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A launch monitor is one of the most valuable assets that any golfer can have at their disposal.
It allows you to measure ball flight data and track your shots so that you can understand where your game is and where it needs to go. It’s also the core of most golf simulator setups.
Not everyone can afford professional launch monitors, some of which have costs that reach into the five figures. Fortunately, as launch monitor technology has advanced, many very affordable solutions have appeared on the market, so there are options that can accommodate a range of budgets.
There are several things that make a great launch monitor including the amount of data points, accuracy, technology and features.
You can take full advantage of many launch monitors at home with a hitting net, and with some decent software, a projector and an impact screen, you can even build out a golf simulator studio to enjoy day or night, rain or shine.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best home golf launch monitors across a wide 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 Launch Monitors For The Home
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, the following are our top picks for the best launch monitors for home use:
- SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Lite Launch Monitor
- Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitor
- ProTee VX Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor
- Foresight Falcon Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
- Garmin Approach R10 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 addresses 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.
Like the original SkyTrak, the SkyTrak+ is 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. This, combined with its affordability, make it the perfect launch monitor for home use.
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 original 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 generally 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 home launch monitor and it integrates with the same software as the SkyTrak+.
2. Uneekor EYE MINI Lite Launch Monitor
Uneekor’s EYE MINI Lite launch monitor offers the same power, accuracy and data points of its bigger brother, the EYE MINI, but 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.
The EYE MINI Lite is perfectly suited for a fixed indoor home environment; all you need is an electrical outlet to get it running at its full potential.
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 Uneekor 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 take it to the range 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.
3. Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitor
You’ll see many people in golf communities across the web and elsewhere talk about using the Bushnell Launch Pro, and there are good reasons for that.
This camera-based launch monitor is essentially the GC3 (by Foresight Sports) but branded under Bushnell Golf.
With the initial purchase, you’ll be able to view ball and club data parameters on the LCD display after each shot, depending on whether you get the Ball Data Enabled Unit or the pricier Ball & Club Data Enabled Unit. An optional Gold Subscription unlocks more functionality and allows you to use simulation software with the Launch Pro.
The main attraction of the Bushnell Launch Pro’s payment system is that you are much more able to just pay for the features you want and save money foregoing features you don’t need.
Features
The Launch Pro measures an array of club and ball data parameters using infrared object tracking and a triscopic high-speed camera system. It has a sleek, portable design with direct output to a touchscreen-enabled display.
Without a subscription package, you can only view your data on the onboard display. A Gold Subscription, which costs $499/year, gives you the following (not limited to):
- full access to FSX Play and FSX Pro software
- twenty-five courses
- ability to save sessions
- ability to set unlimited clubs
- ability to create players and track rounds
- a membership to Awesome Golf
- ability to connect third-party software
Under the Gold plan, the Launch Pro is capable of measuring over 12 club and ball data parameters including carry, ball speed, club head speed, spin tilt axis, back and side spin, club path, and angle of attack. Club stickers need to be applied in order to measure some metrics.
In addition to getting a 14-day free trial to club data if you choose the Ball Data Unit, you also get a 14-day free trial to the Gold plan with the initial purchase.
The Launch Pro is an extremely accurate and reliable launch monitor trusted by pros. If you’d rather gain immediate access to the full power of this launch monitor with a one-time purchase, check out the GC3 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 Foresight Sports 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, 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 home setups.
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 can be used inside the home as part of a net or impact screen setup, and it can also be taken out into the yard.
Features
The Uneekor EYE MINI is a camera-based launch monitor consisting 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 excellent third-party compatibility, the EYE MINI is pretty difficult to pass up if you have the budget for it.
6. 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 people, especially home users, 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.
7. 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 now.
As an upgrade and a step up from the their QED model, it:
- measures additional metrics including attack angle, vertical and horizontal impact points, and club lie and loft angles
- offers higher-resolution club path video
- measures ball spin using dimples rather than ball markings (no special balls required)
- includes View software which supports cloud service and offers more features
Through Uneekor’s proprietary Optix technology, you can understand where exactly the club face makes contact with the ball. You’ll be given visual examples of adjustments you can make to improve the consistency of your contact.
Like other launch monitors featured on this page, the overhead mounted nature of the EYE XO is well-suited to home applications. If you’re looking for a top ball and club data measuring system and have a large enough budget, the EYE XO launch monitor is something to seriously consider.
Additional Info
In addition to the View software, Uneekor EYE XO is compatible with E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, Creative Golf, and GSPro — great if you want to move to the next level with a full-on simulator experience.
Several software upgrades and add-ons are available. For more information including PC system requirements, visit this page. The EYE XO is also available as part of a full golf simulator package here.
While the EYE XO is a little more expensive than the ProTee VX, it’s a proven system and we believe it may have a slight edge in accuracy and reliability.
8. Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor
The Swing Caddie SC4 is the latest and most powerful launch monitor by Voice Caddie, a company that has made some great launch monitors in the past.
