If you’ve ever hit a shot and wondered, “What actually happened there?” a launch monitor might be your new best friend. Once reserved for tour players and club fitters, launch monitors are now more accessible than ever, with options for every budget and skill level.
Whether you want to dial in your distances, build a home simulator, or simply better understand your swing, this guide walks through everything you need to know. From entry-level tools to top-tier tech, we’ll explain what launch monitors do, which ones are worth your time, and what to expect in terms of cost, accuracy, and ongoing subscriptions.
What does a launch monitor do?
At its core, a launch monitor tracks and measures the performance of your golf shots. Depending on the model, it can deliver data like:
- Ball speed
- Clubhead speed
- Launch angle
- Carry distance
- Spin rates
- Smash factor
- Club path and face angle
- Apex height
- Side spin or shot shape
- Total distance (carry + roll)
Some monitors use radar-based systems (like TrackMan and FlightScope), while others use camera-based or infrared systems (like Foresight and SkyTrak). Each has strengths and limitations, especially in different environments (indoor vs. outdoor).
Why it matters
Launch monitors help take the guesswork out of your golf game. You can:
- Learn your actual carry distances for each club
- See how swing changes affect performance
- Validate new equipment choices
- Get real feedback when practicing alone
- Build or run a full home simulator
- Track progress over time
While some data may seem overwhelming at first, even just focusing on a few key numbers—like carry distance, spin, and club path—can dramatically improve your understanding of your game.
Launch monitor categories by budget
To help make sense of the many options, we’ve broken down launch monitors into four general pricing tiers. These aren’t hard rules, but they’ll give you a solid starting point when comparing devices.
Entry-level (under $600)
These are simple, portable units ideal for basic distance feedback and casual practice. Accuracy varies, and features are limited, but they’re better than guessing.
Notable options:
PRGR Portable Launch Monitor ($229)
- Tracks swing speed, ball speed, carry, and total distance
- Works indoors or outdoors
- No app required, no subscription fees
- Great for swing speed training
Garmin Approach G80 ($500)
- Combines GPS rangefinder and basic launch monitor
- Measures clubhead speed, ball speed, tempo, estimated distance
- Includes virtual rounds and tempo training
- No subscription
Swing Caddie SC300i ($499)
- Offers launch angle and apex in addition to speed and distance
- Bluetooth app connectivity
- Optional voice feedback
- No subscription required
Who this is for: Casual golfers, range rats, and those dipping their toes into data-driven practice.
Mid-range ($600 to $2,000)
In this tier, you’ll find more accurate tracking, better apps, and some simulator integration. Great for serious practice and golfers looking to track progress over time.
Notable options:
Rapsodo MLM2 Pro ($699)
- Dual-camera system plus radar
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Tracks 13 metrics including spin rate
- Supports simulation with E6 Connect
- Annual Premium membership ($199/year) unlocks advanced data and storage
Flightscope Mevo+ ($2,199)
- Doppler radar system, excellent indoors or outdoors
- Includes 16 data points with optional Pro Package ($1,000 upgrade)
- Compatible with E6 and other sim software
- Requires iPad or tablet to run
- Some features need a subscription or add-on purchases
SkyTrak ($1,995)
- Camera-based system
- Very popular for home simulators
- Strong accuracy with indoor use
- Annual game improvement plan ($129/year) required for full features
- Simulator support with TGC 2019, E6, Creative Golf
Who this is for: Dedicated players, indoor golfers, and those who want more than just carry distance.
Upper mid-range to advanced ($2,500 to $7,000)
Now you’re into high-performance territory with tour-level accuracy, deeper shot metrics, and full simulation capabilities. These are often used by teaching pros and advanced amateurs.
