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While nearly every golfer would love to have their own personal golf simulator setup, many aren’t able to afford high-end packages that cost five figures or more.
Many golfers want to be able to play and practice golf rain or shine, day or night, but aren’t willing to spend more than $5000 for it.
If this is you, then you’ve come to the right place. Fortunately, as golf simulator technology has advanced, many quality solutions have appeared in the market that can accommodate medium-low budgets.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulators under $5000.
Before we go further, you should understand that with this budget, it’s difficult to achieve a full simulator setup that includes an enclosure, screen, projector, and high-quality launch monitor. It’s certainly possible, though, if you know where to look.
You can definitely get a good experience with these simulators and can get get the job done in terms of improving your game.
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 $5000
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- Garmin Approach R10 Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
- Rapsodo MLM2PRO PlayBetter SimStudio Package
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Training Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Plus Practice Golf Simulator Package
- Swing Caddie SC4 PlayBetter SimStudio Package
- Garmin Approach R10 Bronze Golf Simulator Package
- OptiShot 2 Golf-In-A-Box 3 Simulator Package
- Rapsodo MLM2PRO Practice Golf Simulator Package
1. Garmin Approach R10 Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
The only reason you can achieve a simulator setup this good for under $5000 is because of the Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor, which provides tremendous value for the money.
The Approach R10 has already made big waves in the industry. Many people consider it to have revolutionized golf tech like the SkyTrak did back in 2014.
This package by The Indoor Golf Shop combines the R10 with a state-of-the-art HomeCourse screen that can be fully retracted at the click of a button, allowing you to quickly create space in a room (such as a basement or garage) or return a space to its original form.
What Is Included
The Garmin Approach R10 Flex Space Simulator Package comes with:
- an Approach R10 launch monitor with carry case
- a Garmin Golf Membership trial
- a HomeCourse ProScreen 180 with ceiling mount kit
- a short throw projector
- a SIGPRO Turf Mat (6 ft x 10 ft)
- a projector floor mount enclosure
The R10 rests on a tripod mount and is placed 6-8 feet behind the ball. Usable both indoors and outdoors, it provides readings for well over 10 data parameters and integrates with E6 CONNECT, Awesome Golf, The Golf Club 2019, and Home Tee Hero.
The accuracy of the R10’s spin measurements can be greatly improved indoors by using Titleist Pro V1 and V1x RCT golf balls.
The new and improved HomeCourse ProScreen 180 features side walls made of ballistic material. The Pro Arms can be optionally extended to create an ultra-wide 16:9 projectable area.
The retractable screen is wireless. The motor runs on a chargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for months at a time, and the motor can be controlled with an included wireless remote.
The screen can be mounted to the ceiling or wall (wall mount kit sold separately). If your ceiling is higher than nine feet, we recommend wall mounting.
Room dimensions of 8.5 ft high x 12 ft wide x 12 ft deep are recommended.
Customers love the straightforward installation and how painless taking down the simulator is. It is commonly used in garages, but also in many other spaces. For more details about what comes with the simulator, how exactly to set it up, and more, visit this page.
2. Rapsodo MLM2PRO PlayBetter SimStudio Package
The MLM2PRO by Rapsodo is a radar-based launch monitor that not only delivers very strong performance indoors and out, but is also extremely affordable.
The MLM2PRO 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. It might just be the most accurate budget launch monitor on the market right now.
This all-inclusive simulator package by reputable golf vendor PlayBetter manages to offer a blackout enclosure and screen, hitting mat, landing turf and projector for under $5000. Even better, you can get as large an enclosure that will fit your space and not have to pay a penny extra.
What Is Included
The MLM2PRO PlayBetter SimStudio Package includes:
- an MLM2PRO launch monitor
- a PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay
- an Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- an alignment stand (optional)
The SimStudio consists of a noise-dampening impact screen, full enclosure with blackout walls, 5’x5′ hitting mat, and landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface. We’re impressed with the quality of all of the components.
The MLM2PRO combines Doppler radar with two high-speed cameras. The device measures 13 club and ball parameters and can even measure spin directly with the use of included Callaway RPT balls.
This launch monitor offers two unique features called Impact Vision and Shot Vision. The former provides a slow-motion closeup of the club swinging through the ball, while the latter gives a down-the-line video of your shot with a ball tracer.
You can also enjoy golf simulation with the MLM2PRO through Rapsodo Range, Rapsodo Courses, E6 CONNECT, and Awesome Golf.
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.
Your space for this setup will need to fit whatever size enclosure you choose, and you’ll need to be able to make a swing with your longest club. In addition, you’ll need at least 15-16 feet of depth to accommodate the radar-based MLM2PRO.
For full details about this simulator package, check out this page.
