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If you’re even a little bit serious about your golf game, a launch monitor is one of the most valuable assets you can have at your disposal. It allows you to measure ball flight data and track your shots so that you can understand the state of your game on a much deeper level.
However, many people aren’t able to get out to the range and need to be able to use a launch monitor indoors at home. Others may be looking for launch monitors for an indoor golf facility.
Whatever the reason is you’re looking for an indoor launch monitor, you’ve come to the right place. While most launch monitors work well both indoors and outdoors, certain models tend to be built better for indoor use.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best indoor golf launch monitors across a 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 Indoor Launch Monitors
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
- Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
- Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitor
- Uneekor QED 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 address 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.
The original SkyTrak was known to be one of the best indoor launch monitors, and so is the SkyTrak+. It’s 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.
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 launch monitor and it integrates with the same software as the SkyTrak+.
2. Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor
The EYE XO by Uneekor remains a top indoor launch monitor.
It’s nearly as good as the top dogs on the market while being considerably more affordable. However, it’s meant to be mounted overhead as part of a golf simulator setup, so it can’t be easily moved once it’s set up.
Since its release, the EYE XO has been received exceptionally well by golfers. It’s an upgrade from Uneekor’s QED launch monitor, giving you additional data and eliminating the need to play specially marked golf balls among other things.
Two high-speed cameras record at over 3000 fps, and with the help of advanced sensors, detailed parameters related to club path and ball impact are tracked. Full performance is delivered on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards.
Data Parameters
The EYE XO measures over 20 ball and club parameters. In addition to the obvious parameters like distance, ball speed and club head speed, some other parameters measured are:
- club path
- face angle
- back spin
- side spin
- launch angle
- side angle
- angle of attack
- lie & loft angles
Note that club stickers are required for the EYE XO to measure club data, and the use of software is required in order to read data measurements.
Features
What’s great about Uneekor EYE XO is that it comes with quality simulator software out of the box. Called View, this software allows you to view real-time video playback of your shots, play world-class golf courses, practice on the range, access the PowerU Cloud Service, and much more.
One of the signature features of the EYE XO is called Club Optix. Within the View software, this shows the orientation of the club at impact and slow-motion video of the club hitting the ball in real time from an overhead perspective.
In addition to the default software, the EYE XO is also compatible with The Golf Club 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. Uneekor launch monitors are available as part of golf simulator packages here.
Uneekor has also just recently rolled out the EYE XO2 launch monitor which contains an extra high-speed camera and offers a number of other benefits. We think it’s one of the best launch monitors for commercial use.
3. Bushnell Launch Pro Launch Monitor
You’ll see many people in golf communities across the web and elsewhere talk about using the Bushnell Launch Pro, and there are good reasons for that.
This interesting camera-based launch monitor is essentially the GC3 (by Foresight Sports) but branded under Bushnell Golf.
With the initial purchase, you’ll be able to view ball and club data parameters on the LCD display after each shot, depending on whether you get the Ball Data Enabled Unit or the pricier Ball & Club Data Enabled Unit. An optional Gold Subscription unlocks more functionality and allows you to use simulation software with the Launch Pro.
The main attraction of the Bushnell Launch Pro’s payment system is that you are much more able to just pay for the features you want and save money foregoing features you don’t need.
Features
The Launch Pro measures an array of club and ball data parameters using infrared object tracking and a triscopic high-speed camera system that performs beautifully indoors. It has a sleek, portable design with direct output to a touchscreen-enabled display.
Without a subscription package, you can only view your data on the onboard display. A Gold Subscription, which costs $499/year, gives you the following (not limited to):
- full access to FSX Play and FSX Pro software
- twenty-five courses
- ability to save sessions
- ability to set unlimited clubs
- ability to create players and track rounds
- a membership to Awesome Golf
- ability to connect third-party software
Under the Gold plan, the Launch Pro is capable of measuring over 12 club and ball data parameters including carry, ball speed, club head speed, spin tilt axis, back and side spin, club path, and angle of attack. Club stickers need to be applied in order to measure some metrics.
In addition to getting a 14-day free trial to club data if you choose the Ball Data Unit, you also get a 14-day free trial to the Gold plan with the initial purchase.
The Launch Pro is an extremely accurate and reliable launch monitor trusted by pros. If you’d rather gain immediate access to the full power of this launch monitor with a one-time purchase, check out the GC3 here.
4. 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 is camera-based, so it works especially well indoors.
Features
The Uneekor EYE MINI consists 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 superb third-party compatibility, the EYE MINI is pretty difficult to pass up if you have the budget for it.
