Best Golf Rangefinders 2025

Golf is really hard, you don't need us to tell you that as anybody who has ever picked up a club knows how tough and frustrating this game can be. Therefore anything that makes life a little easier for us out on the course should be welcomed with open arms. Help comes in many forms, it might be a pair of the best shoes to keep us comfortable on that four hour walk, or perhaps one of the best lightweight golf bags to make carrying easier.

There are a lot of things to help the modern golfer out on the course, but the biggest game changer compared to the old days is GPS technology, which gives today's golfer a huge advantage over the golfer who played prior to the mid 1990s when the first laser rangefinder was introduced. Lasers remove the guesswork from golf. Knowing how far you have to the flag is not going to guarantee that you hit your ball close, but it will ensure that you are giving yourself the best chance by using the correct club. The rest is up to you.

WATCH: Dan Parker runs through the best golf rangefinders on the market

No longer do golfers have to search for the sprinkler heads or the 150 yard marker and then try to estimate distances by pacing out steps or just using their eyes. Younger golfers might struggle to comprehend that, but that's what used to happen. There were no cellphones back then either, imagine that! The modern golfer has it so good. They can simply pick up their rangefinder, point at the target and zap it to get an exact yardage number. It's really that easy! And they aren't even expensive if all you are looking for is something that does the basics.

If you want something more high end with various bells and whistles, those are available too. In fact, when it comes to rangefinder models golfers are spoilt for choice and that can make choosing quite difficult. Fear not we're here to help. In this guide, we have tested and taken a look at the best. Whether it's the best budget rangefinders, or the best golf rangefinders with slope, we have you covered!

The Quick List

Best Golf Rangefinders

Best Overall

The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder is our top pick and earned the full five stars in our review. When it comes to locating the flag, improved electronics and an upgraded algorithm provide enhanced accuracy and consistency over its predecessor.

We absolutely loved this product in testing with one stand-out being its ability to lock on the flag seamlessly! Like the best Bushnell rangefinders, it has Jolt technology and the flashing red ring, which combine to provide reassurance that the target has been picked up correctly. It also features Slope Switch technology, and a clearer and brighter display than ever before.

IPX6 protection means the V6 will perform even in the worst of the elements and this, combined with the upgraded looks, is why for us it sits top of the pile in terms of quality and performance.

• Read our full Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder Review

Best Budget

Inesis are a fairly new name in the golf market but we are big fans of their gear due to the excellent combination of quality and value on offer. The 900 Rangefinder is a perfect example of this as it offers excellent value for money. It sits towards the bottom end of the price scale, but the performance belies that and we thought the overall value for money on offer was excellent.

In testing we found that it performed valiantly against the likes of the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift, as the 6x magnification gave us a clear view when looking through the viewfinder. The 900 is very user friendly and we found that the weight and sturdiness really allowed it to hold up well in the strongest conditions.

The 900 Rangefinder features a First Target Priority function that isolates the flag quickly, and then measurements are confirmed by vibration. In our testing, we found it was accurate to +/- 1 yard, whilst the Slope Compensation switch allowed for undulations. We should stress that this is a rare feature in rangefinders at this price-point, which is why it's such excellent value.

• Read our full Inesis Golf 900 Laser Rangefinder Review

Best For Style

The looks of the Blue Tees Series 3 Max are exceptional and the product is available in three colors - navy, pink and black. We loved the sleek and stylish aesthetic, whilst the thin profile suits a range of hand sizes, making this in our view the most stylish laser on the market.

In testing one of our favorite things about this laser was the crystal clear display which is very sharp and crisp. As for the performance, we found that the lock and vibration features were a real highlight as they provide assurance that they have the correct target. This is invaluable as it means less guesswork and less time spent on reshooting to double and triple check for distances, which can be a real pain.

Something else that stood out to us in testing was just how quickly the distance was displayed. It was more or less instant and this really enhanced our overall experience. In summary, aside from the magnetic strap which we think could be improved, this is an eye-catching device that is competitively priced and performs well.

