Golfstead is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates.
While nearly every golfer would love to have their own personal golf simulator setup, many aren’t able to afford high-end or even mid-range packages.
Many golfers want to be able to get a virtual golf experience but aren’t willing to spend more than $1000 for it.
If this is you, then you’ve come to the right place. Fortunately, as golf simulator technology has advanced, very inexpensive solutions have appeared on the market that can accommodate low budgets.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulators under $1000.
Before we go further, you should understand that with these kinds of cheap golf simulators, you’ll get a limited experience.
What we mean by this is that you may have a device that measures some shot data, simulation software, and maybe a cheap net and mat, but not much more than this. Full enclosures, projectors and impact screens are out of the question.
Having said that, you can still get a decent experience and these simulators can still help improve your game as well as provide entertainment value.
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 Golf Simulators Under $1000
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
- Square Golf Launch Monitor
- Phigolf 2 Portable Golf Simulator
- Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor
- Swing Caddie SC4 PRO Launch Monitor
- SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator
- Exputt RG EX500D Real-Time Putting Simulator
Note: Exact prices for the items listed on this page are subject to change. To see the current price, please click on the relevant links below.
1. Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor
The Garmin Approach R10 is launch monitor, but it’s also a golf simulator. It has made big waves in the industry, and many people consider it to have revolutionized golf tech like the SkyTrak did back in 2014.
The Approach R10 was the first launch monitor under $1000 to have golf simulation capabilities, and it was also the first launch monitor to measure detailed club path parameters that you could previously only get in $1800+ units.
Through the Garmin Golf app, you can practice on a virtual driving range or play courses on Home Tee Hero. Just go to the range or set up a net and hitting mat with the R10 and you’re good to go.
Features
The Approach 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 from the home to the driving range or wherever else you want to set up.
The R10 can do three main things. First, it directly measures four data parameters using radar technology and derives many other parameters (10+) including spin and face angle.
Second, as mentioned above, the Approach R10 supports golf simulation. You can practice and analyze your sessions on a virtual driving range for free with the Garmin Golf app. With a subscription, you can play Home Tee Hero (contains over 42,000 courses), and the R10 is also compatible with the world-renowned E6 CONNECT software, Awesome Golf, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf, and PinSeeker app.
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.
The Garmin Golf app has very high ratings. Through the app, you can also view club performance data, participate in weekly tournaments, share your results, and more.
With a cheap hitting mat and net purchased separately, this is arguably the best golf simulator experience you can get for less than $1000. You can even just hit balls at your local driving range, with the R10 positioned behind you, and forego the net entirely while viewing the simulation on your phone.
2. Square Golf Launch Monitor
The Square Golf launch monitor is a golf simulator designed for indoor use. Unlike other sub-$1000 systems in its price range like the Approach R10 and MLM2PRO, it’s camera-based and sits in front of the golfer, so no extra space behind the hitting zone is needed.
The 19 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm device measures an array of ball and club parameters and integrates with in-house simulation software as well as various third-party solutions. It enjoys high ratings from critics and consumers.
Features
The Square consists of a high-speed camera and uses machine vision technology to provide accurate shot analysis. It provides an impressive array of eight ball and four club metrics including ball and club speed, swing path, angle of attack, spin, and carry distance.
While the Square can be used with real clubs (we recommend this whenever possible), it comes with a swing stick which can optionally be used for quick, convenient practice sessions. Included marked balls and club tape allow the device to measure spin and club path, respectively.
This launch monitor comes bundled with comprehensive simulator software that offers course play, practice, a data mode, and the closest-to-the-pin challenge. All features except for course play are accessible for free, while pay-as-you-go credits are used in order to play holes.
In addition, the Square can integrate with the third-party simulation software E6 CONNECT, E6 APEX, GSPro, and Awesome Golf.
The Square utilizes Bluetooth connectivity and has a battery life of eight hours. However, the launch monitor is intended for indoor use only and should not be put in direct sunlight.