3. FlightScope Mevo Plus Training Golf Simulator Package
This package uses the Mevo Plus (Mevo+), a versatile and feature-packed radar-based launch monitor.
Put together by The Indoor Golf Shop, it pairs the Mevo+ with a quality SIGPRO hitting net. This very portable setup can be moved around the home (garage, out in the yard, etc.) as needed.
Whether you’re a skilled golfer or a high-handicapper that wants to get better, you can use this affordable simulator to hone your game while viewing precise Mevo+ shot simulation and data on a mobile device or laptop.
What Is Included
This package takes the Mevo Plus 2023 Edition launch monitor (with charger and carrying pouch) and pairs it with a high-quality SIGPRO Golf Net. Also included are:
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- side barrier netting with sandbags
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The affordable SIGPRO hitting net catches golf balls quietly and softly, is easy to assemble, and has a collapsible design. It can safely handle ball speeds of up to 225 mph. In addition, The Indoor Golf Shop designed the SIGPRO net to easily integrate with their SIG Preferred Impact Screen which attaches to a top crossbar (purchased as a separate add-on).
The Mevo+ integrates with E6 CONNECT software, in addition to free FlightScope apps such as FS Golf and FS Skills. The simulator comes with a trimmed version of E6 for iOS or PC that includes ten courses and seventeen practice ranges.
Access to third-party solutions The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and GSPro is available at extra cost.
The choices for hitting mat are the Fairway Series 5’x5′ (provides realistic feel), SIGPRO 4’x7′ (easy on the joints, allows level unit placement), and SIGPRO 4’x10′ (center hitting strip ideal for left/right hand switching).
A space that is at least 8.5 ft high x 10 ft wide x 16 ft deep is recommended for this setup. For best results, the Mevo Plus should be placed 8 feet behind the ball on your target line, and a minimum of 8 feet of ball flight is needed to accurately record data.
Mevo Plus users love the value you get for the money: excellent accuracy, great software, convenience, and great customer support.
4. SkyTrak Plus Practice Golf Simulator Package
This simulator uses the next generation of the SkyTrak, the SkyTrak Plus (ST+) launch monitor.
The SkyTrak+ makes a number of improvements over the original SkyTrak including the addition of club data, a faster processor, greatly improved outdoor performance, and additional courses in the software. Best of all, no club or ball stickers are needed to measure any data points!
This simulator package by Rain or Shine Golf pairs the ST+ with either the RS Tour or GoSports ELITE hitting net, each of which have their strengths and weaknesses.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak+ Practice Package features the SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor and Game Improvement Plan along with your choice of:
- GoSports ELITE Net: 7.5 ft x 7.5 ft, durable steel frame, automatic ball return, can handle shots up to 225 mph
- RS Tour Golf Net: 7 ft x 9 ft, easy assembly, more affordable, hanging hitting target included
Also included in the package are your choice of SwingTurf hitting mat and optional landing pad turf.
The ST+ adds a new dual Doppler radar system which combines with an improved photometric camera system and machine-learning software to bring the ST+ to a new level of accuracy and comprehensive data measurement.
The ST+ comes with superb in-house software for PC, iOS and Android, but if you want more, you can get third-party simulation plans at extra cost. Three of the best ones are The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, and WGT Golf, which allow course play, online play, multiplayer, challenges, and more.
The included SwingTurf hitting mat offers an optimal balance between realistic fairway-like feel and forgiveness.
Minimum space requirements for this setup are 8.5 ft high x 9 ft wide x 12 ft deep. Unlike radar launch monitors, the ST+ sits a couple feet in front of you, so all you really need is enough room to swing your longest club.
It’s not easy to obtain a setup this powerful for under $5000, so you should take advantage.
5. Swing Caddie SC4 PlayBetter SimStudio Package
The Swing Caddie SC4 is the latest and most powerful budget launch monitor by Voice Caddie.
While the SC4 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.
This package pairs the SC4 with PlayBetter’s SimStudio simulator, giving you a quality full-size enclosure, impact screen, projector and hitting mat at an affordable cost that stays under the $5000 mark.
What Is Included
The SC4 PlayBetter SimStudio Package includes:
- a Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor
- a PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay
- an Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- an alignment stand (optional)
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 SC4 offers many visualization features within its companion app, and it also integrates with E6 CONNECT and OptiShot Orion for your benefit. It includes voice output, a barometric pressure sensor, and a remote that enables you to operate the launch monitor from a distance.
As with other SimStudio packages, the SimStudio consists of a noise-dampening impact screen, full enclosure with blackout walls, 5’x5′ hitting mat, and landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface.
