What a home launch monitor can and cannot tell you

The quick answer

Before comparing prices, check three things: where you will use it, how much space the maker says it needs, and which features need a subscription. Those decide more about whether a launch monitor suits you than the length of its metrics list.

A home launch monitor gives you numbers for each shot: ball speed, launch angle, spin and how far the ball would have flown. That is useful for gapping your clubs, for practice and for playing simulated courses. What the spec sheet cannot tell you is how accurate those numbers are. FlightScope and SkyTrak both describe their accuracy as “tour-level”, but no maker here publishes accuracy figures that compare across brands.

Who this is for

Golfers thinking of buying a launch monitor for the garage, the backyard or the range, who want to know what the different types do and what the price on the box leaves out.

What actually matters

Tracking technology. Launch monitors generally use radar, cameras or both. Radar units usually sit several feet behind the ball and follow it as it flies, so they generally need some ball flight in front of them. Camera units, often called photometric, generally sit beside the ball and photograph it, and sometimes the club, around impact. Several of the models here combine the two.

Measured or calculated. Some numbers are measured directly, such as ball speed and launch angle. Others, such as carry distance, are usually calculated from those measurements. Makers treat this differently. Rapsodo lists 15 metrics for the MLM2PRO and marks eight as measured. FlightScope says the Mevo Gen2 “captures actual club and ball metrics across 20 parameters—no calculated estimates”. Garmin and SkyTrak do not separate measured from calculated values in their lists, and Uneekor separates them only for club data.

Where it works. Some models work indoors and outdoors, and some only indoors. Uneekor says the EYE MINI LITE “can only be used indoors”, and SkyTrak lists the ST MAX’s location as indoor.

Space. You need room to swing a driver safely, and most setups also need a net or screen. FlightScope and Rapsodo give the distances on their product pages; Garmin, SkyTrak and Uneekor give theirs in manuals and setup pages. How much room you need for a home launch monitor sets out each maker’s figures. Measure your room, including the ceiling, before choosing. Lighting and where the unit sits can also matter.

Special balls and stickers. Several makers need extras for some readings. Rapsodo says golf balls with RPT are required for the MLM2PRO to show spin. FlightScope says limited-flight spin readings on the Mevo Gen2 need aluminum stickers or Titleist RCT balls. Uneekor says club stickers are required for the EYE MINI LITE’s club data, though another part of its page calls them recommended. Garmin footnotes the R50’s direct measurements with “Included tracking sticker required”.

Subscriptions and software. Simulated courses, video and some data often sit behind a membership, and third-party simulator software is usually sold separately. Only Uneekor states its membership prices on its product page.

What it connects to. Garmin says the R10 needs a paired compatible smartphone, and Uneekor lists a Windows PC as required. Check what you already own.

Six current launch monitors

• 

  Garmin

  Approach R10

  Garmin says the Approach R10 is “a lightweight portable launch monitor that brings 43,000 courses to you.”

  Tracking

  Radar

  Where it works

  Inside your home, in the backyard or on the range

  Space needed

  Launch monitor on the ground between 6 ft. and 8 ft. behind the tee location. Indoors: the tee location at least 8 ft. away from the net

  $499.99

  Evidence: Research-based · . DICK'S Sporting Goods

  See at DICK'S Sporting Goods: Garmin Approach R10⁠Affiliate link
• 

  Rapsodo

  MLM2PRO

  Rapsodo says the MLM2PRO is “a launch monitor and golf simulator designed for complete visibility into your game.”

  Tracking

  Dual optical camera vision + radar processing

  Where it works

  Full functionality indoors and outdoors

  Space needed

  Indoors: a little more than 14 feet total (8 feet from ball to net, plus the unit 6.5–8.5 feet behind the ball). Outdoors: unit 6.5–8.5 feet directly behind the ball

  $699.99

  Evidence: Research-based · . TGW

  See at TGW: Rapsodo MLM2PRO⁠Affiliate link

• FlightScope

  Mevo Gen2

  FlightScope says the Mevo Gen2 “delivers tour-level accuracy in tight indoor spaces and on the range.”

