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If you’re even a little bit serious about your golf game, a launch monitor is one of the most valuable assets you can have at your disposal. It allows you to measure ball flight data and track your shots so that you can understand the state of your game on a much deeper level.
However, many people aren’t able to get out to the range and need to be able to use a launch monitor indoors at home. Others may be looking for launch monitors for commercial facilities or showrooms.
Whatever the reason is, you’ve come to the right place. While most launch monitors work well both indoors and outdoors, certain models tend to be designed with indoor use in mind.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best indoor golf launch monitors across a range of different budgets.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time.
Our Top Picks For Indoor Launch Monitors
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
- ProTee VX Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Lite Launch Monitor
- Foresight Falcon Launch Monitor
- Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitor
1. SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor
The SkyTrak Plus (ST+) was unveiled in 2023 as an upgrade and modernization to the original SkyTrak, which is probably the most popular and successful launch monitor of all time.
It builds on the strengths of the SkyTrak and address its weaknesses. With a faster processor, dual Doppler radar capability, club data, upgraded software, and other improvements, it’s built to help you understand your game on a better level indoors or outdoors.
The original SkyTrak was known to be one of the best indoor launch monitors, and so is the SkyTrak+. It’s also a golf simulator that comes with an out-of-the-box driving range and is compatible with a wide range of third-party softwares.
Features
Thanks to the addition of a new dual Doppler radar system that works alongside a photometric system, the SkyTrak Plus is now able to measure club data which the SkyTrak could not do.
These new parameters are clubhead speed, club path, face to path, and face to target. Even better, unlike other launch monitors, no club stickers or specially marked balls are needed to get accurate readings.
The ST+ also measures various ball parameters including ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, spin, and descent angle. Advanced algorithms are used to calculate additional parameters within the SkyTrak software.
The SkyTrak+ comes with a Basic Practice Plan by default which allows you to view your ball flight and data parameters on a 3D driving range. Upgrades are available to the following:
- Game Improvement Plan: adds challenges, game improvement features, more camera views, custom environment settings, and more.
- Play & Improve Plan: adds integration with World Golf Tour (WGT), with full course play on 15 famous golf courses and closest-to-the-pin challenges, and access to 15 E6 CONNECT courses.
Beyond the in-house software, the ST+ is compatible with an array of third-party solutions including E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, ProTee Play, and Golfisimo.
Because the SkyTrak+ unit sits in front of you, all you need is enough space to swing your longest club.
There’s no doubt that this launch monitor deserves the #1 spot on our list given its power, accuracy (its readings are within 5% of the top devices on the market), features, and affordability.
If you’re interested in the original SkyTrak, which costs $1000 less, go here. The SkyTrak is still a great launch monitor and it integrates with the same software as the SkyTrak+.
2. Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
You could argue that the EYE XO is the launch monitor Uneekor is most known for. This tried-and-tested system has been very popular and successful for years.
It’s nearly as good as the top dogs on the market while being considerably more affordable. It’s mounted overhead, so it’s designed for fixed indoor golf simulator setups.
Since its release, the EYE XO has been received exceptionally well by golfers. It’s an upgrade from Uneekor’s QED launch monitor, giving you additional data and eliminating the need to play specially marked golf balls among other things.
Two high-speed cameras record at over 3000 fps, and with the help of advanced sensors, detailed parameters related to club path and ball impact are tracked. Full performance is delivered on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards.
Data Parameters
The EYE XO measures over 20 ball and club parameters. In addition to the obvious parameters like distance, ball speed and club head speed, some other parameters measured are:
- club path
- face angle
- back spin
- side spin
- launch angle
- side angle
- angle of attack
- lie & loft angles
Note that club stickers are required for the EYE XO to measure club data, and the use of software is required in order to read data measurements.
Features
The EYE XO comes with quality simulator software out of the box. Called View, this software allows you to view real-time video playback of your shots, play world-class golf courses, practice on the range, access the PowerU Cloud Service, and much more.
One of the signature features of the EYE XO is called Club Optix. Within the View software, this shows the orientation of the club at impact and slow-motion video of the club hitting the ball in real time from an overhead perspective.
In addition to the default software, the EYE XO is also compatible with The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf, and GSPro. There are plenty of options to turn simple launch monitor data viewing into a full-blown golf simulator experience.
Several software upgrades and add-ons are available. Uneekor launch monitors are available as part of golf simulator packages here.
Uneekor has also just recently rolled out the EYE XO2 launch monitor which contains an extra high-speed camera and offers a number of other benefits. We think it’s one of the best launch monitors for commercial use.
3. Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
The GC3 is a professional-grade golf launch monitor that is designed to fill the gap in Foresight Sports’ GC line between the old stereoscopic GC2 system and cutting-edge GCQuad.
Its main draw is being able to provide accuracy, versatility and portability that rivals the GCQuad while being significantly more affordable, lying in the four figure range.
