By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Above all else, golfers want accuracy—golf is ultimately a game of controlling distance. Whether it’s picking the right golf ball or finding the proper clubs, everything about the game involves trying to hit each shot a certain distance. For that reason, rangefinders have become vital pieces of equipment for every golfer. In a matter of seconds, rangefinders tell us how far we are from each target or hazard. The best golf rangefinders are reliable, accurate, and simple to use while offering additional features that can adjust yardages based on environmental factors.
We recently took a lot into the rangefinders from Bushnell, which is one of the most trusted devices in the industry. In this guide, we cover some of the other top brands that make finding a dependable yardage easier than ever. If you’re interested in upping your game, check out some of our favorite golf rangefinders for precision and accuracy.
The Best Golf Rangefinder - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Golf Rangefinder: Garmin Approach Z82
- Most Accurate Golf Rangefinder: Garmin Approach G80
- Best Golf Watch Rangefinder: Garmin MARQ Golfer
- Best Golf Rangefinder with Slope: Precision Pro NX9
- Best Budget Golf Rangefinder: Golf Buddy Laser Lite
- Most Steady Golf Rangefinder: Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder
- Best Rangefinder for Beginners: Blue Tees Series 2
- Best Compact Golf Rangefinder: Nikon Coolshot 20 G2
- Best High-Tech Rangefinder: Voice Caddy SL2 Hybrid
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall - Garmin Approach Z82
SPECS
- Weight: 8.2 oz.
- Range: 450 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 10”
- Features: Combines laser and GPS technology
One of the coolest pieces of technology in the golf industry, the Garmin Approach Z82 packs a number of features into a small device. Using both a laser and GPS capabilities that are viewable through the device itself, this rangefinder provides incredibly accurate readings while also giving information about the course itself. The slope function provides a “playslike” distance for each shot and the wind gauge will make sure you can account for exact wind speed and direction. There is also a useful PinPointer function for blind shots. And using the Garmin Golf app unlocks even more data such as green contour maps.
One drawback is that this rangefinder comes with a bit of a learning curve but if you’re already familiar with other Garmin devices then you should be in good shape. Ultimately, this rangefinder is for golfers who want the most information possible.
What We Like
- Highly accurate laser yardages
- Wind gauge for speed and direction
- Comes with a Find My Garmin function to find a lost device
- GPS data shows course and green maps
- More than 41,000 preloaded courses
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- No magnet; can’t attach to cart
Most Accurate Golf Rangefinder - Garmin Approach G80
SPECS
- Weight: 4.2 oz.
- Range: Anywhere on the course
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Full display screen with added practice mode
The Garmin Approach G80 is another non-traditional distance-measuring device that provides far more than GPS data. Outfitted with a small screen and complete course map, this rangefinder displays the basics you need for accurate yardages and slope adjustments. We also like that the unit serves as a launch monitor to provide metrics such as clubhead speed, ball speed, and launch angle. You can play virtual rounds with the device, competing against friends in a driving range setting. There is also a digital scorecard setting while you are on the course, so there is no need for a physical scorecard while you play.
It's an impressive device given the number of uses it has. The battery lasts up to 15 hours in GPS mode and it has smartphone capability so notifications can be sent to the device. If you are only looking for GPS data, this is probably an unnecessary purchase given the price point. However, if you really value combining the accurate readings, GPS data, launch monitor metrics, and practice mode, then getting a device with all of these features might be a worthwhile investment.
What We Like
- Large 3.5" sunlight-readable screen
- Can serve as launch monitor
- Has virtual rounds to compete in practice setting
- Touch targeting course maps
- Green view feature gives accurate shape of green
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Not for people who just want GPS data
Best Golf Watch Rangefinder - Garmin MARQ Golfer
SPECS
- Weight: 3.1 oz.
- Range: From anywhere on the course
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Health monitoring in addition to golf GPS
While it's not a traditional rangefinder, the Garmin MARQ Golfer is among the most high-tech distance-measuring devices available. The MARQ is a golf watch that combines elegant style with top-of-the-line technology. With this luxury watch, you get all of the best features available in a rangefinder—precise distance measurements, a virtual caddie, wind and speed gauge, advanced club tracking, and a lot more—while it also monitors your health in the same way a fitness wearable can. This includes a stress score, a Pulse Ox sensor, respiration and hydration tracking, and a variety of performance metrics in other sports. It's also unique in how apps can be used right from the watch.
The MARQ Golfer can also store up to 2,000 songs from music streaming services, has contactless payment abilities, and helps you keep track of your favorite stocks. In terms of features, it goes above and beyond what any other golf watch can do.