The affordable Square is very fast to start up and super accurate given its price point. The system really does everything well. Some people even believe the accuracy is comparable to higher-end systems like the Uneekor EYE MINI.
3. Phigolf 2 Portable Golf Simulator
Phigolf is one of the most popular and highly-rated simulator systems under $1000, and it can even work within a $500 budget.
The Phigolf is considered a mobile simulator game; it’s compact, portable, and can be played anywhere indoors or outdoors with up to four people.
Like other systems in this price range, the Phigolf simulator uses a sensor attached to an included toy stick or real club. The latest Phigolf 2 release offers a number of improvements over the original Phigolf:
- a polygonal sensor shape that is easier to see on the back of the club
- a modern USB-C connection
- an updated Bluetooth version 5.0
- eight HD premium courses included
- a longer swing stick that feels more realistic during the swing
Phigolf integrates with E6 CONNECT and is run entirely from an iOS or Android mobile device. Phigolf also has an in-house app that offers multiple golf courses, games and modes.
In our experience, the accuracy of Phigolf rivals that of the SLX MicroSim. In addition, the large number of fun game modes in the software makes for excellent entertainment by yourself or with others.
How It Works
The Phigolf system includes a swing stick, 9-axis club sensor, USB-C cable, and safety strap. The steps for setting it up can be summarized as follows:
- Charge the battery fully.
- Using the hole on the end of the swing stick or your club, mount the sensor.
- Press and hold the top of the sensor to turn it on.
- Activate Bluetooth on your mobile device and install the E6 CONNECT or Phigolf app.
- Set up the app and connect it to the Phigolf device.
To hit a shot, hold the address position and wait for the Ready indicator on the app. Once it appears, make your swing.
Endless courses are available for play: 41 through E6 CONNECT, and 17 through the Phigolf app plus over 38,000 additional courses from around the world, including major championship venues like Valhalla, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. Multiplayer and online play are available.
Get a feel for how Phigolf 2 plays by watching this video:
For the cost, Phigolf 2 is a great simulator solution that provides plenty of entertainment, allowing you to experience many of the world’s best courses while getting to know your golf swing better. See what users are saying about it here.
4. Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor
Similar to the Approach R10, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO is a launch monitor as well as a golf simulator. It was created by the same company behind the massively successful SkyTrak launch monitor.
This device is designed to improve on the best aspects of its predecessor, the Rapsodo MLM, while addressing the common pain points users had in the previous generation such as lack of Android compatibility.
In addition to the companion app which provides dispersion circles, shot shape trends, and much more, the MLM2PRO allows you to enjoy golf simulation through a variety of in-house and third-party solutions.
Features
The MLM2PRO launch monitor combines Doppler radar with two high-speed cameras. It measures 13 club and ball parameters, although RPT balls (included) must be used to obtain spin readings.
The cameras built into the MLM2PRO pave the way for:
- Impact Vision: provides a slow-motion closeup of the club swinging through the ball
- Shot Vision: gives a down-the-line video of your shot with a ball tracer
Because the MLM2PRO has no onboard display, its features must be accessed through the companion MLM2PRO app. This well-made app provides powerful analysis features including Rapsodo Combines and Session Insights.
From dispersion circles to performance tests to club gapping details and shot shape trends, the MLM2PRO app will help you understand your game on a much deeper level.
You can also enjoy golf simulation with the MLM2PRO through Rapsodo Range, Rapsodo Courses, Target Range, E6 CONNECT, E6 APEX, GSPro, and Awesome Golf.
Keep in mind that while the MLM2PRO is under $1000, a Premium Membership to the app ($200/year) is required to access many of its features.
This will bother some people, but the accuracy of the unit is outstanding, and Rapsodo has come out with several major improvements to the MLM2PRO since it first launched onto the market including greatly enhanced graphics, elevations and undulations across all of Rapsodo’s in-house simulation solutions.
The MLM2PRO is probably the most accurate golf simulator under $1000, so it’s best for golfers who are looking to improve their game.