• Read our full Blue Tees Series 3 Max Laser Rangefinder Review

Best For Features

So much more than a laser rangefinder, when it comes to innovative features the Garmin Approach Z82 is out on its own. It comes packed with much of the functionality you'll find on the best Garmin golf watches, meaning this is much more than a 'point and shoot' laser. It actually combines the best GPS technology with the capabilities of a laser, giving you the best of both worlds.

How does it work? Well as you look through the viewfinder of the Z82 you will see 2-D overlays for both full-color Course View and Green View. These maps are displayed on the left-hand side of the lens view, showing distances to hazards and the green. From there, you can just use it the way you would a standard laser by pointing at the flag and allowing the flag finder feature to lock on.

A feature we really enjoyed was Laser Range Arc. This is an arc displayed on the green at the distance ranged to the flag, allowing the golfer to see if the pin is in the front, middle, or back of the green. The arc can also be used to see what else is in play when ranging other targets on the course. Similarly, when on the tee you can look at the map in the viewfinder and there will be an arc displaying where your drive is likely to end up based on the number you enter for your average driving distance. This makes it much easier to see if hazards are in range off the tee, as well as allowing you to more easily pick out the best spots for layups.

• Read our full Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Review

Most Cutting Edge

The Titan Elite from Precision Pro integrates with the Precision Pro Golf app to provide the user access to a multitude of cool features. One of these features is a slope mode that can actually sync up with MySlope to personalize the slope measurement to your particular ball flight. This is really high end tech and this is a truly unique rangefinder that has cutting edge technology at its core.

The display is impressive and features a visual target lock feature that gave us lightning quick feedback with no lag times. The zapping process was easy, largely due to the pulse vibration and ripple effect around the reticle. The Titan has 6x magnification, which seems to be pretty standard with the top models these days.

Another useful feature is the Find My Precision Pro, which will send you a notification if you happen to leave your rangefinder behind or lose it on the course. This is invaluable as it will save you a lot of time retracing your steps and will lead you right to it. On that note, the connection to the app itself is probably the simplest we have experienced on a device of this type.

• Read our full Precision Pro Titan Elite Laser Rangefinder Review

Best Magnetic

Featuring in our best budget golf rangefinders the TecTecTec KLYR rangefinder really is a top model for this price point. A compact design makes it very easy to handle and it's lightweight too, coming in at less than 1.25 pounds. That isn't always a good thing though, and if you have shaky hands you might want to look at something with a bit more weight to it.

It performed very well in testing. We were impressed by how quickly it retrieved yardages and we liked the clean, vibrant display. We found the accuracy to be impressive and the KLYR boasts many of the features that you would want in a rangefinder, including slope functionality (which can be disabled during tournament play) and target lock vibration.

It has a maximum range of up to 800 yards which is more than you'll ever need, while a strong magnet on its exterior allows the device to be secured to a riding cart during play. If you are someone who walks the course, then it also comes with a magnetic belt clip so you can wear the device for handy access whenever needed.

• Read our full TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder Review

Most Compact

The Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII is packed to the brim with useful features that really enhance the user experience and it was an obvious candidate for an Editor's Choice pick in 2024.

This is a product we really enjoyed testing. Firstly, the multilayer-coated 6X magnification and super clear display really stood out for us and made it very easy to pick out flagsticks in all light conditions. Along with the ‘Locked On Quake’ feature, this meant we had full confidence when zapping the flag from any distance.

It is one of the more compact lasers on the market, measuring 3.6" x 2.9" x 1.5" and weighing only 4.5oz, but in our opinion the sleek design really compliments the dimensions and make this one of the cleanest-looking rangefinders we've seen. It's virtually the same size as a smartphone (just a fraction larger), so it sits very well in the palm of the hand.

• Read our full Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII Rangefinder Review

Best Lightweight

The original Laser Lite combined a budget price with an impressive performance, making it a real favorite of ours. It's fair to say then that we had high hopes for the Laser Lite 2, and we were not disappointed. As you would expect based on the name, it is certainly light, actually coming in at three grams lighter than the previous model, although the thinner and more compact design may divide opinion.

There are no concerns about accuracy, as our testing showed that the Laser Lite 2 produced similar numbers to more premium models. The non-slope numbers were pretty much identical, and when slop was activated shots going uphill also had virtually identical numbers to the high end models, but we did experience larger differences on downhill shots, so that's definitely something to keep in mind.

