Rapsodo MLM vs. MLM2Pro Launch Monitor Comparison
If you’re shopping for a personal golf launch monitor, you’ve probably come across Rapsodo. Their original MLM (Mobile Launch Monitor) has been a hugely popular choice for years—but now there’s the upgraded MLM2 Pro, which promises better accuracy, more features, and even simulation capability.
So how do these two models compare? Who wins the battle between Rapsodo MLM vs. MLM2 Pro? And more importantly, which one is right for you?
In this guide, I’ll break down the differences between them to help you decide. You’ll learn how they stack up on key features, accuracy, ease of use, and value—so you can invest in the launch monitor that actually fits your game.
Rapsodo MLM vs. MLM2 Pro
The original MLM was a groundbreaking launch monitor when it launched—offering carry distance, ball speed, launch angle, and shot tracer video at a price almost any golfer could justify. It’s still a great option for many players, especially those who practice outdoors.
But the MLM2 Pro takes things to another level. Before sharing all the upgrades, here is a recap of the original.
Rapsodo MLM Portable Launch Monitor
The original Rapsodo MLM (Mobile Launch Monitor) was one of the first affordable, smartphone-connected launch monitors for golfers. It quickly became a favorite thanks to its portability, ease of use, and video shot tracer feature—which is why it made my list of best launch monitors under $500.
It works by using a single camera to track ball flight and display key data points, including:
- Carry distance
- Ball speed
- Launch angle
- Shot tracer video
- Shot shape visualization
- Shot library with cloud storage
You simply set it up behind the ball, pair it with your phone or tablet, and you’re ready to go. The app records and overlays your swing video with shot tracer, making it easy to review your mechanics alongside your ball flight.
However, the MLM does have a few limitations. It only works outdoors (because it relies on tracking the ball over longer flight), and it doesn’t measure spin or club data. For many golfers who just want a fun and easy way to improve their practice sessions, though, the MLM still does its job very well.
✅ Pros
- Fun shot tracer video feature
- Accurate carry distance outdoors
- Extremely portable and easy to use
- Very affordable (typically $499 or less)
- Great for mid-to-high handicappers who practice at the range
🚫 Cons
- No simulation capability
- Zaps your phone battery
- Outdoors only (not designed for indoor use)
- App experience feels basic compared to MLM2 Pro
- Video quality is decent but not great compared to newer models
- Limited metrics — doesn’t measure spin, descent angle, or club speed
Overall, it's pretty decent for under $250 and great for beginner golfers. The MLM still delivers excellent performance for outdoor practice at a lower price—and it remains one of the most affordable ways to get video and shot data on your phone.
Rapsodo MLM2Pro Portable Launch Monitor
The Rapsodo MLM2 Pro is the next evolution of Rapsodo’s popular launch monitor line — adding dual cameras, Doppler radar, and full simulator capabilities to the mix. Unlike the original MLM, it works both indoors and outdoors, offers more advanced data like spin rates and club speed, and integrates with simulation software for virtual rounds.
If you’re looking for an affordable launch monitor that delivers accurate data, great video, and the ability to play simulator golf at home, the MLM2 Pro is a huge step up from the original
It adds:
- Dual cameras: One for high-speed impact vision (to better capture spin and launch), plus a separate swing video camera.
- Doppler radar: This improves accuracy over the MLM’s purely camera-based system.
- Indoor and outdoor functionality: Unlike the MLM, which really only works outdoors, the MLM2 Pro is designed for both.
- Simulator ready: With the right software, you can now play virtual rounds on famous courses — something the original MLM can’t do.
- Improved accuracy and additional metrics: The hybrid radar + camera system captures more data points and does it more reliably, especially indoors.
✅ Pros
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Still affordable compared to premium monitors
- Dual cameras for better video and more accurate data
- Adds spin, club speed, and additional advanced metrics
- Supports simulation with software like E6 Connect
- Improved app experience and video quality
🚫 Cons
- Costs about $200–$300 more than the original
- Still not as accurate as $10,000+ tour-level monitors
- Requires more indoor space than a photometric unit like SkyTrak
- Premium subscription needed for full feature set
For a full breakdown of its features, performance, and whether it’s worth the upgrade, check out our full Rapsodo MLM2 Pro review here.
Top Questions About Rapsodo Launch Monitors
Does the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro work indoors?
Yes — unlike the original MLM, the MLM2 Pro is designed to work both indoors and outdoors, provided you have enough space (at least 8–10 feet of ball flight).
Do I need a subscription for either model?
Both work without a subscription, but you’ll need a premium subscription to unlock all features (like cloud storage, advanced metrics, and simulator access).
How much space do I need indoors?
Plan for at least 8–10 feet of ball flight and enough width to swing comfortably.
Is the MLM2 Pro as accurate as Trackman?
No — but it delivers excellent accuracy for its price point, especially on carry distance, ball speed, and launch angle.
Closing Thoughts: Which Rapsodo Is Right for You?
Both the original Rapsodo MLM and the upgraded MLM2 Pro offer fantastic value for golfers who want to practice smarter, track progress, and have more fun on the range.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to capture carry distance, shot tracer, and swing video outdoors, the original MLM still holds up as a solid choice.
But if you want more advanced metrics, the ability to practice indoors, better video quality, and simulator functionality, the MLM2 Pro is absolutely worth the extra investment.
Think about how and where you’ll use it most — and how much you value the added features — before deciding. Either way, you’re getting one of the best launch monitors under $1,000.