The GC3 has a sleek, portable design with a touchscreen display and direct-to-screen data output. The launch monitor’s camera technology and minimal space requirements are well suited for indoor environments.
Features
The GC3 launch monitor measures an array of club and ball data parameters using a combination of infrared object tracking and high-speed cameras. Three cameras are used as part of a triscopic photometric camera system.
A total of ten club and ball data parameters can be measured including ball speed, club head speed, launch angle, side spin, side angle, smash factor, and angle of attack.
The GC3 runs on a lithium-ion battery and contains an accelerometer for auto-leveling as well as a barometric sensor that adjusts data readings based on atmospheric conditions.
Additional Info
One of the really nice benefits of the GC3 launch monitor is that it comes bundled with Foresight Sports’ FSX software suite which include FSX 2020, FSX Play, and FSX Pro. FSX Play builds off of FSX 2020 and is designed to provide an ultra-realistic golf simulation experience with support for up to 5K resolution.
Also bundled is a lifetime membership to Awesome Golf, and third-party integrations such as GSPro and E6 CONNECT are possible.
The GC3 is also available under the Bushnell Golf brand as the Bushnell Launch Pro, where you pay for certain features through a subscription model instead of paying the full cost up-front.
Because of the GC3’s power, proven accuracy, portability, and value for money, we think it’s a strong contender in the launch monitor space and one of the best choices to integrate into a golf simulator setup.
For more info on bundles, software, and more, go here.
4. ProTee VX Launch Monitor
The ProTee VX is a new ceiling-mounted system developed by Dutch company ProTee United. Its performance is comparable to the Uneekor EYE XO and even top systems like the GCQuad while being more affordable than all of them.
This launch monitor has an extensive set of data parameters, high-end accuracy, a large hitting area, a super easy setup, slow-motion impact replay, and is compatible with the best simulator software on the market. Plus, no marked balls or club stickers are needed to get any measurements.
As an overhead-mounted launch monitor, the ProTee VX is suited nicely for fixed indoor spaces such as a home or commercial golf simulator facility.
Features
The ProTee VX uses Vision and A.I. technology as part of a dual high-speed camera setup. Shot measurement and analysis are nearly instant, with data displayed within a second of hitting your shot.
This launch monitor is mounted above and slightly in front of the hitting area. It measures an impressive 15 data parameters (7 ball and 8 club), and eight additional parameters are derived within software.
The ProTee VX is designed to be paired with the companion ProTee Labs PC software. After each shot on a virtual driving range, you can view all your metrics at a glance, see the traced ball flight, and watch a slow-motion top-down closeup of your club impacting the ball, among other things.
The system is also compatible with third-party simulation software The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, GSPro, ProTee Play, and Creative Golf, with more expected to be added over time.
Top-tier accuracy, a large number of data points, quick operation, a simple setup, seamless hand switching, excellent software compatibility, no markings or stickers necessary — all of these things and more are giving Uneekor ceiling units that have been on the market for years some serious competition.
We should mention that the ProTee Labs software is pretty basic and could use some refinement. The launch monitor is also not usable with mobile devices at the moment.
5. Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor
The EYE MINI is designed to pack Uneekor’s proven and successful EYE XO engine into a sleek and portable design that can be used anywhere.
We are extremely impressed with the EYE MINI, and here are all the reasons why:
- it measures plenty of ball and club parameters
- it has an onboard display for viewing your data without software
- it provides a unique slow-motion view of the club impacting the ball
- it’s compatible with plenty of simulation software
- it’s virtually just as accurate as the EYE XO
- it’s more affordable than other units with similar features and accuracy
The versatile EYE MINI is camera-based, so it works especially well indoors.
Features
The Uneekor EYE MINI consists of two high-speed infrared cameras. It sports an E Ink onboard display which shows six ball parameters and four club parameters after every shot.
The EYE MINI sits in front of the golfer like the SkyTrak+, and it measures 11 total data parameters including seven ball parameters and four club parameters. Five additional parameters are calculated within the software. Club stickers (included) are required to measure club data.
The EYE MINI comes bundled with the Uneekor View software, available for PC or iOS. In it, you can view a simulated 3D ball flight with your data after every shot.
What we like the most about View is the Club Optix slow-motion view of the club impacting the ball. The QED and EYE XO offer this from a top-down perspective; the EYE MINI’s side view gives you a whole new insight into how your ball impacts the clubface.
Currently, the EYE MINI is compatible with GSPro, TGC 2019, and E6 CONNECT, but a software package is needed to unlock third-party capability. Other packages for the EYE MINI unlock additional profiles, sessions, and the Refine+ software.
Given the quality of the EYE MINI, the parameters measured, the Optix slow-motion view, and the superb third-party compatibility, the EYE MINI is pretty difficult to pass up if you have the budget for it.
