Carl's Place selects the Best Golf Launch Monitors by budget, size, performance. Our Buyer's Guide for Top-Rated Launch Monitors for Golf Simulators.
Golf is about as popular as ever, which is leading to an ever-changing landscape when it comes to indoor golf simulators.
What kind of launch monitor are you looking to place in your golf simulator setup? Do you want a fancy, high-end one, or a more budget friendly option? Do you want all the data on your ball and club, or is basic data enough for you to improve your game? There is likely a launch monitor in the market that will fit your wants and needs.
At Carl’s Place, we’ve added several budget friendly items to our lineup, such as the Garmin R10, Rapsodo MLM2PRO, FlightScope Mevo+, SkyTrak+, and so on!
Below, we will give your best golf launch monitor reviews for the year.
Buying Guide for Golf Launch Monitors
BUDGET FRIENDLY LAUNCH MONITOR: GARMIN R10
The Garmin R10 is the most budget friendly launch monitor that Carl’s Place offers, and one of the most budget friendly options you will find anywhere.
And with that not-so-heavy cost, the Garmin R10 launch monitor really packs a punch. It comes with its own software/app for iOS and Android devices, but also can be used with E6 Connect software for a little higher end feel.
The tiny unit is easy to set up and, for the price, provides 10 ball data parameters and four club parameters.
Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor Details
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Types of Play Included
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- Includes virtual course play, driving range mode, and swing analysis
- Included on Garmin Golf App with downloadable software updates
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Data Parameters
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- Club Head Speed, Club Face Angle, Club Path Angle, Angle of Attack, Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Spin Axis, Spin Rate, Apex Height, Smash Factor, Carry Distance, Total Distance, Deviation Distance
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Upgrades Available
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Where To Use
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- Moderate space requirements: Sits 6-8 feet behind the golfer
- Portable use with 10 hours battery life and magnetic tripod for easy placement
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Technology Requirements
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- iOS or Android Smartphone running Garmin Golf app
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HOME LAUNCH MONITOR: SKYTRAK+
The SkyTrak+ launch monitor is great for home setups for many reasons, but mostly because of its small footprint. The unit itself might be slightly larger than other competitors, but the fact that it sits around a foot to the side of the golf ball is much better than several feet behind the golf ball.
That said, you need significantly less space to have a golf simulator setup if you use a SkyTrak+. In our SkyTrak+ golf simulator review, we recommend you leave some buffer room around your golf enclosure and impact screen (a few inches on the sides and about a foot behind the screen), and then stand/hit ideally 10-12 feet away from the screen. Leave maybe 5 more feet to feel comfortable with your backswing and follow through, and you only need an 16-18 foot deep room, compared to possibly more for a radar-based unit.
SkyTrak Launch Monitor Details
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Types of Play Included
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Data Parameters
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- Carry Distance, Total Distance, Roll Distance, Angle of Descent, Ball Speed, Back Spin, Side Spin, Launch Angle, Side Angle, Club Head Speed, Smash Factor, Club Path, Face Angle
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Upgrades Available
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Game Improvement Plan and Tee Off Package
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Compatible with other software such as World Golf Tour, E6 Connect and TGC 2019
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Where To Use
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- Small space requirements: sits about a foot adjacent to the hitting area
- Portable use with optional metal case to protect unit
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Technology Requirements
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- SkyTrak app is made for iOS, Android and Windows PCs
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BEST VALUE LAUNCH MONITOR: MEVO+
We tested both the original Mevo+ and 2023 version at the driving range, and both times, it performed well. Over the years, FlightScope has added Fusion Tracking, club data (with it’s optional Pro Package add-on), and Face Impact Location to its mid-range launch monitor. The most recent version is called the Grey Mevo+ (pictured).
There’s not another launch monitor like the Mevo+ in the same price range. To us, the Mevo+ launch monitor is performing similarly to much more expensive launch monitors. Not only is it accurate, but also a great value.
Mevo+ Launch Monitor Details
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Types of Play Included
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- FS Golf app available for iOS, Android and PC helps you take practice to a new level. 12 E6 Connect courses, including Pebble Beach and The Old Course at St. Andrews
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Data Parameters
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- Club Head Speed, Smash Factor, Launch Angle, Ball Speed, Vertical/Horizontal Launch Angle, Back Spin, Side Spin, Side Axis, Carry Distance, Roll, Total Distance, Spin Axis, Spin Loft, Lateral Landing, Angle of Descent
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Upgrades Available
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Where To Use
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- Moderate space requirements: sits about 8 feet behind golfer
- Highly portable unit that performs well inside and outside
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Technology Requirements
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- iOS or Android device, or Windows 10 PC with at least Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, Nvidia 1070 graphics card, 25GB of space on hard drive
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BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY OVERHEAD LAUNCH MONITOR: NVISAGE N1
You'd be hard pressed to find a lower priced overhead mounted launch monitor in the indoor golf industry than the NVISAGE N1.
The NVISAGE N1 allows those seeking to more permanently mount their launch monitor out of the way to do so at a fraction of what they might pay for other overhead launch monitors.
The NVISAGE offers numerous useful data points, and seamlessly integrates with third party softwares like GSPro and E6 Connect.
NVISAGE N1 Launch Monitor Details |
Data Parameters
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- Club Speed, Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Spin Axis, Horizontal Launch Angle, Back Spin, Side Spin, Total Spin (calculated)
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Upgrades Available
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- Must have GSPro or E6 Connect Subscription to use.
