If you’re in the market for a new golf rangefinder, you’re in luck. In this blog post, we will discuss 13 of the best and most affordable golf rangefinders on the market today. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, read on to find out which golf rangefinder is right for you!
Best Affordable Golf Rangefinders in 2022
To make it a little easier for you to find the best golf rangefinders for your needs, we gave each of these winners a category. Whether you are looking for the best slope technology, the best distance measurement, or the best for tournament play, we have you covered.
Best Overall Affordable Golf Rangefinder: Golf Buddy Laser Lite
The best golf laser rangefinders for affordability are the Golf Buddy Laser Lite. Although this brand may not come up as your first search for affordable rangefinders, the overall functionality and clear measurements are impossible to beat. If you want a great unit with slope compensation and really fast readings, this is it.
With the Golf Buddy Laser Lite, you get a magnetic case that allows you to hang your rangefinder in your cart with ease. This is a water resistant model with plenty of battery life and great accuracy. Slope mode can be turned on and off, so you can use this in a golf tournament.
What we like
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Slope mode can turn on and off
- Very fast readings
- Highly accurate
What we don’t like
- Yardages using the slope feature take a little longer
Best For Durability: Blue Tees Golf Series 1 Sport
The Blue Tees Golf Series 1 Sport Slope laser rangefinder is one of the most highly marketed cheap golf rangefinder options on the market. If you are serious about staying in style and having a sleek and durable rangefinder, the Blue Tees is a great option to consider.
This brand has done a tremendous job marketing golf as cool, and this rangefinder with 650 yards of capability will fit right in with that image. The outer cover of the Blue Tees helped to move this unit onto our list, the durability is quite good, and it is water resistant.
What we like
- Affordable golf rangefinder with slope
- Durable outer cover
- It fits nicely in the palm of the hand
What we don’t like
- None of the features stand out as being better than other rangefinders on this list; not an overly unique product
Best For Beginner: Profey Rangefinder With Slope
The Profey Rangefinder With Slope is an excellent choice for beginner golfers. This model has all of the features you need to get out on the course and start playing with confidence. The Profey rangefinder is one of the lightest models on our list, weighing in at just over half a pound.
This unit is also very simple to use, especially for a budget golf rangefinder. It will only take you a matter of minutes to learn how to use it and how to operate slope switch technology. Golfers that are looking for accuracy to within less than a yard can trust Profey.
For a beginner that are looking to understand how distance impact uphill and downhill shots, the Profey Rangefinder with slope is a perfect solution.
What we like
- Clear optics
- Accurate slope compensation distance
- Very affordable
- Tournament legal
What we don’t like
- Sometimes it takes a second to find the pin; not the best flag lock or jolt technology
Best For Affordable Flag Lock Technology: Peak Pulse 6 Pro Slope Version
The Peak Pulse Pro Slope from Peak is one of the best budget golf rangefinders with flag lock technology. This unit has a really fast processor that gives you quick readings, even when zooming in on the flag.
The design is excellent for those that want to have a magnetic case to attach their rangefinder to their bag or are worried about the flag acquisition technology. When you lock in on the flag with this golf rangefinder, you will feel the vibrating pulse and know you have found the target.
In addition, there is a fast focus system that allows you to get accurate measurements and ensure that you have a very clear view of your target.
What we like
- Slope technology
- Often called the best golf rangefinder for the money
- 6X magnification
- It comes with a 2 year warranty
What we don’t like
- Accuracy outside of 200 yards may not be quite as good as some of the other options on the market
Best Optics: Nikon CoolShot 20i
The Nikon CoolShot 20i is one of the best golf rangefinders for those that want excellent optics. This model has a really sleek design, it is very lightweight, and it comes in a carrying case that you can easily attach to your bag. Most people don’t think of Nikon as being an affordable golf rangefinder, but this model is not a bad selection to consider for under $200.
The best part about the Nikon Coolshot is how easy it is to see the pin and lock in on your target. With this technology, you are getting all the great things about Nikon cameras and using them to improve your golf game.
We had no trouble getting the rangefinder to lock in on a target and feeling as though we could trust the exact distance. The First Target Priority technology ensures that as long as you have the pin directly in front of you, there should be no trouble picking it up.
