6 Best Cheap Golf Launch Monitors in 2023

It’s 2023, and golf has evolved to the next level by adapting the way of technology. 

Just look at the top professionals and you’ll see them using high-end golf launch monitors for practicing golf. 

However, it costs a handsome amount of money to get access to that level of equipment that a normal person can’t afford. 

But don’t let this stop you from chasing your dreams because I’ve got my hands on the six best cheap golf launch monitors that will help you step up your game without breaking the bank.

Let’s explore them! 

How Reliable Are Cheap Golf Launch Monitors?

Before diving deep into the details about cheap launch monitors, we need to make sure whether they’re reliable or not, so I’m going to break it down for you.

First, watch this YouTube video from Golf Monthly and then we’ll discuss about the results. 

That’s tough competition! 

So it had a $500 Rapsodo MLM up against the premium Foresight Sports GC2 launch monitor to see how their performance compares. Here are the results:

Rapsodo MLMForesight Sports GC2 
Ball Speed113 mph112 mph
Launch Angle14.615.6
Carry Distance155 yards155 yards

Although the Foresight Sports GC2 is more accurate, as you can see, their metrics are pretty close, and that’s surprising for a $500 golf launch monitor. 

Therefore, I can safely say that cheap golf launch monitors are reliable.

Our Picks for the Best Cheap Golf Launch Monitors

Overall Best Cheap Golf Launch Monitor: FlightScope Mevo

Price: $499 on its website

I have ranked FlightScope Mevo as the winner of the day not only because of its unparalleled accuracy and unlimited features but also because of its great reputation in the industry.

It has won the 2021 Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Award in the “Best Launch Monitor” category. 

Measurable Data Points

  • Ball speed
  • Carry, roll, and total distance
  • Angle of descent
  • Smash factor
  • Clubhead speed
  • Back spin, side spin, spin axis, spin loft
  • Side angle / horizontal launch angle / vertical launch angle / launch direction
  • Distance offline
  • 3D flightpath with an apex height 

Pros

✅ Uses patent fusion technology in combination with a 3D Doppler radar system

✅ Measures club and ball data

✅ Multiple game modes, including custom challenges

✅ E6 Connet software support 

✅ Offers portability

Cons

❌ Doesn’t include a net, screen, or hitting mat 

Want to know more about FlightScope Mevo? Watch this YouTube video by Golfers Authority:

That’s close!

Runner-Up Cheap Golf Launch Monitor: Garmin Approach R10

Price: $599 on Garmin

Garmin Approach 10 is the most famous golf launch monitor for delivering maximum features with a minimal budget. 

It measures critical club and ball data metrics like a premium golf launch monitor so you can have a full-fledged simulator experience. 

Measurable Data Points

  • Club path
  • Launch angle
  • Club speed
  • Ball speed
  • Estimated ball distance
  • Estimated ball direction

Pros

✅ Measures critical data points

✅ Has a mobile app

✅ Multiple game modes

✅ Supports golf simulation software

✅ Offers portability

Cons

❌ Doesn’t include a net, screen, or hitting mat 

❌ Doesn’t beat premium launch monitors 

For more insight on the Garmin Approach R10, watch this YouTube video by James Robinson Golf:

 Surprisingly accurate! 

Best Under $600 Budget: Swing Caddie SC300i

Source: golfxpress

Price: $459 on eBay

Swing Caddie SC300i is a small golf launch monitor that focuses on the basics by providing necessary data through a built-in display to provide instant results in real time. 

Although it doesn’t support golf simulation software, it comes with a lot of useful features that won’t leave you wanting. 

Watch this YouTube video by MrShortGame Golf to learn more about this awesome golf launch monitor:

Simple and basic!

Measurable Data Points

  • Carry distance
  • Smash factor
  • Swing speed
  • Ball speed
  • Launch angle
  • Apex
  • Spin rate

Pros

✅ On-screen results

✅ Uses Doppler radar technology to measure data

✅ Uses biometric sensors

✅ Supports voice control

✅ Doesn’t require a mobile app

✅ Offers portability

Cons

❌ Doesn’t support golf simulation software

❌ Doesn’t include a net, screen, or hitting mat 

Best Under $400 Budget: Phigolf WGT & E6 Connect Edition

Source: Amazon

Price: $249 on Phigolf

The Phigolf Home Golf Simulator is made for golfers who want to learn golf in a competitive online environment.

