5 Best Launch Monitors for 2023
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Golfers are obsessed with numbers. We’re always trying to learn how to get more distance, control our irons to a specific number, and flight our wedges to give ourselves short putts.
For a lot of us, finding the right numbers and knowing our distance per club is educated guesswork. Whether you’re at the driving range or on the course, it’s doing your best to calculate distance and hit the shot that you think is right.
But how much easier would it be though if you knew exactly how far you hit the golf ball?
How much easier would it be if you knew details about your swing like swing speed, ball speed, spin rates, and more?
Well, thanks to a device called a launch monitor, it’s never cheaper and easier for the average golfer to learn this type of information. In the past, this data was pretty much reserved for PGA Tour pros and expensive coaches with the newest technology.
Luckily, times have changed, and now launch monitors are more affordable than ever. If you want to take your game to the next level, keep reading to figure out how a launch monitor can help your game.
Best Launch Monitors
Before diving into the best launch monitors, let’s give a quick overview of what is a launch monitor. A launch monitor is basically a computer that can track and evaluate nearly every aspect of your swing.
A launch monitor will give you accurate, real-time data about every shot you hit. Most of them include data such as:
- Spin rate
- Ball speed
- Smash factor
- Apex height
- Carry distance
- Club head speed
While others will give even more information. Plus, you can use them indoors or outdoors, which is great if you have to practice inside during the winter months.
Also, please don’t confuse a launch monitor with a golf simulator. A launch monitor is part of a golf simulator setup but you still need a screen, net, and other equipment to make it complete.
Now that you have a better understanding of a launch monitor, let’s dive into our best picks for 2021.
1. Voice Caddie SC200 Plus
First up is the Voice Caddie SC200 Plus launch monitor. This portable launch monitor is simple and easy to use which is why it’s first on our list.
What makes this great is that you can use it as a standalone game tool. With its bright LED display you can evaluate your data from each shot instantly.
On the screen you get swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, loft angle, and more. Here are some other reasons it made our list:
- Works indoors and outdoors – If bad weather won’t let you make it out to the golf course, use it inside as well.
- Integrated voice output for distance – This makes it incredibly easy to hear your data while at home or at the range.
- Use with or without a golf ball – This is a pretty cool feature! Unlike most launch monitors, you don’t even need a ball to get a readout of your swing. Without a driving range or net you can still learn more about your swing and make adjustments as needed.
Alternate: VoiceCaddie SC300
If you want even more data, then opt for the VoiceCaddie SC300. This upgraded model has everything the SC200 has to offer but even more features (like launch angle) and a larger display. The SC300 also comes with an app for even more tools to help dial in your game.
2. Flightscope Mevo
Next up is the Flightscope Mevo launch monitor.
This is one of the most highly reviewed launch monitors with a ton of technology that fits in your palm! Seriously, this device is incredible and somehow small enough to fit in your hand or pocket easily.
The Flightscope Mevo is endorsed by Bryson DeChambeau who is known to be one of the most meticulous players on the PGA Tour. If he trusts this brand, it’s safe to say that everyone should too.
Here’s why the Flightscope Mevo made our list:
- Size – This device is so small it’ll never take up extra space in your bag.
- Action data overlay – You can easily pair your data with each swing to show the metrics on your actual swing video. This makes it easy to save your good swings and learn from your bad ones.
- Customizable interface – With the Mevo, you can be in charge of your practice session and focus on the metrics that matter most to you.
3. Garmin Approach G80
The third launch monitor we highly recommend is the Garmin Approach G80. This device is great because it’s part launch monitor and part GPS device. While it will help you learn more about your game, it will also act like a caddy for you on the course.
As a launch monitor it can help you measure ball speed, swing tempo, estimated distance, smash factor, and more.
Here’s why it made our list:
- Battery length – 15 hours with GPS mode on one charge.
- Full color display – The 3.5” display is easy to read even in the bright sun.
- Preloaded with 41,000 courses – Wherever you play, this device will help you out! You’ll get a full overview of 41,000 courses across the world.
- Practice and game modes – Enjoy practice like never before with their unique challenges and games that you can use with your golf buddies.
4. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
Next up is the Rapsodo Mobile launch monitor. It is a highly reviewed device that will help your game and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Here’s why it made our list:
- Insane accuracy – Within 2.5% of Trackman numbers.
- Easy to set up – You can have this up and running in under 30 seconds.
- Instant feedback features – You can record your swing with data overlay to analyze each swing in depth.
5. Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors
Lastly, we want to include the Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors. This the lowest priced option on this list as it’s not so much a launch monitor but a device measurement system.
Instead of a stand-alone device, these are smart sensors that you insert into the grip of each golf club. While it doesn’t give you as much data, it’s still incredibly helpful to learn more about each swing.
Final Thoughts on Launch Monitors
Launch monitors are a great way to take your game to the next level. If you’re a serious golfer who wants to practice with intention every session, then buy one of these ASAP.
Using one of these for most of your practice sessions basically ensures you’ll never waste time on the range. Plus, you will understand your distances more which should translate to more confidence on the golf course. Which ultimately should lead to lower scores!
Do you have a launch monitor (or have you ever had one before)?
Let us know in the comments below!
Michael Leonard
Michael Leonard is a full-time writer, author, creator of Wicked Smart Golf and +1 handicap amateur golfer. He left his corporate career in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship and professional golf; since then, he’s competed in 160+ tournament days and went to Q-school in 2019.