7 Best Launch Monitors Under $500 in 2025

Golf is expensive—I get it. Between green fees, equipment, and lessons, it all adds up fast. But if you want to actually improve when you practice, a launch monitor is one of the smartest investments you can make.

But what are the best launch monitors under $500? Can they really help your game? 

Ultimatley—yes—cheap launch monitors give you real-time feedback, keep you focused, and stop you from just mindlessly banging balls on the range. But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a fancy unit to see real improvement. 

I’ve tested just about every affordable launch monitor on the market—and I know how confusing it can be to figure out which one is actually worth your money. So I’ve done the research (and the range sessions) for you.

7 Best Cheap Launch Monitors Under $500

Below, you’ll find my picks for the 7 best launch monitors under $500. For each one, I’ll break down the pros and cons, who it’s best for, and why it made the list—so you can start practicing smarter today. These affordable launch monitors won't break teh bank but can do wonders for your practice sessions. 

Oh, and as a bonus? I’ve worked out exclusive discounts on many of these models, so you’ll save even more money! 

Let’s dive in.

1. Voice Caddie SC4: Was $599 → Now $510 

Okay—let me address the obvious: technically, the SC4’s MSRP is just over $500. But I was able to negotiate an exclusive discount that brings it down to around $510—and honestly, for what you get, it’s worth stretching your budget a tiny bit.

I’ve been testing the Voice Caddie SC4 lately, and it’s hands-down the most feature-packed launch monitor I’ve ever used at this price point. Unlike the cheaper models, the SC4 isn’t just a practice tool—it’s also a full-on simulator you can use at home.

You get all the key numbers you’d expect: carry distance, total distance, ball speed, swing speed, smash factor, spin, and even dispersion. But what really impressed me is how seamlessly it works with E6 Connect for virtual rounds. Nothing like being able to play and practice in the offseason without leaving the house (or garage)! 

Even if you never use the simulator, it’s incredibly accurate outdoors, gives you voice feedback, and has a bright, easy-to-read screen—no phone required. But if you do connect it to the app, you’ll unlock even more data and session tracking.

For just over $500, it’s basically two products in one: a portable range launch monitor and a home simulator.

✅ Pros:

• Still compact and portable
• Voice feedback and easy setup
• Very accurate indoors and outdoors
• Full simulator capability via E6 Connect
• Bright LCD screen plus app integration for more data 

🚫 Cons:

• Slightly larger and heavier than the SC300i
• Needs more space to get the most out of simulator mode

If you want a launch monitor that can grow with your game—and give you something fun to do on rainy days—the SC4 is tough to beat for the price. Check out my full review now. 

>>Get the VoiceCaddie SC4 now (use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 15%). 

2. Voice Caddie SC300i: Was $399 → Now $340 

The SC300i has been my go-to recommendation for years when someone asks me, “What’s the best launch monitor under $500?” And it’s easy to see why.

This is the model I’ve personally kept in my bag for a long time because it’s so easy to use. There’s no app required (unless you want extra features), no setup headaches, no confusing menus. Just turn it on, set it down behind you, and start hitting balls.

It displays all the key stats you actually need—carry, total distance, ball speed, swing speed, launch height, and even spin (through the app). And the voice feedback feature is surprisingly helpful, especially during range sessions when you don’t want to keep looking down at the screen.

I’ve tested it side by side with much more expensive units and was impressed by how close the numbers are—especially outdoors. It’s super compact, easy to charge, and the battery lasts forever (no AAA batteries like the SC200 Plus).

✅ Pros:

• Voice feedback after each shot
• Extremely portable and long battery life
• Very affordable (even more with my discount)
• App integration unlocks spin data and session tracking
• Bright LCD screen shows your numbers without a phone

🚫 Cons:

• No simulator mode 
• Spin data is estimated and only visible in the app
• Doesn’t measure advanced club path or face angle data
  

If you want something portable, affordable, and easy to use that still delivers the feedback you need to improve, it's still a top pick! Swing Caddie offers some of the best monitors in the game, you can't go wrong with any of them. 

>>Snag the VoiceCaddie SC300i today (use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 15%). Check out my in-depth review or watch the video below to see it in action. 

3. PRGR Launch Monitor: $229 

The PRGR is hands-down the most barebones, no-frills launch monitor I’ve tested—but that’s actually what makes it great. It’s tiny, incredibly easy to use, and doesn’t even require a smartphone. 

Like the SC300i, you just turn it on, place it behind your hitting area, and start swinging. It displays carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor right on its little screen.

If you’re looking for something cheap, ultra-portable, and simple for the range or garage, this is a solid choice. 

✅ Pros:

• Most affordable option here
• Tiny and lightweight—fits in your pocket
• No app or phone needed—just turn it on and go
• Works with practice swings (great for speed training)

🚫 Cons:

• Outdoor use recommended for best results
• No advanced metrics like spin or launch angle
• Can struggle with accuracy on slower swing speeds
  

If you’re on a tight budget or want a backup you can toss in your bag, the PRGR is a nice little tool.

