Best Golf Rangefinders – Top Rangefinder Guide for 2024

How do you measure distances in golf?

Well, there are now typically three main ways:

• Handheld GPS Devices (such as the Garmin Approach G30 or an app on your phone)
• GPS Watches like the Garmin Approach S10 or Shot Scope X5
• Laser Rangefinders like the Shot Scope PRO ZR or CIGMAN CT-1000

Of course, there’s always the old-fashioned way of using a course planner! I have to admit I’m very fond of the traditional course planner but the modern methods are much quicker and generally more accurate.

I personally use a combination of all three of the above options. I run a GPS app on my phone, which is linked to my Apple Watch and also use a CIGMAN CT-1000 (read full review here).

In this article, we take a deep dive into the world of laser rangefinders and look at some of the best golf rangefinders available right now. But what makes a good laser rangefinder?

⭐️ Don’t want to know the ins and outs of a rangefinder? Jump straight to our Top Rangefinder List. ⭐️

What is a Golf Rangefinder?

A golf laser rangefinder is a handheld device designed to provide golfers with precise distance measurements on the course. Utilising laser technology, it emits a laser beam that reflects off a target, such as the flagstick, and calculates the distance based on the time it takes for the laser to return. This tool enhances a golfer’s ability to select the appropriate club, plan their shots effectively, and navigate the course with greater confidence and accuracy.

Golf Rangefinder Key Features

When searching for the best devices these are the most important features:

• Accurate Distances
• Price Point
• Build Quality
• Ease of Use
• Battery Life
• Maximum Range
• Magnification
• Pin-Seeking Technology
• Additional features such as slope technology & built-in magnet

Why are these features important?

Accurate Distances 📏

Not all rangefinders are 100% accurate!

Accurate distance measurements are crucial for improving anyone’s golf game. A laser rangefinder’s ability to provide precise distances can significantly impact a golfer’s performance. Golf is a game of precision where every yard can influence the outcome of a shot. Accurate distance information allows golfers to select the right club, plan their shots more effectively, and execute with greater confidence. When a golfer knows the exact distance to the pin, hazards, or other landmarks, they can better judge the force and angle required for their shot, ultimately leading to improved accuracy and consistency on the course.

GPS devices often give distances to the front, back and centre of the green but a rangefinder is designed to give a golfer the exact distance to the pin hazard. Having precise distance measurements helps in course management and strategy. Golfers can avoid hazards, such as bunkers and water, by knowing their exact locations and the distances required to clear them.

Price Point 💰

In a world where we can check prices on everything in an instant, it’s important not to overpay for your rangefinder.

Determining a fair price for a golf rangefinder depends on various factors, including the features, brand, and accuracy of the device. Typically, a decent-quality rangefinder can range from £80 ($100) to £250 ($320). Higher-end models with advanced features like slope calculation, GPS, mobile app connectivity, longer range, and better optics might cost upwards of £300 ($400).

At the end of this article you’ll find our recommendations separated into:

Best Bargain Rangefinder 2024

Best Mid-Range Rangefinder 2024

Best Premium Rangefinder 2024

It is important to consider what specific features you need and how they align with your skill level and golfing habits. For most amateur golfers, a budget rangefinder that provides accurate distances and essential features will suffice without breaking the bank.

Overpaying for a golf rangefinder can lead to unnecessary financial strain and may not provide a proportional increase in performance or satisfaction. While high-end rangefinders offer advanced features, many golfers may find that these extras do not significantly improve their game.

Spending wisely ensures that you get good value for your money and can allocate resources to other areas of your game, such as lessons, clubs, or course fees. Additionally, with technological advancements, many budget rangefinders offer impressive accuracy and functionality, making it unnecessary to overspend for marginal gains.

That said it’s important to research any product thoroughly to avoid the old adage of buy cheap, buy twice.

Build Quality 🧱

Rangefinders tend to have a hard life! Falling off bags, being dropped on the ground or being abused by torrential rain, there are many reasons why it’s important to consider the build quality when choosing the best rangefinder. For me, it’s important to look at the IP rating, ie how waterproof a rangefinder is and also look at how strong it is. Will it stand up to being dropped?!