5. FlightScope Mevo Plus Launch Monitor
The Mevo Plus is a real winner. It’s relatively affordable, 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.
This radar-based launch monitor is naturally suited for outdoor use. However, it also works extremely well indoors if you have the space (at least eight feet behind and in front of you) to accommodate it, which is why it earns a feature in this guide.
Features
The radar technology of the Mevo Plus measures an impressive 16 ball and swing parameters, which include essentials like distance, ball speed and club head speed, as well as spin loft, spin axis, roll distance, lateral landing, and shot shape.
This is bolstered by Fusion Tracking which adds synchronized image processing for enhanced accuracy and consistency.
On top of this, a new, optional Pro Package upgrade unlocks 11 additional advanced club and ball data parameters. The optional Face Impact Location add-on for the Pro Package allows you to view the precise impact location on the clubface with heatmaps.
The purchase of a Mevo Plus 2023 Edition launch monitor comes with a trimmed version of E6 CONNECT software for iOS and PC. This software package includes ten golf courses, seventeen practice ranges, and a darts minigame.
You can also get a great driving range practice experience with 3D trajectory views, video recording and more through the FS Golf app for Android and iOS. Other FlightScope apps and the FS Golf PC software can be paired with the Mevo Plus.
The launch monitor is compatible with the full PC version of E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, Awesome Golf, Creative Golf, and GSPro.
Additional Notes
The Mevo Plus should be placed eight feet behind the ball on your target line for best results, and a minimum of eight feet of ball flight is needed to accurately record data parameters.
Mevo Plus users love the value you get for the money: a lot of versatility, plenty of software to choose from, convenience, and superb customer support. For more information on device compatibility, available add-ons, and software options, visit this page.
6. Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitor
The GCQuad Launch Monitor is a three-time Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award Winner and one of Foresight Sports’ most advanced and powerful launch monitor offerings. It has been used by top coaches and pro golfers like Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.
In terms of price, it’s in the ballpark of the X3 and TrackMan, depending on which add-ons you get with it. We’d argue that at the moment, it provides the most accurate and reliable indoor performance on the market.
The GCQuad builds on the GC2 and outclasses the GC3 to deliver unique quadrascopic imaging, direct measurements of club head data, and an extremely fast processor.
It has a compact, ergonomic design at 7 x 12.5 x 4 inches, weighs just 7.5 lbs, runs on a 6-8 hour lithium ion battery, and works equally well indoors and outdoors.
Features
The GCQuad uses a quadrascopic high-speed camera system, which is a first in the launch monitor industry and a step up from the triscopic system of the GC3.
A combination of high-resolution, high-speed camera-based technology and infrared object tracking build a virtual 3D model of your swing and precisely measure club head and ball performance. Results are delivered nearly in real time.
The technology is different from radar-based technologies that measure performance from behind the clubhead and derive various parameters. The GCQuad gets a clear, direct view of impact and takes exact photometric measurements.
The end result is apparently much more precise results. The experience of ourselves and other GCQuad users seem to confirm the extreme accuracy, but whether or not it’s the most accurate launch monitor on the market is up for debate.
Key parameters measured include ball speed, launch angle, azimuth, spin-tilt axis, and total spin. With the Clubhead Measurement add-on, you get a large amount of additional club head data as well.
Other available add-ons are:
- Essential Putting Analysis: gives you detailed insight into every aspect of your putting.
- FSX 2020 and FSX Play software, which allow you to set up a top-tier golf simulator experience.
- E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf third-party integrations.
The GCQuad is a serious launch monitor for serious golfers.
7. Uneekor QED Launch Monitor
The Uneekor QED is basically a more affordable version of the EYE XO launch monitor. Its accuracy is about the same, but it’s less expensive since it requires specially marked balls to use, it measures a few less data points, and some of its features aren’t as powerful.
Nonetheless, the QED is very popular and enjoys stellar customer ratings. Also a ceiling-mounted system ideal for indoor use, it delivers high precision on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards. The included software allows you to play various game modes, practice modes, and skills challenges.
Features
The 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 measures 14 total data parameters consisting of nine ball parameters and five club parameters.
Like the EYE XO, the QED 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 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.
Buying Guide
There are many launch monitors on the market that are suitable for indoor use. We understand that making a decision on which model to get can feel a bit overwhelming.
It turns out that it’s not that difficult to find the best one for you once you 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 determining which launch monitor will serve you best:
1. Portability
One of the first things you should think about when considering an indoor launch monitor is portability.