What makes the SC4 so unique and valuable is that while it has an onboard display that allows you to get your numbers without any software, it also supports golf simulation. This is a combination that you really only see in the expensive high-end units, so the fact that Voice Caddie was able to achieve this in a budget unit is really great.
Plus, the SC4 requires less space behind you (4-7 feet) than other radar-based launch monitors, so an indoor home setup is very achievable.
Features
The Swing Caddie SC4 is a Doppler radar device that measures eight data parameters: carry/total distance, apex height, spin rate, clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, smash factor, and launch direction.
The companion app for the SC4 is called MySwingCaddie, available for iOS or Android. It allows you to:
- record your swing with your phone camera and play it back with data overlays
- save, review and analyze your shot data and stats
- get a top-down view of your shot dispersions
In our experience, the app is well-designed and runs smoothly.
The SC4 has two modes: outdoor and simulator. In outdoor mode, you can read all your data points on the onboard display after each shot without any smartphone or software required.
In simulator mode, the SC4 can be used with the world-renowned E6 CONNECT software as well as OptiShot Orion. A separate subscription is required for this.
In addition to the above, it also contains a barometric pressure sensor, remote control, and voice output that reads your distances out to you. The launch monitor runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
An impressive amount of value is packed into the Swing Caddie SC4 for the cost. And although it initially had some launch hiccups like lack of simulation and messed up spin readings, Voice Caddie has addressed these issues and now its accuracy and reliability are comparable to the best budget units on the market.
9. FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
The Mevo Plus is a champ, but because it requires at least 8 feet of space behind you as a radar-based launch monitor, it won’t work for many indoor home setups.
Still, it’s relatively affordable, performs well both indoors and outdoors, comes with apps and software out-of-the-box, and is compatible with a slew of great simulator software providers.
What’s more, the Mevo Plus is now being offered in a 2023 Edition which has an improved battery life, upgraded kickstand, and expanded features in the bundled E6 CONNECT software including PC compatibility.
The Mevo Plus has a sharp white/red colour scheme that stands out nicely. It works great indoors, but if you can, we suggest using it out in the yard since it requires at least eight feet of space behind you.
Data Parameters
To start, the radar technology of the Mevo Plus measures an impressive 16 ball and swing parameters — eight more than the original Mevo. These parameters include the essentials like distance, ball speed, club head speed, and (not limited to):
- spin axis
- spin loft
- lateral landing
- roll distance
- shot shape
This is bolstered by Fusion Tracking which adds synchronized image processing for enhanced accuracy and consistency. Plus, a new, optional Pro Package upgrade unlocks 11 additional advanced club and ball data parameters.
Software & Apps
FlightScope offers several apps compatible with the Mevo Plus launch monitor that enhance your experience. With the free FS Golf app, for example, you get a practice range, 3D trajectory views and video recording.
You can benefit from real-time performance data, automated video capture with trimming, and recorded training sessions.
As for software, the Mevo Plus is compatible with E6 CONNECT (full PC version), TGC 2019, Awesome Golf, Creative Golf, and GSPro. Depending on the software you choose, you can play up to 100,000 courses, multiplayer, mini-games, and more.
Additional Notes
For best results, the Mevo Plus unit should be placed eight feet behind the ball on your target line. A minimum of eight feet of ball flight is needed to accurately record data parameters.
As we mention above, you need a minimum of 16 feet of depth in whatever space you plan to play. If you can’t achieve this indoors, try the backyard.
Mevo Plus users love the value you get for the money: excellent accuracy, great software, quality customer support, and convenience. For more information on device compatibility, available add-ons, and software options, visit this page.
10. Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
The Approach R10 by Garmin, the company behind many of the best golf GPS units on the market, made big waves in the industry when it launched. Many people consider it to have revolutionized golf tech like the SkyTrak did back in 2014.
The R10, at just $600, was the first launch monitor to measure detailed club path parameters that you could previously only get in $1800+ units. It was also the first launch monitor in its price range to have golf simulation capabilities.
It has gotten top marks from critics across the board, many of whom are simply amazed that something this compact and affordable can do so much.
Features
The Approach R10 can work great inside or outside the house, but its radar technology is naturally better suited for outdoor use.
The R10 rests on a tripod mount and is placed 6-8 feet behind the ball. It’s considered a portable launch monitor and can easily be moved around the home wherever you want to set up.
The R10 does three main things. First, it directly measures four data parameters and derives many other parameters (10+) including spin and face angle. The directly measured metrics are:
- ball speed
- club head speed
- launch angle
- launch direction
Second, the Approach R10 supports golf simulation. Through the updated Garmin Golf app, you can either practice and analyze your sessions on a virtual driving range or play courses around the world on Home Tee Hero, which requires a subscription. You can also play the world-renowned E6 CONNECT software, Awesome Golf, Creative Golf, TGC 2019, or PinSeeker app tournaments.
