Best Rangefinders 2024: Quick & Accurate Measurements
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Invest in one of the best golf rangefinders 2024 has to offer and never guess the yardage ever again
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– Best Golf Rangefinders
– Buying Guide
– FAQs
Millions of golfers across the globe depend on one of the best golf GPS or Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs) to provide them with a specific yardage to their desired target, hazard, or layup.
Rangefinders, or golf lasers as they’re sometimes known, are often regarded as the most accurate DMDs, although the GPS market is absolutely inundated with quality GPS watches and handheld devices that provide the same or similar information. However, for many golfers, having insight into the exact number massively helps – even if it’s just psychologically.
The importance of an exceptional rangefinder cannot be overstated. After all, if you’re putting on an absolute stripe show but getting nowhere near the hole because you don’t know how far you’ve got, what’s the point in hitting good shots? Pretty outrageous statement I know!
Depending on your ability and exactly what you want to get out of a rangefinder you can spend under $150 or over $500. Before departing with any of your cash, it’s important to understand exactly what to expect from a rangefinder no matter how much it costs.
Our favorite golf rangefinder is the Voice Caddie SL3 which is inundated with technology and functionality being a hybrid rangefinder that features a touchscreen display as well as delivering highly accurate and quick yardages. It shows green undulation, course layout, has a putt view with elevation and distance measurement, and exudes luxury.
Best Golf Rangefinders: Quick view
– Best overall rangefinder: Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best rangefinder for accuracy: Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best rangefinder for magnification: Bushnell Pro X3 Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best rangefinder for performance tracking: Shot Scope PRO LX+ Laser, GPS & Shot Tracking | Buy Now
– Best compact rangefinder: GolfBuddy Aim Quantum Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best rangefinder for stability: Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabalized Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best rangefinder for optics: Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best rangefinder collaboration: Precision Pro x Good Good NX10 Slope Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best looking rangefinder: Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
– Best value rangefinder: Shot Scope Pro L2 Golf Rangefinder | Buy Now
A key feature of a rangefinder that is very handy – but illegal in competition play – is slope. Rangefinders that come equipped with scope as standard have the option to be used with or without the feature – making them legal for competition play.
Slope is extremely beneficial because it tells you how much elevation change there is and how much it affects the distance of your shot. Rangefinders fitted with a slope feature do tend to be more expensive but if you can stretch your budget it’s well worth opting for a rangefinder with this function.
If you’re trying to choose between a golf GPS watch or a rangefinder, both are brilliant pieces of equipment that will help you play better golf. After looking through the best rangefinders, read through the buying guide and it should assist you in making a decision.
The main difference between the best golf rangefinders and the best golf GPS watches is that a rangefinder provides you with specific and accurate yardages to whichever target you choose, whereas a golf GPS watch can only offer yardages to known targets on the device. A couple of the best golf rangefinders have the functionality to be used in the same way as a golf GPS watch, but none of the best golf GPS watches have the capability to work like a golf rangefinder.
It’s important to consider how accurate you need your yardages to be. All of the best golf rangefinders provide astoundingly accurate yardages to exactly where you want to land your shot – but for some golfers this may not be necessary. If after taking a look through the best golf rangefinders you’re still unsure as to whether a rangefinder or GPS watch would serve you better on the golf course be sure to check out the best golf GPS watches.
Best Golf Rangefinders 2024
Stylish and timeless design meets modern and innovative technology
Being a hybrid GPS laser rangefinder, as well as including all the functionality of a rangefinder, the SL3 also features a high-resolution touchscreen, dynamic and detailed green undulation data, course layout graphics, putt view with elevation/distance measurement, and GPS distance readings - much more than your standard rangefinder!
The Pin Tracer and Spot Measurement technology makes finding the pin quicker and easier than ever. You can receive a yardage as soon as 0.1 seconds after pressing the button.
The slope functionality can easily be turned off when playing competitive golf and turned back on when you're not.
After purchasing a Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser Rangefinder your one-year warranty will start immediately.