Generally, there are two types of launch monitors: freestanding units and fixed units.
Fixed units typically refer to powerful overhead mounted launch monitors like the Uneekor EYE XO and QED. They obviously fit well with indoor use, but they also necessitate a fixed setup since they have no portability.
These kinds of launch monitors are very well-suited for commercial golf simulator studios in places like bars or dedicated indoor facilities. They can also work great as part of permanent home setups.
Freestanding units, on the other hand, are portable. They sit in front of you or behind you in the hitting area and can be moved around as needed. The majority of launch monitors fall under this category.
If you’d like to be able to not just use your launch monitor indoors, but also move it to another room or take it outdoors whenever you want, a freestanding launch monitor like the SkyTrak+ or EYE MINI is the way to go. If you have a fixed setup in mind, consider a ceiling-mounted launch monitor.
2. Tracking System
The exact method a launch monitor uses to track a shot and measure data isn’t usually important as long as it’s accurate and reliable, but there is one thing to keep in mind.
Generally, launch monitors are either camera-based or radar-based.
Camera-based systems capture high-speed images of the ball immediately after impact and, based on these images, derive various data parameters.
The main benefits of camera-based launch monitors are that they perform very well indoors and typically only need to be positioned a couple feet in front of the golfer perpendicular to the target line (or overhead in the case of a mounted unit).
This means that a golfer doesn’t need extra space behind them for their setup, so in that sense, a camera-based launch monitor is space efficient. This is why most of the launch monitors featured in this guide are of this type.
Radar-based systems, in contrast, track the ball through Doppler radar technology. These radars emit a microwave signal from the unit which bounces back from the golf ball after impact.
Radar units work perfectly fine indoors, but the issue is that they typically require a certain amount of space in front of and behind the golfer — often eight feet or more in both cases. This necessitates a larger indoor space.
If you can meet the space requirements of a radar-based launch monitor indoors, that’s great. If you have tighter space constraints, however, we recommend a camera-based launch monitor.
3. Apps & Software
Do you have a PC, iOS or Android device? If so, you can take advantage of free companion apps and in-house software that is offered with most of the launch monitors on today’s market.
All of the launch monitors reviewed on this page come with apps and/or simulator software. These apps typically unlock an array of additional features such as advanced tracking, skills challenges, and even new data parameters.
Launch monitors that don’t have an onboard display will typically require the use of a companion app. Either way, apps and software are going to give you a much richer experience, so you should check out the apps available and see what they offer.
Just be aware that some apps can experience occasional glitches or be out-of-date, especially apps for older launch monitors.
4. Parameters
Which data parameters does the launch monitor track, and what parameters do you want to see?
As you might expect, less-expensive portable models will tend to measure less parameters, while more expensive models will provide a more detailed picture of your ball and club data. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, however.
Most golfers at a minimum want key metrics like distance (total, carry) and ball speed, and pretty much all launch monitors offer this. If you’re looking for a more detailed analysis with information like dispersion, club path and angle of attack, your choice of launch monitors will narrow a bit.
Make sure that the launch monitor you’re buying has all the data points that you’re looking for. If you plan to have a golf simulator setup indoors, it’s worth noting that all that’s needed for simulation is ball data.
5. Budget
Not everyone can afford launch monitors that cost $1800+, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount.
Cheaper launch monitors tend to be more portable. However, it’s pretty obvious that that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get.
This could be in the form of worse accuracy, less ball flight parameters, a less convenient setup, or less added features, but most of the price differential usually comes from accuracy and reliability.
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 more expensive models over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
Launch monitors suitable for indoor use should work well in low-light conditions, require minimal space around the golfer, and measure at least enough data to enable golf simulation.
Finding a launch monitor that meets your needs is certainly possible with some research.
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 plan to use your indoor launch monitor as part of a golf simulator setup, you can check out our article on the best projectors.
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. Are you looking for a launch monitor for indoor use? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Your review of the Uneeker Eye XO leaves the reader confused about one thing. It would be very helpful if you clarified whether marked balls are necessary or not! The below two quotes from your review seem contradictary. Elaboration would be nice.
“…and eliminating the need to play specially marked golf balls”
“Note that club stickers are required for the EYE XO to measure club data”
Hi Daniel. There’s no contradiction there. You don’t need to play marked golf balls (black dots) unlike with the QED which needs them for spin measurements, but if you want to measure club data you need to apply reflective stickers to the club face. Ball data is measured regardless of whether the stickers are there or not. Hope this helps.