Ease of Use 🍳

Finding a golf rangefinder that is easy to use is essential for enhancing the overall golfing experience and ensuring that players can quickly and efficiently obtain the information they need. Golf is a game that requires focus, concentration, and a steady rhythm. An intuitive and user-friendly rangefinder allows golfers to seamlessly incorporate it into their routine without disrupting their flow.

When a rangefinder is simple to operate, players can spend less time fiddling with the device and more time focusing on their game, making it easier to maintain concentration and consistency throughout the round.

Size may also play a part in the ease of use of a rangefinder. While small, compact rangefinders may sound great, they may be so small that they’re difficult to use. In contrast, a heavy, bulky rangefinder may also be hard work.

Battery Life 🪫

Battery life is a crucial factor when choosing the best golf rangefinder because it directly impacts the reliability and convenience of the device during play. Golf rounds can be long, often lasting four to five hours, and a rangefinder with insufficient battery life may die in the middle of a round, leaving the golfer without accurate distance measurements.

Additionally, rangefinders with better battery life reduce the need for frequent recharging or battery replacements, which can be both inconvenient and costly.

Although rechargeable rangefinders may not last as long per charge as one with replaceable batteries, they are much more economical since the cost of charging is far less than buying replacement batteries. in addition, rechargeable rangefinders are more environmentally friendly since you don’t have to dispose of the batteries.

Maximum Range 🔭

Most rangefinders will provide a large enough range for an amateur golfer but it is important to check the maximum distance stated by the manufacturer. If a golfer regularly hits over 300 yards but the rangefinder only measures up to 250 yards then this WILL cause issues with some lesser quality products.

Magnification 🔎

The magnification of a golf rangefinder is an important factor to consider because it directly affects the clarity and precision with which you can see distant objects on the golf course. Higher magnification allows golfers to better identify specific targets, such as the flagstick, hazards, and other landmarks, even from a considerable distance.

This clarity is essential for making accurate distance measurements, which are crucial for selecting the appropriate club and planning effective shots. A rangefinder with adequate magnification ensures that the user can easily lock onto targets, reducing the chances of errors and improving overall confidence in the readings provided by the device.

Additionally, higher magnification can be particularly beneficial in challenging conditions, such as courses with dense foliage, uneven terrain, or poor lighting. In such situations, a rangefinder with superior magnification helps to clearly distinguish the intended target from the surrounding environment, minimising confusion and enhancing the accuracy of distance readings.

We’ve listed each rangefinders magnification in our specifications table towards the end of this article.

Pin-Seeking Technology ⛳️

Pin-seeking technology, also known as Pin Acquisition Technology or Pin-Locking Technology, is a feature in golf rangefinders designed to help golfers accurately lock onto the flagstick, even when it is surrounded by background objects such as trees or other hazards. Flag lock technology works by distinguishing the closest object in the rangefinder’s line of sight and providing a precise distance measurement to that specific target. Some advanced versions may even provide a visual jolt or auditory signal once the pin has been successfully identified.

Choosing a rangefinder with Pin-Seeking Technology is important because it significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of distance measurements. On a golf course, especially those with complex layouts or visual obstructions, it can be challenging to differentiate the flagstick from other objects in the background. Without this technology, golfers may inadvertently measure the distance to an unintended target, leading to poor club selection and potentially detrimental shot outcomes.

Additionally, this technology improves the overall speed and efficiency of play. Golfers can quickly and confidently acquire the correct distance to the pin, reducing the time spent on each shot and maintaining a smoother pace of play. This is especially beneficial in competitive settings, or on crowded courses where maintaining a steady rhythm is crucial.

Additional Features ⭐️

Lastly, there are many additional features in addition to the basic priorities above that may help swing a golfer’s decision on which laser rangefinder is the best for them.