Pros
- Exudes luxury and quality
- Amazing functionality
- Clear optics
Cons
- Using the GPS does take its toll on the battery
| Range | 1,000 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof |
| Battery life | 20 hours (GPS Pin assist mode) / 45 hours (Laser mode) |
A premium laser GPS hybrid providing the most accurate yardages on the market
The Garmin Approach Z82 is a great option for anyone who can’t decide between a golf rangefinder and a GPS, as it effectively gives you the best of both worlds.
As a straight-up laser rangefinder, it provides what Garmin say is the most accurate reading on the market, to within 10".
But there's so much more to the Garmin Approach Z82 than that.
You can see a map of the hole, with distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as any hazards.
There's wind speed and direction, as well as a "plays like" distance which adjusts the yardage based on whether you're playing up or downhill.
Blind shots, normally a problem for golf laser rangefinders, are no problem for the Z82 thanks to a 'PinPointer' feature which tells you the direction to the pin so you know where to aim.
The Z82 can even help you hole more putts thanks to a Green Contour feature, though this does require a Garmin Golf app membership ($14.49 per month or $99.99 per year).
There's a 'tournament mode' switch that turns off features that aren't allowed to be used in competition.
Read our How to get the most from your Garmin GPS guide.
Pros
- Highly accurate yardages
- Super easy to use
- Works as a GPS and rangefinder
Cons
- Garmin Golf app membership requires payment
| Range | 450 yards (+/- 10") |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX7 rating) |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours |
Highly accurate with slope and element-adjusted functionality
Best rangefinder for magnification
It also offers 7x magnification, the best of any golf rangefinder on the market, making it even easier to focus on the flag. A red ring around the target flashes while the rangefinder unit vibrates slightly to let you know you have locked on to the flag.
The Bushnell Pro X3 comes with a magnetic mount that allows you to stick the rangefinder to the frame of a golf buggy or your trolley (assuming it’s made of metal, of course).
But perhaps the cleverest part is the Bushnell Pro X3’s ‘slope with elements’ feature, which means it will take into account not just how uphill or downhill your shot is, but also the air temperature and pressure. A change in elevation may mean your shot is playing 10-20 yards longer or shorter than the actual yardage, so it’s vital information.
The Bushnell Pro X3 is fully waterproof and comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Looks fantastic
- 7x magnification makes locking in on the pin easy from way out
- Fully waterproof gives you piece of mind in wet conditions
Cons
- There are other options at a similar price with more functionality
| Range | 600+ yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX7 rating) |
| Battery life | Replace every six months (suggested) |
A laser rangefinder, GPS, and shot-tracking device in one
The first golf rangefinder of its kind, the Shot Scope Pro LX+ is three products in one: a laser rangefinder, a GPS, and a shot-tracking device.
With 7x magnification, a range of 900 yards, adaptive slope technology, and rapid-fire detection, the rangefinder stands its own against any other, but it's the extra features that make the Shot Scope stand out.
You get 16 plug-n-play tags which allow you to track every shot you play and then analyze each round you play across hundreds of performance statistics, including strokes gained. Shot Scope's data shows that golfers improve by 4.1 shots on average, which is impressive.
If you have the patience required to get fully set up by screwing in all the tags to the top of your clubs, then the three-in-one functionality of this rangefinder will more than satisfy your data cravings.
Pros
- Provides outstanding analysis of your golf game
- Fantastic functionality that helps you improve your golf
- 7x magnification makes locking in on pins from way out extremely easy
Cons
- Could be quite complicated for golfers who aren't tech-savvy
| Range | 900 yards (accuracy +/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | 15+ hours |
A pocket rocket of a rangefinder that punches above its weight
Don't be fooled into thinking its functionality will be compromised due to its diminutive size, however, this is a serious laser with all the features you need to inform your shot selection.
The ZST+ technology incorporated into this model has reduced measurement speed down to 0.15 seconds once you have the pin in sight which is made straightforward thanks to the Easy Pin Finder mode. You can even measure distance while putting!