5. Swing Caddie SC4 PRO Launch Monitor
The Swing Caddie SC4 PRO is yet another excellent launch monitor also advertised as a golf simulator. It’s 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 PRO so unique and valuable is that while it supports golf simulation, it also has an onboard display that allows you to get your numbers without any software. This is a combination that you really only see in the expensive high-end units.
Compared to the original SC4, the PRO version comes with a number of improvements including more data in the app, a new machine-learning algorithm (ProMetrics) that results in better data accuracy, and new enhanced app features.
Features
The Swing Caddie SC4 PRO 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. Spin axis, sidespin, backspin and dispersions are also measured in the app.
The companion app for the SC4 PRO is called VOICECADDIE S, available for iOS or Android. It allows you to:
- see the ball flight of your shots in a virtual 3D driving range
- view your shot dispersions from multiple different perspectives
- record and display your swing speed without having to hit any balls
- view the full gamut of launch monitor data with ball and clubhead visuals
- track stats and monitor your progress over time
- customize your bag fully
In our experience, the app’s usability is not quite as good as the old MySwingCaddie app but it’s still decent.
The SC4 PRO has three modes: Practice, Target, and Swing Speed. In addition to the companion app experience, the device can be integrated with the E6 CONNECT software and provides more free E6 courses initially compared to the original SC4.
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 PRO for the cost. And although it initially had some launch hiccups like lack of third-party options and messed up spin readings, Voice Caddie has addressed these issues and now it’s one of the best options for golf simulation under $1000.
6. SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator
The SLX MicroSim, formerly the Tittle X, is a great ultra-budget golf simulator that has enough accuracy to be useful for game improvement.
The SLX MicroSim takes features of simulator equipment worth thousands of dollars and miniaturizes them into a 7.9g device. It uses the E6 CONNECT simulator software by TruGolf, which is one of the best available.
The SLX MicroSim isn’t designed to use any balls and it comes with a toy stick for swinging, although you can swing your own clubs with foam or real balls if you want.
This golf simulator is child and beginner friendly. We recommend it for recreational golfers.
How It Works
To use this simulator, you need to mount the SLX MicroSim sensor (included) onto your own club or the included stick.
Setup involves quite a few steps, but fortunately, SLX MicroSim provides a detailed guide to walk you through the process. You need to:
- Register the device.
- Install E6 CONNECT on PC or iOS.
- Prepare the device.
- Establish some connections.
- Start playing by waiting for vibrations from the device.
With the E6 CONNECT software integration, you can play 3D-rendered real-world golf courses in 4K resolution and practice on the range. There are various play modes and you can sign up for a low-cost subscription to access an expanded set of courses and features.
For a complete picture of how to set up the SLX MicroSim and what you can do with the E6 CONNECT software, refer to the user manual.
Not only is the SLX MicroSim impressively accurate given its cost, but it also delivers great entertainment thanks to the ultra-realistic (4K) graphics. See what people are saying about it here.
7. Exputt RG EX500D Real-Time Putting Simulator
The Exputt is unique in that it’s designed solely as a putting simulator. The RG, which is the latest version with a bunch of new features, has a near perfect average customer rating (at least 4.9/5 stars), so golfers are loving it.
In fact, we’ve found that it can be a game-changer for many golfers, taking them from being a poor putter to a great putter in relatively short order.
How It Works
The Exputt RG consists of a long, narrow putting mat (48″x13″) with a backstop at the end.
It uses an ultra high-speed camera to precisely measure your putter and ball movements, perform a comparative analysis, and simulate the results in a virtual course environment. The RG can simulate weather conditions, green speeds, and of course, slopes & breaks.
Some of the parameters you have access to include ball speed, launch direction, distance, impact angle, and putter path.
The RG is designed to simulate the putting experience you get on a real golf course, in real time. The innovative tracking technology allows you to practice your putting with precise accuracy from the comfort of your own home.
Setup
The setup process is fairly straightforward, but in order to ensure correct operation, it needs to be done properly and with care. You’ll need a TV to use the simulator.
