the green and read the conditions they are playing.

If you are a fan of GPS rangefinders and are looking for a model that performs superbly without all the bells and whistles, then we have no hesitation in recommending this as the best budget golf rangefinder available.

What We Like:

  • Clear 1″ mono LCD screen
  • QZSS connectivity for linking with other golf equipment
  • IPX4 water-resistant for playing in the rain

What We Don’t Like:

  • Some golfers may prefer a more substantial rangefinder weight

9. Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 4” x 1.57” x 3.11”
  • Weight: 0.35 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: Black/white/red

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

One aspect that is never in doubt with a Bushnell rangefinder is the accuracy. Popular with an overwhelming majority of PGA Tour professionals [3], their unrivaled Pin-Seeker with JOLT technology quickly locates the flag and uses short vibrating bursts to confirm target acquisition.

The fast focus system and 5x magnification give you crystal clear views of the green, and the unit is accurate up to 400 yards.

You can easily toggle in and out of the slope on/off setting using Bushnell’s Slope-Switch technology. When the feature is in the off position, the rangefinder is suitable for use in tournament play.

Although this is a laser rangefinder, Bushnell has incorporated GPS benefits using the downloadable app. You can log on using your phone or smart device and instantly view hole data for over 36,000 courses in 30 countries.

The 3D flyover feature allows you to see the course and view distances to the front, back, and center of the green and the yardage to the course hazards. You can view all this data quickly, so you don’t delay the game.

Enter your score while you’re playing, and the app keeps a digital record, while the fitness function tracks your pace, distance, and average speed while you enjoy your game.

What We Like:

  • Pin-Seeker with JOLT technology
  • Comes with Bushnell golf app included
  • Bushnell rangefinders used by over 99% of PGA Tour professionals

What We Don’t Like:

  • Rangefinder dimensions may be too large for some golfers

10. Bushnell 201835 Hybrid Golf Laser Rangefinder + GPS: Best Technology

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 2” x 3” x 3”
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: black/red

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

As a leading innovator in the golf rangefinder industry, it’s no surprise that Bushnell has brought this hybrid model with side readout to the market. The fully-integrated display shows the laser distance readout and the GPS measurements from your position to the pin.

Although you can view the distances in the viewfinder, there is also a side display showing the same information. This feature is particularly useful if you have a caddy and need to discuss the best club for your next shot or if you are playing with friends and are deciding on how to play the hole.

The side-mounted buttons are easy to control by moving your fingers without the need to take the viewfinder from your eye to locate the right button. While this model looks fantastic with a sleek black and red color scheme, we’re unsure about the battery design. The laser functionality uses the standard CR2 battery, while the GPS feature requires charging by USB.

This issue isn’t a deal-breaker, but it is slightly more inconvenient to have 2 battery systems to maintain than the more familiar single battery models. However, the amount of data this rangefinder makes available to the user means that no best golf laser rangefinder golf review article would be complete without mentioning this terrific piece of kit.

What We Like:

  • Easy to access side control buttons
  • Accurate to within 1 yard
  • Distances for up to 4 hazards per hole

What We Don’t Like:

  • Some users report a short rechargeable battery life

11. Precision Pro NX9 Non-Slope Golf Rangefinder: Super Easy To  Use

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 6” x 4.2” x 3.4”
  • Weight: 0.03 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: Green/black

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

Precision Pro has delivered an outstanding rangefinder for their loyal fans, and we’re sure this model can win them many new followers. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while the compact measurements won’t take up much space in your golf bag. For added convenience, this rangefinder has an integrated magnet for mounting on your golf cart.

Although this is a compact rangefinder, we found the viewfinder had a wide display screen that made it easy to identify targets and pick out details around the green. Even though the 6x magnification setting, 400 yard accuracy of the system, and the display image’s clarity gave us confidence that we had identified the distance correctly, the pulse vibration technology provided reassuring confirmation.

When you’re holding a club in one hand and trying to get a ball or tee from your pocket, it’s easy to drop equipment. This rangefinder has a shock-proof design for long-lasting durability and performance.

The neat carry case is excellent for keeping your rangefinder safe from the dirt and dust that can accumulate in a golf bag, and we liked the exceptional manufacturer support service.

The industry standard CR2 batteries are long-lasting, but they do eventually run out. However, you can avail of the lifetime battery replacement scheme to order a new battery for the rangefinder’s lifespan.