4. Rapsodo MLM Launch Monitor: $299

If you’re just getting started with launch monitors and want something super affordable and fun to use, the original Rapsodo MLM is still a great choice. It's the definition of a cheap launch monitor and known as the "OG" for personal devices. 

I love how easy it is to set up—just place it behind your hitting area, start hitting, and go. The shot tracer video feature is what really sets it apart: seeing your swing and ball flight overlaid on your phone screen makes practice way more engaging.

It’s not as advanced as newer models—it doesn’t track spin, club data and needs plenty of light—but it’s still a solid tool to help you dial in distances and improve consistency.

✅ Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Quick and easy to set up
• Lightweight and ultra-portable
• Shot tracer video on your phone is fun and helpful

🚫 Cons:

• iOS only
• Limited data compared to newer models
• Requires your phone and drains battery quickly
  

>>Get the Rapsodo MLM now. You can also see my full review here. 

For under $250, it’s a great entry-level launch monitor for casual golfers or anyone who just wants to make range sessions more productive. But if you want simulation features, you’ll need to get the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro, which is $749 (read my full review here).

5. Voice Caddie SC200 Plus: Was $279 → Now $238

If you want something that’s easy to use but a little more refined than the PRGR, the Voice Caddie SC200 Plus is the sweet spot. Before getting the SC300i, I used this beginner model and loved it.

The LCD screen is bright and easy to read, and the voice feedback announcing your carry distance after each shot is super convenient. It even has practice modes like Approach and Target to make your sessions more engaging.

It doesn’t require an app and runs on AAA batteries, which last forever—just throw it in your bag and go.

✅ Pros:

• Affordable and intuitive to use
• Bright screen with voice feedback
• Works with practice swings for speed training
• Fun practice modes to improve distance control

🚫 Cons:

• No spin, launch angle, or advanced data
• Outdoor use preferred for best accuracy
• Limited metrics compared to pricier monitors

Check out my full review to learn more about this cheap launch monitor that's worth every penny.

>>Get the VoiceCaddie SC200 Plus now (use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 15%). 

6. Flight Scope Mevo: $349 (Pre-Owned) 

The FlightScope Mevo is another excellent portable launch monitor but unfortunately, they discontinued it! The higher model (Mevo Plus) is close to $2,000, but if you don’t mind picking up a pre-owned unit, you can find the original for under $500.

The Mevo offers more advanced data than the PRGR or SC200 Plus, including carry, ball speed, club speed, spin rate, and more. It also works indoors and outdoors, which makes it more versatile than some cheaper options.

✅ Pros:

• Small, portable, and reliable
• Works indoors and outdoors
• App saves all your session data
• Tracks more metrics, including spin and launch

🚫 Cons:

• Drains phone battery
• Requires smartphone and app
• Can feel a little finicky if not set up properly
• Shorter battery life than AAA-powered units
  

If you want more detailed feedback without spending big money, a pre-owned Mevo is one of the best values out there.

7. Garmin Approach R10: $599 → Discounts to $549

The Garmin R10 is one of the most versatile launch monitors you can buy near this price point—and when you catch it on sale (which happens often), it sneaks close to $500. Or, can find a pre-owned one for under $500. But like the SC4 Pro, it’s worth it because you get simulation features.

I’ve tested it indoors and outdoors, and what stands out is how much data it gives you for the price. It measures over a dozen metrics, including carry, total distance, ball speed, launch angle, club path, and more. Plus, it doubles as a simulator when paired with software like E6 Connect, making it a great option if you plan to practice at home.

Setup is quick, it’s portable, and the app is user-friendly. The downside is that it can be finicky in tight indoor spaces and needs some dialing in for best results.

✅ Pros:

• Works indoors and outdoors
• Compact and easy to set up
• Compatible with simulator software
• Tons of data for the price, including club path and face angle

🚫 Cons:

• Often hovers slightly above $500 
• Needs more space indoors for best results
• Can take some tweaking to get accurate readings
  

If you want as much data as possible and plan to use simulation features, the R10 is a fantastic value when you find it on sale.

Closing Thoughts 

If you’ve been holding off on getting a launch monitor because of the cost, hopefully this list shows you just how many great options there are under $500. Whether you just want to track your distances or build a full at-home simulator setup, there’s something here for your budget and your goals.

If you’re still undecided, here are my top picks:

✅ Best Overall: Voice Caddie SC4

• Great balance of features and price
• Bright LCD screen and app integration
• Full simulator capability plus accurate outdoor performance
  

✅ Best Value: Voice Caddie SC300i

• Affordable, easy to use, and super portable
• Bright screen and voice feedback—no app required
• Perfect for most golfers who just want reliable practice feedback
  

Whichever you choose, you’ll start practicing with more purpose, building confidence, and seeing real results where it matters—on the course.