The launch monitor is the brain of a golf simulator: it measures each shot and sends it to the simulation software. Prices run from about $500 to over $13,000, and the right pick depends on your budget, your room and whether you want club data.
Launch monitors by price (checked October 27, 2026)
| Budget | Model | Price seen | Tracking | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | Garmin Approach R10 | About $500 | Radar | Portable practice, deeper rooms |
| Under $1,000 | Rapsodo MLM2PRO | $549.99 (sale, was $699.99) | — | First simulator on a budget |
| Under $1,000 | Rapsodo MLM2XPRO (2026 model) | $899.99 | — | Newer Rapsodo model |
| $1,000–$2,000 | FlightScope Mevo Gen2 | From $1,299 | Radar | Indoor and outdoor use |
| $1,000–$2,000 | SkyTrak ST MAX | $1,695 (sale, was $2,995) | Camera + dual radar | Most popular home pick; ball and club data |
| $1,000–$2,000 | Foresight GC2 | $1,699 | Camera | Proven camera tracking |
| $2,000–$5,000 | Bushnell Launch Pro (Circle B) | From $2,999.99 | Camera (Foresight) | Tour-level ball data at home |
| $2,000–$5,000 | Foresight GC3 | $3,999 (sale, was $6,999) | Camera | Ball and club data, short rooms |
| $2,000–$5,000 | Garmin Approach R50 | $4,999.99 | Camera | All-in-one with built-in screen |
| $2,000–$5,000 | Full Swing KIT | $4,999 | Radar | Deep rooms and outdoor range |
| $13,000+ | Trackman iO | From $13,995 | Ceiling-mounted | Dedicated golf rooms |
Prices were seen at authorized retailers and brand sites (SkyTrak, PlayBetter) on October 27, 2026; some include sales and they change often. The SkyTrak+ has been discontinued and replaced by the ST MAX.
Radar or camera?
Radar units sit behind the ball — typically 6–8 feet — and work well outdoors and in deep rooms. Camera (photometric) units sit beside the ball and need less space, which suits garages and basements. Some units, like the SkyTrak ST MAX, combine both.
Ball data vs club data
Ball data (speed, launch angle, spin, carry) is enough to play simulated rounds. Club data (club path, face angle, club speed) tells you why the ball curved, which matters if you’re working on your swing. The ST MAX measures club path, face angle and face-to-path, according to SkyTrak.
Don’t forget the subscriptions
Many monitors need a yearly software plan for course play. For example, the Bushnell Launch Pro needs a Foresight subscription to work as a simulator. Add that yearly cost to your budget.
Our quick picks
- First sim, tight budget: Rapsodo MLM2PRO.
- Best all-round home value: SkyTrak ST MAX.
- Serious practice, smaller room: Foresight GC3 or Bushnell Launch Pro.
- Money’s no object: Trackman iO.
Not sure which fits your room? Get a free Room-Fit Check →