What We Like:

  • Stylish bright green and black color scheme
  • Pulse vibration technology
  • Free lifetime battery replacement

What We Don’t Like:

  • Some users have reported occasional distance overshooting

12. Peakpulse Golf Laser Rangefinder

Product Specifications and Features

  • Dimensions: 4.7” x 6” x 3”
  • Weight: 0.07 lbs.
  • Power supply: 1 CR2 battery
  • Color: White/black

Accuracy

User-friendly


Description

Buying a rangefinder that offers superb value doesn’t always mean purchasing the cheapest option. While this PeakPulse model is slightly more expensive than some rival rangefinders, it’s our pick for the best golf rangefinder for the money.

The fast focus system makes it straightforward to adjust the viewfinder to achieve a clear image, even when you’re wearing glasses. The Advanced Flag Acquisition Technology filters out background images, so you see the flag with clarity. Because the system is accurate to 1 yard, you can play your shot with confidence.

One of the most impressive features was the auto-shutdown feature after 8 seconds of inactivity. This function improves battery lifespan and means you can palace your rangefinder in your pocket without worrying about accidentally running out of power if you forget to turn it off.

The rangefinder also uses a Class 1 laser with less than 0.5 mW (average power output), so even when operational, the energy usage is minimal. Adding further value for money, this rangefinder comes with a carrying case, lanyard, CR2 battery, cleaning cloth, 2-year warranty, and lifetime customer support.

We are delighted to say there are many satisfied customer reviews backing our assertion that this rangefinder offers incredible features at a reasonable price.

What We Like:

  • Advanced Flag Acquisition Technology
  • Water-resistant for playing in the rain
  • Up to 6x magnification setting

What We Don’t Like:

  • It’s easy to press the meters/yards button accidentally

Conclusion

We were amazed by the quality and wide range of features that made using a golf rangefinder a pleasure. It’s easy to see how knowing the accurate distance to the pin or having a powerful processor calculate the required amount of slope adjustment can help your golf game.

However, there were many more benefits that made it easy to integrate the rangefinder into our play. The build quality and ergonomic grip designs made it easy to hold most laser rangefinders in one hand, and the GPS watches were barely noticeable on our wrists.

While there are many excellent models, we found the Bushnell Pro XE Laser Golf Rangefinder to be a class above the rest. The ability to calculate slope adjustments while simultaneously adding in temperature and barometric pressures is exceptional, and it is fully-waterproof while many rivals are only water-resistant.

Bushnell claims that 99.3% of PGA Tour Professionals use their rangefinders, and we wholeheartedly concur that this is the best laser rangefinder in golf and the best overall.

If you are looking for more home golf simulators reviews, check out are article detailing the best on the market

Best Overall Pick

Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder

bushnell pro xe golf laser rangefinder

Things to Consider While Buying

Golf rangefinder reviews should relate to your specific golf game, and you need to know what to look for when selecting your preferred model.

What to Look for in a Rangefinder

You need to understand how a rangefinder works as the most crucial aspect of any golf rangefinder is accuracy, otherwise, you may as well do without it. A high-quality model provides distance readings accurate to 1 yard of your target.

You should also check the range capability as if you regularly play courses that have 450 yard holes, then you’ll want your rangefinder to work over the same distance.

Slope measurement is another important characteristic to help you plan your shots. While most rangefinders provide this functionality, the best models factor in atmospheric conditions that could also impact on the ball flight.

An ergonomic grip and lightweight design can help and also prevent it from falling when in use.

While many rangefinders are water-resistant, you may want to opt for a waterproof and fogproof model if you play in changeable weather conditions.

A rangefinder can display distances to the pin and various hazards to help you plan your shot, and usually this data overlays on the viewfinder image.

Lastly, while most laser rangefinders use long-life batteries if your model has a rechargeable cell, then it is advisable to ensure it has a full charge before each round of golf.

Is Slope Measurement Important in a Rangefinder?

The slope adjustment measurement is a vital feature on a rangefinder, as if the pin is 100 yards away, but is uphill or downhill, then you need to adjust your shot to compensate for the change in height. 

Read our reviews to some of the most popular golf simulator brands available in the market. 

If you’re looking for something to help you avoid carrying all your gear around, check out our golf cart reviews as well as our golf bags to keep and fit all your equipment.