A golf rangefinder can help you improve your game and tailor your shots by telling you the distance between your current location and the hole you’re aiming for, or other known points on the course. Laser rangefinders are by far the most common choice by today’s golfers, but you can still find some GPS rangefinders on the market, which rely on the course you’re playing being mapped into the manufacturer’s system.
We reviewed dozens of golf rangefinders to identify the best of the best. We considered a wide range of factors including accuracy, range, database size for GPS models, magnification, and average reviews from existing customers.
We cast our net wide and, after some careful consideration, chose the Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder as our top gold rangefinder. This laser rangefinder has an excellent range of anywhere between 5 and 1,000 yards. With 5x magnification and a fast focus system, you can always see your shot with clarity.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Golf Rangefinders
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder | 4.7 |
| Runner Up | Precision Pro Golf NX9 Golf Laser Rangefinder | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder | 4.3 |
| Best GPS Golf Rangefinder | GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder | 4.2 |
| Best Laser Golf Rangefinder | Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder
The Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder is a high end golf rangefinder suited to serious golfers who don’t mind splashing out on the best equipment. And, with a price tag of around $520, this is an extravagant model. Dedicated golfers will find the features and accuracy well worth the cost, however. The impressive slope technology gives you distances compensated according to any sloped areas, which is hugely useful, especially on unfamiliar courses. However, you can easily disable the slope mode when you don’t need it or for legal use in tournaments.
The PinSeeker makes it easy to lock onto a flag, or other target, which improves accuracy. What’s more, the Jolt Technology sends subtle vibrations through the unit when you’re locked onto the target so you can be sure you have an accurate reading. In fact, this rangefinder is often praised by its users for its extreme accuracy, which can certainly help you improve your game. The impressive range can measure distances of up to 1,000 yards. All in all, this is an exceptional golf rangefinder that’s hard to beat.
Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder Key Features:
- Measures distances of up to 1,000 yards
- Up to 5x magnification
- Waterproof
Our Runner Up Pick: Precision Pro Golf NX9 Golf Laser Rangefinder
If you like all the excellent features of the Bushnell, but are looking for something at a slightly lower price point, consider the Precision Pro Golf NX9 Golf Laser Rangefinder. Of course, it isn’t identical to our top pick, but it has some of the same features, such as the slope function, with compensates for inclines and declines to give you an adjusted measurement, and the vibrating pinfinder, which helps you lock onto targets for an accurate measurement. Retailing at around $230 the price is much more attractive, if you’re not concerned with having a top brand model.
The 400 yard range isn’t as impressive as some, but is still more than enough for the majority of golfers. The unit displays 1/10 yard measurements and gives you to option to switch between yards and meters. What’s more, the manufacturer will replace old batteries with new for the lifetime of the rangefinder.
Precision Pro Golf NX9 Golf Laser Rangefinder Key Features:
- 6x magnification
- Lightweight and compact
- Slope function can be disabled for use in tournaments
Best Budget Pick: TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
At $150, the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder isn’t the cheapest golf rangefinder on the market, but it’s our top budget pick due to its mix of low price and high quality. Sure, you could spend 50 bucks less on a rangefinder, but it wouldn’t have all the excellent features or the overall quality of the VPRO500. Alongside the continuous scan mode, the pinsensor technology allows for greater accuracy when you have overlapping targets (such as a copse of trees in the distance behind the flag you’re aiming for). In pinsensor mode, target measurements are accurate to within just one yard and are returned quickly so you don’t have to wait around.
The display through the lens is extremely clear with 6x magnification. It can measure up to 540 yards, which is plenty for the vast majority of fairways. As it doesn’t have a slope mode, it’s completely legal for use in U.S. tournaments with no modifications. This model also comes with a carry case and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder Key Features:
- Light and compact
- One-press operation
- Returns accurate results quickly
Best GPS Golf Rangefinder: GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder
A GPS rangefinder is a completely different beast to a laser model. They might not be as popular, but many golfers prefer them. If you’re looking for a true GPS golf rangefinder, we’d recommend the GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder. It comes with data for 38,000 golf courses pre-loaded, which is roughly all of the world’s golf courses. You’d really have to search to find a course that isn’t on there, so the likelihood is this rangefinder has you covered.
It lists distances to the center, front, and back of the green, as well as showing them on screen, it can also read them out to you, which is a great option if you’re occupied with lining up your stroke. What’s more, you can look at a bird’s eye view of the shape of the green, as well as your angle of approach, to help you figure out the best way of tackling the hole. All this for $82 certainly isn’t bad!
GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder Key Features:
- Automatically recognizes the course and the hole you’re playing
- Multilingual with up to 11 language options
- Water-resistant design
Best Laser Golf Rangefinder: Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder
The Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder is a mid-range option that’s well worth considering. It promises to provide extreme precision, despite its compact and lightweight body. It offers accurate measurements from 6 to 550 yards and is designed to be completely intuitive to use. One of its best features is its ‘First Target Priority Mode,’ which provides distance readings of the closest targeted object among a group of objects, such as trees and mounds. It’s also rainproof and has a wide temperature tolerance, making it one of the most durable options on the market.
