The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2022

Rangefinders have become a necessity on the golf course. There's nothing worse than hitting a perfectly struck shot to the wrong yardage. With advancements in technology, golfers today have a variety of options in a variety of price ranges. For the purposes of this article, we're grouping anything that gives you a yardage on the golf courses into the Rangefinder category, including laser rangfinders, handheld GPS devices, golf watches and phone apps. Here's a look at the pros and cons of each, and our list of the best golf rangefinders of 2022.

Bushnell produces some of the best products in golf technology today. The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is Bushnell's top-end of laser rangefinder. Slope-Switch technology allows you to toggle the slope feature on and off to ensure tournament legality. It also has JOLT, which not only vibrates the unit when you’ve locked in but it also displays a red ring so you can visually see that you’re locked onto the correct target.

When the PGA of America began allowing rangefinders in its biggest tournaments, Bushnell models dominated the scene. It's harder for consumers to relate to the golf clubs professionals use the average amateur golfer can't play the same blades that Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm are swinging. But with rangefinders, pros and amateurs alike use the same unit. If it's good enough for the best in the world, then isn't it good enough for everyday golfers?

Pros:

• Accuracy
• Optical clarity
• Quality and durability

Cons:

• Pricing in on the high end
• Black only color option makes it easier to leave behind

At $319.99, the Precision Pro R1 is an absolute steal. It’s magnetic, has a pulse vibration for target lock, slope on/off function, and a rechargeable battery (huge bonus). The R1 pairs with the Precision Pro free app to create MySlope which takes into account numerous variables to give you precise measurements on every shot. When you input your shot data with each club -- including launch angle, ball speed, spin, and distance -- the R1's MySlope feature gives you personalized club recommendations.

In addition to doing everything a laser rangefinder should do, the Precision Pro R1 also takes into account the elements, including wind direction, temperate, and humidity to give you the most accurate data. Our standout feature, however, is that you'll never lose this unit because of its Bluetooth connection and ability to locate it when paired with the Precision Pro app.

Pros:

• Outperforms its reasonable price
• Great for tech and statistic lovers
• Bluetooth connection
• Rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Larger feeling in your hand

Garmin is as trusted of a brand as any in the golf technology space and the Z82 rangefinder is no exception. With over 40,000 courses pre-loaded, the Garmin Approach Z82 rangefinder pairs the data you shoot with wind direction and course layouts, including green and hazard views, to assist you as you look through the scope. On blind shots, PinPointer actually locates hidden pins. You can also track stats using the Garmin Golf app.

The Garmin Approach Z82 combines detailed course mapping along with the point-and-shoot accuracy that you'll find with a laser. While more expensive than other units, the trusted Garmin name and the brand's longevity of creating superior golf technology items can't be ignored.

Pros:

• Course maps within unit display
• Rechargeable battery
• Green contour view

Cons:

• Price
• Battery life

Nikon makes some of the best optical devices money can buy, and the Coolshot Pro II is among the best golf rangefinders in the business. Keeping a steady hand is a common issue with using laser rangefinders, but the Coolshot Pro II counters shaking to give you an accurate read. If one of your biggest reasons for not using laser is a less than steady hand, this model is for you.

If optics were the only category we judged, the Nikon Coolshot Pro II would win in a landslide. A pin or an object hundreds of yards away looks like it's only a few feet away. We're also big fans of the ergonomic grip that not only feels great, but also won't slip.

Pros:

• Clarity
• Audio and visual sound when locked on target
• Stability

Cons:

• Small and light, might be easier to lose

If you’re looking for a more compact design, the GolfBuddy Aim L10 is a great option, especially for junior golfers or anyone with smaller hands. It has an ergonomic and sporty design with three target modes: standard, scan (scans the area providing continuous yardages), and pin (automatically locates the pin). You also get a vibration when you’ve located your target, and a slope on/off switch. For $280, GolfBuddy is a brand you can trust and the Aim L10 gets the job done and then some.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Durability
• Direct and slope yardage displayed

Cons:

• Carrying case durability and zipper

Blue Tees has made quite an impact in the golf rangefinder category in a short amount of time. The company aims to provide products that are just as good as the highest end, but far less expensive. They also offer a free 60-day trial on their products.

