7 Best Budget Launch Monitors ($500 to $2000)

Let’s be real—most golfers aren’t ready to drop $20,000 on a Trackman or GCQuad (myself included).

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a tour-level launch monitor to get better at golf. Today’s market has more affordable options than ever, and many of them offer surprisingly advanced features for a fraction of the cost.

Whether you want to dial in your distances, track your progress, or even build a home simulator, this guide is for golfers who want real performance without the tour-player price tag.

👉 If you’re looking for more entry-level options, check out my full guide to the best cheap launch monitors under $500 here.

Best Budget Launch Monitors ($500 to $2,000) 

This is the sweet spot for golfers who want real data and long-term value—without spending five figures. In this price range, you can expect:

• Carry distance, ball speed, swing speed, and more core data points
• Some units with simulator compatibility for playing virtual rounds at home
  
• App integration for session tracking, dispersion, and club-by-club performance
  
• Most importantly: feedback that helps you practice with purpose and stop guessing
  

You won’t get every metric like spin axis or descent angle (unless you go to the upper end of this range), but what you will get is enough data to actually get better—and enjoy the process.

Let’s dive into the top picks that deliver the best value at each tier between $500 and $2,000.

1. Swing Caddie SC4 Pro (Was $599, Now $510)

If you’re looking for the best value launch monitor that combines feedback and simulator features, the Swing Caddie SC4 Pro is hard to beat. It offers radar + camera tracking, a built-in screen, and compatibility with E6 Connect and OptiShot Orion—all without needing a phone or subscription. After testing them all, it's a great upgrade from the SC200 plus and the SC300i.

Whether you're practicing at the range or hitting into a net at home, the SC4 delivers consistent carry data and smart practice tools. I was shocked at the size of this portable launch monitor, as it was basically the size of my hand. The results have been fantastic, I love the display on the device, and it's very easy to take with you to the course too.  

Pros

• Built-in screen with no app required
• Simulation compatible with E6 + Orion
• Works great indoors and outdoors
• No subscription needed
• Easy setup + clean user interface

Cons

• Not as detailed as higher-end units
• Launch angle can vary slightly indoors 

👉 Read my full Swing Caddie SC4 Pro review

Use code WICKEDSMART to save 15% on all Voice Caddie launch monitors. 

2. FlightScope Mevo Plus - $1839

Unfortunately, FlightScope no longer makes the base model, and the Mevo+ is now the primary option. This launch monitor offers 16+ data parameters, simulation features, and advanced club/ball metrics.

If you're serious about building a long-term indoor setup, the Mevo+ is a strong contender. It’s not cheap, but the data quality and software compatibility (including E6 and TGC) justify the price if you want depth + versatility.

Pros

• Tracks ball + club data, including face angle and club path
• Compatible with simulation platforms like E6 and TGC
• Excellent accuracy indoors and outdoors
• Strong app and session tracking
  

Cons

• Higher learning curve on setup/settings
• Subscription needed for Pro Package features
• Requires more space than radar + camera models

3. Rapsodo MLM2 Pro - $699

The MLM2 Pro is one of the most exciting launch monitors in this price range, especially if you want video + data in one device. It features dual cameras, provides spin and carry numbers, and works with simulation software like E6.

One standout feature that I love is the multi-angle swing replay, which lets you view every shot with accurate feedback and slow-motion breakdown. While it's great for content, it's also great to help you see different aspects of your swing most launch monitors don't provide. This device is packed with performance features and is a major upgrade from the original MLM.

Pros

• No subscription required
• Measures spin, carry, launch, and more
• Compatible with simulation play
• Lightweight and easy to set up
• Dual-camera swing replay + built-in shot tracing 

Cons

• iPhone/iPad required for full functionality
• No display screen—app required for use
• Indoor spin accuracy slightly dependent on lighting and spacing

👉 Read my full Rapsodo MLM2 Pro review

4. Square Golf - $699

This is one of the newest entries into the market, and it's easy to see why. It doesn't break the bank, pairs with tons of software like Awesome Golf, E6 Connect, and more (which is a huge perk). Not to mention, it's very small and won't take up much space. 