Detailed setup instructions are provided upon purchase. But here’s a concise summary of what you need to do:
- Attach the high-speed camera to your TV or mount it on the included camera stand.
- Roll out the putting mat.
- Establish some connections between the mat, camera and TV.
- Check the height of the camera and its distance from the putting mat.
- Follow the syncing instructions on your TV.
You can also use the RG on your mobile device through the new Exputt RG app.
With the Exputt RG simulator, you use your putter like a mouse. There are various keys on the putting mat that you select by resting your putter head on them.
Additional Info
Compared to the previous version Exputt EX300, the RG adds:
- an Explorer Mode in the software which lets you choose the locations of the holes and balls on the green of a selected course.
- the ability to connect to Wi-Fi for updates and online play.
- the ability to use the Exputt on a mobile device.
If you’re interested in understanding every aspect of your putting at home, there’s really no better choice than the Exputt RG given a budget of $1000 or less.
Buying Guide
Investing in a golf simulator under $1000 isn’t as big a step as if you were spending $5000 or more, but it’s still important to consider factors that affect the experience and match it with what your goals are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when figuring out which golf simulator will best meet your needs:
1. Size
Size is obviously an essential factor for any kind of golf simulator.
For most inexpensive simulators under $1000, the best you’ll be able to do is have a hitting mat and net along with your tracking device, so you’ll need enough room for these items and you’ll need enough room to swing your longest club (or swing stick) unimpeded.
Have a clear understanding of the size of the simulator you’re looking at, and where you intend to place it. Measure the width, length and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements.
In general, net setups tend to require about 9 feet of height. Your space should be able to easily accommodate this. Of course, if you plan to do golf simulation via a mobile device or laptop at the driving range, space shouldn’t be a concern.
2. Portability
Another thing to consider is ease of transport. If you don’t have a net or mat, mobility is not an issue at all.
Net setups are usually easy to set up, take down and transport. Many nets come with a duffle bag that can store the net and other components.
Do you plan to have a dedicated space where your golf simulator will always be located, or will there be times when you need to move it?
Maybe you travel periodically and want to be able to easily take it with you. Maybe you just want to pack it away during certain times of the year (like summer, when you can get out to the golf course).
If portability would be particularly useful for you and you’re planning to invest in a net and mat, then make sure that transporting these items is straightforward. The good news is that inexpensive simulators also tend to be portable.
3. Net Vs. No Net
Projectors and screens will undoubtedly bump the cost of a simulator well over $1000, so we won’t even consider them in this guide.
However, as you’ll see, you can invest in a net, side barriers, and a hitting mat without passing this cost threshold. This will allow you to practice at any time of day, regardless of what the weather is outside.
The question is: do you want to spend a bit more for these items, or are you content with just having simulator software and using foam balls, plastic balls, no balls, or hitting balls at the driving range?
You’ll have to determine how important it is for you to be able to practice without going to the range. Plus, if you can use real balls, it will obviously more realistic and better for your game improvement.
An exception to the issue of net vs. no net is a putting simulator like the Exputt RG, where all you need is a mat and your putter, as well as all-in-one budget systems like Phigolf which aren’t designed to use balls.
4. Software
You should also consider what kinds of things you want to do, games you want to play, and activities you want to take part in on your golf simulator. Golf simulators may be compatible with one or more software solutions.
The Golf Club 2019, compatible with the Approach R10, has 4K resolution support and offers a ton of golf courses, live tours and tournaments, as well as a tool that allows you to build your own golf courses.
E6 CONNECT, offered with the Phigolf, SC4 PRO and others, is a high-quality software option that offers practice modes and various golf courses, among other things.
Awesome Golf, usable with the Approach R10, MLM2PRO and Square Golf, places more of a focus on fun, kid-friendly entertainment with quirky minigames in addition to standard course play.
What software features do you want access to? If you want more courses and features, you’ll likely have to throw down some extra cash. Consider compatible software when looking at simulators, and make your decision accordingly.