Keep in mind that the COOLSHOT 20 does not adjust distances for slope, so it won’t be a good option if you’re after a rangefinder that includes a slope-adjusted distance feature. If you’re interested in trying it out, you can pick one up for around $284. As a bonus, it includes a hard shell case designed help keep your new golf rangefinder safe.
Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder Key Features:
- Measures distances from 6 to 550 yards
- Weighs only 4.4 ounces
- Wide temperature tolerance and rainproof
Who Should Buy a Golf Rangefinder
Although golf rangefinders aren’t essential accessories for playing golf, they’re certainly highly useful. As such, we’d urge all golfers to consider using a rangefinder. Roughly 69% of golfers already use rangefinders, so there’s no stigma attached to them. After all, what’s the difference between using a rangefinder and asking your caddy to pace out the yardage, other than the fact a rangefinder is significantly faster?
Whether you’re a novice looking to improve your game or an experience golfer who wants to make distance-measuring easier on new courses, a golf rangefinder can help you out. If you need a good golf bag to store your clubs and gear, check out our review of the best golf bags.
Important Features to Consider
A golf rangefinder should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a golf rangefinder:
- Slope adjustment. Many mid-range and high-end rangefinders can do slope adjustment calculations for you, do adjust the distance depending on the presence of inclines and declines. While this is a handy feature, it’s not legal in tournaments, so you must be able to disable the slope adjustment mode if you want to use your rangefinder in tournaments.
- Range. High-end golf rangefinders often have a range of up to 1,000 yards, whereas less models feature a 400 to 500 yard range. Although it’s nice to have those extra yards, should you need them, you very rarely will, so a range of 400 or 500 yards will do just fine.
- Accuracy. A quality rangefinder found be accurate to within a yard or less up to around 500 yards. Once you get over the 500 yard mark, accuracy generally declines a little.
- Pinfinder. A pinfinder is a target locking device, allowing you to lock onto the flag or other target of your choice and get an accurate distance reading to that point, rather than to any objects behind it.
- Magnification. Most golf rangefinders have some degree of magnification to give you a clearer view of the green up ahead; 5x or 6x magnification is common.
- Image stabilization. Some high-end rangefinders have image stabilization to help give you a clear and stable view, even when magnified. This is often paired with stabilization for the laser to improve accuracy.
- Number of courses loaded. If you choose a GPS rangefinder, it will come with a database of golf courses loaded onto it. There are around 40,000 golf courses around the world, so any rangefinder with 35,000 courses loaded will include all but the most obscure fairways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a golf rangefinder and how does it work?
A golf rangefinder is a device that measures distances to the hole and to other points on a golf course. Laser rangefinders work by emitting a laser beam, which bounces off the objects it’s pointed at to measure the distance between where the user is standing and the object in question. GPS rangefinders use GPS data and pre-loaded golf course maps to tell you the distances between different points on the hole you’re currently playing.
Are rangefinders legal in golf?
According to the new Rules of Golf in 2019, rangefinders are legal to use, either recreationally or competitively. The proviso is that you’re not allowed to use any slope adjustment modes.
Can pro golfers use a rangefinder?
Although rangefinders are legal according to the Rules of Golf, these rules can be overridden by a Local Rule. That’s why the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) still doesn’t allow the use of rangefinders in its tours and competitions. That said, the PGA did trial the use of rangefinders back in 2017, so this rule may change in future.
Can golf rangefinders help in sloped areas?
Slopes, whether downward or upward, can greatly affect the way a hole must be played. Some range finders give you the option to adjust the distance calculation according to the slope of the terrain, which can greatly improve your performance.
Other Golf Rangefinders We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other golf rangefinders. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best golf rangefinders list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Laser Golf Rangefinders
Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
An excellent rangefinder, this is the same as our top pick but without the slope adjustment mode; great for anyone who prefers to do without slope adjustment or is tempted by the lower price.
Key Features:
- Pinfinder with jolt technology
- Range of up to 1,000 yards
- 5x magnification
Cost: $330
Callaway EZ Scan Golf Laser Rangefinder
This handy device lets you view the distance to the pin either via the view finder of using the LCD screen on the rear.
Key Features:
- Locks on to pin from up to 275 yards
- Total range of 800 yards
- 5x magnification
Cost: $300
Callaway Golf Micro Prism Laser Rangefinder
Ultra small and lightweight, this might not be as feature-rich as some rangefinders, but it’s great if you want a super compact device.
