Best Golf Simulators - What Nobody Tells You Before Buying

If you've been thinking about getting a golf simulator, there's never been a better time to take the plunge. With all the recent innovations, increased competition driving prices down, and options now available for every budget, we might look back on this as the golden age of home golf simulators.

The market's hot right now because golfers are discovering just how much fun indoor simulator golf can be – and how much it can help improve their game. Not long ago, this technology was only for the wealthy. Now, with choices at every price point, everyday golfers are getting in on the action.

If you're ready to add a golf simulator to your home, you're in the right place. We'll break down the 14 best golf simulator options. But first, let's cover some basics.

You'll often hear people use "golf simulator" and "golf launch monitor" interchangeably – and that's because they work together. Simply put, a launch monitor is the hardware that tracks your shots using either cameras or radar. The launch monitor pairs with simulator software on your computer or mobile device to create that realistic experience everyone's raving about. That's how you get to play famous virtual golf courses from around the world.

You can use a launch monitor without simulator software – you'll still get all your shot data, but you won't get the virtual on-course experience. However, you can't use simulator software without a launch monitor to track your shots.

To clear up any confusion: a launch monitor is the hardware, and when you pair it with simulator software, you've got a complete home golf simulator.

The Swing Caddie SC4 can't quite match the Garmin Approach R10's data metrics, accuracy, or software compatibility, but it's got some real advantages: a built-in display for quick numbers, zero subscription fees, and a $549.99 price tag.

The SC4 works with E6 Connect simulator software. And even though it's a rear-positioned radar monitor, it needs 2 feet less room depth than the Garmin Approach R10 and similar products. That could make the difference for your indoor setup.

The Rapsodo MLM2PRO could easily win several categories, Most Affordable, Best Outdoor, but with its detachable tripod legs and sleek carrying case, it's our pick for Most Portable.

Don't let its small size and $699.99 price fool you; the MLM2PRO performs like a beast. It's as accurate as anything near its price, and with an impressive data suite, two built-in cameras, and Doppler radar tracking, this product can seriously help improve your game.

You can use all that data for driving range practice, combined challenges, gamified sessions, and golf simulation on E6 Connect and Awesome Golf courses.

Even better, Rapsodo keeps improving the MLM2PRO with regular updates.

If you're looking for the best golf simulator, you won't beat the Foresight QuadMAX, whether you're using it indoors or out. We've put it in the "Best Outdoor" category because it's super portable with a built-in touchscreen display, and it delivers unbeatable accuracy with tons of data. That's why tour pros grab these on the driving range before their rounds. Honestly, the QuadMAX could've easily claimed the Best Indoor Golf Simulator title, too.

At $19,999+, the QuadMAX has completely revolutionized high-end golf simulation. It stores over a billion shots internally, features a customizable touchscreen, and includes enhanced swing speed training, all big upgrades from the GCQuad. When you combine it with Foresight's ultra-realistic simulator software (included with purchase), the QuadMAX becomes the ultimate tool for improving your game while having a blast. It's perfect if you want a premium launch monitor that seamlessly switches between indoor and outdoor sessions.

Got the budget for the absolute best? This is it.

Save $4,000, and the Foresight GCQuad still gives you nearly everything the QuadMAX does. You'll miss out on internal shot storage and swing speed training, but you're getting the same industry-leading accuracy for ball and club data that makes both units the go-to choice for the world's best players.

You'll also get Foresight Sports' incredible golf simulator software that makes virtual rounds, whether you're in your indoor sim room or out on the range, feel amazingly close to the real deal.

Teaching pros, club fitters, and elite players might need the QuadMAX's extra bells and whistles, but most of us will love everything about the GCQuad. You really won't miss a thing with this beast!

The Full Swing KIT delivers 16 data metrics, swing video capability, and dead-on accuracy through its combo of advanced radar and high-res camera tech. What really sets it apart outdoors is how easy it sets up and aligns on the range.

It even includes a protective travel case, so you can transport it worry-free.

Another killer outdoor feature is the built-in OLED screen that you can customize to show exactly what you want to see instantly.

Oh, and this is the same launch monitor Tiger Woods tested and gave his stamp of approval! Do we need to say anything else? Didn't think so!