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Where To Use
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Technology Requirements
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- Intel i5 8400 (Not compatible with Apple iOS or Mac OS)
- 8 GB RAM
- GeForce GTX 1060 (AMD: 3rd gen Ryzen or higher and AMD Ryzen 3600X or higher (AMD 2700 is not compatible)
- Windows 10 (64 bit) Version 1803 or higher
- Ethernet Port Required
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BEST VALUE OVERHEAD LAUNCH MONITOR: PROTEE VX
It's kind of crazy what you get for the cost of the ProTee VX launch monitor.
Two of the main features of the ProTee VX are the video replays of your club at impact and your ball spin. Some other launch monitors provide similar feedback, but not at the quality of the VX.
Plus, it provides a plethora of ball data parameters, and also some A.I. powered club data numbers. And it's compatible with ProTee's proprietary software, TGC 2019, but also third party options such as GSPro and E6 Connect!
That is a hard to beat at this price.
ProTee VX Launch Monitor Details |
Types of Play Included
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- Protee Labs software, which includes a driving range, data, and video replays of your club at impact and ball spin.
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Data Parameters
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- Ball Data: Ball Speed, Total Spin, Spin Axis, Back Spin, Side Spin, Launch Direction, Launch Angle, Flight Path, Apex Height, Apex Time, Off Line, Air Time, Run, Descent Angle
- A.I. Club Data: Club Speed, Swing Path, Club Face Angle, Club Face to Path, Attack Angle, Dynamic Loft, Club Lie Angle, Impact Point Vertical & Horizontal
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Upgrades Available
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ProTee's software TGC 2019 and third party options GSPro and E6 Connect. |
Where To Use
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Technology Requirements
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- Minimum: 64 Bit Windows 10; Intel Core i7-8xxx @ 3.00GHz; 8GB RAM; NVidia RTX 3060; Broadband Internet; 5GB of hard drive space.
- Recommended with Software: 64 Bit Windows 10 or 11; Intel Core i9-9xx @ 3.00GHz or greater; 16GB RAM or more; NVidia RTX 3080 or better; DirectX Version 12; Broadband Internet; 30GB of available space on hard drive.
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The Full Swing KIT is a relatively small, radar-based launch monitor that sits behind the hitting area, similar to the Mevo+ and Garmin R10. This means it is not only easy to take to the range, but also does better with more space for the ball to fly and launch monitor to read that flight.
No need to even have your phone out to get your data. Just check the sleek on-device screen to learn your numbers after every shot!
Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor Details
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Types of Play Included
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- FullSwing app available on iOS allows you to start a practice session and check your stats and dispersion chart.
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Data Parameters
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- Ball speed, club head speed, carry distance, total distance, side carry distance, side total distance, smash factor, spin rate, spin axis, face angle, face to path, attack angle, launch angle, club path, apex height, horizontal angle.
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Upgrades Available
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- E6 CONNECT for iOS
- GSPro on PC
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Where To Use
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- Sits about 10 feet behind golfer, so a deep room is needed.
- Great for using outdoors and improving indoor capabilities.
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Technology Requirements
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The EYE XO is one of the best commercial launch monitors we offer at Carl’s Place.
It’s higher-priced because of all that it has to offer: tons of ball and club data, a great overhead mounting spot … and you can use whatever ball you want with it (doesn’t have to be marked like some other launch monitors).
It's compatibility with a variety of different softwares and training tools such as swing cameras make it great for public use for entertainment, coaching and much more.
Last year, some of our Carl’s Place team put together some higher end setups for about $20,000.
Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor Details
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Types of Play Included
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- Comes with Uneekor View software, which comes with a driving range
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Data Parameters
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- Smash Factor, Club Speed, Club Path, Club Face Angle, Club Face to Path, Attack Angle, Dynamic Loft, CLub Loft Angle, Club Lie Angle, Impact Point (Vertical and Horizontal), Carry Distance, Run, Total Distance, Distance to Apex, Ball Speed, Side and Back Spin, Side Angle and Total, Launch Angle, Angle of Descent/Land Angle
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Upgrades Available
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Where To Use
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Technology Requirements
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- Windows 10 PC with at least Intel i5 8400/3rd Gen Ryzen/AMD 3600, 8GB of RAM, GeforceGTX 1060 graphics
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Foresight Sports is well known for making some of the best launch monitors in the indoor golf industry. You'll even see professionals using their products out at the range at a major golf tournament, similar to Trackman units.
Both the GCQuad and the GCHawk (or Falcon, which is essentially a smaller GCHawk) provide great experiences and extremely accurate data. The GCQuad sits next to the ball and is great for single handed use (right or left handed), while the Hawk and Falcon are overhead mounted and can be used seamlessly by opposite handed golfers.
Foresight Sports GCQuad or GCHawk Launch Monitor Details |
Types of Play Included |
Softwares included: FSX Play, FSX 2020, FSX Pro Performance, Foresight Fairgrounds |
Data Parameters |
Ball Speed, Vertical and Horizontal Launch Angle, Total Spin, Spin Axis |
Upgrades Available |
Club Data, Putting Data for GCQuad, Multi-Sport (Soccer) for GCHawk |
Where To Use |
GCQuad is portable - use inside or at the range. GCHawk is meant to be permanently mounted above your indoor golf area. |
Technology Requirements |
- Operating System: 64 Bit Windows 10 or greater
- Processor: 7th Gen or greater Intel i5, i7, and i9 processors (AMD CPU not recommended)
- Memory/RAM: 8GB system memory (16GB+ recommended for Swing Camera use)
- Video Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or greater
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