A feature we loved was the Scan Mode which is very useful, especially when assessing tee shots. The way it works is you hold down the main button and scan the surroundings slowly. The distance number changes as you scan, making this ideal for looking at hazards or spots to lay up. It's also worth mentioning that the Laser Lite 2 is only IPX4 water resistant.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Review

Best Clarity

When it comes to clarity, this model really jumps out from the competition. The most impressive aspect of the Zoom OLED Pro is the use of OLED (Organic-Light-Emitting Diodes). As some of you may be aware, OLED is commonly found in high-end television sets, so unsurprisingly we noted that this laser had an incredibly clear display when we tested it on the course.

Boasting a compact feel and look, the OLED has a magnetic lock system that allows you to secure it conveniently to the cart or trolley, whilst the battery can last over 5000 measurements, which is an impressive number.

Another thing about the on course performance which impressed us was how smooth and intuitive the rangefinder is. Not only can the yards and meters and slope functionality be switched on and off via the flick of a button, but we found that the ‘Flagpole scanning’ mode and a free scan can also be used via the press of a single button. All in all, this is a fine product with the stand out feature being the crystal clear display.

• Read our full Zoom OLED Pro Rangefinder Review

Best For Accuracy

A seriously impressive model, this rangefinder factors in elements like distance, slope, temperature and barometric pressure (elevation), ensuring you can get the most accurate yardages every single time.

When we tested the brand-new wind speed and direction feature, we did find it was a bit of a faff to calibrate it properly and pair correctly with the app, but that doesn't take away from the superb performance on offer from the X3+.

It's packed with the same technology you'd find within other top Bushnell rangefinders and, when paired with the Bushnell Golf app, you are able to save stats and receive relevant course information. Additionally, it's waterproof and has a solid weight to it, making it ideal for golfers with shaky hands as it will provide good stability, especially in windy conditions.

• Read our full Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser Rangefinder Review

Best Display

This Laser Fit Rangefinder from Voice Caddie sits on the more affordable end of the price scale, coming in at under $200. It's one of the more compact and lightweight models on the market and it performed well for us in testing.

One thing we really liked was the ability to triangulate distance between the ball and the pin. What does this mean? Well you first zap the ball and then the pin to gauge a precise yardage. You might be wondering why you would need to do that when you can just stand over the ball and zap, but it's actually very useful if you're playing a cart path only round and don't want to have to walk to the ball to get a yardage and have to carry your device. You may never need to use that, but we thought it was a very thoughtful addition and shows great attention to detail.

While not fully waterproof, there is a lot to like about the Laser Fit, such as its superb functionality. It picks up the pins incredibly quickly, the bright graphics and haptic feedback added a more premium feel, whilst the graphics are bolstered by the dual display, which will show up in either black or red depending on the light conditions. This is a really useful tool and one you rarely see on more budget rangefinders.

• Read our full Voice Caddie Laser Fit Rangefinder Review

Best For Low Light

The Shot Scope Pro ZR is certainly a worthy addition to this list. It has been equipped with a ‘DuraShield Hardshell’ which is designed to withstand all sorts of punishment from both player and nature, making this one of the most durable rangefinders around.

We tested this product extensively and the first thing that struck us was the weight. At 12oz, it is heavier than much of the competition and while generally in golf terms lighter is best (shoes, bags, jackets etc) when it comes to rangefinders it's fair to say that many golfers need the extra stability in order to accurately zap the flag. Lighter models and shaky hands is not a good combination.

The Pro ZR has a reported range of 1500 yards, which is mightily impressive even if it is also completely unnecessary, and the crystal clear images on display also caught our eye. In terms of performance, the rapid-fire detection gave us yardages very quickly and with minimum fuss. One final feature we really liked was the dual optics option, which allows the user to switch the text and numbers between red and black depending on the light conditions.

• Read our full Shot Scope Pro ZR Laser Rangefinder Review

Specifications table

How we test for the best golf rangefinders

At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around rangefinders that involves using different models out on the course over a number of rounds to get a really in depth feel for the product. Additionally, we endeavour to use them in different conditions too as this gives us an idea on how particular models deal with sunlight, rain and wind. We believe this is very important when evaluating the product.

