If you’re a data-driver golfer, then you may probably know that a golf launch monitor is one of the most valuable assets you should have.
It will assist you to track your shots and calculate the data of the ball flight so you can have a better perception of where your game is, and where it leads. A golf launch monitor is also one of the key foundations of most golf simulators.
If you haven’t had one and you’re considering buying it, it means that you’re a serious golfer. Because it shows that you’re persistent enough to know deeper than just hitting the ball; you also want to gain prompt swing feedback, smash factor, ball & clubhead speed, and launch angles. Knowing these aspects will allow you to adjust on your techniques and practice to better improve your game.
However, unlike those golf launch monitors that are fixed or mounted on the ceiling, portable golf launch monitors can be easily taken elsewhere and very convenient to set up on the course, range or even at home.
But keep in mind that there are plenty of things that you should consider in looking for a reliable portable golf launch monitor. To give you a brief idea: size, weight, technology, and especially accuracy are the primary factors (these will be discussed thoroughly later).
Just to give you a heads up, the best products come at a price. Nevertheless, don’t worry. You’ll get what you paid for since the technologies are fantastic. And thanks to some of the company’s innovations, more and more portable golf launch monitors are being offered at a more affordable price but are still equipped with great technologies.
There are hundreds of thousands of portable golf launch monitor products sold in the market nowadays. Plus, there are lots of hype advertisements out there too. That being said, we understand that it’s difficult to choose which ones are the best.
So, to better save you more time and effort, we have narrowed down the list into the best portable golf launch monitors.
Our Top Picks

FlightScope Mevo+ Launch Monitor

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor

PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor
FlightScope Mevo+ Portable Personal Launch Monitor due to its highly accurate data points, its wonderful apps, extra features, and high-grader ball flight tracking, spin axis, and spin rate.
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor because of its easy to use and set up feature, the scattershot view, and affordability. It also has plenty of features and is very portable.
PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor for its very accurate and precise smash factor, its capability to measure the clubhead speed even if you did not hit the ball. It is very accurate and easily readable too.
Best Portable Golf Launch Monitors - Overview
Product Image | Product Name | Check Price |
---|---|---|
![]() | Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor | |
![]() | Garmin Approach G80 Launch Monitor | |
![]() | SkyTrak Launch Monitor | |
![]() | FlightScope Mevo+ Launch Monitor | |
![]() | Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor | |
![]() | Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300 | |
![]() | SkyTrak Launch Monitor | |
![]() | PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor | |
![]() | Voice Caddie SC 200 Launch Monitor | |
![]() | Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300i | |
![]() | Garmin Approach R10 |
Best Portable Golf Launch Monitors - Reviews
Swing Caddie SC300i Portable Golf Launch Monitor
The Swing Caddie SC300i is one of the most affordable portable golf launch monitors. It is manufactured by Voice Caddie. The very same company that built the personal GPS device on where a player can estimate their distance from various points on the course.
RELATED: Best Golf GPS Watches
This launch monitor looks sophisticated and classy, and is heavier & larger compared to the SC100 and SC200. The SC300i also has more features, technologically advanced, and rechargeable.
Comparing the difference of the SC300i from the SC300, the SC300i is packed with new electronics and hardware for better accuracy. This portable golf launch monitor is somehow dead on, particularly on the outdoors when talking about the clubhead and swing speed, even when being compared to other launch monitors that are more expensive.
The SC300i also has a barometric sensor for more accurate readings, and a 20-hour battery life, which is longer than the SC300 that only has a 12-hour life battery. And for that, you can go on several sessions without constantly recharging it from time to time.
In addition, the video component with the app is one of the features of the Swing Caddie SC300i launch monitor. With it, you can cover the stats over the swings.
You can rely on the SC300i to calculate your clubhead speed, launch angle, clubhead speed, cardy distance, spin rate, smash factor, and apex height. And in regards to the app, it’s a bonus feature that you can freely download or not.
The Swing Caddie SC300i has a big screen so you can easily see when you’re hitting the balls and show almost all the data points. It also makes the unit stand out.
Lastly, there’s a nice speaker in this portable golf launch monitor which calls out the distance promptly after you strike. A remote control is also part of the feature for easy access to club selections.