6. Uneekor EYE MINI Lite Launch Monitor
Uneekor’s EYE MINI Lite launch monitor is the little brother of the EYE MINI, offering the same power, accuracy and data points at 40% less cost.
It uses the same fundamental tracking technology of the EYE MINI, but because it lacks an onboard display, must be connected to a power source at all times, and lacks some other features, it can be priced at under $3000, bringing it within reach of many more golfers.
Because a power source (electrical outlet) is needed and space requirements are minimal, the EYE MINI Lite is perfectly suited for fixed indoor environments.
Features
The Uneekor EYE MINI Lite is a camera-based launch monitor consisting of two high-speed infrared cameras. It sits in front of the golfer like the SkyTrak+, and it provides 18 total data points including 14 ball parameters and 4 club parameters.
Like the EYE MINI, it boasts a Club Optix slow-motion side view of impact as well as all the other benefits that can be accessed via the companion View software.
The system is compatible with third-party software E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, and GSPro, but you’ll need Uneekor’s Pro or Champion package to unlock this compatibility. These packages also unlock more profiles and sessions and give you access to Uneekor’s Refine+ software.
Many people consider the EYE MINI Lite to be a “SkyTrak+ killer”, although you generally can’t use it outdoors because it does not have a battery. It also has no Wi-Fi capability or onboard display, so this lack of versatility it something to consider.
Having said that, there’s really no other launch monitor out there that gives you such a high level of accuracy and performance for only a couple thousand dollars.
7. Foresight Falcon Launch Monitor
The Foresight Falcon is a more compact and economical version of Foresight Sports’ GCHawk, which is arguably the most powerful overhead launch monitor out there today.
For most indoor home settings, the Falcon is certainly the better option as it uses the same technology, measures the same data points, and has a slightly larger hitting area (59″ x 28″) while costing $5000 less.
Features
The Foresight Falcon is marked by quadrascopic high-speed camera technology — the same tech found in the GCQuad and GCHawk — as well as a compact form factor and easy installation.
Thirteen ball and club data parameters are provided including ball and club speed, spin, angle of attack, face angle, impact location, club path, launch angle and closure rate.
The Falcon is compatible with the full Foresight Sports software suite including FSX Pro, FSX 2020 and FSX Play. Between these three pieces of software, you have a ton of game modes and features at your fingertips. The Falcon can also integrate with third-party solutions E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf.
The Falcon notably lacks the multi-sport functionality of the GCHawk, but if you only plan to play golf, it’s a non-issue.
A barometric pressure sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity are all enjoyed by the Falcon. The unit should be mounted about 4 feet from the tee and 9.5 feet above the ground.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for the most powerful overhead launch monitor money can buy but are turned off by the GCHawk’s high price tag, the Falcon is what you want to look at. Its accuracy simply can’t be beaten.
8. Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitor
The GCQuad Launch Monitor is a three-time Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award Winner and one of Foresight Sports’ most advanced and powerful launch monitor offerings. It has been used by top coaches and pro golfers like Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.
In terms of price, it’s in the ballpark of the X3 and TrackMan, depending on which add-ons you get with it. We’d argue that at the moment, it provides the most accurate and reliable indoor (and outdoor) performance on the market.
The GCQuad builds on the old discontinued GC2 and outclasses the GC3 to deliver unique quadrascopic imaging, direct measurements of club head data, and an extremely fast processor.
Features
The GCQuad uses a quadrascopic high-speed camera system which is a step up from the triscopic system of the GC3. It gets a clear, direct view of impact and takes exact photometric measurements.
A combination of high-resolution, high-speed camera-based technology and infrared object tracking build a virtual 3D model of your swing and precisely measure club head and ball performance. Results are delivered nearly in real time.
Key parameters measured include (but are not limited to) ball speed, launch angle, azimuth, spin-tilt axis, total spin, club head speed, smash factor, club path, and angle of attack. Clubhead measurement is now included with GCQuad purchases.
An optional Essential Putting Analysis add-on gives you detailed insight into every aspect of your putting.
The GCQuad comes bundled with the FSX software suite which includes FSX 2020, FSX Play, and FSX Pro — these software solutions enable you to turn the GCQuad into a full-blown golf simulator. E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf third-party integrations are also possible.
The GCQuad is a serious launch monitor for serious golfers. Its compact, ergonomic design comes in at 7 x 12.5 x 4 inches, with a carriable weight of 7.5 lbs and a 6-8 hour battery life.
Buying Guide
There are many launch monitors on the market that are suitable for indoor use. We understand that making a decision on which model to get can feel a bit overwhelming.
It turns out that it’s not that difficult to find the best one for you once you consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match it with what your goals are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when determining which launch monitor will serve you best:
1. Portability
One of the first things you should think about when considering an indoor launch monitor is portability.