  Tracking

  Fusion Tracking: 3D Doppler radar with synchronized image processing

  Where it works

  Indoors and outdoors

  Space needed

  Full swing outdoors: 7–9 feet sensor to tee, unrestricted ball flight. Limited flight: 7–9 feet sensor to tee with at least 8 feet of ball flight. Putting: 5 feet sensor to tee and a recommended minimum of 8 feet of flat roll

  $1,149

  Evidence: Research-based · . FlightScope

  See at FlightScope: FlightScope Mevo Gen2⁠
• 

  SkyTrak

  ST MAX

  SkyTrak says the ST MAX “brings tour-level accuracy to your golf training with advanced dual Doppler radar technology that captures precise ball and club metrics.”

  Tracking

  Photometric camera & dual Doppler radar

  Where it works

  Indoor

  Space needed

  Minimum unobstructed area: length 10 feet, width 10 feet; safe ceiling height varies with your height and club length

  $1,995

  Evidence: Research-based · . Global Golf

  See at Global Golf: SkyTrak ST MAX⁠Affiliate link

• Uneekor

  EYE MINI LITE

  Uneekor says the EYE MINI LITE “makes home practice feel more complete and more useful.”

  Tracking

  2 high-speed photometric infrared cameras

  Where it works

  Indoors only

  Space needed

  Not published

  $1,699

  Evidence: Research-based · . 2nd Swing Golf

  See at 2nd Swing Golf: Uneekor EYE MINI LITE⁠
• 

  Garmin

  Approach R50

  Garmin calls the Approach R50 “the premium golf simulator and launch monitor that puts you on course to play your best game from drive to putt.”

  Tracking

  3 high-speed cameras

  Where it works

  Inside or on the driving range

  Space needed

  Launch monitor approximately 1.5 ft. to the side of the tee location, facing it

  $4,999.99

  Evidence: Research-based · . DICK'S Sporting Goods

  See at DICK'S Sporting Goods: Garmin Approach R50⁠Affiliate link

Rapsodo, SkyTrak and Uneekor each showed a sale price below the regular price on their own sites on the day we checked, so prices in this category can move a lot.

Technology, space and power

Uneekor lists no battery for the EYE MINI LITE; its page says the unit ships with a power cable and connects to a PC by Ethernet.

What each one says it measures

Makers name the same metric differently, and a longer list is not a more accurate one. Some metrics also depend on extras or a membership: Rapsodo, for example, lists spin rate, spin axis, club path and angle of attack among its Premium Membership features.

Software and subscriptions

• FlightScope says the Mevo Gen2’s core data, firmware updates and software fixes are free with no subscription, and that eight E6 Connect courses are included. Its Pro Package and Face Impact Location are optional software upgrades, and FlightScope does not state a price for either on the product page.
• Rapsodo includes a 45-day Premium Membership trial and says the card on file is charged automatically at the end of the trial unless you cancel.
• Garmin says Home Tee Hero course play needs an active subscription on both the R10 and the R50, and does not state the price on either page.
• Uneekor says a software package is required. A free Player Package comes with every unit, and the paid tiers are billed annually.

What the extra money buys, from one maker

Garmin makes both, and they are at opposite ends of the price range here. The R50 swaps radar for three high-speed cameras and adds a built-in simulator on a touchscreen. Garmin lists the same metric names for both, so the extra money buys a different way of tracking and a built-in screen, not more metrics.

New or used

If you buy used:

• Ask whether the device is registered to the seller’s account, and check with the maker whether any membership transfers.
• Check that the charger, cables and any included stickers or special balls come with it.
• Ask how old it is, and check how long the battery lasts on a charge.
• Make sure the maker still supports the model with software updates.
• Buy from a seller who will take it back if it does not work.

Where to go next

• All launch monitors we have researched, with their latest price checks.
• Do you need a new driver?, including why a fitting on a launch monitor is worth doing first.
• How we research, including what our evidence labels mean.