Notable options:
Foresight Sports GC3 ($5,999)
- Triple camera system for club and ball tracking
- Industry-leading indoor accuracy
- Integrated touchscreen display
- Simulator ready with FSX software
- No required subscription, but FSX software licenses are sold separately
Flightscope X3 ($7,000)
- Same company behind Mevo+, but far more advanced
- Radar-based tracking used by tour coaches
- Offers putting data and wedge matrix
- Not ideal for indoor use without special lighting or space
- Multiple add-on costs for advanced features
Bushnell Launch Pro ($3,499 for basic, $699/year for Gold package)
- Rebranded GC3 with different pricing model
- Requires subscription to unlock simulation, club data, and range sessions
- Extremely accurate and pro-level
Garmin Approach R50 ($4,999, $9.99/month or $99/year for Garmin Golf Premium)
- Triple-camera system with 10-inch touchscreen
- Tracks over 15 measured ball and club metrics, including spin rate, spin axis, face-to-path, and impact location
- Preloaded with 43,000+ courses via Home Tee Hero (subscription required for course play)
- Works indoors and outdoors with high accuracy
- HDMI output for easy simulator integration
- Requires clubface stickers for full club data
Who this is for: Coaches, serious amateurs, and players building full-time home or studio setups.
Premium and commercial ($10,000+)
These are the top of the line. They offer unmatched accuracy, 3D ball flight tracking and full integration with simulation software and club fitting systems.
Notable options:
TrackMan 4 ($22,000+)
- Dual radar system used by PGA Tour and most club fitters
- Tracks full ball flight outdoors and simulated indoors
- Offers advanced features like impact location and video sync
- Requires annual software fee
Foresight GCQuad ($14,500+)
- Industry benchmark for indoor accuracy
- Ultra-high-speed cameras for club and ball data
- Putting analysis and alignment add-ons available
- FSX subscription required for full simulator use
Who this is for: Tour players, high-end fitting studios, and elite-level instructors or facilities.
Do launch monitors require a subscription?
Not all of them do, but many offer optional or required subscriptions for advanced features like:
- Cloud-based shot storage
- Video integration
- Club data tracking
- Simulator course access
- App upgrades and software updates
- Online competitions and skill challenges
Before buying, check if the unit will be functional out of the box, or if you’ll need to pay annually to unlock features like club path or simulation.
Some examples:
- SkyTrak: Needs a subscription for almost everything beyond basic range mode
- Rapsodo MLM2 Pro: Free to use, but paid version gives access to spin, session storage, and sim play
- Bushnell Launch Pro: Base model only includes ball data, paid tiers unlock simulation and club metrics
- Mevo+: Optional Pro Package for advanced club and face data (one-time fee)
Indoor vs. outdoor use
If you’re planning to use a launch monitor indoors, camera-based units like the GC3, SkyTrak, and GCQuad tend to outperform radar units because they need less space and lighting is easier to control.
Radar-based monitors like TrackMan and Mevo+ are fantastic outdoors, but need enough room for the radar to track full ball flight. Make sure you measure your available space before buying. For indoor use, you’ll often need:
- 8 to 10 feet of ball flight
- At least 9-foot ceilings
- Room width for swing clearance
- Hitting mat and net or impact screen
Simulator integration
Many golfers use launch monitors as the foundation of a home golf simulator. This allows for virtual rounds on famous courses, shot replay, skill games, and more. Popular simulator software platforms include:
- E6 Connect
- FSX Play
- TGC 2019
- Awesome Golf
- Creative Golf
Each launch monitor supports different platforms and some require extra licenses. Keep this in mind when budgeting. For example:
- Mevo+ supports E6 and TGC with paid upgrades
- GC3 uses FSX, which must be purchased separately
- Rapsodo MLM2 Pro supports E6, but only on iOS at the moment
Final thoughts
Launch monitors have come a long way. What used to cost five figures now fits in your golf bag and syncs to your phone. Whether you’re looking to get exact carry distances or build a full home simulator, there’s an option that fits your needs and your budget.
Start by deciding what kind of golfer you are. Do you want simple range feedback? Simulation and game play? Full club and face tracking? Then figure out if you’re using it inside, outside, or both. And don’t forget to factor in any subscriptions or add-ons that unlock the features you care about most.
If you’re serious about your game, a launch monitor might be the best investment you make.
Let’s hear from you
Do you use a launch monitor today? Are you shopping for your first one or thinking about upgrading? Share your setup, your questions, or your wishlist. We’d love to hear how you’re using data to improve your game.