The Series 3 Max is available in black, navy, or pink and has an auto-ambient display for different playing conditions. The built-in magnetic strap, adaptive slope switch, pulse vibration, and Active Flag Lock are among the features that make Blue Tees worthy of consideration.

Pros:

• Incredible value
• Multiple colors availale
• Great feel in your hand

Cons:

• Slightly harder to use for glasses wearers

The SL2 from Voice Caddie looks like a small Mercedes that you hold in your hand, but it also produces some serious results on the back of state-of-the-art technology. It has a high-resolution touchscreen with dynamic coloring to show you the course layout. It has slope technology, advanced stabilization, and even noise filtration to give the most accurate readings. The green views even display undulation and give you the best angle into every green.

There might not be a more advanced laser rangefinder in existence. Does it come at a high cost? Yes. This type of unit, however, cannot be cheap to produce. When you hold the SL2 in your hands you know that you have something luxurious and special.

Pros:

• Sleek design
• No detail left out
• Fits well in your hand

Cons:

• Price

Precision Pro comes up with another model on this list with the NX10 rangefinder. This model was released in the summer of 2022 for the player who wants all of the accuracy of a laser rangefinder, but desires a custom look. The NX10 is the only rangefinder that has swappable skins which allows you to change the main body of the unit and the color that surrounds the optics. Choose from floral, patriotic, solid colors, or get creative and design your own.

Aside from the cool colors, the NX10 also has the great features you'd expect from a Precision Pro laser including pulse vibration when the target locks, on/off slope, great optics, and a comfortable design. Bonus, Precision Pro also supplies free replacement batteries.

Pros:

• Custom skins
• Great value
• Durable

Cons:

• Not as many stock skins available yet

TecTecTec! hit it big from 2016-2020 by becoming a huge seller on Amazon. Once people began using its products and sharing that these rangefinders were just as good as the big companies at a more reasonable cost, golfers flocked. Now, TecTecTec! produces more advanced rangefinders like this KLYR unit. It has crystal clear optics, on/off slope switch, vibration when you lock onto the pin, and other features you'd expect in a quality unit.

The key feature, however, is the KLYR's pocket-sized design. In fact, it's comparable to a credit card in width. If you have smaller hands or are looking for the perfect laser to buy a junior golfer, the KLYR is tough to beat, especially considering its budget-friendly price point of $200.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Available in black, white, and yellow
• Pin lock feature is very quick

Cons:

• Not the best option for people with larger hands

• Callaway has made laser rangefinders for many years, but over time the equipment giant fell short in the distance-measuring technology. That's far from the case with Callaway's Hybrid/Laser GPS rangefinder, which gives golfers the best of both worlds with an accurate laser and a clear, readable exterior display. After pointing and locking your target you can see your yardage in the scope. If you prefer, you can also look at the screen under the eye piece for front, back, and center yardages. This model also has the most advanced optics we've seen in a Callaway rangefinder.

Pros:

• Exterior display is convenient
• Nice grip in your hand
• Quick yardage display

Cons:

• Battery life

Leupold has been in the business of optics long before golf products. The company is one of the biggest and best producers of binoculars and hunting scopes. Making the leap into the golf world was a no-brainer. Leupold makes some of the best all-around laser rangefinders including the GX-5i3, which combines a sleek look and deadly accurate results.

No other rangefinder can duplicate the feel of the GX-5i3. It simply feels amazing with no risk of slipping, even on hot, humid days. Its True Golf Range (TGR) technology takes into account temperature, altitude, inclines, and declines to give you amazing accuracy with optics that need no adjusting.

Pros:

• Superior optics
• Target lock function is one of the best
• Superior in-hand feel

Cons:

• Price

The Garmin Approach G80 is more than a display map, it's also a launch monitor. The launch monitor function displays carry, clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, and tempo. Player's who want a rangefinder and are also interested in owning a launch monitor, it's the answer to both.