What we like
- First Target Priority ensures you hit the flag
- Nikon’s optics are some of the best in the business
- Very lightweight and portable
What we don’t like
- May have trouble with range in really foggy conditions
Best Rechargeable Laser Rangefinder: Bozily Rangefinder With Slope
Most of the best golf rangefinder options on our list will come with batteries, and then you will have to replace them from time to time. Some companies will have a free battery replacement. However, of the 13 best golf rangefinders that we provided, the Bozily Rangefinder With Slope is the only one that comes with a rechargeable battery.
With great battery life and the ability to recharge, this is a piece of golf equipment you can take on the golf course time and time again without having to invest more into it. The distance range is 1200 yards, but the accuracy is really better within 250 yards.
There are two scan modes, and you can even get a slope measurement with these cheap golf rangefinders. THe Bozily is small and fits in the palm of your hand with ease. If you need a rangefinder for other sports, this model will fill in just fine.
What we like
- It comes with rechargeable battery
- 6X magnification
- SLope technology
What we don’t like
- Technical support was not the best
Best Value: GoGo Sport Vpro GS24
The GoGo Sport Vpro GS24 is one of the 13 best golf rangefinders because it provides a lot of features at an affordable price. If you want all the bells and whistles that some of the more expensive models offer but don’t want to spend over $200, then this is an excellent option for you. Other rangefinders on the market with similar features will retail for well over $200.
Part of the reason this is one of the best budget golf rangefinder options on the market is because it has slope technology, accurate distance, and fast readings for a very fair price. The ergonomic design also makes it really easy to fit in your hand.
In addition, the GoGoSport VPro GS24 is a tournament legal golf rangefinder that you can use when you are in a match. There is also a one year warranty that makes this a really strong option for those worried about longevity and value.
What we like
- Tournament legal
- Slope technology
- Ergonomic design
What we don’t like
- The range is only 600 yards
Best Slope Technology: Shot Scope L1
The Shot Scope L1 has some of the best slope technology for an affordable golf rangefinder. This rangefinder will work from up to 875 yards away and has 6X magnification. In addition, you will have no trouble locking in on your target as there is a target lock vibration to help you secure your total distance.
With the Shot Scope L1, you can get measurements in both meters or yards, and you can choose between red or black optics. These little changes can make all the difference when looking for the best cheap golf rangefinder.
Shot Scope L1 is accurate to within one yard, and it is water resistant. If you want to play in a tournament and bring the Shot Scope L1 along, that is entirely acceptable. I also have a special program with Shot Scope where you can get additional discounts by using coupon code BZGOLF.
What we like
- Very clear lens with adjustable eyepiece
- Fair pricing considering the features
- Water resistant housing
- 12 Month warranty
- Discount available with coupon code BZGOLF
What we don’t like
- Lacks pulse vibration technology
Best Rangefinder/GPS Combo: Shot Scope Pro LX+
If you are one of those golfers that feels stuck between a golf laser rangefinder and a golf GPS unit, then the Shot Scope Pro LX+ could be a great choice. Keep in mind that this model is going to be more expensive than other options on our list, but you are also talking about quite a bit of technology. The Shot Scope Pro LX+ combines the GPS and the Laser for accurate results.
With this model, there are already 36,000 preloaded courses, so the changes of your golf course being on this list are quite strong. You will find that adaptive slope technology and the rapid fire detection stand out to give you a very quick reading.
Knowing the distance to the front, middle, back, and the pin is a very powerful combination at all golf courses. This particular model will also track the distances of your last shot and some of the other specifications that you may be looking to record about your golf game. There isn’t much that the Shot Scope Pro LX+ can’t do. The BZGOLF discount code also applies to the Pro LX+ model as well.
Watch the Shot Scope Pro LX+ Unboxing Video
What we like
- Range up to 900 yards
- Adjustable eye piece
- Very good accuracy
- Choice of black or red digital readout in eyepiece
- 7X magnification
- It comes with free game improvement mobile app
- Long battery life when used without GPS
- Coupon code BZGOLF gets additional discount
What we don’t like
- A bit more expensive
- Reduced battery life with GPS on
- No magnet on outside of device to cling to a golf cart
Best For Average Golfer: Precision Pro NX 7
Average golfers looking for an accurate rangefinder to pull out of their golf bag from time to time will love what the Precision Pro NX7 has to offer. This is one of the more popular budget golf rangefinder options on the market in 2022.