Slope-adjusted measurements can be toggled on/off, with a red light indicating that the function is switched off, particularly useful in tournament play.
A final perk here is the leather magnetic carry case that protects your rangefinder against any potential damage while remaining highly accessible
Pros
- Super small making it easy to carry on your person during your round
- Really clear for others to see if you have slop on or off
- Delivers very accurate yardages
Cons
- In windy conditions it can sometimes be difficult to lock in on the pin
| Range | 880 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Light rain (IPX4 rating) |
| Battery life | At least 5,000 measurements |
A brilliant rangefinder for golfers who don't have the steadiest hands
Nikon have incorporated technology from their cameras and lenses to manufacture a golf rangefinder that counteracts shaky hands and environmental factors to steady both your view and the rangefinder.
HYPER READ technology provides a measurement in as quick as 0.3 seconds - no excuse for slow golf. The numbers are crystal clear on the bright OLED display.
With built-in slope functionality that can be turned on or off depending on whether you're playing in a competition or not, the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized Golf Rangefinder is an amazing companion to help you play better golf.
With a five-year warranty, play stress-free golf knowing you're covered by one of the best warranties on the market.
Pros
- Delivers super quick measurements
- Really good warranty of five years
- Fantastic for golfers with shaky hands
Cons
- Pitches in at a very competitive price point
| Range | 1,200 yards (+/- 0.75 yards) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof and fog proof |
| Battery life | Approximately 2,200 measurements |
The most accurate and consistent rangefinder Bushnell has produced
The Tour V6 is accurate to within one yard with up to 1,300-yard range performance (400+ yards to a flag) and six-times magnification.
The IPX6 weather-resistant device features Bushnell’s PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology which encircles the flag with a flashing, vibrating red ring to give you even greater confidence that you have locked onto the pin.
Slope-adjusted technology can conveniently be switched on and off to conform with tournament regulations, and Bushnell's exclusive BITE technology allows golfers to securely attach their rangefinder to a golf cart or trolley.
The Tour V6 comes with a premium carry case, a three-volt battery, and a ball marker.
Pros
- Crystal clear optics
- JOLT technology gives you numbers you can trust
- Brilliant range means you'll never not be able to zap a target
Cons
- Slop functionality comes at an extra cost (Bushnell Tour V6 doesn't have slope)
| Range | 1,300 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX6 rating) |
| Battery life | <meta charset |
A premium and quirky rangefinder in partnership with YouTube giants Good Good
Precision Pro teamed up with Good Good to create the Precision Pro x Good Good NX10 Slope Rangefinder. If you aren't the biggest fan of Good Good (unlikely), there are other styles available.
Whether you play competitive golf, non-competitive golf, or both, the slope function on this rangefinder can easily be turned on and off with the push of a button.
With a 900-yard range that's precise to 1 yard, you can zap pins stress-free knowing you'll get a yardage you can trust.
Precision Pro offers a three-year warranty on their NX10 Slope Rangefinder and free battery replacements.
Pros
- Free battery replacements are a huge selling point
- Wide range of colors and patterns to choose from
- Good range and accurate measurements
Cons
- Doesn't feel as substantial as other rangefinders
| Range | 900 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Water resistant |
| Battery life | One year of frequent play |
A stylish newcomer to the market with an adaptive color display
A unique feature of this model is the Auto-Ambient display, stated to be the first of its kind in the rangefinder space. The color of the display automatically changes to provide a crystal clear reading that has been optimized for the specific brightness of the conditions you are playing in.
The flag-lock vibration function produces pulses vibrating bursts to confirm you are locked on to your intended target with pin-point accuracy, saving you time spent on having to re-shoot distances.
As with the majority of the best golf rangefinders, the Series 3 Max offers slope-adapted measurements that can easily be toggled off at the side of the device to comply with tournament regulations.
With a built-in magnet for accessibility, this rangefinder with premium functionality and an eye-catching design is bound to keep the market on its toes.