Aside from providing accurate course data on a 3.5-inch crystal clear display, you can practice with a purpose using the G80's practice function. One of our favorite aspects of this unit is that you can play simulated golf rounds from the driving range using the practice feature and compete against your friends.

The Garmin G80 is pre-loaded with 41,000 courses and has the added bonus of being made by a brand that has been at the forefront of golf technology.

Pros:

• Built in launch monitor
• Bright display
• Lightweight
• Perfect size to fit in any golf bag pocket

Cons:

• Price
• Limited launch monitor data

The SkyCaddie SX550 is the best GPS in the category. The 5.5-inch LCD display is incredibly detailed and responsive, you simply will not find a better display. The HD graphics provide multiple views, so you always know where the proper shot placement should be. We love the yardage arcs that show up in multiple spots so you always know your cut or lay-up distance. Its multi-core processor makes updates so fast you’ll never even notice.

You’ll also never need to connect the SX550 to a computer as it connects and updates via WiFi. The battery has 14 hours of life before recharge, it’s pre-loaded with over 35,000 courses, and comes with a 1-year prepaid membership.

Pros:

• Great display
• Perfect unit to mount to golf cart
• Best in category accuracy

Cons:

• Worldwide courses require upgraded plan

If you’re in the market for a handheld GPS device but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Izzo Swami 6000 is more than sufficient. It has a 2-inch color display and comes with over 38,000 pre-loaded courses. You can use it directly out of the box and it not only measures front, center, and back distances but also layup and hazard yardages.

The Izzo Swami 6000 even offers nice stat-tracking features so you can analyze your greens in regulation (GIR) and putts per round (PPR) numbers. One of our favorite features is how quickly it connects to the satellite and gets you up and running before you even get to the first tee box.

Pros:

• Cost efficient
• Available in blue or yellow
• Stat tracking and scorecard

Cons:

• Display can scratch easily

You can say that the Bushnell Phantom 2 is a basic handheld GPS unit, and that is true in many regards. For golfers who want accurate yardages without a bunch of frills in an easy-to-use and inexpensive package, this is the GPS for you.

This unit has some great features packed into a small package. In addition to your basic front, back, and center yardages, the Phantom 2 also offers a green view which allows you to move the pin to its appropriate location. You will also notice up to six hazard yardages per hole. Yardage adapts quickly as you move. We give the Bushnell Phantom 2 the award for best "small, but mighty" rangefinder.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Hazard and dogleg yardage
• Very durable

Cons:

• Smaller, easier to lose

If you read about the SL2 laser rangefinder above, you know we're big fans of Voice Caddie products. The Voice Caddie T9 watch might be our absolute favorite, though. If you're not a GPS watch person, the T9 will make you re-think your decisions.

The hat map green reading is incredibly accurate and helpful. The instant shot tracking feature is accurate about 98% of the time, in case you have "trouble" counting your strokes. The full color touchscreen display is responsive and the silicone band is comfortable even on hot, humid days. After your round, sync your data to the MyVoiceCaddie App to get an in-depth look at your statistics, data, and scorecard. The watch comes in black or grey, which is convenient because it easily transitions to a nice accessory away from the course.

Pros:

• No fees associated with purchase
• Heat map green view
• Accurate and stylish

Cons:

• Golf mode battery life

Garmin integrates its GPS technology seamlessly into the Approach S62 watch. This device has a durable ceramic bezel that comes with your choice of a black or white silicone band. The screen's brightness adjusts to the conditions, so it’s always easy to read. The 1.3-inch screen is crisp and you even have the option of downloading custom watch faces. Connecting the watch with the Garmin Golf app allows you to access all of your data including specific club distances to help your game.

Pros:

• Good size display, 1.3"
• QuickFit Bands for easy changing or replacing
• Comfortable and light in weight

Cons:

• Price

The Aim W11 from GolfBuddy costs $250 and packs a lot of great features. It’s IPX7 waterproof, so getting caught in the rain is no worry. The green undulation view is not only detailed, but also allows you to move the pin to a specific location. The Aim W11 has a digital scorecard and casts to the GolfBuddy app, which is free and accessible on your phone. A majority of the time you'll actually be able to snag this watch for around $200, which is an even better deal given how many great features it offers. 