Pros
Cons
Garmin Approach G80 Handheld Golf GPS & Launch Monitor
Garmin is a company known for making high-end and innovative GPS, which assists golfers to execute strategic and smart decisions while on the course. The Garmin Approach G80 is a handheld GPS and a portable launch monitor in one. A lot of golfers who have used it mentioned how great its reliability and convenience are.
Since this is a GPS and launch monitor, some players are worried that sole functions may fall short. Like the GPS may work perfectly, but the launch monitor may not hold the competition as the GPS.
When it comes to launch monitors, the higher you pay, the more accuracy you’ll get. But for the Garmin Approach G80 you can get the dual functionality and accuracy you’ll need.
But just a heads up, this launch monitor will only give you accurate and reasonably carry yardages. It won’t provide you with extra features like full ball flight simulation, better spin rates, and higher launch angles. If you want these extras, you have to start with the commercial launch monitors like SkyTrak.
Most of the launch monitors have complicated features to interact with and take too long to set up. Well, this is not the case for the Garmin Approach G80. All you need to do is switch on the practice mode, set it down just at the foot of your golf ball, and that’s it. It will just automatically read your shots right away.
RELATED: Best Golf Balls
Additionally, Garmin’s engineers also included splendid features in it, like the warm-up mode and the target mode. The warm-up mode will let you hit any club that is in your golf bag.
While the target mode will allow you to select one or two golfers, as well as choose a series of yardages that you can hit. Either way, both will show a score in accordance with how accurate you are. And to provide more purpose and structure your practice sessions.
Lastly, this launch monitors do a brilliant job of showing maps on each hole. This will help you choose your specific spots to get a clear perception of the yardages. The Garmin Approach G80 is also relatively small, so it will fit on your bag or pocket perfectly.
Pros
Cons
SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor
If you’ve been scouting for one of the best golf launch monitors in the market, then you may have probably heard SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor as talk of the town, or seen it from different reviews.
This device was released to the public in November 2018. The price is more expensive compared to the first two mentioned golf launch monitors. Yet, the price is worth it because it has been enhanced, polished, and equipped with the newest features.
SlyTrake makes use of a camera-based system called the ‘photometric’. This feature is a high-speed camera that captures the ball’s images a few feet after the impact. This is extremely useful since it allows the unit to generate measurements that have accurate precision compared to more expensive commercial devices.
The SkyTrak Personal Golf Launch Monitor was particularly advertised as an indoor golf launch monitor. But if indoor use won’t be suitable for you, it will also work fine outdoors. However, it should be kept away from direct sunlight.
If you look at the markings and dimples of the ball, they can be used to determine the launch, initial spin, sidespin, backspin, and side angle. For complex algorithms, they can precisely estimate other parameters like carry & total distance, peak height, clubhead speed, and even landing points.
This golf launch monitor is one of the most straightforward devices to set up. It comes with a built in Wi-Fi that you can easily pair up with your phone, computer, or iPad. It is also lightweight and can easily fit into your pocket and won’t consume space in your bag. It also sends notifications about the latest software updates.
Another worth noting about the SkyTrak Personal Golf Launch Monitor is that it encounters problems when identifying shots when hitting off the grass and in bright sunlight. That’s why it is practically designed to be used indoors.
Pros
Cons
FlightScope Mevo+ Portable Personal Launch Monitor
The FlightScope Mevo+ provides accurate readings due to its high-speed V16 Doppler Radar feature that is also being utilized by PGA pros. It is also easy to use, carry, and set up. And just like the other golf launch monitors previously mentioned, it has a mobile app suitable for iOS and Android.
This personal golf launch monitor has a premium-grade quality. So if the budget is out of question then you’ll surely love what this device offers.
To better elaborate how beneficial the V16 Doppler Radar system is, it can monitor even the fastest ball and clubhead speed, and even the slowest.
You can also effortlessly navigate between various kinds of ball tracking, like approach or utility shots, drive, short games, and fairway shots. Plus, the FlightScope Mevo+ can precisely calculate carry distance with the help of the technology - High Accuracy GPS.
Since this device is an accurate golf launch monitor, precise information is usually shown in regards to your flight time and ball carry. Moreover, it authorizes club tracking to give golfers proper feedback on attack angle, dispersion, and trajectory.
The procedure of the setup can be accomplished in just five minutes since you will be using a USB cable, which will be connected to your computer. And as usual, the software will show plenty of handy graphs and stages on the screen, alongside media options for social sharing and video recording.
