Best Golf Launch Monitors Under $1000 in 2024 (Top 6 Picks)

The launch monitor is one of the most important new additions to the world of golf technology. Players no longer have to schedule expensive fitting sessions or swing analysis at a center; they can track their data from their own home or driving range. 

The best golf launch monitors under $1000 not only give players a great way to focus on their game, but they also make it affordable. If you are in the market for a launch monitor, these six should be on your list. Let’s take a look at what makes them stand out and why you should purchase a launch monitor in 2022. 

Quick Summary: Our Top Picks For Best Golf Launch Monitors Under $1000 In 2023
IMAGE PRODUCT
Flightscope Mevo
  • Very easy
  • No issues with indoor or outdoor functionality
  • Impressive accuracy for the price
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Swing Caddie SC200 Plus
  • Range of up to 320 yards
  • Cheap launch monitor
  • Works with AAA batteries
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Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
  • Very easy to setup and put to work
  • The data overlay and video feature is great
  • GPS satellite view to check shot dispersion
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Ernest Sports ESB1
  • Will provide ball speed
  • Allows golfers to compare to PGA Tour professionals
  • Can work with or without your phone
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Garmin Approach R10
  • Has 10 hours of battery life
  • Comes with a phone mount
  • Very easy to setup
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Swing Caddie SC300i
  • Well built and accurate golf launch monitor
  • Good data points and metrics
  • Has up to 20 hours of battery life
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Top 6 Golf Launch Monitors Under $1000

All six of the best golf launch monitors under $1000 have tremendous reviews, are well known for their durability and longevity, and are accurate. Each of these have different features and functionality, and that is ultimately what will set them apart. The best launch monitor can really help change your game for the better; it’s worth considering adding one to your game. 

Best Overall: Flightscope Mevo 

Best For On and Off The Course

PROS

  • Very easy 
  • No issues with indoor or outdoor functionality 
  • Impressive accuracy for the price
  • Measures spin
  • Will take video 

CONS

  • No golf club data (Just golf ball) as this is a 3D Doppler radar

Features

  • Can be used indoor or outdoor
  • Lightweight and portable 
  • Accurate results 
  • Easy to use the app 

The Flightscope Mevo is the best overall launch monitor under $1000. With this unit, you will be able to accurately measure your performance on the golf course or with an indoor simulator. The Flightscope Mevo tracks things such as carry distance, club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, vertical launch angle, spin, apex height, and flight time. 

With the Mevo, you will be dealing with something that is very easy to set up and will allow you to bring it with you anywhere you go. This is a 3D Doppler radar that will help you get accurate results whether using it indoors or outdoors. 

The Mevo App is very easy to use and comes free with the purchase of the launch monitor. You can use the app to review the videos that were taken of your swing and simultaneously look at the data from that particular video. 

For great ease of use, professional level accuracy, and really fair pricing, this is the best launch monitor under $1000.




Best Budget Launch Monitor: Swing Caddie SC200 Plus

PROS

  • Range of up to 320 yards
  • Cheap launch monitor
  • Works with AAA batteries
  • Data output directly on the unit
  • Voice Output for distance

CONS

  • Won’t have video technology
  • Does not offer as many data parameters 

If you use a great golf deal tracker, you can find deals on the SC200 Plus that will make it very easy to decide to purchase a portable golf launch monitor. This is an affordable launch monitor that makes it easy to get quick readings on your golf swing and decide about swing changes with ease. 

With the new Swing Caddie SC200 Plus, there is a practice swing mode that will record the data of your practice swing without you even needing to hit a ball. If you have ever wondered why your practice swing feels so good and your full swing doesn’t, this may help you figure it out. 

The voice output is one of golfers favorite features on the SC200 Plus. There is no need to look down at your launch monitor; simply listen to how far you are hitting the ball. Some of the best launch monitors under $1000 do not have a visual screen like the SC200 Plus, and that is a huge benefit to us. 

There is no need to hook up your phone to get the readings for carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor. 




