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A launch monitor is one of the most valuable assets that any golfer can have for their personal and home use.
It’s the core of most golf simulators, and 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 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 size 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 a screen, you can even build a full-on golf simulator 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.
We at Golfstead have tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of these launch monitors. Some have less capability than others, but they all give excellent results for the cost.
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 Launch Monitor
- Uneekor QED Launch Monitor
- Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor
- Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
1. SkyTrak Launch Monitor
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor is one of the most popular launch monitors on the market, and there’s a reason for that.
It’s a game-improvement tool used by both regular golfers and professionals. It records your ball flight data at a precision comparable to commercial systems that cost $10,000 or more, but yet it costs just a fraction of that price.
At the same time, it’s more powerful than the typical pocket-sized portable launch monitor.
And not only is it a launch monitor, but it also comes with out-of-the-box simulator software that is easy to set up, so you can get a visual of your shot on the range or your favourite golf course.
Once you set up a hitting area in your home, you can practice on a virtual range and view key ball flight parameters.
You can also play rounds on the world’s top courses, or play different challenges like closest-to-the-pin, depending on the package you get. You can play golf with your family or friends, whatever the weather is outside.
How It Works
When you hit a shot, photometric technology is used to take several high-speed photos of the first few inches of ball flight. Five metrics are directly measured: ball speed, launch angle, side spin, side angle, and back spin.
Through advanced algorithms, the photos taken are used to calculate six additional parameters: distance, flight path, club head speed, angle of descent, offline, and roll.
Because of the way ball behaviour is measured, the SkyTrak should be used indoors, making it perfect for the home.
Additional Info
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor 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 twelve famous golf courses and closest-to-the-pin challenges.
Beyond the in-house software, the SkyTrak 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 to use it is enough space to swing your longest club. We love it because it’s well-made, trusted by pros and top golf swing coaches, and offers arguably the best performance for the money.
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 is a relatively new launch monitor to hit the market, and it 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, allowing you to swing freely.
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 3D, 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, including PC system requirements, visit this page. The Uneekor QED launch monitor is also available as part of a full golf simulator package here.
3. 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, is the first launch monitor to measure detailed club path parameters that you could previously only get in $1800+ units. It’s also the first launch monitor in its price range to have golf simulation capabilities.
People are raving about the R10. It has gotten top marks from critics across the board, who are just blown away 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, 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.
4. FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
Announced at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show, the Mevo Plus (or Mevo+) is a relatively new addition to FlightScope’s launch monitor lineup.
Usable both indoors and outdoors, it packs the latest cutting-edge technologies and performance features. It was recently updated with Fusion Tracking for enhanced accuracy and consistency.
Although it’s roughly the same price as the SkyTrak, many argue that it’s better in certain respects, and there’s little question that it performs better and more reliably outdoors.
The Mevo Plus has a sharp white/red colour scheme that stands out nicely. If possible, we recommend using it out in the yard, but if you need to use it indoors, your space will require at least 16 feet of depth.
Data Parameters
To start, the radar technology of the Mevo Plus measures an impressive 16 ball and swing parameters — 8 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
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 3D, 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 8 feet behind the ball on your target line. A minimum of 8 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 (including the Pro Package), and software options, visit this page.
5. 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
- 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, its ceiling-mounted nature 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 3D, 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.
6. Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor
The Swing Caddie SC300i is Voice Caddie’s best (and newest) launch monitor offering. It’s an upgraded model to the SC300, which was quite successful in its own right.
Compared to the older SC300, the SC300i has better Doppler hardware, an extended battery life, and a new app feature that allows you to view video playback of your swing with data overlay.
The driving range isn’t the only place for the SC300i — with a good net or screen, it can be used indoors or outdoors around the house. Just be aware of the spacing requirements.
Features
The SC300i has a black backing, a stand, black edging (as opposed to the silver of the SC300), and an LCD display with an orange backlight. It has excellent accuracy and a relatively high average customer rating.
The SC300i Launch Monitor uses the latest in Doppler radar technology, along with calibrating atmospheric pressure sensors. Key parameters measured include:
- carry distance
- swing speed
- ball speed
- smash factor
- launch angle
- apex (max height)
Launch angle and apex are parameters that are normally limited to professional launch monitors, so you’re getting excellent value here.
The SC300i can be paired with the MySwingCaddie app (iOS or Android) for real-time, integrated shot data and statistics for each club.
You don’t need the app to use the SC300i, but we recommend installing it because it provides extra benefits including spin data and a video playback feature. It can be connected to the launch monitor via Bluetooth.
Using the camera of your phone (which has the app installed and is connected to the SC300i unit), you can record each one of your shots, and the app will store them and overlay the data parameters associated with it. You can draw lines frame-by-frame and loop sections to really get down into the granular.
Note that users have reported issues with the app not recording certain shots. If you have this problem, try adjusting the trigger duration in the settings or contact support.
7. 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. You can also optionally integrate with E6 CONNECT.
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 game-changer in the launch monitor space and is of the best choices to integrate into a golf simulator setup.
For more info on bundles, software, and more, go here. For more info on the Bushnell Launch Pro, 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 your home use can be difficult and overwhelming.
It turns out that 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 some kind of hitting net or 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.
All of the launch monitors reviewed on this page will, 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. 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 and smash factor, your choice of launch monitors will narrow a bit.
Not surprisingly, the more expensive and advanced the launch monitor, the more parameters it will tend to measure. Make sure that 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-$500 launch monitor, you’re not going to get the world-class precision and reliable tracking of a high-end unit like the GC3 or QED.
For most golfers, it 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 simulation software, usually at extra cost.
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 to the ceiling (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 desired.
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 $2000+, 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 Plus, SkyTrak, or EYE XO 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 GC3, and if your focus is outdoor use, you should look at radar-based systems, although radar launch monitors can perform 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 screen, 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.