The high-end data and AI-powered features in a compact device make it a great budget launch monitor option. Square Golf is for indoor use only though, which might turn off some golfers who want to take it to the range or course for more data. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Realistic courses
• Works with iOS and Android
• Sleek design + app integration
• Focus on user-friendly experience
• Multiple modes (driving range, putting practice, multi-game mode, and more)

Cons

• Indoor use only
• 1,000 free welcome credits (about 55 rounds) then you'll need to upgrade

There are no subscriptions with this device, but you'll need to add credits to take full advantage of this launch monitor.

5. Bushnell Launch Pro: $1,999 - $2,499 

Bushnell is known for its optics and rangefinders, and with the Launch Pro, they’ve created a camera-based launch monitor that offers elite-level data—especially for indoor setups. I am impressed, as it's essentially a rebranded Foresight GC3 (at a more accessible price point). 

It’s heavier and bulkier than something like the SC4 Pro or Rapsodo MLM2 Pro, but if you’re building a garage sim setup, this is a top-tier option for about $2,000. The ball + club data option does make is $2,499, but it's got a lot more data if you geek out in numbers. 

Pros

• Extremely accurate launch data (GC3-level)
• Great for indoor simulators and long-term setups
• Reliable build quality and trusted brand support
  
• Two options depending on how much data you want (or need)

Cons

• No built-in screen; requires connected device
• Requires subscription to unlock full features
• Less portable than radar-based competitors

6. Garmin Approach R10 - $599

The Garmin R10 has quickly become one of the most popular launch monitors under $1,000—and for good reason. It offers a wide range of metrics, including swing path, face angle, launch direction, and spin estimates, and is compatible with simulation platforms like E6 and Home Tee Hero.

While it requires a subscription to unlock all features, it’s one of the few devices in this range that gives you both club and ball data, plus video analysis through the Garmin app. If you want a budget-friendly launch monitor with advanced features, the Garmin R10 delivers more than you'd expect at this price.

Pros

• Tracks both club and ball data
  
• Affordable price for the data you get
  
• Works with multiple simulator platforms
• Extremely compact device and travel-friendly
  

Cons

• No on screen data
• Subscription required for full features
  
• Can be sensitive to setup position and lighting
  
• Spin data is estimated (not directly measured)
  

7. SkyTrak - $895  

SkyTrak was one of the first affordable launch monitors to bring simulation and spin tracking to regular golfers—and it’s still one of the best for indoor use. At under $1,000, it offers excellent accuracy on carry distance, spin rate, launch angle, and descent angle, making it ideal for golfers building a garage or basement simulator setup.

It does require software and a subscription to unlock its full capabilities, but the feedback it delivers—especially for wedge gapping and shot shape control—is hard to beat in this price range. The Skytrak+ is a good upgrade but abut $3,000 and why it didn't make this list. 

Pros

• Highly accurate data, especially indoors
• Tracks spin, carry, launch, and descent angle
  
• Integrates with top-tier simulator software
  
• Proven and trusted brand
  

Cons

• Indoor use only
  
• Requires paid software/subscription
  
• Slower shot-to-shot feedback compared to radar models

Closing Thoughts: What’s the Best Budget Launch Monitor?

There’s never been a better time to invest in your game without breaking the bank. Whether you want to dial in your distances, get honest feedback on your swing, or build a full simulator setup at home, the launch monitors above offer serious value—all for about $2,000.

If I had to recommend just three based on performance, features, and long-term value, here’s where I’d start:

• Swing Caddie SC4 Pro: Best blend of portability, simulation, and real-time feedback. You don’t even need a phone to use it, and it works both indoors and outdoors. A true value buy.
  💥 Use code WICKEDSMART to save 15% on this epic simulator 
  
  
• FlightScope Mevo+ – Best if you want tour-level data without a $10K price tag. With advanced metrics and multiple simulator options, it’s built for serious players who want deep feedback and accuracy.
  💥 Use code WICKEDSMART to save 15%

• Rapsodo MLM2 Pro: Best if you want video + spin + simulator in one device. It’s easy to set up, doesn’t require a subscription, and gives you everything you need to improve at home or on the range.

No matter which one fits your game and budget, the key is to practice with purpose. Launch monitors don’t just provide numbers—they give you a feedback loop that helps you stay consistent, motivated, and on the path to lower scores.