The 10 Best Portable Launch Monitor for 2023

Launch monitors are an imperative golf accessory as it helps amateurs, pros, and coaches track progress and improve results. This post looks at the best portable launch monitor 2023 edition to see which data metrics and price points suit the average golfer.

Here are the 10 best portable launch monitors for 2023:

By the end of this post, you will know what data parameters our top 10 finalists track, how accurate they are, and whether they offer access to golf simulator software. In addition, I reveal the best picks for beginners, mid and low-handicappers, and golf coaches.

Our team spends thousands of hours trying out and researching golf equipment to help you take your game to the next level. Here's our product review process.

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I’m an experienced golfer of 28 years and thoroughly researched and evaluated the products shared below. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the list. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information.

To select these launch monitors, we considered these criteria:

The FlightScope Mevo is our best overall portable launch monitor in 2023 for its affordability, lightweight and accurate measurements. In addition, the 3D doppler radar device enables you to undertake challenges on the FlightScope skills app.

The pocket-sized launch monitor fits seamlessly in any golf bag compartment for hassle-free transport. As a result, it simplifies the task of practicing anywhere, anytime. Besides its portability, the Mevo tracks 8 data parameters, which return a relatively accurate read.

It tracks swing metrics determining ball and club head speed, apex, smash factor, flight time, and spin rate. While serious golfers may demand increased parameters, they are sufficient for the average golfer.

Next, the Mevo combines with the FlightScope Golf and Skills app to help you analyze and enhance your training. The Golf app allows you to record each shot and apply a data overlay to analyze later. Plus, the Golf App displays the measurements of every strike.

The FlightScope Mevo App operates on iOS and Android gadgets to function on your smartphone, tablet, or iPad.

Launch monitors often have a stigma of being high-ticket items out of the reach of the average golfer. However, the Swing Caddie SC200 Plus shows us otherwise, offering an entry-level option suited to high handicappers.

You will not see many data metrics and features on the SC200 Plus at its price. It is a no-frills option covering four standard data points, including the swing speed, ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor. I feel the key metrics are sufficient for the average golfer to gain simple insight into each shot.

Two features that stood out from other launch monitors are its voice distance output and that you do not have to strike a golf ball. You can take a practice swing and use the device to measure clubhead speed at impact.

The doppler radar-powered device is not compatible with any application, and what you see on the screen is what you get. Finally, the compact device is approximately the same size as the FlightScope Mevo making it easily portable.

Read More: Best Budget Launch Monitor

The Bushnell Golf Launch Pro launch monitor is a premium product for players seeking greater insight into each golf swing. Mid-handicappers looking to enhance their performance and enter the ranks of a low handicapper may appreciate accurate data and simulator compatibility.

The Launch Pro captures seven ball and club data points, including vertical and horizontal launch angles. Six parameters are displayed on the launch monitor screen for you to review after each shot. However, the remaining metric is found on the FSX Pro Basic Subscription package, which runs you $249 a year after the first twelve months.

The FSX Pro package only operates on iOS but enhances the experience and employs graphs and charts for you to analyze. Bushnell allows golfers to upgrade to a Gold or Unlocked subscription if their desire is to run a full home golf simulator.

A Gold subscription sets you back $699 per year, while the Unlocked package requires a once-off fee of $3,499. While it is a premium launch monitor, it gives you access to highly accurate data and the flexibility to add it to a home golf simulator setup.

The Full Swing Kit is produced by a company that Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, and Jordan Spieth trust for their golf simulator needs. Eldrick gives it his stamp of approval. I find it delivers incredibly accurate results, which makes sense, considering it measures 16 data parameters.

While the Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor is a high-end product, it's significantly more affordable than items like the GC Quad or a portable Trackman 4. It is a wise investment for skillful low handicappers seeking maximum insight into your game.

Besides the standard parameters of distance, speed, and smash factor, this machine radar learning device dives into microscopic detail of each shot. It covers face angle and path, attack angle, club path, and side total distance.

Full Swing built a 4k camera into the launch monitor to record and analyze my golf swing on the manufacturer's app. To fully leverage the analysis of the Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor App, I suggest upgrading to the premium version to store historical shot data and videos.

The Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor is a premium device that delivers maximum accuracy and measures various metrics. Its high-quality performance, precision, and access to multiple features are ideal for golf coaches.

In addition, the device is compatible with FSX simulator software, allowing users to play virtual rounds of golf and undertake skills challenges. Besides its simulator features, the GC3 contains a barometric sensor to enhance accuracy in any environment.

Next, it monitors 10 data club and ball data parameters, including sidespin, club path, and angle of attack. Unlike several devices on our list, the GC3 is a photometric device that employs the services of a triscopic camera system.

Finally, the launch monitor sits parallel to the impact zone, brightly displaying six metrics on the screen, and can operate for up to 7 hours without a charge.

Although the GC3 Essentials package includes access to virtual golf courses, you can always upgrade to the Players Bundle. You can enjoy layouts like Pebble Beach, The Old Course, Carnoustie, and SpyGlass.

SkyTrak simulators soared in popularity during the lockdown as the average golfer hurried to find a solution to practicing at home. Besides enabling us to train from the comfort of our homes, this launch monitor added an impressive array of skills, challenges, and games to entertain our buddies.

The photometric device measures five data points and calculates an extra seven to deliver relatively accurate results. However, on longer shots, I found the carry distance and clubhead speed were slightly off my averages.

I enjoyed the skills challenges and its simulator functionality thoroughly. However, I found the game improvement features invaluable. The wedge matrix feature effectively identifies distances with a full, half, and quarter wedge shot. Plus, the Shot Optimizer feature determined which distance I should hit each golf club.

Next, the Bag Mapping feature gave detailed insight into my yardage averages with each club, and the shot history highlighted my progress over time. Lastly, the Players Skills Assessment allows you to set targets and see how precise your distance control and accuracy are.

The Ernest Sports ESB1 launch monitor is affordable, entertaining, and informative, making it a suitable option for mid and high-handicap golfers. However, its shot tracer technology stood out for me as I tracked the flight and landing of every shot.

Its flight tracker golf feature is handy for analyzing the results of all shots with a specific club. The tracer helped me identify how precise or erratic my performance is with each club. Besides the shot tracing, I felt the games and skills challenges were fun to play alone and with buddies.

Next, the ESB1 tracks six data parameters, covering the standard metrics of distance, speed, spin, and smash factor. These stats are shared with the ES Range app, allowing you to view and analyze past performances.

Ernest Sports engineers applied video swing recording functionality to capture each shot and apply data overlays and the shot tracer to them. The ESB1 simplifies capturing your golf swing by enabling Voice Control to start or end recording.

The PRGR Pocket launch monitor provides a simple, affordable solution for high handicappers to experience. It measures 5 swing data points, including club and ball speed, smash factor, carry, and total distance.

The screen only has space to display a handful of data points, requiring you to choose between carry or total distance. Speaking of toggling data, it allows you to display speed in mph or kph for golfers operating off the metric system.

Next, the lightweight device is compact and offers hassle-free transportation between your home and the driving range. In addition, it can calculate metrics even without striking a golf ball, which proves handy for golfers with limited space at home for a simulator.

I thought the ability to view metrics from your past shots was a nice touch, which you can achieve by pressing the up and down buttons underneath the screen. Finally, the affordable PRGR Pocket Launch monitor pairs perfectly with the Super Speed training system to measure your progress.

The Garmin Approach R10 is our top pick for the most versatile launch monitor because it offers GPS functionality. Besides measuring a remarkable 14 data points, the R10 provides distance measurements on over 42,000 golf courses.

Although the accuracy of some measurements is slightly off, the impact is minimal for the average golfer. The Approach R10 records 14 metrics to give the average mid-handicapper an impressive overview of their club path and speed leading into impact.

The R10 pairs with the Garmin Golf App, which gives you access to digital scoring features and GPS functionality on 42,000 golf courses. A free 30-day subscription is included. After that, it is $100 a year. However, it also provides green contour data and your stroke averages.

In addition, the versatile R10 is compatible with E6 Connect golf simulator software to enjoy virtual rounds and access to the driving range. Finally, the R10 records your golf swing and enables you to review it with data overlays.