Using a 9-Axis 3D swing sensor stick instead of a real golf club and ball, this golf launch monitor has reinvented the way of practicing golf. 

Explore the virtues of this incredible golf launch monitor through this YouTube video by The Pittsburgh Golf Hack:

Not a traditional golf launch monitor!

Measurable Data Points

  • Clubhead speed
  • Clubface alignment
  • Shot distance
  • Tempo
  • Swing path
  • Attack angle

Pros

✅ 9-Axis 3D swing sensor

✅ Measures club and ball data 

✅ Supports golf simulation software

✅ Offers online play

Cons

❌ Limited data points

❌ Not a traditional golf launch monitor

Best Under $200 Budget: PRGR HS-130A Launch Monitor

Credited to Amazon

Price: $195 on Walmart 

If you’re looking for a launch monitor on a tight budget, there’s no better choice than the PRGR HS-130A golf launch monitor. 

Using Doppler radar technology, this tiny golf launch monitor measures basic data points with high accuracy and provides results through a built-in display. 

Measurable Data Points

  • Swing speed
  • Ball speed
  • Carry distance
  • Total distance
  • Smash factor

Pros

✅ Uses Doppler radar technology

✅ Measures data points

✅ Doesn’t require internet connectivity

✅ Offers great portability

✅ Cheapest price

Cons

❌ Doesn’t support golf simulation software 

❌ Doesn’t include a net, screen, or hitting mat

Notable Mention: Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor

Source: Rapsodo

Price: $500 on Rapsodo

The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor can be a great pick for you if you want a pocket golf launch monitor that can be easily used for indoor and outdoor practice. 

It uses your smartphone as a display to show critical data points by using a mobile app that supports only iOS devices, which is a bummer, but if you leave that part, it’s worth a try.

Watch this YouTube video by Golfers Authority to know more about Rapsodo:

Things just got fast!

Measurable Data Points 

  • Ball speed
  • Club speed
  • Launch angle
  • Carry distance
  • Total distance

Pros

✅ Provides accurate results

✅ Measures data points

✅ Easy to install

✅ Uses mobile app

✅ Offers portability

Cons

❌ Doesn’t support simulation software

❌ Not compatible with Android devices

Comparison of the Best Cheap Launch Monitors 

FlightScope MevoGarmin Approach 10Swing Caddie SC300iPhigolf WTG EditionPRGR HS-130ARapsodo
Price$499$599$459$249$195$500
AccuracyExcellentExcellentGreatGoodGoodGreat
Measurable Data PointsAllAllAllLimitedLimitedLimited
Indoor PerformanceGreat ExcellentGoodGreatGoodGood
Outdoor PerformanceGreatGreatGoodGoodGoodGreat
PortabilityYesYesYesYesYesYes 
Software SupportYesYesNoYesNoNo

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Although buying a golf launch monitor is a hassle in itself, things can become much simpler if you only focus on the factors that matter. 

Features

Maximum features provide maximum accessibility to the virtual golf world, which makes them important if you’re looking for extra output from your golf launch monitor.

A golf launch monitor that measures multiple data points, supports golf simulation software, and provides mobile app interfaceinterference has benefits over an ordinary launch monitor with few metrics. 

Portability 

Portability is always considered a plus point in golf launch monitors as it makes them carryable and easy to operate. 

Almost every golf launch monitor that I’ve included in this conclusive guide is portable, allowing you to practice indoors or take it to a driving range. 

Usage Type

Buying a golf launch monitor according to your usage type can save you from many issues that may occur afterward. 

A launch monitor with less clearance and free ball flight would be suitable indoors, while launch monitors with durable construction are recommended outdoors. 

Price

Price comes as a crucial factor in deciding the type of golf launch monitor that you’re going to buy. 

If you’re tight on budget, there are various golf launch monitors under $200 that offer decent performance. 

However, you can’t expect them to replace a $600–$1000 golf launch monitor.

Final Thoughts

I have laid down everything about the best cheap golf launch monitors that you can buy in 2023, and by now, many of you would’ve made up your mind about the product you’re going to buy.

Although these launch monitors can’t replace the premium ones in terms of features, from an economical perspective, they’re a worthy choice. 

In fact, if you leave the fancy part and just focus on game improvement, it’s more than enough! 

Happy golfing! 

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