With the Precision Pro NX7, you will benefit from a 600 yard range, adaptive slope technology, and 6X magnification. This is not the fanciest or the most feature rich rangefinder on this list, but it has clear and quick yardages for any player.
We found the slope adjusted distance to be really accurate, and it can be turned on and off when you are participating in a golf tournament. One of the more unique features of the Precision Pro NX7 is the lifetime battery replacement that you can get with the Precision Pro NX7.
What we like
- 600 yard range
- It has a 2 year warranty
- Free battery replacement for the life of the product
- Accurate to within on yard
What we don’t like
- It has gotten a bit more expensive through the years
Best For Accuracy: TecTecTec Vpro500
The TecTecTec Vpro500 is one of the best golf laser rangefinders for accuracy. If you can give up on the slope function and you just want a simple and accurate yardage to your pin, the TecTecTec Vpro500 will be the way to go.
One of the things that helps the TecTecTec Vpro500 stand out is the smaller size and the fast and accurate measurements. This is not a bulky model that will take up your entire golf bag; it weighs less than half a pound and gets the job done faster than other models on the market.
The ultra clear optics help to improve the accurate distances and ensure that golfers are focused in on the proper target. If you are new to the world of golf laser rangefinders and still pacing off your yardages, think about switching to the TecTecTec Vpro500.
What we like
- Measures up to 540 yards
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Very clear optics
What we don’t like
- It does not have a large number of features
- No slope technology for measuring golf flags that are up or downhill
Best Affordable Bushnell: Tour V5 Shift
Bushnell and affordable are two words that are not often found in the same sentence. The Bushnell rangefinders are some of the more expensive and technologically advanced golf rangefinders on the market. However, even though these options are priced a little higher, the Tour V5 is just a bit higher than some of the other affordable golf rangefinders on our list.
If you have the extra money to spend, you will end up with the Bite Magnetic Cart Mount technology, extreme clarity, Pinseeker with Visual Jolt, and the rangefinder that is trusted by some of the best golfers in the world. For the avid golfer or a player that had the Bushnell Tour V4 for years, the Tour V5 shift is a great upgrade to consider.
If you pair this with the Bushnell Golf App, you can get even more information about the hole you are playing.
What we like
- Magnetic cart mount technology
- Pinseeker with Jolt
- Trusted on the PGA Tour
- Comes with Bushnell Golf App access
What we don’t like
- It falls just outside the “affordable” range for most golfers
Best Ergonomic Design Laser Rangefinders: Golf Buddy L-10
Golfers that are looking for a model that is going to fit nicely in their hand and has an ergonomic design will want to take a close look at the Golf Buddy L-10. This is one of the smallest models on our list, but it still gives golfers everything that they need from their laser rangefinder. In addition, although it is small, it has a wider LCD display for plenty of visibility.
There are three modes to choose from when using the Golf Buddy L10 they include the Standard, Scan, and Pin modes. You will have a range of up to 880 yards and accuracy to within one yard when moving closer to the hole.
The Golf Buddy Aim does come with slope technology and is USGA compliant if you plan to play in a golf tournament.
What we like
- Very easy to see the screen and numbers
- Ergonomic design
- Ranges from 5 to 880 yards
- Three targeting modes to choose from
What we don’t like
- Some have complained about the battery life
Buyers Guide: What To Look For In An Affordable Golf Rangefinder
Now that we have given you 13 of the best golf rangefinders on the market in 2022, it’s time to start to narrow down which of these could be the best for your needs. Of course, we broke down the positive and negative features of each, but all players are looking for something different in the golf rangefinders that they choose. Here are a few of the most important things to consider.
Laser Rangefinder or GPS
The first big decision to make is whether or not the rangefinder or the GPS is the right solution for your needs. The GPS is something that will give you a view of the hole and a really good idea as to the distances to hazards, but when it comes to the pin, you will only have a front, middle or back hole location.