Your space will need to fit whatever size enclosure you choose, and you’ll need to be able to make a swing with your longest club. In addition, you’ll need enough depth to accommodate the SC4, although the good news is that it requires less depth than most other radar-based devices.
For golfers that appreciate an onboard display but are still constrained by a tight budget, you can’t do much better than this package.
6. Garmin Approach R10 Bronze Golf Simulator Package
Here’s another package that can give you the full golf simulator experience (with impact screen and projector) for under $5000.
The Garmin Approach R10 Bronze package is similar to the R10 Flex Space Package featured above, but it uses a portable and affordable SIGPRO system developed by The Indoor Golf Shop that includes side barriers.
What Is Included
The Approach R10 Bronze package takes the Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor and combines it with the SIGPRO Golf Net equipped with a SIG Preferred impact screen.
The SIGPRO Net, rated for 225 mph ball speeds, has an aluminum frame with a snap-button collapsible system. The SIG Preferred screen hangs directly over the net from a top crossbar.
Also included are:
- an E6 CONNECT software plan with five courses (iOS only)
- a short throw projector
- a SIGPRO Turf Mat (6 ft x 10 ft)
- a projector floor mount shield
- side barriers with sandbags
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The projector integrates seamlessly with the floor mount shield. The length of the SIGPRO Turf allows for continuous ball return and it can be rolled up and stored like a carpet.
The included trial to the Garmin Golf Membership gives you access to video cloud storage, green contour data, and Home Tee Hero.
Minimum recommended room dimensions are 8 ft high x 10 ft wide x 15 ft deep.
The R10 is a proven launch monitor in the budget space: great accuracy, a large number of data points including spin and shot shape, and a wide range of software options. For more information about what is included with the package, visit this page.
7. OptiShot 2 Golf-In-A-Box 3 Simulator Package
This awesome entertainment package is less than $3800 and uses the OptiShot 2 infrared simulator system along with a net, impact screen, and projector.
The OptiShot 2 is excellent for entertainment; the included software is a boatload of fun, with many different game modes, multiplayer, and potential for online and tournament play.
What Is Included
The Golf-In-A-Box 3 simulator package pairs the OptiShot 2 simulator with:
- The Net Return Pro Series Net
- an attachable impact screen
- a short throw HD projector
- an OptiShot 4’x5′ hitting mat
- adjustable rubber tees and foam practice balls
The screen is attached to the net with Velcro tabs, and you can take it off any time if you want to benefit from the net’s ball return capabilities.
The projector delivers XGA (1024×768) resolution with 3000 lumens and an 18000:1 contrast ratio.
Space dimensions of 8.5 ft height x 9 ft width x 10 ft length are recommended.
This is a fairly simple setup, and even though there are better options for game improvement, its entertainment value is what makes it so attractive.
8. Rapsodo MLM2PRO Practice Golf Simulator Package
This extremely affordable simulator package comes in at less than $2000!
Offered by Rain or Shine Golf, it pairs the Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor, which was featured in another package above, with either the RS Tour or GoSports ELITE hitting net.
Like what you see with the MLM2PRO but want to save money with a robust net setup? This is one of your best options.
What Is Included
The MLM2PRO Practice Package pairs the MLM2PRO launch monitor with one of either:
- GoSports ELITE Net: 7.5 ft x 7.5 ft, durable steel frame, automatic ball return, can handle shots up to 225 mph
- RS Tour Golf Net: 7 ft x 9 ft, easy assembly, more affordable, hanging hitting target included
The package also includes your choice of SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x5′ or 4’x9′ sizes) and optional landing pad turf.
The MLM2PRO’s features must be accessed through the companion MLM2PRO app available on iOS or Android. 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.
Plus, you can access Rapsodo Range, Rapsodo Courses, E6 CONNECT, and Awesome Golf for practice and course play. If you’re looking for the most realistic software experience, go for E6 CONNECT.
The included SwingTurf hitting mat offers an optimal balance between realistic fairway-like feel and forgiveness.
Minimum space requirements for this setup are 8 ft high x 9 ft wide x 16 ft deep. We love its versatility, convenience, and portability, and the cost is in reach of most golfers.
Buying Guide
Investing in a golf simulator that will serve you for the long term is a big step, even if you have a low-mid budget. Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match it with what your goals are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when figuring out what golf simulator will best meet your needs:
1. Size
Size is clearly a very important factor in golf simulators.
With many simulators under $5000, you’ll only have a net setup. Others will come with a screen and projector but will likely be limited in size. Beyond this, all you’ll need is enough space to swing your longest club unimpeded.
In any case, you need to measure the width, length and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements of every golf simulator you look at.