The FlightScope Mevo+ is indeed a simple yet effective portable golf launch monitor. However, some players find it unattractive, probably because of the rectangular look.
Pros
Cons
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
Just like the many others, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor has a built-in app that can monitor your statistics and improvement.
It has a built-in camera that can be used to record or play back every shot you make. It can add shot tracers too.
If you’ll observe its packaging, it looks very nice and much like those high-end golf launch monitors. It provides an excellent quality of canvas, with a sturdy frame, and comes along with a zipper pouch.
But the next question would be, how easily can you use this device? Well, as you install the app, it will give you simple and clear instructions. And right now, the latest version is less complicated because there’s no additional calibration needed for the camera and device. Plus, it connects to bluetooth very fast.
Aside from the standard features, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch monitor also offers other cool and advanced features. Like the scattershot view of all your shots. This is seen through the device’s GPS overview after you select each range section.
Some built-in games are also available so you can practice in a fun and interesting way. Like long game challenges and closest-to-the-pin. Something to remind you that even a golf launch monitor is budget-friendly, it can still be creative and enjoyable.
To conclude, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch golf monitor has an app that works well, connects to bluetooth smoothly, easily chooses the club in your golf bag, and features plenty of useful things
There are just some aspects that will take you quite some time to be fully familiarized with, so you can dig through all your data, like the Stats and Sessions page. But everything you need is in the device already. Like the scatter charts and diagrams that will straightforwardly allow you to visualize your game.
If you’re the kind of golfer who wants digging down to the analytics of every shot, loves watching videos of every swing and likes tracking improvements over the app from time to time, then this golf launch monitor is for you. Plus, if you’re budget conscious but still looking for awesome features.
Pros
Cons
Voice Caddie SC300 Portable Golf Launch Monitor
The Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300 is a level up golf launch monitor from the company when it comes to performance and size. It is very portable, like the size of a tablet, but provides greater accuracy. It also gives more detailed information in regards to shots, compared to the previous SC200 model.
The Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300 makes a perfect fit for the average golfer because of its easy to use and self-fitting feature. This is said to be one of the best ways to choose the most appropriate clubs for your swing. However, the struggle in this area is discovering the most suitable fitter and getting that fitter to fit in an environment where your swings cannot work.
But with the Swing Caddie SC300, this is not an issue. With it, you can just as easily set it up on the range then hit away. Information will be displayed on the large screen, and will speak over so you don’t need to look down. And in the brightest sunlight, everything on the screen is still visible, even at night time. It will also allow you to compare results in your clubs and schedule.
Another significant feature of the Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300 Portable Golf Launch Monitor is for distance dialing. Although this feature may seem like a typical theme in golf, that will work well for amateurs that don’t know their distances on each club. In all, it will provide you with a logical reality of each club. After all, you can’t cheat on the launch monitor. Because whatever you do, it will show you honest yardages data and every average for every golf club in your bag.
In line with that, it will also inform you of the efficiency of the club speed on the ball that you hit. Alongside the smash factor, ball speed, launch angle, and club speed. Plus, to show you what is happening with the swing so you better improve.
In short, having distances dialed in is one of the principal areas that separates the average golfers from the good golfers. So if you use the Voice Caddie Swing Caddie Portable Golf Launch Monitor, you will gradually know your distances better, for a few range sessions.
In conclusion, this device makes the perfect portable golf launch for average golfers. Of course it won’t replace those that are expensive, which are perfect for tour players. But if you don’t really need the spin on each wedge shot or the precise ball’s landing spot, you can easily see if the ball will ever go straight, left, or right. All the information the Voice Caddie SC300 will display is very clear, making them easy to read and hear. It has everything you need to know how your clubs are performing in terms of dialing in yardages and self-fitting.
Pros
Cons
SkyTrak Launch Monitor with Metal Protective Case
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor took credit in last year’s Buyer Guide for being a very impressive golf launch monitor with excellent feature set and advanced graphics.
Same as the SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor, this device makes use of the photometric technology. A camera-base on which again captures the images of the ball right away and at high-speed after each impact.
The device itself shines a red dot on the hitting mat so you can place your golf ball in that area. This way, the camera can capture each impact quickly.
