Garmin Approach R10 vs Approach R50

How they differ

Garmin lists the same 14 metric names for both units, so the difference is not what each reports but how it tracks the ball and how you use it. The R10 is a portable radar unit run from your phone. The R50 uses cameras and has a simulator built in on its own screen.

• Tracking. Garmin lists radar for the Approach R10 and three high-speed cameras for the Approach R50. For the R50, Garmin’s overview cites “direct measurements of more than 15 ball and club metrics,” with a footnote saying “Included tracking sticker required.” Neither metric list separates measured from calculated values.
• Where it works. Garmin says the R10 works “inside your home, in the backyard or on the range.” For the R50, Garmin says it “Works inside or on the driving range.” Garmin does not state space requirements for either.
• Screen and software. The R10 needs a paired compatible smartphone with the Garmin Golf app, and Garmin says it is “compatible with several simulation experiences, including GSPro, E6, Awesome Golf and more.” The R50 has Garmin’s Home Tee Hero simulator built in, on a 10-inch touchscreen. Garmin says it is compatible with third-party simulators but names none on its page.
• Subscriptions. On the R10, Home Tee Hero course play and stored swing videos require an active Garmin Golf membership, and third-party simulator subscriptions are sold separately. On the R50, Home Tee Hero course play and the weekly global leaderboard require a subscription. Garmin does not state either price on these pages.
• Battery. Garmin lists up to 10 hours for the R10 and up to 4 hours for the R50, both from an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• Carrying it. Garmin lists the R50 at 9 lbs and includes a carrying case for moving between a home setup and the driving range.

The list price row is for each unit on its own. Garmin sells R10 bundles that cost more, so check what each listing includes.

Who each one suits

• The Approach R10, if you want a radar unit you can take to the backyard or the range, with up to 10 hours of battery, and are happy to run it from your phone. Garmin describes it as “a lightweight portable launch monitor that brings 43,000 courses to you.”
• The Approach R50, if you want camera-based tracking and a simulator built in on its own screen, and will mostly use it indoors or on the range within its 4 hours of battery. Garmin calls it “the premium golf simulator and launch monitor”.

Before buying either, find out what the membership or subscription costs and which features you would lose without it. What a home launch monitor can and cannot tell you covers space, metrics and subscriptions in more detail. You can also compare the Garmin Approach R10 and Rapsodo MLM2PRO, or see all launch monitors we have researched.