• Slope Technology – This allows a golfer to be able to have distances adjusted for slopes eg a150 yard shot uphill may equate to a 160-yard shot. Be careful with this one since you may not be allowed to use it in competition!)
• Built-in magnet – Allows a golfer to attach their rangefinder to a cart for ease of use.
• App connection – Some newer rangefinders connect to an app on a mobile device to allow you to download and record your data. If numbers are your thing then this might be right up your street!

Best Golf Rangefinder Brands

Bushnell were the OG of golf rangefinders. They have been creating industry-leading high-performance sports optics since the early 1960s. Since then many brands have hit the market around the world. The top golf rangefinder brands include Bushnell, Callaway Golf, Cigman, Garmin, Nikon and Shot Scope.

Are Rangefinders Legal to Use in Golf?

Rangefinders are legal to use in golf under specific conditions set by the rules of the game. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A, rangefinders that measure distance only are permitted in casual play and many tournaments. However, devices that provide additional information such as slope measurement, wind speed, or gradient changes must have these features disabled during tournament play to comply with the rules. Ensuring that a rangefinder meets these regulatory standards is essential for golfers who wish to use them legally during official rounds and tournaments. Most rangefinders with the ability for slope-adjusted yardages calculations will have a slope switch to allow golfers to easily conform to regulations.

In professional golf, the use of rangefinders is generally restricted. Some exceptions exist in specific events or tours where their use is permitted. For instance, the PGA of America allowed the use of distance-measuring devices in the 2021 PGA Championship. Despite these exceptions, the majority of professional tournaments continue to prohibit rangefinders from maintaining traditional skill elements and competitive integrity in the game.

How to Use a Rangefinder with Shaky Hands?

Some golfers with shaky hands struggle using rangefinders. Using a golf rangefinder with shaky hands can be challenging, but there are techniques and features that can help improve accuracy.

Many modern rangefinders come equipped with stabilisation technology that minimizes the impact of hand tremors. To further enhance stability, a golfer can brace their arms against their body, use both hands to hold the device, and exhale slowly while pressing the button to measure the distance.

Additionally, resting the rangefinder on a solid surface or using a golf cart or a tripod can provide extra support. Practising these methods can help ensure precise and reliable distance measurements despite unsteady hands. These tips can also help golfers with a steady hand when faced with windy conditions.

Note, the numbers are to reference these in the specification table below, NOT the order of quality!

1. Shot Scope PRO ZR Golf Laser Rangefinder

Best price at time of publishing £254.99 / $212.49 (at Shot Scope using 15% off code: STRIPEYGREEN)

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2. CIGMAN CT-1000 Golf Laser Rangefinder

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3. PeakPulse 6 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder

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4. Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Laser Golf Rangefinder

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5. Shot Scope PRO LX+ (2nd Gen) Laser Golf GPS Rangefinder

Best price at time of publishing £297.49 / $313.49 (at Shot Scope using 15% off code: STRIPEYGREEN)

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6. Shot Scope PRO L2 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Best price at time of publishing £127.49 / $127.49 (at Shot Scope using 15% off code: STRIPEYGREEN)

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7. Nikon COOLSHOT PRO II Stabalized Golf Laser Rangefinder

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8. Zoom Focus S Golf Laser Rangefinder

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9. Bushnell Tour V6 Laser Golf Rangefinder

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10. Zoom OLED Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder

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11. Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Laser Rangefinder

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12. Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser Golf Rangefinder

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13. Garmin Approach Z82 Golf GPS Laser Rangefinder

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14. Voice Caddie L6 Golf Laser Rangefinder

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15. Voice Caddie SL3 Golf GPS Laser Rangefinder

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16. Volvik V1 Golf Laser Rangefinder

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17. Callaway CSI Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder

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18. Callaway Micro Golf Laser Rangefinder

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19. Callaway Tour S Golf Laser Rangefinder

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20. IZZO Swarmi LZ-i Golf Laser Rangefinder

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21. TecTecTec KLYR Golf Rangefinder

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22. Benross XT-1 Golf Laser Rangefinder

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23. Fazer XR4 Golf Laser Rangefinder

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24. Nikon COOLSHOT 20i GIII Golf Rangefinder

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25. Nikon Coolshot 50i Golf Laser Rangefinder

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26. Mileseey Golf Laser Rangefinder

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27. Garmin Approach Z30 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Laser Rangefinder Specifications

The “price” is the best price we could find at the time of publishing this article.

