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A launch monitor is one of the most valuable assets that any golfer can have.
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. Not only that, but it’s also the core of most golf simulators.
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: the amount of data points, accuracy, technology and features are among them.
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 a golf simulator studio that you can 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 QED Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor
- Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
- Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- Foresight Sports GC3 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 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, Fitness Golf, 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 home launch monitor and it integrates with the same software as the SkyTrak+.
2. Uneekor QED Launch Monitor
If you don’t mind shelling out the big bucks for not just a serious home launch monitor, but a serious golf simulator as well, have a look at this.
The Uneekor QED has been received exceptionally well by golfers. In fact, it is considered a step above SkyTrak and nearly on par with top professional launch monitors like GCQuad and even TrackMan.
Uneekor QED uses two high-speed cameras that record at over 3000 fps, along with advanced sensors, to track detailed parameters related to club path and ball impact. It delivers full performance on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards.
The QED system is mounted on the ceiling. This means it’s a fixed setup, but that’s also what makes it ideal for the home.
Data Parameters
In addition to the obvious data parameters like distance, ball speed and club head speed, some other parameters that the Uneekor QED measures are:
- club path
- face angle
- back spin
- side spin
- launch angle
- side angle
Software
What’s great about Uneekor QED is that it comes with quality simulator software out of the box. Called QED Ignite, this software allows you to view real-time video playback of your shots, play world-class golf courses, practice on the range, and much more.
In addition to the default software, Uneekor QED is compatible with TGC 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. For more information, visit this page. The Uneekor QED launch monitor is also available as part of a full golf simulator package here.
3. 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.
4. Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor
The Swing Caddie SC4 is the latest and most powerful launch monitor by Voice Caddie, who 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 like the GC3, 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.
5. FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
The Mevo Plus is a champ. It’s relatively affordable, it performs well both indoors and outdoors, it comes with apps and software out-of-the-box, and it’s 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.
6. Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
The Approach R10 by Garmin, the company behind many of the best golf GPS units on the market, has made big waves in the industry. 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.
7. Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
A little ways up the page, we featured the Uneekor QED launch monitor, which measures an array of data parameters as a traditional launch monitor would.
The more expensive EYE XO is an upgrade and a step up from the QED. 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 the QED, 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 TruGolf’s 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.
8. 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, at well under $10,000 with software included.
The GC3 has a sleek, portable design with a touchscreen display and direct-to-screen data output. The launch monitor can be used equally well in the house or out in the yard.
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 in bundles which include FSX 2020 and FSX Play software. 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, which allows you to pay for certain features through a subscription model instead of paying the full cost up-front.
Because of the GC3’s power, 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.
Buying Guide
There are many launch monitors on the market, some relatively cheap and some expensive, and we understand that choosing the right one for home use can be difficult and 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 it 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 inaccurate readings, for example, it’s going to be of little to no use to you in helping improve your game.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when determining which launch monitor will suit you best:
1. Usage Type
To use a launch monitor at home with real balls, you need a hitting net or impact screen. But many launch monitors work better outdoors (e.g. on the range) where the ball can take its full flight.
Most launch monitors will work just fine hitting into a net, especially ones that use cameras instead of radar.
But if you’re interested in some other launch monitor, you should verify that it can be used with a net and how much free ball flight it needs to work properly. This is especially true for radar-based launch monitors. You don’t want to find out the bad news later that it’s unusable for your purposes.
At the same time, don’t count on being able to use a ceiling-mounted launch monitor like the Uneekor QED or EYE XO outdoors because of its fixed nature.
2. Parameters
What ball flight parameters does the launch monitor track, and what parameters do you want to see?
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.
3. Accuracy
Cheaper launch monitors are often less accurate and less reliable in measuring ball flight 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 world-class precision and reliable tracking of a high-end unit like the EYE MINI 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?
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 (e.g. the Uneekor EYE XO) or is placed on the ground beside or behind the player. The former is meant for stationary setups such as in a dedicated gaming room, while the latter makes it straightforward to move the unit around the house as needed.
6. Budget
Of course, your budget is 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.
Our recommended launch monitor source here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for something like the Mevo+, SkyTrak+, or QED over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
Golf 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. Full golf simulator packages often include top launch monitors like the SkyTrak+.
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.