Many golfers that play the game to take a break from their electronic devices will enjoy what the laser rangefinder has to offer. This is an option that can give you a quick reading without having to pace of yardages and allow the information to pop up in a matter of seconds. In our opinion, the laser rangefinders are easier to use and typically more affordable but won’t offer as many stat tracking benefits.
Total Distance
Some laser rangefinders will give you yardages from 600 yards away, and others can go to 1200. The total distance is not a feature that most players worry about, as most golfers don’t hit a ball much further than 250 yards.
The only really good thing that the longer ranges can be helpful with is when you are playing a course for the first time, and you want to take a look at what the hole looks like when you are on the tee box. Overall the magnification can make this a little tricky, but you can at least get a rough idea as to where to aim your shot.
Accuracy
Most of the affordable golf rangefinders have about the same level of accuracy. They all claim to be accurate within about one yard, and this is fairly standard considering they all have similar features and functionality.
Most golfers are not able to be accurate with their golf swings to within one yard, so this is really quite fair. When you look at more expensive golf rangefinder models like the Bushnell Pro XE, you can see how the rangefinder zeros in on the flag with ease and helps give an accurate reading within a matter of seconds.
Features
All rangefinders have different features. Sometimes this is a magnetic cart mount or a jolt technology to let you know that you are locked into the pin. Some have an adjustable diopter to let those with poor eyesight get a better view of the hole.
In addition, some rangefinders are built for shaky hands or for longer distances. These features can vary from one brand and one model to the next. It is important for golfers to consider the features that are most important to their game and look for a model that matches.
When shopping for a budget golf rangefinder, expect to have to give up on a few of your favorite features to keep the price down.
Carrying Case
Included with most models is a carrying case. This helps to protect your rangefinder when it is not in use and can help to extend the life of the product. The cases are typically soft sided and will have a loop or some other type of attachment so that you can keep it close by when walking the course.
Some manufacturers make a magnetic case that will stick to the side of the cart. This becomes a place to store the rangefinder while you play and ensure that you are not leaving it behind as you move to the next hole.
Battery Life
Most of the best budget golf rangefinder options on the market will have a standard battery that needs to be replaced from time to time. There are a few models that will have a rechargeable battery that has a USB plug. Overall the batteries in these laser rangefinders will last considerably longer than the battery life in a GPS unit.
Slope vs. Non Slope
The slope feature allows golfers to see if the incline or decline on a hole will impact the distance they need to hit their shot. The great thing about slope is that it helps us have an easier time of picking a golf club. The bad thing about slop is that it will not be legal to use in a golf tournament.
GOlfers that purchase a rangefinder with slope may want to ensure that the slope functionality can also be turned off. When you can turn the slope on and off, you can ensure that you are not breaking any of the USGA rules of golf.
As great as the slope feature is, most golfers will tell you that they don’t use it as often as they thought they would. Knowing the yardage to the pin and then learning to read the golf course is enough for most players to be accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about affordable golf rangefinders.
Are affordable golf rangefinders worth it?
Affordable golf rangefinder technology has gotten considerably better in the last few years. For a long time, the golf rangefinders under $200 would be challenging to use, and the yardages were a bit inconsistent. In today’s world, the rangefinder under $200 is incredibly accurate, even to within less than one yard, and the only thing you give up in the budget category is a bit of stabilization and some advanced pin locking or slope features.
Will an affordable golf rangefinder give an accurate reading?
Affordable golf rangefinders will give you accurate readings. Some golfers that have very low handicaps and are making a push toward playing more competitive golf may want to look into a rangefinder with a bit more technology and functionality. However, most average players will do just fine with an affordable golf rangefinder.
Are rangefinders better than GPS?
Rangefinders can be better than GPS if you are looking for quick and accurate reading. GPS are better for those that like all the facts and all the information given to them before playing a hole. It’s hard to say that one is better than the other it is more about personal preference.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now feel as though you can choose a golf rangefinder with complete confidence. The year 2022 is a great time to be in the market for one of these devices. With so much improvement in technology, it really helps to have an affordable golf rangefinder in your bag. The Golf Buddy Laser Lite stands out as the best overall option on the market, but you really can’t go wrong with any range finder on this list.