5. Budget
We know you don’t want to spend more than $1000, but would you be willing to spend $100-$300 on what are considered “bottom-of-the-barrel” simulators?
It’s important to realize that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get, both in terms of equipment and software.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include golf simulators over a range of prices under the $1000 mark. But the great thing is that, in many cases, you don’t have to drop the full cost of a simulator at once.
Our recommended golf simulator source here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for your golf simulator over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
Golf simulators have become a lot more accessible and affordable over the past decade, and this means more golfers than ever before have been able to have their own personal setup.
Even an inexpensive golf simulator can be a valuable asset. Finding a simulator setup that can meet your needs is certainly possible with some research, and in the case of a launch monitor, you should be able to achieve a cheap net and mat setup with a mobile device for under $1000.
Each of the simulator 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.
While it’s likely that no golf simulator setup will tick every one of your boxes, some will come pretty close to doing so. If you want an even better experience, consider increasing your budget if possible.
We highly recommend reading consumer and professional reviews of golf simulators to acquire useful insights as to how they actually perform. This will help you a lot in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. Have you tried any of the simulators reviewed in this article? Let us know in the comments below.
Don’t know if you have actually used these but I have both Optishot and R Motion. There is no comparison . Optishot is a game not much of a simulator. You can completely wiff the ball and it will register a shot and the lighting effects the pickup. R Motion is more accurate and the graphics are way beyond Optishot. I hit real balls into a net and R Motion is really a good sim for the price. BTW it’s now cheaper than Optishot. If R Motion would upgrade to TGC 2019 it would really outclass Optishot. If I had bought R Motion first I wouldn’t even have Optishot haven’t used it once since I bought R Motion.
Thanks for sharing. We mostly agree that the R-Motion (which no longer works) had better accuracy and was a better simulator than OptiShot 2. The appeal of OptiShot is mainly fun gameplay and online play, and also, the software doesn’t demand nearly as much computer resources.
The R-Motion was discontinued in April 2021. Too bad. It was really affordable, accurate, and fun, with different modes.
Agreed. It was wasted potential that could have carved out a great spot in the market for a long time. Right now, the SLX MicroSim and TruGolf Mini are probably the best alternatives.
I have had the Opti shot for over 6 years now and have created my own indoor simulator set up which is comparable to the more expensive setups considering the overall expense has been much less. My Opti shot 2 system still works great, and I have been waiting for my Garmin R10 Approach to arrive so I can compare the 2 systems. Looking forward to the comparison!
Hi Jim. The Approach R10 will certainly beat the OptiShot 2 when it comes to accuracy, reliability, and game improvement. The OptiShot is great for entertainment but that’s about it, and it doesn’t measure ball data. If you have the budget, there’s really no reason to use the OptiShot 2 over the R10 unless you have tight space constraints.
Curious about the criteria used for this evaluation and rating as I purchased the Rapsodo MLM2PRO to use as a Launch Monitor AND Golf Simulator. Most important for me was the accuracy of the data in either scenario, knowing that I could trust the many metrics while I play courses indoors via simulation or practice outdoors on the range. A key feature that’s not mentioned in the review is that the MLM2PRO measures the spin data, whereas the R10 estimates spin. My recommendation to anyone reading this – before you make a purchase, be clear with what you’re looking for in a product. The technology has come a long ways and you can now get really accurate data and fun simulation in a product with the MLM2PRO.
Hi Patrick. A number of factors are considered when ranking these products, not just accuracy or raw power. As for your comments about spin, the Approach R10 provides an estimate/calculation of spin as the default, but if you use Titleist RCT balls it measures it directly. The MLM2PRO also requires special balls to measure spin. As far as I’m concerned, the R10 and MLM2PRO both have their pros and cons. The MLM2PRO has the edge when it comes to accuracy, but the price is higher than it seems because it requires a $200/year subscription to access most of its features including spin measurement. I expect the MLM2PRO will move up the list after it has had some time to mature and prove itself to consumers.