Our entire team are regular golfers so all rangefinders get a thorough testing on the course, and we will often compare side by side with the competition to test for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability and other features. That way we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader.

The final thing we wanted to mention in this section is no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and makes its own opinion on how good or bad the product is.

How to choose the best golf rangefinder

So you have decided you want a rangefinder, but what are some of the things you should be aware of before buying? Let's take a look.

Accuracy

This is without doubt the most important factor when buying a rangefinder. If it isn't accurate it will provide misinformation which could lead to you playing the wrong club and a bogey or two may ensue. Accuracy is what usually separates the models we have selected above with the ones you can find on Amazon, so be wary of how inconsistent and unreliable some very cheap models can be.

Range/magnification

Different models on the market have varying ranges so it is worth having a look at product specifications to see the numbers. Additionally, be aware on which models come with magnification as well because this really helps you zoom in and lock onto the target, which means you can get a reliable distance number. Range is less important than magnification as, while it might sound impressive being able to see something 1500 yards away, it isn't something you will actually need on the golf course.

Display

How clear is the display and how easy is it to read? Ultimately, and because we have tested most rangefinders on the market, we think we can give good insight here with models like the Zoom OLED Pro offering outstandingly clear visuals. There are also several other models on this list that have good displays so be sure to have a read of our in-depth reviews as well. Ultimately a good model should have clear, bright optics, magnification, and an easy to read display when contrasted with the background.

Battery Life

We would recommend being aware of what kind of battery a particular laser uses. Additionally, have a think about these questions - how long does the battery last on a charge, is it rechargeable, and how many charge cycles is it good for? - We have found most rangefinders run on CR2 batteries which last 6-12 months and are often rechargeable which is good value. Additionally, you can also buy these on Amazon too.

Finally, make sure that the rangefinder you’re interested in doesn’t require an unusual type of battery that is expensive or difficult to source.

Slope

Do you want your model to offer slope measurements? If so, check out the technical specifications of certain models. Always be careful here though, because if a model is not clear on whether it is in slope mode or not, if you use it in competition you could be in trouble.

Waterproofing

A good model will work just as well in the rain as it will in the sun, which makes waterproofing important. Here we would recommend doing research on which models offer full waterproof protection, and those that are only water-resistant as that can be a big difference especially if you play a lot of golf in the rain.

Protection

Linking with the above point, good rangefinders have to be able to sustain a drop or two because we all drop things every now and again. Here, check out which models have some degree of impact resistance, and be sure to check if the laser comes with a case because lots of models come with strong cases that conveniently clip onto your golf bag now.

Convenience

Speaking of convenience, rangefinders have to be quick and easy to use. Get it out, measure the flag, put it away in its case. If a laser is complicated or takes a while to display a measurement, then it adds time rather than saves it. To work this out, we would often recommend trying out some models in retailers and pro shops.

Looks

Admittedly this is not as important as other factors we mentioned above, but at the end of the day you should like the look of your rangefinder as well because nobody wants some big, bulky, ugly thing attached to the bag right? As such there are loads of different designs and cool finishes out there ranging from the ultra-premium (Voice Caddie SL3) to the more simple designs like the TecTecTec KLYR. Of course there are lots of different colors to choose from as well.

Magnetic Mount

Do you want your rangefinder to have magnetic elements so you can just attach it to your cart rather than having to take it out of its case all the time? If so then there are models out there that have technologies to make this possible - two of the best are the Bushnell Tour V6 and KLYR from TecTecTec. Precision Pro also makes several models with this design feature.

Budget

Be aware of how much you are willing to spend on a laser because there are good models at every price point these days. For example the Inesis 900 is one of the cheapest on this guide and we thought it offered excellent performance, whereas if you want to spend more and go towards the premium end of the spectrum, you can also do that with models like the Garmin Approach Z82.

FAQs

We hope you found this guide on the best golf rangefinders informative, and if you want more tech, check out our best golf simulator piece. We also recommend checking out our guides on the best golf GPS devices, best golf launch monitors and the best golf grips should you be looking to upgrade other areas of your bag.

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