The average space requirements for full golf simulator setups tend to be around 12 feet wide, 9 feet high and 15 feet deep. Whether you want to use your simulator outdoors or indoors, your space should be able to easily accommodate this. Truth be told, ceiling height tends to be an issue for many people.
2. Portability
Another thing to consider is ease of transport.
Net setups are usually easy to set up, take down and transport. Screen and projector setups are usually less portable, but they can still be moved nonetheless.
Do you plan to have a dedicated place 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 the summer, when you can get out to your local golf club.
If you plan to move your simulator around often, you may not want a full simulator setup with screen and projector because it could become a hassle. If you’re planning to invest in a net only, then make sure that transporting it is straightforward.
Fortunately, golf simulators under $5000 tend to be inherently more portable because they’re smaller, have less components, and consist of portable launch monitors like the Mevo+ and Approach R10.
3. Net Vs. Screen Vs. No Net
In general, there are three options with golf simulators:
- You can have a screen and a projector that will project your shots on a virtual driving range or golf course.
- You can hit into a net, but still be able to view your shot data and see the ball flight on your connected computer or tablet.
- You can have no netting or screen and hit foam balls, plastic balls, or no balls at all.
#3 is obviously the cheapest option, and in many cases, a setup of this nature will cost less than $1000. #2 will be more expensive.
#1 is the best and most immersive option, but it’s also the most expensive; it will typically bump up the cost of your golf simulator to at least $4500.
If the full golf simulator experience is important to you, and you want to feel like you’re playing a real-life simulation, then you’ll probably want to invest in a screen and projector setup.
On the other hand, if you’re satisfied with seeing your shot data and ball flight on a phone or tablet, then you should consider a net.
If your goal is being able to work on and improve your game from the comfort of your own home, some would argue that it shouldn’t matter if your shots are projected on a big screen in front of you or not. But that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself.
An interesting fact is that more than 50% of all golf simulator owners use a net instead of a screen.
4. Simulator 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.
There are many software options available. For example, SkyTrak has software in three membership levels:
- Basic Plan: contains a practice driving range.
- Game-Improvement Plan: contains minigames, numeric display, and many other advanced features.
- Play & Improve Plan: contains all features of other plans plus full integration with WGT (World Golf Tour) and 15 E6 CONNECT courses.
OptiShot has software that allows you to practice and play multiple different game types including stroke play, match play, best ball, and alternate shot.
The Mevo+ is compatible with E6 CONNECT and The Golf Club 2019. E6 CONNECT is highly customizable, offering various course simulations, training aids, minigames, tournaments, and more. TGC 2019 not only has your typical practice range, but also numerous multiplayer modes, online tournaments and events, and even the ability to design your own course!
Other software possibilities include TruGolf, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, GSPro, and Fitness Golf.
What software features do you see yourself using most often? Do you just want to practice on the range, play world-class courses, or both? Consider what software options are available when looking at simulators, and make your decisions accordingly.
5. Budget
You might not want to spend more than $5000, and that’s perfectly fine.
But would you be willing to spend 3 figures on what are considered “bottom-of-the-barrel” simulators? Would you spend $1000-$4000 on better setups? How close to $5000 are you willing to go?
Another thing to consider is whether the cost of a simulator is slightly above $5000. In many cases, it’s worth it to go a couple hundred bucks over your budget if it means getting a really nice sim.
Generally speaking, the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get, both in terms of equipment and software. You’ll get farther away from a realistic golf simulator experience.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include golf simulators over a range of prices under the $5000 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, with more companies developing and manufacturing cutting-edge simulation technologies. This means more golfers than ever before have been able to acquire their own personal setup.
A budget simulator that costs $5000 or less can still be a huge boon to your golfing toolkit. Finding a simulator package that can meet your needs is certainly possible with some research.
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 to $10,000.
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.
Awesome articel dude, thanks a bunch!!
I’m stuck in Alaska for another 1.5 years and we only get about 5 real months of golf. Seriously considering buying an optishot now.
Thanks for reading. I would recommend a full simulator package instead of just the standalone unit. Let me know if you have any questions.
helpful guide, thanks. I’m looking for a golf simulator in this price range. the only thing I’m a little confused about is the SkyTrak: is it a launch monitor or a simulator?
The SkyTrak is technically a launch monitor, but it’s also a simulator because it includes software that simulates your shots on a virtual course. The difference with the standalone unit is that you’ll have to set up your own hitting area — this can be a net or a screen, but keep in mind that a screen & projector will be quite a bit more expensive. I touch on this in the buying guide. The concept is the same with other launch monitors like the Mevo Plus.
If you can, I honestly recommend going straight for a SkyTrak package, because once you set it up, you can start smashing balls without worrying about using foam balls (not ideal) or your ball containment system being good enough. Thanks for the comment!