What We Like
- Look and feel of a luxury watch
- Long battery life
- Virtual caddie for help with club selection
- Wind and speed direction gauge
- Advanced club tracking
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Heavier watch could affect swing
Best Golf Rangefinder with Slope – Precision Pro NX9
SPECS
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Range: 400 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Provides a slope function at a lower price
One of the most popular rangefinders available, the Precision Pro NX9 offers a highly accurate slope function for a reasonable price. With just two main buttons, the lightweight device is fool-proof. It even features a magnet that automatically clips onto not just a golf cart but your actual golf clubs themselves, so it's difficult to lose it. The laser accuracy is within one yard, plus there’s 6x magnification so target surrounds can be viewed without difficulty.
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Lightweight device with built-in magnet
- Extremely easy to use
- 6x magnification to view target surrounds
- Accurate within 1 yard
What We Don't Like
- Vibration heavy when trying to pick up target
- Doesn't have the same grippy feel of more expensive models
Best Budget Golf Rangefinder – Golf Buddy Laser Lite
SPECS
- Weight: 5 oz. (excluding battery)
- Range: 5-800 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Three different targeting modes
A budget-friendly rangefinder can be the way to go for golfers who want access to simple yardage features. The Golf Buddy Laser Lite satisfies that requirement by offering a reliable and affordable rangefinder with slope functionality. The highlights of this device are that it does an excellent job picking up the flagstick and it features three targeting modes. Pin mode helps you identify the flag easier when there are trees or other objects in the background. Scan mode allows you to move around from different targets where different distances will appear for a total of 10 seconds. Standard mode means you can shoot any object, such as a bunker in the distance.
Getting the slope function to turn on and off requires a long hold of a button and it isn't immediately apparent whether you are in slope mode or not—until you shoot a yardage and see for yourself. But other than that minor criticism, we think this is an efficient device that offers plenty of value.
What We Like
- Slope functionality offered at a low price
- Jolt vibration for picking up flag
- 3 targeting modes (standard, scan, pin)
- Hard-wearing carry case
- 6x magnification
What We Don't Like
- Turning slope on or off is not intuitive
- Tough to read display screen when it's not bright outside
Most Steady Golf Rangefinder – Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder
SPECS
- Weight: 12.8 oz.
- Range: 5-800 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Strap provides easier connection to device
Any golfer who has used a rangefinder knows the struggle of not being able to immediately pick out a target because of shaky hands. That’s why we recommend the Callaway EZ Laser rangefinder if steadiness is what you’re after. A compact device that comes with a built-in hand support strap, this rangefinder can be conveniently held without concern.
The rangefinder does an excellent job of picking up the flag quickly, so you won't have to waste any time trying to stop your hands from shaking. It also comes at an affordable price, so it's a nice tool for perhaps older golfers who may struggle with hitting the pin with the laser.
What We Like
- Quickly locks onto pin up to 275 yards away
- External LED display to confirm yardage
- Built-in hand support strap to keep rangefinder steady
- Water/fog resistant
- Integrated magnets for attaching to cart
What We Don't Like
- Struggles with slightly inaccurate readings
- Slope function is not always reliable
BUY: Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder
Best Rangefinder for Beginners – Blue Tees Series 2
SPECS
- Weight: 16 oz.
- Range: 5-800 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Easy-to-read optical display screen
When it comes to value and performance, the Blue Tees Series 2 is among the most intriguing options among traditional rangefinders. It comes at a low price and features an optical display screen that doesn't make it intimidating for a beginner to use. While the regular Series 2 rangefinder does not come with slope functionality, there is an Pro upgrade that does have slope. One of the most impressive parts is that the accuracy is very reliable when compared with high-end rangefinders.
This rangefinder is best suited to players who want reliable distances but aren't interested in additional features. It's simple to use and punches above its weight.
What We Like
- Flag lock pulse vibration
- HD optical display for easy reading
- Very affordable
- Tremendous accuracy for the price
- Great for shaky hands
What We Don't Like
- Only the pro version has slope function
- Can struggle in darker light
Best Compact Golf Rangefinder – Nikon Coolshot 20 G2
SPECS
- Weight: 4.6 oz. (without batteries)
- Range: 6-800 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: Extremely lightweight and compact
One of the main priorities for golfers is to have a rangefinder that fits easily in your hands without any trouble. The Nikon Coolshot 20 G2 accomplishes that by only weighing 4.6 ounces without batteries while coming in almost a perfect square shape. This could benefit a golfer with small hands.