Pros
- Looks amazing
- Very ergonomic shape
- Color-changing display depending on the conditions is a game changer
Cons
- Doesn't feel as quality as the high-end rangefinders
| Range | 900 yards |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | 3,500 to 4,000 measurements |
A premium performing rangefinder at an unbeatable price point
Distances are impressively quick and accurate. I compared the Pro L2 with my playing partner’s Bushnell across 18 holes and the Pro L2 was always within a yard of its more expensive rival and fired back the distance in an equally impressive time.
Shot Scope’s adjustable focusing ring ensures you can bring any target into sharp view, or adjust the device to suit your eyesight, and the ability to swap between sloped and non-sloped distances at the flick of the side switch ensures the Pro L2 is usable in competitions.
It’s a compact rangefinder (about two-thirds the length of my iPhone 14 Pro and half the width), but the rippled texture to the outer casing meant I never felt at risk of losing grip, and I was able to get measurements easily using just one hand.
For those of you who use buggies, the Pro L2 has a ridiculously strong magnet, allowing you to attach it to the side of your cart.
Overall, if there’s a better rangefinder at this price than the Shot Scope Pro L2, I’m yet to use it.
Read our full Shot Scope Pro L2 rangefinder review.
Pros
- Incredible value
- Easy to use
- Accurate yardages
- Robust case
Cons
- Plastic button and battery cover impact premium feel
| Range | 700 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | Replaceable CR2-3V battery |
Best Golf Rangefinders: Buying Guide
Even though they are one of the smallest items to carry when playing golf, rangefinders are jam-packed with technology that will help you play better golf and chalk shots off your handicap. One thing you may have noticed after looking through the best golf rangefinders is that they aren’t cheap – but it is one of the best investments you can make for your golf game. Before settling on a rangefinder, it’s important to carry out some research. Here are some key considerations to factor into your decision-making.
Value
Depending on how much functionality you want from a rangefinder will most likely dictate how much you spend. Whether you’re in the market for a rangefinder that’s cheaper than $200 or prepared to splash out on one of the most expensive rangefinders, you can always find value. Finding good value requires figuring out exactly what functionality you want from a rangefinder, whittling down the options to determine which models meet most of your requirements, and choosing either the best-priced rangefinder or the one with the most functionality if it isn’t too much more expensive.
Accuracy
Unless you have the natural ability to determine distance with your naked eye, every rangefinder is going to be more accurate than your best guess! Accuracy refers to how close the measured distance with a rangefinder is to the known distance. If you’re playing a 150-yard par-3 and the pin is in the center of the green, a quality rangefinder should give you that number or a number within one or two yards – provided you have locked in on the correct target. No matter your standard of golf, the vast majority of rangefinders should be accurate enough for you to improve your proximity to the hole.
Battery life
Battery life shouldn’t be a major concern when purchasing a rangefinder. Unlike other GPS devices that need charging, rangefinders run using a CR2 battery which is simply replaced when it runs out. As you only use a rangefinder for a matter of moments each time, the battery life of rangefinders is long. While it’s difficult to pin an exact number to battery life, you will be warned that the battery is low.
Slope feature
For some golfers, slope is a non-negotiable feature of a rangefinder – myself included. I couldn’t imagine owning a rangefinder that doesn’t tell me how much elevation change to account for. Other golfers might not see the need for slope, especially considering it can’t be used in competition play. However, outside of competition play it provides amazing insight into how much elevation change can impact yardage – information you can use when playing in a competition.
Range
It’s incredibly unlikely you’ll ever need the maximum range of a rangefinder, considering the majority of them have a range that’s longer than most courses longest hole. There are some rangefinders with ranges north of 900 yards that can be used for other activities, such as birdwatching, but if you’re only in the market for a golf-specific rangefinder most will suffice. You’ll be better off prioritizing accuracy and magnification over range.
Rangefinder or Watch?