Best For Average Player: Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor

PROS

  • Very easy to setup and put to work 
  • The data overlay and video feature is great
  • GPS satellite view to check shot dispersion 
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors 

CONS

  • Must be used with a compatible phone 

Features

  • Very accurate
  • Instant feedback 
  • Satellite view of your golf shots
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors

Not only is the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor the best launch monitor for an average player, it is also one of our favorite options for the golfer that needs some motivation to practice. When you look at the Mevo vs. Rapsodo, you will notice that the Rapsodo almost encourages you to get out there and enjoy the practice and the journey to become a better player. 

The accuracy of the Rapsodo Mobile Launch monitor is within 2% of the Trackman. With the Trackman being priced over $20,000, this is a pretty impressive claim. Golfers will enjoy the data overlay features of the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor. Record videos with your phone and then easily pair up the data that you took for that same swing. 

For those that are ready to take their game to the next level the Rapsodo can help you send your information to a professional and have them provide some analysis. As long as you have an iPhone 6s or up, the Rapsodo will work with your phone. 

The data collected here include averages, dispersion, trajectory, and standard deviation. In addition, setting up this launch monitor takes about 30 seconds! 




Best For A Professional: Ernest Sports ESB1

PROS

  • Will provide ball speed, club speed, smash factor, spin rate, launch angle, and distance
  • Allows golfers to compare to PGA Tour professionals
  • Can work with or without your phone
  • Solid battery life 

CONS

  • No video record capability 
  • Does not have club data like face angle or club path

Features

  • Rechargeable battery
  • Accurate club data
  • Allows comparisons to professionals 
  • Works with or without the app 

The Ernest Sports ESB1 is our favorite launch monitor under $1000 for professionals. This is a powerful unit with a rechargeable battery and impressive accuracy. One of the things that set this model apart is the ability to compare your data to that of a professional. For golfers working on becoming a professional, the ESB1 can help you with your journey. 

WIth the Ernest Sports ESB1, you will be able to check your data on the golf driving range by looking at the small video output on the top of the monitor. However, in addition to this output, expect to find your information displayed on the iOS ESB1 app. The ability to work with or without the phone as you practice and become better is a really nice feature of the ESB1. 

You will find that as players get better, some of the functionality and features start to get in their way. For those that want basic data delivered quickly and without having to use a phone, the Ernest Sports ESB1 is a great option to consider. 




Best Premium Launch Monitor: Garmin Approach R10 

PROS

  • Has 10 hours of battery life
  • Comes with a phone mount
  • Allows you to play in a tournament with Garmin Golf app 
  • Very easy to setup 

CONS

  • Accuracy can vary from outdoors to indoors 
  • The most expensive of the launch monitors are under $1000 

Features

  • Portable and can be used indoors or outdoors
  • Strong metrics
  • Garmin Golf app is one of the best in the industry 

The Garmin Approach R10 is the best premium golf launch monitor under $1000. If you are concerned about buying a cheap launch monitor that does not have high end features and functionality, this is the model for you. Garmin only puts out a quality products, and the R10 is no different. 

As examined in our Garmin Approach R10 review, you will be able to track things like club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, ball spin, and launch angle. The data parameters found from the Garmin Approach R10 are very similar to those you can get with the Mevo. 

There is a training mode included with the R10 that allows you to track stats and look at dispersion charts for certain clubs. The results will give you more insight into what you need to work on in your golf game. To see and analyze video of your golf swing, you can pair your Garmin Approach R10 with your cell phone. 

Many of the best golf launch monitors on the market will have a powerful app that works in combination with the monitor; however, the Garmin Golf app is clearly one of the best. With a subscription, you can even play virtual rounds at thousands of golf courses across the nation. Some of these features even allow golfers to play in a competition with other players. 




