So I've just gotten back from Orlando after spending days wandering through over a million square feet at the PGA Show, and wow, launch monitors completely stole the spotlight this year. Forget about the latest drivers and golf apparel. The real action was happening at the launch monitor and simulator booths, where crowds gathered, and the energy was electric.
I checked out what felt like hundreds of different launch monitors, but I've whittled down my favorites to just five that really caught my attention. Now, I'm not talking about those $25,000 professional-grade units here. I wanted to find products that weekend warriors could actually afford without taking out a second mortgage. You know, the stuff that gives you great bang for your buck.
So whether you're ready to pull the trigger on a launch monitor today or you're just keeping tabs on where golf technology's headed, here are the five that got me pumped for 2026.
Square basically turned the affordable launch monitor world upside down with their first product a couple years back. Now they're ready to shake things up all over again with the Omni Edition.
Their original model was this sub-$1,000 camera-based unit that worked great indoors. It gave regular golfers access to solid data without breaking the bank or needing a warehouse-sized space. The catch? You couldn't use it at the driving range, leaving many people disappointed.
Well, the Omni solves that problem completely. This new version packs four high-speed cameras into a much sturdier build (the original felt pretty flimsy, to be honest) and works just as well on grass at the range as it does in your garage.
Here's what really impressed me: They've added all those crucial measurements that were missing before. You'll get your clubhead speed and smash factor now, along with complete ball tracking (speed, direction, launch angle, spin, axis) and full club data (path, face angle, attack angle, dynamic loft, even where you hit it on the face).
They've also built a display right into the unit, so you can check five key stats instantly without fumbling for your phone. And get this – there's no subscription fee. You pay $1,600 once and you're done.
This makes it the cheapest camera-based launch monitor that works both inside and outside. Sure, radar units cost less, but if you're set on camera technology and want to save money, the Omni's your best bet.
Oh, and Square's launching brand new simulator software too. They've upgraded the graphics, cleaned up the interface, added more practice features, expanded the course selection, and even threw in a night driving range mode that looks pretty sweet.
Trust me, the Square Omni's going to be everywhere this year.
Elevate your game with the Square Golf Omni. Experience professional-grade swing analysis, high-speed camera tracking, and ultra-accurate data for indoor and outdoor use.
At just 200 bucks, the Shot Scope LM1 had everyone at the show buzzing. Finally, there's a launch monitor that pretty much anyone can afford that actually delivers numbers you can count on.
Shot Scope's built their whole business around giving golfers serious performance without the luxury price tags. Their watches, rangefinders, and GPS units all punch way above their weight class. They might not have that premium feel of the big-name brands, but they deliver where it counts.
Now, let's be real, this isn't trying to compete with Trackman. It's not meant for full simulator setups either. It's a straightforward practice tool that tracks what matters most.
The LM1 runs on Doppler radar, works inside and outside, and has a 3.5-inch color screen. It'll give you ball speed, clubhead speed, smash factor, carry distance, and total distance. That might not seem like much, but honestly? That's all most of us need to know: how fast we're swinging, how well we're hitting it, and where it's going.
Since it's got its own display, you don't need any other devices. Just plop it down six feet behind the ball and start swinging. Your numbers pop up right away in big, clear text.
It'll store up to 1,000 shots, so after your range session, you can sync everything to Shot Scope's app to review your practice or compare it to previous sessions.
Here's the best part: Zero subscriptions. You pay $200 upfront, and that's it. Forever.
If you've been on the fence about getting a launch monitor because of the cost, the LM1 just made your decision a whole lot simpler.
Elevate your game with the Shot Scope LM1. Get pro-grade swing data, 100+ yards of carry tracking, and a free app with no hidden fees. Precise, portable, and built for every golfer's improvement.
Blue Tees has been making waves with their rangefinders, GPS units, and speakers by offering premium features without premium prices. The Rainmaker continues that tradition at $599.
What caught my eye first was the 4.3-inch full-color display that shows you over 20 different metrics instantly. No phone required. This is becoming a trend (you'll notice it's a common theme with my picks), and for good reason – constantly checking your phone for numbers gets old fast.
You'll see everything important right on screen after each shot: ball speed, launch angle, spin, clubhead speed, attack angle, and tons more. Plus, if you want to play virtual golf, it works with GSPro and E6 Connect.
Here's something really clever: Connect it to Blue Tees' app and it'll sync with their Captain rangefinders and Player Pro speakers to give you club recommendations based on your actual practice data. Getting that kind of advanced feature in a $599 product? That's impressive.