This baby just dropped in November 2024, but man, was it worth waiting for!

The Garmin Approach R50 breaks the mold; you can actually play simulator golf directly on the device. It rocks a beautiful 10-inch color touchscreen with Garmin's Home Tee Hero simulator software built right in (though you'll need a subscription at $9.99/month or $99.99/year). You can tee it up on over 43,000 virtual courses without any extra gear or software. How cool is that?

But wait, there's more. Connect the R50 straight to your projector or TV with just one HDMI cable. Another industry first right there.

And the cherry on top? You get all the ball and club data you could ever want straight out of the box for $4,999.99.

Most golfers find their happy place between ultra-premium options like the QuadMAX and budget-friendly picks like the Rapsodo MLM2PRO. Enter the Foresight GC3, a super-accurate, highly portable golf simulator with zero annual subscriptions!

For just $5,999, you're playing sim golf through Foresight's top-tier software packages right away, with nothing extra to pay. Ever.

The Bushnell Launch Pro is basically a twin to the Foresight GC3, same fantastic accuracy and portability. But for some folks, it's the smarter buy. The Launch Pro starts at only $2,499.99, though you'll shell out $499 yearly if you want simulator features. 

Since golf sim tech changes so fast, if you're not planning to stick with the same device for years, the Launch Pro might make more sense for your wallet.

While the GC3 and Launch Pro rule the roost for beside-the-ball units, the Mevo+ models take the crown for behind-the-ball setups.

If you've got the room (ideally 21 feet deep), especially if you're setting up indoor sim golf for both righties and lefties, nothing beats the Mevo Plus. No other launch monitor at this price point packs in so many data metrics, and there are zero subscriptions!

To really maximize your home simulator, we'd suggest adding the Mevo+ Pro Package and Face Impact Location features. These come standard on the Limited Edition, but you'd better hurry since FlightScope's discontinuing it.

Here's the silver lining: They've upgraded the standard Mevo+ to include 12 exclusive courses like Pebble Beach, St Andrews, and Bethpage Black that used to be Limited Edition only. So grab a standard Mevo+, add the Pro Package and Face Impact, and you've got everything the Limited Edition offered.

The Foresight Falcon is an overhead simulator designed for those dream home setups. At $14,999, it's five grand cheaper and half the size of the GCHawk, yet it delivers the same spot-on accuracy Foresight's known for. You'll enjoy a bigger hitting zone than the Hawk, plus an integrated power supply and zero subscription fees.

It's ideal for dedicated indoor spaces where you want the launch monitor completely out of sight. The Falcon accurately captures ball and club data while including comprehensive simulator software with 25 courses ready to play. This brings commercial-grade simulation into your home like nothing else.

Check this out, for only $1,890, the ball-data-only GolfJoy GDS Plus tracks.

Total distance, carry distance, roll, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, deviation, launch angle, backspin, apex, landing angle, launch direction, sidespin, hangtime, spin rate, spin axis, center line, and curve.

That's a crazy amount of data for the money! Want club data too? Add another $1,700 for attack angle, face angle, club path, and face-to-path.

But here's what really impressed us: the GolfJoy simulator software. The details, like tree branches moving in the breeze, are amazing, and the graphics look as sharp and realistic as anything we've seen.

The GDS Plus might not nail the precision of pricier options, but it's a fantastic and affordable way to enjoy really entertaining simulator golf.

The simulator software that comes with the SkyTrak+ is just plain fun. Seriously fun!

Everything's designed to be user-friendly, easy to navigate, and focused on both improving your game and having an absolute blast. If you're building a sim room and picturing friends coming over for virtual rounds or practice sessions, the SkyTrak+ makes that vision come true.

Don't think this simulator is just a toy though. It's a powerful, highly accurate, data-rich shot tracker! You've got challenge modes, skills tests, shot optimizer, practice randomizer, bag mapping, wedge matrix, and tons more. The app brings all these features together in a slick, polished package that makes everything more enjoyable.

Another huge win for the SkyTrak+ as an indoor simulator is its fantastic third-party software compatibility. Hook it up with TruGolf E6 Connect, the Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf, Fitness Golf, and Pro Tee Play. This unlocks endless course options and gaming possibilities.