Best for Longevity: Swing Caddie SC300i

PROS

  • Well built and accurate golf launch monitor
  • Good data points and metrics
  • Has up to 20 hours of battery life
  • Can connect via Bluetooth to a phone 
  • Measures up to 370 yards 

CONS

  • No video technology
  • Spin measurements are not accurate or available 

Features

  • Comes with remote control 
  • Up to 20 hours of battery life 
  • Can measure up to 370 yards 

If you are a golfer that will not take the time to charge your portable launch monitor, you will want the Swing Caddie SC300i. This is such a reliable launch monitor, with great accuracy and the ability to measure up to 370 yards. The best part is the extra battery pack will give you up to 10 hours of battery life, making this a low maintenance golf launch monitor to own. 

With the Swing Caddie SC300i, you can measure things like carry distance, total distance, smash factor, launch angle, swing speed, apex, and even ball speed. Whether you are new to the game of golf or have been playing your whole life, the Swing Caddie SC300i makes data collection easy and accurate. 

In addition, the Voice Caddie output allows you to hear your data relayed to you. The Swing Caddie SC300i has a large screen, and you get instant feedback displayed right in front of you. For players that want to keep their phone in their pockets on the golf course, the SC300i is a great solution 




What to Look For in a Golf Launch Monitor – Buying Guide

Now that you have some of the best golf launch monitors on the market under $1000, it’s time to break things down to decide which could be for your game. There are some really great choices on the market, but each of these will have unique data parameters and features that it’s worth having a good understanding of what you are buying. Here are the things that will be most important to look for when buying a launch monitor under $1000 in 2022. 

Brand 

As you may have noticed, there are a few key brands in this space. The brands include Flightscope, Swing Caddie, Garmin, Rapsodo, and Ernest. There are not too many other brands aside from the PRGR. As good as the PRGR is, it is a bit of a cheaper no-frills model that didn’t earn a spot on our list. 

The brand will not only be important from features and functionality standpoint but also from the point of a warranty or longevity of the product. There are times that these launch monitors will have issues, and it is important to have a strong brand behind the name. 

Portability 

The ability to bring a launch monitor with you from indoors to outdoors is a great feature. All of the launch monitors on our list are portable, but you will also want to consider the ease of use and setup. It’s one thing to take a launch monitor in and out, another to take a half hour to set it all back up again. 

The key is to get a model that you can place on the ground and have it start reading measurements in a matter of minutes. These launch monitors are often kept in players’ bags and brought around the golf course when needed. 

Always be sure that you are properly storing your portable launch monitor so that it does not experience any damage. 

Display 

Some portable launch monitors will display information directly on the front of the device; others are going to have you hook up your phone to be able to see your data. This can be a bit of a personal preference as to which one is a better solution for you, but the display is typically something that players like to have. 

As great as it is to have a fancy app with all of your averages and information compiled into one spot, the display makes it very convenient to practice and work on your game. Take a look at something like the Swing Caddie SC 300i if you are particular about having the data display right in front of you. 

Video 

Portable golf launch monitors like the Garmin Approach R10, Flightscope Mevo, and the Rapsodo are going to allow you to record video. These video recordings make it much easier for players to compare their data with actual footage of their golf swing. 

Sometimes this combination of data with the video of the swing can really allow for more accurate results and a better overall understanding of what the golfer needs to succeed. For the video to work, you will have to have a compatible mobile device, so be sure to check compatibility before you purchase. 

Pricing

Most of the best golf launch monitors under $1000 fall into the $500 to $1000 price range. The closer you get to the $1000 range, the more data you will get as well as longer battery life and the ability to use with a golf simulator. 

Cheap golf launch monitors typically give information such as total distance, but they won’t really have the same accuracy as you can expect with other monitors on the market. In addition, things like spin are typically not even measured or recorded. 

For golfers to be able to get really accurate data and some information about the club path, the investment will have to go over $2000 and even sometimes over $5000. Those that are shopping in the under $1000 range need to be aware that there will be some data that is just not collected. 

Data Parameters

Almost all portable golf launch monitors will track your ball speed and your swing speed. It is also nice to get some data about launch angle and then spin as well. These launch monitors then combine those data points and parameters and give you data and averages about your swing. 

There is a lot that these points can tell you, and you can make good decisions for the clubs in your bag and your yardages on your clubs based on this information. Don’t expect that the data parameters will be as accurate as something like the Trackman or GCQuad, but the accuracy should still be within range. 