Pros:

• Value
• Element and weather ready
• Green and undulation view

Cons:

• Construction is a little cheaper

If you’re looking for a golf watch that serves its purpose without getting overly fancy (or expensive), the G3 from ShotScope is a great pick. For $160 you get a quality watch that provides yardages to the front, back, and center, along with carry distances for hazards. The watch is also super light, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it. It has over 36,000 courses pre-loaded, and ShotScope also has a free app for updates. Our standout feature is the design, In a world of rounded golf GPS watches, this ShotScope G3 goes in a more squared direction which is a nice change of pace.

Pros:

• Design
• Available in black, grey, red, or teal
• Free updates

Cons:

• Hole-to-hole transition is a little slow

Above you learned about the Bushnell Phantom 2, which is a small handheld GPS unit. Bushnell took all of the great features of that unit and put them into a lightweight, easy to use watch that incredibly durable. At $150, the Bushnell iON Edge is one of the best values in the golf watch game. It's incredibly accurate and updates yardage as quickly as you move. Whether you choose the black or grey band color this watch has a cool splash of orange with the side buttons. The iON Edge also pairs with the Bushnell app, allowing you to track data and improve your game directly from your smartphone.

Pros:

• Simple and stylish look
• Great value
• Instant updates as you move

Cons:

• Display could be a little brighter

We can go on about the best value for this and that, but sometimes you just have to splurge and get the absolute best. The Tag Heuer brand carries a lot of weight and is synonymous with luxury, so you can imagine how sweet this Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition Smartwatch is. Do you need a golf watch that costs more than many people's mortgage payments?Probably not, but for those who can afford it, the Calibre E4 is an Avant-Garde design for your wrist that won't let you down.

The connected app is next level, as it recognizes your first drive and tracks you the rest of the round with incredible accuracy. The digital score keeping not only auto-recognizes your score but also stores all data from your round in the Tag Heuer Golf app. You can even score a match in stroke, Stableford, or match play. The touchscreen has 2D and 3D mapping and you'll receive club recommendations as you move through your round.

Pros:

• Ultimate luxury
• Superior interface and app
• Mapping

Cons:

• Price

18 Birdies is the top rated golf GPS app for many reasons, so if you haven't downloaded it yet, what are you waiting for? It has all of the necessities you'd expect from a top golf app including accurate GPS positioning, updates as you move, and a ton of stat tracking for you to analyze after your round. It's the extras that make 18 Birdies the best. You can play a multitude of games with friends right on the app, including Sixes, Skins, Wolf, Match Play, Nassau, Vegas, and many more. You and your friends can even have a live leaderboard going, even if you're not playing the same golf course. After you've taken your licks, the AI-Powered swing coach is a great way to improve your game and lower your handicap.

Pros:

• Additional games and features
• Easy to use
• Bright, detailed course maps

Cons:

• Need to have friends on the app to get full experience of additional features

Arccos Smart Sensors are some of the most advanced technology that the game of golf has seen. By simply plugging the sensors into the ends of your clubs, you receive data broken down not only by round, but by individual club and each facet of your game. If you're purchased the Smart Sensors you're eligible for the Arccos Caddie app at no charge. We reviewed the whole Arccos setup in more depth, but the final verdict is, it's a winner.

The app pairs with the sensors to take you on a journey within your own golf game. The GPS function provides highly detailed maps where you're free to touch anywhere for exact yardage readouts. It also seamlessly pairs with many smart watches, including the Apple Watch, to give you easy access to all this information throughout your round. As you use the app and sensors more, the Ask Caddie feature becomes more intelligent and recommends club selection based on previous data and outcomes.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Great value for purchasing Smart Sensors
• Updates automatically

Cons:

• App can drain your phone battery
• Annual subscription required to get the most data