And once again, the SkyTrak can easily connect to your phone via Android and iOS. It also displays real-time graphics of the driving range on its screen. Meaning to say, you’ll be able to acquire the distance, spin, and ball speed information. Not just that, the SkyTrak Launch Monitor has a ship load of tools to make your practice more enjoyable but with a purpose.
This golf launch monitor will give you all the tracking you need for dispersion and accuracy report, as well as distance and carry roll out.
Plus, there are also cool features such as Top Golf-like target challenge, long drive, and closest to the pin. You can practice and play these with your family and friends too.
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor can be used outdoors, provided that you’ll hit the off the mat and into the net, and it’s under the shaded area. However, SkyTrak’s real sweet spot technology is just like the quality of an average-cost golf simulator.
When it comes to mats and nets, you won’t have difficulty looking for one because in the past years, hitting nets and indoor mats have become more popular and manufacturers are creating more for supply and demand. Due to this, companies are manufacturing improved hitting nets, with better-grade turf too.
Expect to see more innovation, like simulator cages types and white screens to support the projector, plus a simulator-in-a-box kit.
This simulator cage will have the white screen for extra turf and nice hitting mat so that the screen and mat will all look great. The projector and the SkyTrak will all be placed in one box only.
If you love the idea of a simulator studio and in-home practice, SkyTrak Launch Monitor will work best for you. Its accuracy, features, and level of analytics are remarkable.
Pros
Cons
PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor
The PRGR Black Pocket is one of the most affordable golf launch monitors you can find. This pocket-sized device shows feedback that is very accurate in terms of swing speed and strike quality, in order to improve and get faster in your game.
Using this golf launch monitor is very easy. All you need to do is insert the batteries, place it down for a few feet behind your desired hitting spot, turn it on, and you’re good to go. There are also five buttons on the device that will let you browse through different modes and choose clubs.
The display of the PRGR Black Pocket is also easily readable and can be tilted towards the user. Three numbers are only shown on the display screen. There is the distance, the ball speed, and the club speed. This will allow players to identify straightforwardly what happened to each glance.
Also Check out the following guides:
- Best Golf Irons
- Best Golf Drivers
- Best Golf Hybrids
- Best Fairway Woods
- Best Golf Wedges
- Best Golf Putters
- Best Golf Chippers
Now let’s talk about how accurate this device is. If we’re going to base it on the ball speed and club speed, it has consistent + or -1 miles per hour on both aspects. Golfers also experience few miss shots, making this tech impressively accurate.
But if we’ll review the distance, the PRGR Black Pocket is not like the other launch monitors within the price range. Since the spin rate and launch angle do not measure, this device just calculates the distance presumed to the club you’ve used. Hence, don’t worry, because these approximations will still be fairly accurate. But for those players who are out of the bell’s curve fat part, which is said to be high or low spinners/launchers, cannot fully depend on these yardage approximations.
What makes the PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor valuable? Well, there are two clear reasons. One is its accurate smash factor measurement. With this, you’ll receive feedback about what is the quality of your golf ball for each strike. This is highly essential, especially when you’re about to hit shots into the net.
And last but not the least is its ability to calculate the club head’s speed even if you did not hit the ball. It’s incredibly fast for each swing you make because this will contribute to how effective and meaningful your speed training will be.
Pros
Cons
Voice Caddie SC 200 Portable Golf Launch Monitor
The Voice Caddie SC200 is a sophisticated-looking portable launch monitor. It has an orange screen with navy blue interface, with easily readable data while on the range.
This technology has only a slightly reflective feature so extreme light of the sun can be problematic in terms of visibility. But so far, most golfers don’t experience this issue.
Since the Voice Caddie SC200 is sleek, it will slide perfectly into your pocket and bag. It will also sit minimalist at your home or locker room. And it is very easy to use. Just turn it on, then place it three to four feet down behind the golf ball, choose your preferred club and mode, and you’re ready to go.
This golf launch monitor does a superb job in providing you the sufficient amount of information you need on the game. For every shot you make, the Voice Caddie SC200 will give you the ball speed, carry distance, smash factor, and swing speed.
It will also show you the number of golf balls you have hit and the duration time of how long you have been practicing. Plus, if you turn it on, it will greet you “hi” then tell the temperature. Pretty awesome, right?
The device also has a mode where you can navigate to show you the total distance rather than just displaying the carry distance. However, this is just a simple calculation based on the approximated roll, instead of the dull accurate reading.
