A simulator puts more demands on a launch monitor than range practice does. It has to read every shot indoors, at short distance, often with a projector shining nearby, and feed that into software that turns it into a believable round. These units do it best.
Our picks at a glance
- Best value simulatorSkyTrak ST MAX$1,695
- Best no-subscription simulatorFlightScope Mevo Gen2$1,299
- Best camera accuracyBushnell Launch Pro$2,999.99
- Best without a PCGarmin Approach R50$4,999.99
- Best premiumFull Swing KIT$4,999
- Best built-inTrackman iO$13,995
SkyTrak ST MAX
- Price
- $1,695
- Technology
- Dual radar + photometric camera
- Room depth
- About 10 ft
- Use
- Indoor, on a mat
- Plan
- $99.99/yr Essential plan
The ST MAX is built for exactly this job. It sits beside the ball, measures spin with its camera, and needs only about 10 ft of depth. SkyTrak sells it in complete studio packages with an enclosure, screen and projector, starting at $4,495 for the 10 ft studio.
What we like
- Fits shallow rooms
- Complete packages available
- Measured spin
What to know
- Mat only
- No attack angle
FlightScope Mevo Gen2
- Price
- $1,299
- Technology
- Radar + camera
- Room depth
- About 16 ft
- Use
- Indoor and outdoor
- Plan
- None required
If you have a deep enough room, the Mevo Gen2 plays simulator golf with no yearly plan. Eight E6 courses come included, and you can add more software later. Plan on about 16 ft of depth and careful alignment.
What we like
- No plan required
- E6 courses included
- Also great outdoors
What to know
- Needs about 16 ft
- Phone or tablet as display
Bushnell Launch Pro
- Price
- $2,999.99
- Technology
- Three-camera photometric (GC3 platform)
- Room depth
- About 10 ft
- Use
- Indoor and outdoor
- Plan
- $199/yr Silver plan for simulator play
The Launch Pro's three-camera system is the same one inside Foresight's GC3. It reads shots indoors with fitting-bay accuracy and plays Foresight's software. The included Basic plan doesn't allow simulator play, so budget for at least the $199 Silver plan and a gaming PC.
What we like
- GC3 camera platform
- Accurate indoors at short range
What to know
- Silver plan from $199/yr for simulation
- Needs a gaming PC for Silver and Gold
Garmin Approach R50
- Price
- $4,999.99
- Technology
- Camera with built-in 10-inch screen
- Room depth
- About 10 ft
- Use
- Indoor and outdoor
- Plan
- $99.99/yr for courses
Most simulators need a computer to run the software. The R50 runs it on its own 10-inch touchscreen, which simplifies the setup considerably.
What we like
- Built-in screen, no PC
- Measured spin
What to know
- $4,999.99
- Face stickers for club data
Full Swing KIT
- Price
- $4,999
- Technology
- Dual-mode radar + camera
- Room depth
- About 16 ft
- Use
- Indoor and outdoor
- Plan
- None to see your numbers
The KIT's radar and camera give tour-level numbers, and you can see all of them without a plan. E6 courses and video storage cost extra. It needs about 16 ft indoors.
What we like
- Independent tests close to Trackman
- No plan to see data
What to know
- $4,999
- Needs a deep room
Trackman iO
- Price
- $13,995
- Technology
- Ceiling-mounted radar + camera
- Room depth
- About 12 ft
- Use
- Indoor only
- Plan
- Software included
For a dedicated room, Trackman's ceiling-mounted iO is the cleanest setup: nothing on the floor, both hands supported, and software included. It starts at $13,995.
What we like
- Ceiling-mounted
- Both hands without moving
What to know
- $13,995 and up
- Indoor only
How they compare
| Model | Price | Technology | Room depth | Spin | Club data | Plan needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyTrak ST MAX | $1,695 | Dual radar + photometric camera | About 10 ft | Measured | Partial (no attack angle) | $99.99/yr Essential plan |
| FlightScope Mevo Gen2 | $1,299 | Radar + camera | About 16 ft | Measured | Yes | None required |
| Bushnell Launch Pro | $2,999.99 | Three-camera photometric (GC3 platform) | About 10 ft | Measured | With a paid plan | $199/yr Silver plan for simulator play |
| Garmin Approach R50 | $4,999.99 | Camera with built-in 10-inch screen | About 10 ft | Measured | With face stickers | $99.99/yr for courses |
| Full Swing KIT | $4,999 | Dual-mode radar + camera | About 16 ft | Measured | Yes | None to see your numbers |
| Trackman iO | $13,995 | Ceiling-mounted radar + camera | About 12 ft | Measured | Club speed (more with Home Complete) | Software included |
What a simulator launch monitor needs
- Measured spin. Indoors you only see the first few feet of flight, so the software relies on spin to draw the rest. Measured spin beats calculated spin here.
- Short-range accuracy. Camera units read the ball at impact and don't need to see the flight. Radar units need enough distance behind the ball to track it.
- Software support. Check which simulator programs each unit works with, and what they cost, before you buy.
Questions
What else do I need for a simulator?
An impact screen or enclosure, a hitting mat, a projector, and usually a PC or tablet to run the software. Our build guide covers each part.
Can I use radar indoors?
Yes, with enough depth. Radar units need about 16 ft from the back wall to the screen to track the ball properly.