Key Features:
- LCD screen displays distance
- Uses both laser and prism technology for accuracy
- Range of up to 300 yards
Cost: $200
Leupold 119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder
This quality golf rangefinder shows line of sight distances only, which makes it fully compliant with USGA regulations.
Key Features:
- Sturdy aluminum body
- Vivid OLED display
- Compact design
Cost: $350
Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder
While it might not have as many impressive features as the Nikon model featured in our top five, this is still a solid choice that’s great for golfers with a smaller budget.
Key Features:
- First target priority measures distance to nearest target
- Light and slim
- USGA compliant
Cost: $185
Saybien TR500 Waterproof Golf Rangefinder
Thanks to its fully waterproof design, you can golf in all weathers with this durable little rangefinder.
Key Features:
- Continuous scan and pinfinder modes
- Range of up to 550 yards
- 6x magnification
Cost: $170
TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder
Although it’s not cheap, this rangefinder has some excellent features usually only found on models that cost $100 to $200 more, meaning it provides excellent value for money.
Key Features:
- Instantly locks onto targets up to 450 yards away, with a 1,000 yard total range
- Accurate to within 0.3 yards at 300 yards
- Rainproof and water-resistant
GPS Golf Rangefinders
With 36,000 courses in 30 countries loaded onto this device and a long battery life, it’s one of the best GPS models on the market.
Key Features:
- Receives course updates wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Easy-to-read front/center/back distances
- Comes with magnetic mount
Cost: $100
Callaway Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder
Although not strictly a GPS model, this rangefinder combines both GPS and laser technologies to bring you the best of both worlds.
Key Features:
- Pre-loaded with more than 30,000 courses
- Laser pinfinder technology
- Lists front/center/back distances
Cost: $305
Garmin Approach G8 Golf Course GPS
Tells you the distance to the hole, plus the front, back, and center measurements. Not to mention there’s a “plays like” measurement to adjust for slope.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Color display
- Loaded with information about over 30,000 courses
Cost: $300
IZZO Golf Swami 5000 Golf GPS Rangefinder
With 38,000 courses pre-loaded and no fees or subscription to pay, this is an excellent choice, wherever you choose to golf.
Key Features:
- 2-inch color screen
- Slim and lightweight
- Automatic course recognition
Cost: $100
VOICE CADDIE T2 Hybrid Golf GPS Rangefinder Watch
A GPS golf rangefinder that you can wear on your wrist. You might not get all the features of handheld models but it’s undeniably convenient.
Key Features:
- Gives distance measurements to front, back, and center of green
- Scorecard tracking
- Over 30,000 golf courses pre-loaded
Slope Golf Rangefinders
AOFAR GX-2s Slope Golf Rangefinder
This lightweight and precise rangefinder includes angle and slope information, but this can be turned off for use in competitions.
Key Features:
- Range of up to 600 yards
- Vibrates in pinfinder mode when locked onto target
- Accurate to 0.5 yards
Cost: $135
Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Sure, it’s expensive, but this high-end rangefinder is rugged, easy to read, and give highly accurate slope compensation info.
Key Features:
- Fully waterproof for all-weather use
- Jolt technology vibrates when target is locked
- 6x magnification
Cost: $530
Callaway Tour S Golf Laser Rangefinder Slope Version
With 7x magnification and a range of up to 1,200 yards, this rangefinder outguns the majority on the market.
Key Features:
- Measures angle of incline or decline and gives slope-adjusted distance
- Includes scan mode, pinfinder mode, and prism mode
- Slope settings can be disabled for competitive use
Cost: $380
LaserWorks PRO X7 Golf Rangefinder
Unlike the majority of rangerfinders, which use standard alkaline batteries, this model has a rechargeable battery that lasts around 5,000 measurements between charges.
Key Features:
- Seven modes to choose from (including slope compensation)
- Accurate to within 0.5 yards at up to 200 yards
- Includes wireless charging base
Cost: $100
Nikon Coolshot 20i Golf Rangefinder Slope Version
Another excellent rangefinder from Nikon, but this one includes the option to show a slope adjusted distance.
Key Features:
- Range of up to 550 yards
- Continuous scan option
- 4x magnification
Cost: $225
SereneLife Premium Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder
It might not be a high-end model but this affordable rangefinder has some excellent features for the price and is great for casual golfers.
Key Features:
- Pinfinder mode
- Maximum range just under 550 yards
- 6x magnification
Cost: $130
TecTecTec VPRODLXS Slope Rangefinder
Easily switch between slope adjustment mode and actual distance with this rugged waterproof rangefinder.
Key Features:
- Range of up to 600 yards
- Tournament legal
- 6x magnification
Cost: $200
WOSPORTS Rechargeable Slope Golf Rangefinder
This USB-rechargeable golf rangefinder negates the need for replacement batteries, although the battery life on this model isn’t particularly impressive.
Key Features:
- Pinfinder mode with vibration
- 6x magnification
- Water-resistant design
Cost: $115