Battery Life 

For a quick practice session on the driving range, you may only need a few hours of time on your launch monitor; the key is whether or not you are going to remember to charge it back up. We really like the rechargeable models as you will save money long term on batteries, and it is easy to see if it’s time to charge up your golf simulator. 

The battery life of about three to six hours is standard for most of portable golf launch monitors. However, there are some that have additional battery packs and will last up to 20 hours. Spending more than 20 hours of practicing without having to stop and charge up is a great benefit to have. 

For those that are professionals or work in the industry, look for golf launch monitors that have additional battery packs to help improve longevity. 

Simulator or No Simluator? 

Some of the best golf launch monitors in the game are used as part of a home golf simulator. If you have been looking into putting a golf simulator in your house, chances are you have learned about the importance of a golf launch monitor. This is the most important feature of any simulator. 

The options on our list of the best golf launch monitors under $1000 can make a good choice for a golf simulator, but they won’t be the most accurate. To play a skills challenge or a basic course, the launch monitor may give you enough information, but the overall experience will not be identical to playing golf on a course. 

Players will find that unless you look at something more like the SkyTrak or GCQuad, the accuracy of the round of golf you will play on the simulator will not be nearly as good. For a first simulator setup to see if you use the product enough, we recommend the Garmin Approach or the Flightscope Mevo. 

Benefits of Using a Golf Launch Monitor under 1000 USD

Golf launch monitors under $1000 make it affordable to work on your golf game while also getting accurate data. Golfers spend so much money on different components for their game that looking for a cheap product is often worth it. However, if you can keep the budget just a little higher in that $500 to $1000 range, there are some really great options that offer you more value. 

  • Accurate collect data about yardages in your game 
  • Properly loft gap your own golf bag
  • Try out new equipment to see if it is a fit for you 
  • Setup a home golf simulator
  • Practice both indoors and outdoors
  • Track your game to see if there is any progress 
  • Play in virtual golf competitions
  • Share your information with a coach 
  • Make practice sessions more effective 

Who Should Purchase A Golf Launch Monitor Under $100 

Some players wonder whether or not they need a golf launch monitor as part of their golf equipment. We thought it might be helpful to know the types of players that are using a launch monitor to work on their golf game. 

  • New Golfers: beginner golfers that are looking for improvement will benefit from tracking stats with their launch monitor 
  • Average Golfers: average golfers are always trying to reach that next milestone; whether it be breaking 100 or 90, the average golfer can benefit from learning where their strengths and weaknesses are in their game. 
  • Low handicap players: the low handicap golfers will be able to learn from a launch monitor exactly how far they are hitting their shots, what the weaknesses are in their game, and how they can improve by working on certain golf clubs in the bag 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions that are most frequently asked about the best golf launch monitors under $1000. This is a great price range for the golfer that is serious about making improvements and taking their game to the next level. 

Will a launch monitor help my golf game?

A launch monitor can help your game if you know how to use it. Golfers are good at understanding what the results are, how to read them, and how to take the information to turn it into great progress for your golf game. Learn what the ideal stats are for each of the readings that your launch monitor gives you; if you can understand those numbers, chances are you will be able to use the launch monitor to improve. 

What golf simulator does Roger Dunn use?

The Roger Dunn store uses the GC Quad launch monitor from Foresight sports. These are very accurate launch monitors designed for club fitting and testing, more than for home use for amateur players. 

Are cheap golf launch monitors under $1000 worth it?

Cheap golf launch monitors under $1000 are well worth the price you will pay. These launch monitors provide accurate numbers, lots of great stats, and data and help players to advance their abilities in the game of golf. Technology is continually improving, and if you have anywhere from $500 to $1000 to spend, you can find a great launch monitor. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can now understand which launch monitor is the best for your needs and the great options that players have for a launch monitor under $1000. The Flightscope Mevo is the best overall option under $500, although the Rapsodo and the SC 200 also make great choices. Find a launch monitor that inspires you to work harder on your game and become the player you know you can be.

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