There’s also an included remote that has outstanding quality. Although it has a little weight on it, it worked flawlessly and reliably whether you wanted to change the mode, club, or distance.
All in all, the Voice Caddie SC200 Portable Golf Launch Monitor will live up to your expectations. If you’re rooting for a device that will give you a framework to make the practice more enjoyable, show you accurate distances on the range, and assist you in your dial in distance, then this tech is for you.
Pros
Cons
Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300i Portable Golf Launch Monitor
The Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300i is the latest addition to the portable golf launch monitors of the Voice Caddie family. It is truly portable and gives golfers the complete ball flight and swing metrics that can be found in any pro golf launch monitors, which also includes the apex data and launch angle.
With the use of the calibrating pressure sensors and the newest Doppler radar technology, the Swing Caddie SC300i generates remarkable precision.
This device is screen-integrated, meaning it can calculate all the important metrics of your every swing. With this, you don’t have to use another device just navigate the launch monitor. You can also sync it with another device, or just use it as it is to acquire all the needed data on the screen.
With the use of the latest radar tech, the Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300i calculated both the total and carry distance, launch angle, smash factor, ball speed, and apex. All thanks to the atmospheric pressure that provides the most accurate readings. You will also get all of this feedback from the LCD display, alongside the cool voice output of your distances so you can hear it while you practice, without having to look at the device from time to time.
Lastly, this golf launch monitor has a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that can last up to 20 hours.
Pros
Cons
Garmin Approach R10 Portable Golf Launch Monitor
The Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor can track a wide range of ball data and club parameters so you can better improve your game and swing consistency.
Not only in track shot metrics and measure data points, but it also gives golf simulation and record video clips of every shot, similar to what high-end launch monitors can do.
This R10 portable golf launch monitor is busy to be easy to move and convenient from home to driving range. The best and unique thing about it is it has a tripod mount that is magnetic. It also has a Garmin Golf App that can be synced with smartphones.
This device has an excellent accuracy, brilliant design, and direct measurements.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Golf launch monitors make use of close data that won’t be affected by downrange environments. These devices can provide you a precise picture and calculation in how you’re hitting the ball so you can get more knowledge and confidence about your shots. So yes, they can help improve your game.
The cameras of the devices capture the club’s ball data at every impact. This will then be calculated through the distance and flight performance with the use of complex algorithms in the device’s software.
There are two kinds of launch monitors. The first one has a Doppler Radar which tracks the ball after every impact. While the other one uses the technology of the camera to record each data upon every impact.
Still, both have algorithms that give a range of projections and data about each shot the player has hit.
Things to Consider before Buying the Best Portable Golf Launch Monitors
Before buying a golf launch monitor, here are the things you should consider first
- Price: What is your budget range? And is the launch monitor’s price value for money? Because if you’re budget conscious, you should spend more time looking for a device that will fit your budget but has high quality too.
- Parameters: In an honest fact, the more expensive the launch monitor is, the higher its parameter is. But there are also some that offer an affordable price but provide all the data points you’ll need.
- Features: Almost all golf launch monitors have an app that you can pair with your smartphone and features that make the game more fun. Make sure they are user friendly, easy to set up, and easily readable to save you more time and effort.
- Size and weight: Since this review is about a portable golf launch monitor, opt for a device that you can easily carry anywhere, won’t consume too much space in your golf bag or locker, and is lightweight.
- Accuracy: Accuracy is one of the most important factors in choosing the best golf launch monitor. Don’t settle for less. Choose one that measures the most precise and accurate essential parameters to improve your game.
Also check out other Golf Accessories:
- Best Golf Rangefinders
- Best Golf Ball Retrievers
- Best Golf Hitting Mats
- Best Golf Hats
- Best Golf Shoes for Men
- Best Spiked Golf Shoes
- Best Golf Shoes for Women
Final Verdict
Since our era is becoming more modern, golf launch monitors have become more affordable, easily accessible, convenient, and compact. This is a great thing since golfers will have more time to choose what’s best for them.
Selecting the best portable golf launch monitor is not easy, because there are thousands that are sold in the market. But each of the reviewed devices above will give you a clear picture and detailed information to evaluate whether or not it will suit your needs.
That being said, we highly recommend reading all the reviews first to achieve more useful understanding of how they perform and how they can help you with your decision-making skills.