Best Launch Monitors of Early 2026

After testing dozens of launch monitors, I've noticed something that most reviewers completely miss.

The 'best' launch monitor doesn't exist. There are only right and wrong choices for your specific use case and your budget. The $500 difference between two models might mean everything for one golfer and absolutely nothing for another. If you don't know what your actual needs are, you're probably about to waste a lot of money.

So, in this video, I'm going to show you the best launch monitors for 2026. But more importantly, I'm going to show you exactly which one is right for your situation. We're going to look at four specific use cases: the do-it-all golfer, the person with limited space, the user-friendly sim user, and the serious data nerd. And for each one, I'm going to tell you exactly which launch monitor to buy and which one to skip.

And here's what you're getting with either device. No subscription required. More measured data points than just about any other launch monitor in this category. The Pro package, which just became available within the last month, gives you club path data and swing data. There's also an impact detection feature that shows you the exact location on the club face where you hit the ball. These are both great features if you're serious about improving your game. The Mevo Gen 2 works everywhere. It's great on the range, great as a simulator, great indoors, great outdoors. It's a true do-it-all device.

The one limitation is space. If you're using it indoors, you need about 16 feet for the radar to track the ball properly. If you don't have that kind of space, this isn't the right device for you. We'll talk about that in a second. But for a do-it-all launch monitor that works everywhere, the Mevo Gen 2 is the one to buy.

I was skeptical that a sub-$1,000 device could deliver reliable numbers indoors, but I was wrong. The Square Golf is the real deal for space-constrained golfers. Here's why it works so well: optical devices are actually more accurate indoors than radar devices. Radar tracks ball flight, which gets messy in a short space. Optical tracks club movement, which is consistent regardless of space. You're getting better data in a smaller footprint for less money.

Now, you might be tempted to buy the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro instead. It's an excellent launch monitor. It's the second-best do-it-all device in this price range after the Mevo Plus. It has an extra slow-motion camera for spin accuracy, and when it's set up properly, it's very accurate. In fact, it has the most accurate spin of any device in this comparison when used indoors. But here's the problem: it requires 16 full feet of space. Rapsodo says it 'works indoors,' and it does. But here's what they don't tell you: if you don't have 16 feet, you're wasting your money. Space limitations are the main issue for most garage setups. Don't buy a radar system if you don't have the space it needs. You'll just be frustrated. For a garage setup with limited space, buy the Square Golf.

But here's the thing: the core experience, the accuracy, and the simulator software are pretty much the exact same as the SkyTrak Plus. It sounds like marketing talk, but the cheaper, outgoing model is actually the better buy. Unless you are absolutely dead-set on having a dedicated speed training mode, the ST Max is not worth the extra $1,000. You're paying a $1,000 premium for three upgrades: a second USB port, a faster processor, and speed training mode. For most people, that's not worth it.

Save the money, get the SkyTrak Plus while you still can, and enjoy a fantastic, user-friendly sim experience without needing a gaming PC. Both devices give you access to the same courses. Both have the same accuracy. Both have the same clean, easy-to-use interface. The SkyTrak Plus is $1,000 cheaper and delivers the same experience. That's a no-brainer for most golfers.

If you're still not sure which category you fall into, I've got a 30-second quiz that'll help you figure it out. The link is in the description. Answer a few questions and I'll give you my best recommendation. Alright, back to it.

Now, let me explain the subscription situation a little more because it's confusing. The Bushnell Launch Pro has two subscription tiers. The Silver subscription is $199 a year, and it includes club path data, which used to be a $1,500 upgrade. That's a major change. It also gives you access to the mobile Foresight software on your iPad for practice routines, and light FSX Play access with five simulated courses. That's good for light simulator use. The Gold subscription is $499 a year, and it gives you the full FSX Play experience and third-party software compatibility, specifically GS Pro. If you want to use GS Pro, you need the Gold subscription. GS Pro itself is a separate $250-a-year subscription. So, if you're using the Launch Pro with GS Pro, you're paying $750 a year total. With the Uneekor i Mini Lite, you're paying $199 a year for third-party software compatibility, plus $250 a year for GS Pro. That's $449 a year total. After comparing subscription costs across all these devices, I've noticed that the long-term costs often exceed the device cost. Over three years, that's a $900 difference. That's real money. And if you're building a dedicated sim, that $900 could go toward a better projector, a better screen, or more courses.

Both devices are very accurate. Similar accuracy, similar experience. The Uneekor i Mini, which is the bigger version with a built-in screen and battery, is about $4,500. It's quite a bit bigger and quite a bit less portable than the Launch Pro. The i Mini Lite strips out the battery and screen to bring the price down to $2,750. If you're doing GS Pro sim-only and you don't need portability, the i Mini Lite is the best pick for data nerds. You're saving money annually, and you're getting the same accuracy and data quality.

 If you want a do-it-all device, get the FlightScope Mevo Gen 2. If you're in a tight space, the Square Golf is your best bet. For a user-friendly sim experience, especially for Mac users, the SkyTrak Plus is a steal. And if you're a data nerd building a GS Pro sim, the Uneekor i Mini Lite will save you money in the long run.

What do you guys think? Which category do you fall into? Let me know in the comments. And if you can do me a favor, can you like this video and subscribe to the channel? I do honest gear reviews where I cut through the marketing BS, and it helps a ton.

Peace.