Generally, there are two types of launch monitors: freestanding units and fixed units.
Fixed units typically refer to powerful overhead mounted launch monitors like the Uneekor EYE XO, Foresight Falcon, and ProTee VX. They obviously fit well with indoor use, but they also necessitate a fixed setup since they have no portability.
These kinds of launch monitors are very well-suited for commercial golf simulator studios in places like bars or dedicated indoor facilities. They can also work great as part of permanent home setups.
Freestanding units, on the other hand, are portable. They sit in front of you or behind you in the hitting area and can be transported easily. The majority of launch monitors fall under this category.
If you’d like to be able to not just use your launch monitor indoors, but also move it to another room or take it outdoors whenever you want, a freestanding launch monitor like the SkyTrak+ or EYE MINI is the way to go. If you have a fixed setup in mind, consider a ceiling-mounted launch monitor.
2. Tracking System
The exact method a launch monitor uses to track a shot and measure data isn’t actually that important as long as it’s accurate and reliable, but there is one thing to keep in mind.
Generally, launch monitors are either camera-based or radar-based.
Camera-based systems capture high-speed images of the ball immediately after impact and, based on these images, derive various data parameters.
The main benefits of camera-based launch monitors are that they perform very well indoors and typically only need to be positioned a couple feet in front of the golfer perpendicular to the target line (or overhead in the case of a mounted unit).
This means that a golfer doesn’t need extra space behind them for their setup, so in that sense, a camera-based launch monitor is space efficient. This is why most of the launch monitors featured in this guide are of this type.
Radar-based systems, in contrast, track the ball through Doppler radar technology. These radars emit a microwave signal from the unit which bounces back from the golf ball after impact.
Radar units work perfectly fine indoors, but the issue is that they typically require a certain amount of space in front of and behind the golfer — often eight feet or more in both cases. This necessitates a larger indoor space.
If you can meet the space requirements of a radar-based launch monitor indoors, that’s great. If you have tighter space constraints, however, we recommend a camera-based launch monitor.
3. Apps & Software
Do you have a PC, iOS or Android device? If so, you can take advantage of free companion apps and in-house software that is offered with most of the launch monitors on today’s market.
All of the launch monitors reviewed on this page come with apps and/or simulator software. These apps typically unlock an array of additional features such as advanced tracking, skills challenges, and additional derived data.
Launch monitors that don’t have an onboard display will typically require the use of a companion app. Either way, apps and software are going to give you a much richer experience, so you should check out the apps available and see what they offer.
Just be aware that some apps can experience occasional glitches or be out-of-date, especially apps for older launch monitors.
4. Parameters
Which data parameters does the launch monitor track, and what parameters do you want to see?
As you might expect, less-expensive portable models will tend to measure less parameters, while more expensive models will provide a more detailed picture of your ball and club data. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, however.
Most golfers at a minimum want key metrics like distance (total, carry) and ball speed, and pretty much all launch monitors offer this. If you’re looking for a more detailed analysis with information like dispersion, club path and angle of attack, your choice of launch monitors will narrow a bit.
Make sure that the launch monitor you’re buying has all the data points that you’re looking for. If you plan to have a golf simulator setup indoors, it’s worth noting that all that’s needed for simulation is ball data.
5. Budget
Not everyone can afford launch monitors that cost $2000+, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount.
Cheaper launch monitors tend to be more portable. Of course, the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get.
This could be in the form of worse accuracy, less ball flight parameters, a less convenient setup, or less added features, but most of the price differential usually comes from technology, accuracy and reliability.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality launch monitors over a range of budgets that golfers might have. But the great thing is that you don’t have to drop the full cost of it at once.
Our recommended launch monitor source here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for more expensive models over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
Launch monitors suitable for indoor use should work well in low-light conditions, require minimal space around the golfer, and measure at least enough data to enable golf simulation.
Finding a launch monitor that meets your needs is certainly possible with some research.
Each of the launch monitor options reviewed above offer excellent value for the cost. We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.
If you plan to use your indoor launch monitor as part of a golf simulator setup, you can check out our article on the best projectors.
We highly recommend reading customer reviews of launch monitors to obtain useful insights as to how they actually perform. This can help you a great deal in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. Are you looking for a launch monitor for indoor use? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Your review of the Uneeker Eye XO leaves the reader confused about one thing. It would be very helpful if you clarified whether marked balls are necessary or not! The below two quotes from your review seem contradictary. Elaboration would be nice.
“…and eliminating the need to play specially marked golf balls”
“Note that club stickers are required for the EYE XO to measure club data”
Hi Daniel. There’s no contradiction there. You don’t need to play marked golf balls (black dots) unlike with the QED which needs them for spin measurements, but if you want to measure club data you need to apply reflective stickers to the club face. Ball data is measured regardless of whether the stickers are there or not. Hope this helps.