Golf Monitors have, for many years, been relegated to only professional or extremely wealthy golfers. But with a rising focus on data and analytics, today’s golfers need the technology to record and track their performance during practice. Thankfully, many different companies have created portable and affordable launch monitors.
In today’s article, we will be taking a look at the seven different monitors to determine which is the best. Each product will get its own mini-review that quickly describes its key features as well as its pros and cons. Apart from the latest and greatest, we also have chosen a couple of affordable older generation models for those golfers on a budget. We guarantee that within this guide there will be a launch monitor for everyone!
Best Launch Monitor
1. FlightScope Mevo
Features
- Practice with purpose with this lightweight and portable 3D Doppler radar launch monitor.
- Practice Anywhere- Use Mevo to improve on the range, on the course, and at your home with video and data on every shot
- 8 Data Parameters- Includes 8 full swing performance data parameters with direct spin measurements
- Mevo Skills Challenges- Includes PGA & LPGA Challenges, Long Drive Competition & Range Competition
Enjoy a full-featured launch monitor in a take-anywhere package with the FlightScope Mevo!
Key Features
- Captures Eight Data Points
- Portable Size
- Records Data In Mevo App
When it comes to portable launch monitors, the FlightScope Mevo has got to be the best. At just 3.5” long and 2.5” high it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. But don’t let this small size fool you; the Mevo is able to capture all the most important golf swing data.
Specifically, it captures Eight Data points that include carry distance, clubhead speed, ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, smash factor, apex height, and flight time. Even with its small size, the Mevo is able to accurately capture these data points for each swing. All this data is then displayed in the Mevo App.
You can even save your practice range data and track your progress within the app. Not only is the Mevo app free but it also has a very clean interface that makes finding and displaying your swing information super simple. The downside is that to see any information from the FlightScope Mevo you need to have a compatible smartphone with the Mevo app.
Pros
- Very Accurate
- Can Store In Golf Bag
- Intuitive Mevo App
Cons
- Expensive
- Need The Mevo App
Practice anywhere and gather reliable data on your golf swing thanks to the FlightScope Mevo.
2. Ernest Sports ESB1
Features
| Color | +PlayBetter Pitchfix Divot Tool |
Get Ernest Sports’ latest and greatest launch monitor, the ESB1!
Key Features
- Measures Six Data Points
- Audio Feedback
- Long-Lasting Battery
In the realm of launch monitors, Ernest Sports is a well-respected name. They have been making launch monitors for several years with each iteration building upon the last. The latest product, the ESB1, boasts many great features making it the best launch monitor by Ernest Sports yet.
Unlike some other golf monitors that require a separate app, the ESB1 displays the three most important data points clearly on the unit. These three data points are the smash factor, clubhead speed, and ball speed. The other data points are given in the free Ernest Sports app and include spin rate, launch angle, and distance.
Some other important features are audio feedback, although the Ernest Sports app is required for functionality. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of the ESB1 launch monitor is that it has a pretty large battery allowing for extended practice sessions.
Pros
- Easy To Read Display
- Portable
- Sleek Design
Cons
- Expensive
If you have the cash and want one of the best launch monitors available, there’s no better unit than the Ernest Sports ESB1.
3. Swing Caddie SC300
Features
- Measures » Carry/Total Distance » Smash Factor » Launch Angle » Swing Speed » Apex (Max Height) » Ball Speed
- Doppler Radar Technology
- Voice Output of Distance; Measuring Range: 15-370 Yards
- Instant Feedback via LCD Display
- Adjustable Loft Angles
Voice Caddie brings together the best in portable launch monitor systems with the Swing Caddie SC300.
Key Features
- Measures Six Data Points
- Audio Feedback
- Large LCD Display
For an all in one launch monitor, the SC300 is by far the best. Not only can the unit measure six different data points but it can also display them on a large LCD Screen. The data points measured include carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, apex, and smash factor.
Of course, who wants to look back at a screen when the SC300 can just give you the important information using its Audio Feedback. No smartphone needed! And if you want to keep the SC300 completely hands free you can even use the included remote to change between clubs and readout functions.
There are a couple of drawbacks to the product though. Because it is an all in one unit it is a bit larger than some of the other Bluetooth launch monitors. There have also been reports about instability and overheating issues due to software problems. But these seem to be rare and have more than likely been fixed.
Pros
- Best Display
- Portable
- Remote Controlled
Cons
- Expensive
- Software Issues
The Swing Caddie SC300 has brought together all the different cutting edge technologies into one simple launch monitor.
4. Rapsodo Mobile
Rapsodo Mobile
$299.99 in stock
1 used from $289.99
Features
- Official Launch Monitor of Golf Digest
- Named the Best Personal Golf Launch Monitor of 2022 by MyGolfSpy
- Turn your iPhone or iPad into a Launch Monitor
- Data and Insights Every Golfer Needs
- Immediate Feedback on the Range, Immediate Results on the Course
The Rapsodo Mobile is the hottest launch monitor on the market right now!
Key Features
- Setup In Under 30 Seconds
- Professional Level Accuracy
- Automatic Video Capture
It’s pretty clear the Rapsodo Mobile is nothing like a traditional launch monitor. Using only your iPhone or iPad and the Rapsodo App, you can professionally track, analyze, and record your swing. Plus, the entire setup can be deployed in as little as 30 seconds!
We do need to point out that this Mobile Launch Monitor only works with iPhone and iPad within the last two generations. So the iPhone 7 and newer as well as iPads from 2019 and newer will work. Any other iPhone/iPad or Android phone will not work.
As long as you do have the right type of phone, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor will offer Professional Level Accuracy when recording data like carry distance, club and ball speed, smash factor, and launch angle. The Mobile Launch Monitor also acts as a golf shot tracker by recording each swing and tracing the ball flight.