Third, you can capture video of your shots by setting up your phone’s camera behind the hitting area. Your stats including ball speed, carry distance and total distance, as well as the club you hit with, are overlaid on top of each clip, and you can use it to spot flaws in your swing.
The Garmin Golf app, which is required to use the R10, has been around for a while; it enjoys a high average rating that is rare for these kinds of apps. Through the app, you can also view club performance data, participate in weekly tournaments, share your results, and more.
The R10 puts up a really impressive fight against launch monitors at the $2000 level and above, and Garmin continues to update, improve, and build on it over time. If you don’t have the budget for something like the SkyTrak+ or Mevo+, you should seriously consider grabbing one.
Buying Guide
There are many launch monitors on the market, some relatively cheap and some expensive, and choosing the right one for home use can feel a bit overwhelming.
However, it’s not that difficult to find one that meets your needs once you know what to look for. You just need to consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match them with what your goals are.
In general, you should invest in a launch monitor that’s reliable, accurate, and that measures the shot parameters you’re interested in. If you have a launch monitor that provides insufficient data or accuracy, it’s going to be of little use to you in furthering your game-improvement.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when determining which launch monitor will suit you best:
1. Usage Type
One of the first things to ask yourself is if you plan to use your launch monitor in a fixed indoor environment, outdoors in the yard, or both.
If it’s the first option, either a fixed overhead-mounted system (like the ProTee VX or Uneekor EYE XO) or a freestanding portable system (like the EYE MINI or Mevo+) will work.
If it’s the second option, ceiling-mounted launch monitors are pretty much out of the question. For the third option, only portable launch monitors will work.
Portable launch monitors are very versatile because they can be taken and used anywhere around the home as long as there is sufficient space. But whichever system you look at, you should verify that it can be used for your intended purpose.
2. Parameters
Which ball and club data parameters does the launch monitor track, and what are the key parameters that you’re looking for?
Most golfers want key metrics like distance (total, carry), spin rate, and ball speed, and almost all launch monitors offer this at a minimum. If you’re looking for a more detailed analysis with information like angle of attack, club path and smash factor, your choice of launch monitors will narrow a bit.
The more expensive and advanced the launch monitor, the more parameters it will tend to measure, but this certainly isn’t a hard rule.
In any case, make sure the launch monitor you’re buying has all the data points that you’re looking for. It’s worth noting that only ball data is necessary for golf simulation, and club data is often considered to be a bonus.
3. Accuracy
Cheaper launch monitors are often less accurate and less reliable in measuring data. Some of them are finicky when it comes to their position and elevation relative to the hitting area.
Understand that with a sub-$1000 launch monitor, you’re not going to get the high precision and reliable tracking of a high-end unit like the Foresight Falcon or GCQuad.
For most golfers, accuracy on the level of the SkyTrak+ or Mevo+ will be plenty good enough, but those who demand the best will need to look at more expensive models.
4. Features
When you’re considering a launch monitor, look at the features. How does the launch monitor display your data, and how can you store and organize it? Does it have an onboard display or does it require separate software to see the data?
Many affordable launch monitors can be paired with a matching app that allows you flexibility in viewing your data, data trends, and data for each club in the bag. Some come with in-house simulation software.
Other launch monitors have video recording and playback functionality, either within the device itself or through an app.
If there’s a particular feature that you want in your launch monitor, make sure that the model you’re interested in has it. Beyond that, any extra features are just gravy.
5. Portability
You may not think portability is that important because we’re talking about launch monitors for the home.
But it does still matter, because it’s worth knowing if you can easily move your launch monitor to another room or from the inside of your home out into the yard.
The main factor in this regard is whether the launch monitor is mounted overhead, is an integrated system under the floor, or is placed on the ground near the player. The first two are meant for stationary setups such as in a dedicated gaming room, while the third makes it straightforward to move the system around the house as needed.
6. Budget
Your budget is obviously very important when shopping for a home golf launch monitor. Not everyone can afford launch monitors that cost $3000+, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount.
With that said, it’s pretty obvious that that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get — this could be in the form of less accuracy, less ball flight parameters, a less convenient setup, or less added features.
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.
One of our recommended launch monitor sources here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for something like the Mevo+, SkyTrak+, or ProTee VX over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
Launch monitors have become a lot more accessible and affordable over the past decade, and this means more golfers than ever before have been able to own one for their personal home use.
Finding a launch monitor that meets your needs is certainly possible with some research.
In general, if your focus is indoor use, you should look at camera-based systems like the SkyTrak+, EYE XO or EYE MINI, and if your focus is outdoor use, you should look at radar-based systems like the Mevo+, although radar launch monitors can work perfectly well indoors too.
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 want to be able to do more than just view your numbers on a display, consider a golf simulator for your home — check out this article for that.
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. Which launch monitor are you considering? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