The Rainmaker uses radar technology for indoor and outdoor use, and they've made it IPX7 waterproof – so yeah, you can literally practice in the rain if you're that dedicated.
The design's smart too. There's a handle that doubles as a stand for quick, stable setup. It comes with three training modes (Target Distance, Practice, and Swing Speed) that work on their own or connect to the app for deeper insights.
If you're shopping around the $500 mark and don't want to sacrifice features, I'd seriously think about stretching to grab the Rainmaker.
Stay dry on the course with the Blue Tees Rainmaker. Featuring a 68" double-canopy design, wind-ready tech, and a sleek look for ultimate foul-weather protection.
The Garmin G80's been kicking around for about seven years, which in tech years makes it practically ancient. But it kept selling because nothing else did what it did, combining a handheld GPS with a launch monitor in one device. Perfect if you want practice data and on-course distances without wearing a watch or juggling multiple gadgets.
The new G82 takes everything people loved about the G80 and brings it into 2026. The 5-inch touchscreen's way sharper and more modern than the old display (though I'm surprised Garmin didn't go with their fancy AMOLED screens from their watches). They've also added a magnetic cart mount, which beats the awkward clips and bands the G80 used.
For launch monitor duties, you're getting ball speed, clubhead speed, smash factor, and swing tempo like before. But here's what's new: putting metrics! It'll measure your stroke length, tempo, and speed to help you get more consistent on the greens.
The bag mapping feature is really slick. Hit shots with all your clubs, and the G82 builds a profile of your actual distances. Then the virtual caddie uses that data, plus wind and elevation info, to recommend the right club. Not generic suggestions, recommendations based on YOUR swing.
On the GPS side, you've got 43,000 courses loaded up, full-color maps, slope-adjusted distances, green views, hazard info, PinPointer, wind data, basically everything you'd expect from a top-tier Garmin GPS.
I really dig this product because it's equally useful on and off the course. Need accurate yardages during your round without wearing a watch or pulling out a rangefinder? The G82's perfect. Want your key practice numbers to actually improve? It handles that too.
Not everyone's looking for a full simulator setup or wants to wear a golf watch. The G82 hits that sweet spot for golfers who want quality tech without the hassle.
Master the course with the Garmin Approach G82. This handheld launch monitor tracks club head speed, smash factor, and distance, integrated with full-color mapping for over 41,000 global courses.
My last pick's the priciest at three grand, but the TruGolf LaunchBox deserves a spot for one killer feature that simulator fans will love.
You know that annoying delay in most simulators? You crush a drive and then wait... and wait... before seeing the ball flight on screen? Total momentum killer, especially when you've got friends over for a round.
The LaunchBox completely eliminates that lag. Hit the ball, see it fly immediately. Makes the whole experience way more enjoyable and keeps the energy up during group sessions.
It uses cameras and infrared tech to capture data, and you don't need special balls or marked clubs, another big plus. While it's built for indoor use, it'll also collect ball data on outdoor range mats. There's a built-in screen for quick stats, though you'll want the app for the complete data breakdown.
Every LaunchBox includes E6 Connect with 27 courses and no yearly fees; you can start playing right away. Want more? There's a bundle with premium courses like Pebble Beach and Oakmont, plus a 10-day trial of E6 Apex with better graphics and around 10,000 courses.
It works with PC and iOS, connects to projectors through HDMI, and the battery lasts about 4.5 hours.
Now, some folks won't like being locked into TruGolf's E6 software; you can't use GSPro or other third-party options. But others will appreciate having one simple solution without the headaches of compatibility issues.
I'm excited about the instant feedback and built-in display. It won't suit everyone, but indoor golfers looking for quality sim golf straight out of the box will love this thing.
Transform your game with the TruGolf LaunchBox. Experience pro-level accuracy, real-time data, and immersive 3D simulations. Compact, portable, and perfect for indoor or outdoor golf practice.
We're entering an incredible period for launch monitors, and what's got me most excited is how affordable they're becoming. Finally, there are solid options at every price point.
Got $200? The Shot Scope LM1 proves you don't need deep pockets for useful data.
Shopping in the $500-600 range? The Blue Tees Rainmaker and Garmin G82 are making that middle market super competitive.
The Square Omni's completely changing what we should expect to pay for camera-based technology.
And the TruGolf LaunchBox brings another strong option to the premium simulator market.
These are the products I'm keeping my eye on and can't wait to test more thoroughly.
What about you? Any of these on your radar? Something else you're excited about? Drop me a comment – I'd love to hear what you think.
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See you on the course!