As for the distance measurements, the Coolshot utilizes the first target priority to lock onto the pin. There’s also a helpful eight-second continuous scan measurement that allows different distances to appear while looking towards a target. And while the unit doesn't have slope functionality, golfers looking for distance-only should consider this as an option.
What We Like
- Incredibly small size
- First target priority makes sure pin is hit
- 6x magnification with high-contrast views
- 5-year warranty
- 8-sec. continuous scan measurement
What We Don't Like
- No slope adjustment
- Velcro strap on case is unreliable
Best High-Tech Rangefinder – Voice Caddy SL2 Hybrid
SPECS
- Weight: 7.8 oz.
- Range: 5-1,000 yards
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
- Features: High-resolution touch screen with dynamic course maps
It's tough to ask for more of a complete rangefinder than the Voice Caddy SL2 Hybrid. Combining GPS and laser abilities, the rangefinder has a color touch LCD screen with detailed course graphics that show hole outlines, green undulations, and distances to hazards. The continuous scan mode provides yardages to multiple targets while the pin mode utilizes GPS data to filter other obstacles out of the way so the flagstick can be located easier. The unit comes in a leather case that matches the luxury of the product itself.
Although it comes at a steep price, the premium look, feel, and performance of this rangefinder is undeniable. It's hard to find a single complaint about the device.
What We Like
- Utilizes GPS data to focus on pin
- Color touch LCD screen with course graphics
- Green undulation, course layout view
- Continuous scan mode and pin mode
- Color OLED during low-light play
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Battery life could be better
What to Look for in a Golf Rangefinder
Type
A traditional laser rangefinder is a small handheld device that operates similar to a pair of binoculars. Golfers look through the lens to find a target, press a button and receive an instant yardage reading that lets a golfer know how far they are from the target. For many golfers, this function is more than enough. As long as the distance is accurate and the reading comes back immediately, a lot of golfers are satisfied.
However, some rangefinders now offer a lot more than distance readings. Certain devices provide information like slope, which adjusts your yardage based on how far uphill or downhill your shot will be. Some rangefinders can even account for other factors such as wind or temperature. These functions are generally not permitted in competitive play, but recreational golfers find them beneficial because it takes some of the guesswork out of choosing the right club to hit.
Form
Lastly, golf rangefinders also come in different forms than a handheld scope. Golf watches and GPS devices can both function as rangefinders, which can make finding a distance even more efficient in some cases.
Price
The price of a rangefinder fluctuates based on how many features the device has, but there are plenty of affordable options that give golfers the bare bones of what they need. Unlike some golf equipment, the most basic version of a rangefinder is often more than enough for many golfers.
FAQs About Golf Rangefinders
What kind of rangefinder do PGA Tour players use?
Bushnell is the top brand of rangefinder used by PGA Tour players. While rangefinders are not allowed to be used during competition except for rare occasions like the PGA Championship, players and caddies utilize rangefinders in practice.
Do I need a slope on my rangefinder?
Slope is beneficial if you are a golfer who wants to know more than just the distance to your target. This function adjusts for uphill or downhill shots to give you an adjusted yardage. It's not a necessity, especially if you play on mostly flat golf courses, but it does make choosing a club much easier.
Are expensive rangefinders worth it?
Expensive rangefinders provide more granular details about a shot, such as how the slope or other environmental factors will impact your yardage. They are also more precise in making sure every yardage is exact. However, golfers looking for a relatively accurate yardage without additional features will have no issue using a more affordable rangefinder.
What is the easiest to use golf rangefinder?
The most basic rangefinders work like a pair of binoculars. When holding the device, you look through the lens and then hit a button on the device to measure your target. Many rangefinders also vibrate to indicate that it has “locked in” to the flagstick.
Golf Swing Tips | Best Golf Clubs | Best Golf Rangefinder | Best Golf Irons | Best Golf Drivers | Best Golf Shoes | Best Golf Push Carts | Best Golf Balls | Best Golf Bags | Best Golf Gifts
Latest In Golf
Trending Articles
-
Meet the Garmin Approach R50, The Only Portable Golf Launch Monitor With A Built-In ...
-
Golf Swing Tips To Improve Your Game and Prevent Injury
-
Choosing the Right Golf Irons: Blades, Hollow Body, or Cavity Back
-
The Bushnell Golf Wingman 2: A Game-Changer for Golfers
-
Skechers Go Golf Max 3 Shoes Review
Discuss This Article