Pros
- Best Suite Of Data Analytics
- Portable
- Intuitive User Interface
Cons
- Expensive
- Only Works With iPhone/iPads
- Need The Rapsodo App
Assuming you got the right smartphone and some extra cash, you just can’t beat the all-around greatness of the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor.
5. Swing Caddie SC200
Features
- Portable Launch Monitor
- New Feature: Practice Swing Mode which you can measure and practice swing speed without hitting the ball
- Loft Angle Selectable
- Voice Distance Output
- Barometric Pressure Calibration.Carry Distance, Swing Speed, Ball Speed, Smash Factor.Measuring Range: 30-320 Yds.Battery Type: AAA x 4.Color: Gray.Package Content: SC200 Plus, Remote Control and Manual
Want a cheaper alternative to the SC300? Then you need the Swing Caddie SC200!
Key Features
- Measures Four Data Points
- Audio Feedback
- LCD Screen Readout
As we reviewed earlier, the Swing Caddie SC300 is the latest and greatest launch monitor from the company. But if you are the type of golfer who wants a solid golf launch monitor at a more affordable price, then the SC300’s little brother the SC200 is for you.
Despite being smaller, the SC200 uses the same doppler radar to capture Four Data Points that include carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor. A large LCD Screen Readout makes it easy to see the most important data in just a glance. But if you don’t even want to look back at the unit, you can configure it for Audio Feedback of your distance.
Some other great features of the SC200 is the included case and stand which makes setup super simple. There is also a practice mode that analysis practice swings. This mode uses swing speed radar to display stats that would be similar to if you were to hit a golf ball.
Pros
- Easy To Read Screen
- Comes With Case & Stand
- Good Value
Cons
- None
For most golfers, the Swing Caddie SC200 is by far a more affordable option for a golf launch monitor.
6. Garmin Approach G80
Garmin Approach G80
$404.00 in stock
3 used from $384.93
Features
- Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
- Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance
- Preloaded with more than 41, 000 detailed color golf course maps worldwide
- Practice and game modes allow you to test your skills and work to improve your game
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours with GPS; Club head speed accuracy: +/- 5 mph
Want more for your money? Then you need the Garmin Approach G80, a two in one GPS unit and launch monitor!
Key Features
- 5” Touchscreen Display
- Measure’s Five Data Points
- 41,000 Preloaded Courses
Garmin has definitely created a first of its kind device with the Approach G80. Not only is it a fully loaded golf GPS but it also features an accurate launch monitor. All this is packed in a handheld device no larger than your average smartphone.
In the case of the launch monitor, Garmin has it set up to capture Five Data Points that include club speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, and estimated distance. All golfers have to do to go to launch monitor mode is just hit the big red button. All data is displayed on the device’s full color 3.5” Touchscreen Display.
As for a golf GPS, the Approach G80 is the top of the line in features and accuracy. Not only does it show the distance to the green but also the distance to hazards. The device also comes preloaded with over 41,000 courses around the world.
Pros
- GPS & Launch Monitor
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Great Value
Cons
- Some Software Issues
Considering the Approach G80 has both Garmin’s excellent GPS and maps and a launch monitor, it is by far the best value launch monitor on our list.
7. Ernest Sports ES14
Features
- Ernest Sports revolutionizes the game with a great new tool for teaching professionals, club fitters and serious golfers
- The ES14 delivers critical data instantly - easily and affordably
- The unit offers a wide range of statistical information including club speed, launch angle, ball speed, Smash factor, spin rate & distance
- Free ES14 App ( iOS and Android) stores shot details, club averages, audio feedback, and email data
Save a bit of cash and get Ernest Sports’ older generation ES14 launch monitor.
Key Features
- Measures Six Data Points
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Record All Data in ES14 App
Earnest Sports launch monitors are some of the best portable monitors in terms of accuracy and reliability. But if you want to get and Ernest Sports launch monitor at a bit of a discount then last generation’s ES14 is your best bet. Not only does it have many of the same features as the newer ESB1 it is a bit cheaper.
Some of those same features include Measuring six data points like club speed, ball speed, launch angle, smash factor, spin rate, and distance. A large rechargeable battery is included with the ES14 and allows for extended range sessions. This extended battery is something that very few portable launch monitors provide.
One downside to the ES14 is that to view and record your swing data you need to download the free ES14 App. This isn’t too bad, but needing an app to view a majority of your data is a bit offputting. Despite this, the ES14 is still a sloid launch monitor.
Pros
- Instant Feed Back
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Accurate Data
Cons
- Expensive
- Need ES14 App
Save money and get a reliable name in the golf launch monitor sector with Ernest Sports’ ES14.
Bottom Line
You’ve made it to the end of our review guide! We hope that this guide has helped you see all the different launch monitors on the market. And unlike what most golfers think, there are lots of portable and affordable launch monitors.
While just about any monitor on this list would be considered a great buy, we have some personal recommendations for those who are still unsure which is best. First, if you want all the bells and whistles we recommend the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor. Just make sure that you have a compatible iPhone or iPad. If instead, you are a golfer who wants an affordable launch monitor, then it’s best to opt for the Swing Caddie SC200. Finally, if you want both a launch monitor and golf GPS, the Garmin Approach G80 is the best and only option.
Thanks again for reading! Drop your questions or comments below and we’ll see you in the next review guide! Visit the Golf Accessories Reviews homepage for more expert product guides.
The Review
Launch Monitors
Choosing the best golf launch monitor is easy with our detailed reviews and ratings.
Review Breakdown
-
FlightScope Mevo
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Ernest Sports ESB1
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Voice Caddie Golf Swing
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Rapsodo Mobile
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Swing Caddie Plus
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Garmin Approach G80
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Ernest Sports ES14 Pro
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