Golfers like myself who learn more from visual aids will appreciate the Rapsodo Mobile launch monitor. I also enjoyed the shot tracer technology, which was highly effective, as well as the shot dispersion map and club gapping chart.

The Rapsodo stand encourages you to transform your phone or tablet into a launch monitor and record every golf swing. Plus, it combines with the shot tracer technology to help you track the flight and landing of each shot.

A Rapsodo mobile launch tracks six data parameters, significantly less than most launch monitors on the list. However, it makes up for it with its wealth of other features that mid and high-handicappers will find handy.

Two additional features which I like are the club gapping and GPS Shot Dispersion Map. The club gapping feature provided insight into how far you hit each club on average and where gaps exist, helping you make better-informed club selection decisions.

Finally, the GPS Shot Map opened my eyes to which side of the target my golf ball consistently missed.

Rating: 3.2

As our portable golf launch monitor reviews demonstrated, portable launch monitors vary significantly in price. Entry-level launch monitors fetch less than $300, but premium models run as high as $10,000.

Consider that most affordable launch monitors are ill-equipped to power a simulator if that is your intention.

Most launch monitors track standard metrics like ball and club head speed, smash factor, carry, and total distance. While these are sufficient for the average golfer to gain some insight into each shot, lower handicappers may desire more.

Advanced launch monitors measure club path, launch angle, apex, side landing angle, and angle of attack. In addition, they may desire a model which calculates putting data, a trait many affordable launch monitors cannot deliver.

Launch monitors from Trackman and Foresight Sports are considered the gold standard by the industry for accuracy. These models produce millimetric precision to help coaches, professionals, and serious golfers receive optimal insight and make better-informed decisions.

Premium models like the Trackman 4 or GC3 cost thousands of dollars and are out of reach for many golfers. Fortunately, devices like the FlightScope Mevo and Garmin Approach R10 are affordable and offer accuracy close to that of our affordable models.

The reason affordable models typically provide less precise readings boils down to the lack of parameters they measure. Plus, some devices use algorithms to calculate speed and carry. A lack of parameters factored in leads to inaccurate results.

However, I find the inaccuracy is manageable for the average golfer and still works a treat, giving us previously inaccessible insight.

Launch monitor manufacturers typically employ two technologies to track your shot data. Doppler radar technology sends fixed-frequency waves from the monitor to the ball. Once it hits the ball, the waves are transmitted back to the monitor at a different frequency, enabling the device to calculate speed and distance.

Conversely, some manufacturers like Foresight Sports use photometric launch monitors. These devices feature tri or quadrascopic high-speed cameras, which slow down to capture multiple facets of the impact zone and your launch.

Doppler radar technology is a clear favorite in the industry, based on the top 10 portable launch monitors on our list. Only 30% of our finalists possess photometric technology.

Many golfers acquire a launch monitor with the thought of adding it to a DIY golf simulator at home. While I highly encourage this practice, not all launch monitors pair with simulator software. Most launch monitors offering this functionality cost well into the thousands and are not worth it for most.

An alternative option is the Garmin Approach R10 which is well under $1000 but still requires annual subscription fees.

Yes, a portable launch monitor is worth it because it helps you identify your progress, strengths, and weaknesses. You receive insight into your distance averages, ball striking consistency, club head, and ball speed. In addition, premium models track club path, launch angle, and side spin.

The Full Swing Kit launch monitor is the most accurate. It measures 16 club and ball data points to provide precise speed, distance, spin, and direction data on every shot.

Portable launch monitors are a game changer for the average golfer looking to track swing metrics at the range and at home. 2023 shows you do not need deep pockets or to be a pro to own a launch monitor. Low, mid, and high handicappers can enjoy the technology without breaking the bank.

While affordable launch monitors often deliver less accurate measurements and provide limited features, I felt the FlightScope Mevo bucked the trend. Our best portable launch monitor for this year was accurate, compact and gave me access to skills challenges to improve specific elements of my game.

Although it does not give you access to golf simulator software, the Mevo is affordable, accurate, and fun, making it well-suited for the casual golfer.

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Matt is a seasoned golf equipment writer and sports fanatic. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for over 28 years.