Best cheap golf launch monitors UK 2026
Looking for a cheap launch monitor in the UK? We compare six worthwhile options from simple ball-speed devices to indoor simulator-ready models. The best-value choice depends on your room, the data you need and whether you want to avoid subscription costs.
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Our picks
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Portable radar with simulator support. The easiest first launch monitor, if you have room behind the ball indoors.
Typical price: £449–£550
Side-on camera tracking for indoor practice and course play. No mandatory subscription; course credits cost extra after the included allowance.
Typical price: £650–£750
A small radar with its own colour screen for speeds and distance. No spin, launch or simulator.
85/100 · Typical price: about £199Want swing video? The Rapsodo MLM2PRO (88/100, from about £629) adds automatic swing and impact video, but full simulator features need Premium (from £165.99 a year).
Hardware budget is not a complete setup: add a mat, net or screen, compatible device and any software or special balls. Projected golf also needs a projector and mounting. Check complete-room costs.
Compare all six affordable options
All the options under £1,000
Sorted by what they can do: simulator-capable units first, then speed-and-distance practice monitors.
- Best for a short roomSquare GolfCamera beside the ball, ball and club data, putting and built-in course play. Indoor use; marked balls needed. Course credits cost extra after the included allowance.Our score: 90/100 · Typical price: £650–£750Read our verdict →
- Best valueGarmin Approach R10Doppler radar: ball speed, club speed and launch measured, spin calculated. Up to 10 hours battery. Needs at least 15 ft of room length indoors.Our score: 89/100 · Typical price: £449–£550Read our verdict →
Best for swing videoRapsodo MLM2PRORadar plus two cameras for swing and impact video. RPT balls needed for measured spin indoors; Premium for full simulator features.Our score: 88/100 · Typical price: £629–£750Read our verdict →- Cheapest with a screenShot Scope LM1Club speed, ball speed, smash factor and distance on a 3.5-inch colour screen. No spin or launch; no simulator.85/100 · Typical price: about £199Read our review →
Speed trainingPRGR PortableSwing speed, ball speed, smash factor and distance with no app. Runs 30+ hours on AAA batteries.84/100 · Typical price: £179–£249Read our review →
Simplest and cheapestGolfBuddy Shot MateClub and ball speed, smash factor and estimated distance on its own screen. No app, no simulator.83/100 · Typical price: about £149Read our review →
Typical prices are planning guides, not current offers. Where a retailer’s price is checked overnight (HotGolf and Affordable Golf), it is shown with the date. Retailer links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. How our links work.
What cheap should mean
Measure what you need
Speed monitors (LM1, PRGR, Shot Mate) show speeds and distance. For spin, launch and simulator golf, start at the R10 or Square Golf.
Check your space
Radar units behind you need depth: the R10 at least 15 ft of room length, the MLM2PRO a little over 14 ft. Square Golf sits beside the ball.
Count the running costs
Some features sit behind subscriptions. Square Golf has no mandatory subscription, but paid course credits apply after the included allowance; Rapsodo Premium is £165.99 a year. See subscription costs.
Compare the closest decisions: Garmin R10 vs Square Golf · Shot Scope LM1 vs GolfBuddy Shot Mate · Shot Scope LM1 vs PRGR.
Questions buyers ask
What is the best cheap golf launch monitor?
The Garmin Approach R10 (89/100, typically about £449–£550) for portable practice and simulator golf. In a short room, Square Golf (90/100, typically £650–£750) is the better fit.
What is the cheapest launch monitor worth buying?
For speeds and distance only, the GolfBuddy Shot Mate (about £149) or Shot Scope LM1 (about £199). Neither measures spin or supports simulator golf.
Can a cheap launch monitor be used as a simulator?
The R10, Square Golf and MLM2PRO can. Speed monitors such as the LM1, PRGR and Shot Mate cannot.
Do cheap launch monitors need a subscription?
Speed monitors do not need a subscription. Square Golf has no mandatory subscription, but course credits can cost extra. Garmin Home Tee Hero needs Garmin Golf membership; full MLM2PRO simulator features need Premium.
How we choose
How we assess: we use an evidence-led assessment combining manufacturer specifications, credible independent testing, owner experience where useful, UK pricing and like-for-like comparisons. Scores use the same weighted framework across Golf Gear Lab.