As already mentioned, whether you opt for one of the best golf rangefinders or one of the best golf GPS watches, both are sound investments that will improve your golf game. Before deciding on which device to go for – or whether to purchase both – it’s important to consider the following information.
Both devices provide accurate distances to specific targets, the only difference being that with a rangefinder you can pick your own target, whereas with a GPS watch it’s a target known to the device. What this means is if you’re playing a par 3 that reads 150 yards on the scorecard, but the tees are 10 yards back, the watch will tell you it’s now 160 yards to the middle of the green. However, the pin might not be in the middle of the green. Therefore, this is where a rangefinder is massively advantageous, if the pin is tucked in the back left corner you will be able to get a precise number to the pin which could be 170 yards. Not owning a watch or rangefinder may have resulted in you hitting an 8-iron, owning a watch might have made you hit a 7-iron, but owning a rangefinder would make you hit a 6-iron allowing you to send the ball al the way back to the hole.
Obviously, not every golfer needs insane amounts of accuracy and precision because not every golfer can stop the ball on a dime, but having the additional information is hugely beneficial to your game and it will help you produce lower scores. That being said, owning a golf GPS watch will still help you choose a more accurate club to hit a certain number as opposed to guessing. However, knowing the exact number to exactly where you want to hit the ball is definitely more favorable.
One query I often hear surrounding rangefinders is how do you obtain distances to hazards? I get that with all of the best golf GPS watches you’re able to see distances to hazards and carry distances to clear hazards extremely easily. However, with a rangefinder you can simply zap the hazard in question and you know exactly how far it is to the hazard on the line you’re going to take.
Rangefinders and GPS watches are fantastic pieces of kit, you wouldn’t be disappointed with either, but if you’re looking for the most accurate device to help you lower your scores, nothing comes close to the best golf rangefinders.
Best Golf Rangefinders: FAQs
How do golf rangefinders work?
Rangefinders are very simple to operate – once you know how. Whatever your desired target is, you simply lock your rangefinder onto it, press a button and you’ll be presented with a yardage. Providing you’ve locked on to your intended target, this number will be correct. You can use rangefinders as an amateur in and outside of competition play (but not slope in competitions). Rangefinders are a vital piece of tech in millions of golfers’ arsenal and owning one could help you to play better golf.
Can you use a hunting rangefinder for golf?
There’d be no harm in playing golf with a hunting rangefinder. The main difference is that hunting rangefinders have a longer range than golf rangefinders. While I’m not an expert in hunting rangefinders, I would still recommend owning a golf-specific rangefinder because the functionality is built specifically for golf. You might get away with using a hunting rangefinder, but on the golf course, nothing beats a golf rangefinder.
Can golf pros use rangefinders?
Players and caddies can be seen relying on the best golf rangefinders in practice rounds to obtain accurate distances in preparation for the tournament. During tournament play rangefinders can’t be operated, apart from at the PGA’s three Major Championships – the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
What is slope in golf rangefinders?
Slope is a very important feature of golf rangefinders because it makes you aware of the impact elevation change has on your shot. If the hole plays up or downhill, and you have slope switched on, you’ll be able to see what the yardage is (without slope), and what the playing yardage is (with slope). For amateur golfers, slope is illegal in competition play, but it’s a massive assistance outside of competition play. I personally wouldn’t want a golf rangefinder without slope.
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About the author
James Hogg – Golf Equipment Writer
James has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.
He spent seven years working for American Golf as part of the sales and fitting team alongside his studies and is a specialist in putters, golf balls, and apparel.
James took up golf as a teenager and, thanks largely to his length and consistency off the tee, he plays off a handicap of 4.7 at Cleveland Golf Club.
You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Best Golf Rangefinders 2024
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Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabalized Golf Rangefinder
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Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabalized Golf Rangefinder
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Precision Pro x Good Good NX10 Slope Rangefinder
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Precision Pro x Good Good NX10 Slope Rangefinder
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Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser Rangefinder
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Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser Rangefinder