		Price	Weight	Magnification	Slope	GPS	Dual Optics	Range (YARDS)	Recharge?
1	PRO ZR	£255 OR $212	340g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	YES ✅	1500	NO ❌
2	CT-1000	£73 OR $67	206g	7X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1200	YES ✅
3	PEAKPULSE6	£68 OR $87	180g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	656	NO ❌
4	V6 SHIFT	£369 OR $399	246g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1300	NO ❌
5	PRO LX+	£297 OR $313	234g	7X	YES ✅	YES ✅	YES ✅	900	NO ❌
6	PRO L2	£127 OR $127	215g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	700	NO ❌
7	COOLSHOT II	£414 OR $399	180g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	500	NO ❌
8	FOCUS S	£169 OR $179	170g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	650	YES ✅
9	V6	£299 OR $299	241g	6X	NO ❌	NO ❌	NO ❌	1300	NO ❌
10	ZOOM OLED	£289 OR $370	140g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1000	YES ✅
11	SERIES 3	£199 OR $239	225g	7X	YES ✅	NO ❌	YES ✅	900	NO ❌
12	PRO X3+	£499 OR $599	340g	7X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1300	NO ❌
13	Z82	£469 OR $569	232g	6X	YES ✅	YES ✅	NO ❌	450	YES ✅
14	L6	£199 OR $249	160g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1000	NO ❌
15	SL3	£599 OR $599	218g	6X	YES ✅	YES ✅	YES ✅	1000	YES ✅
16	V1	£150 OR $229	136g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1300	NO ❌
17	CSI PRO	£189 OR £242	153g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1000	NO ❌
18	MICRO	£199 OR $254	140g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1000	YES ✅
19	TOUR S	£219 OR $280	195g	7X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1200	NO ❌
20	LZ-i	£89 OR $115	159g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	800	NO ❌
21	KLYR	£159 OR $203	159g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	800	NO ❌
22	XT-1	£129 OR $165	180g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	N/A	YES ✅
23	XR4	£99 OR $127	168g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	660	NO ❌
24	20i	£179 OR $229	141g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	800	NO ❌
25	50i	£239 OR $306	175g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1200	NO ❌
26	MILESEEY	£89 OR $115	168g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	660	NO ❌
27	Z30	£389	210g	6X	YES ✅	NO ❌	NO ❌	1300	NO ❌

Top Picks

There are a lot of different models and brands that we’ve looked at above. Separating them into three price brackets, here’s my thoughts on the best rangefinders in 2024:

Best Bargain Rangefinder 2024: CIGMAN CT-1000 Golf Laser Rangefinder

For around £70/$70 this is a great rangefinder. If you’re not sure whether you’ll use a rangefinder or not then this is the perfect one to try. It offers good basic features, accuracy, quick firing and all at a great price. There are lots of similar “best budget rangefinders” out there but for me this stands out from the crowd.

Best Mid-Range Rangefinder 2024: Shot Scope PRO ZR Golf Laser Rangefinder

I love this rangefinder! Shot Scope has made a premium feel rangefinder with all the standard features you might need in a great-looking design. It has a premium feel yet still at an affordable price.

Best Premium Rangefinder 2024: Shot Scope PRO LX+ (2nd Gen) LaserGolf Rangefinder

All the toys in one box! Great Laser rangefinder, GPS tracker and Shot Tracker, why buy three devices when you can have just one? There’s a good reason why this is one of the more expensive models. GPS Rangefinders are the ultimate.

Have you seen a rangefinder you love that isn’t listed above? Dive into the comments below and let me know and I’ll add it to the list.

Bye for now!