Our Top Picks for the Best Golf Rangefinders – An In-Depth Review and Buyer’s Guide
If you’re looking to up your game, there’s no better choice than starting with the best golf rangefinder as a surefire way to dial in your performance.
The choices and technology can be mind-boggling, but don’t sweat it – we’ve reviewed the best rangefinders to make sure your game is as good as it can be – while saving you some time and money!
Distance control is one of the key ways you can improve your game and lower your scores, and a great rangefinder is essentially a shortcut to achieving that.
At the end of the day, the best golf rangefinder you need is going to quickly give you accurate distance measurements and reliable performance at a reasonable price point.
Of course, there are other bells and whistles available! Don’t worry– we’ve covered those models too for you golf techies out there.
Our Picks for the Best Golf Rangefinders
| Best Golf Rangefinder Overall | Peakpulse 6Pro Slope |
| Best Golf Rangefinder Runner-Up | TecTecTec VPRO500 |
| Best Golf Rangefinder for Mid-Range Budgets | Bushnell Tour V4 |
| Best Golf Rangefinder for Big Spenders | Leupold GX 2i3 |
| Best Golf Rangefinder for the Stylish Golfer | Nikon Coolshot 20 GII |
| Best Feature-Packed Golf Rangefinder | TecTecTec ULT-X |
| Best Golf Rangefinder for the Deep-Pocketed Golfer | Bushnell Pro X2 |
Best Golf Rangefinder – Peakpulse 6Pro Slope Laser Golf Rangefinder
The Peakpulse 6Pro Slope rangefinder is our top pick for best golf rangefinder because it packs great features and ease of use into a good-looking piece of equipment at a very competitive price – hitting the all-around sweet spot.
Press the button on top of the 6Pro Slope to measure within one yard of your target, then simply press the button again to see the distance. The 6Pro Slope has a range of 6 to 500 yards, which should accommodate most golfers’ needs.
The display gives you an easy-aim crosshair, clear indications of both the straight-line distance and slope distance, along with easy-to-read slope and flag indicators. These simple options give you all the information you need without cramming the screen.
Fast Focus allows you to easily adjust the focus of the rangefinder, even with glasses on. The 6X magnification works great and is balanced by the 6Pro Slope’s Flag Acquisition Technology, which gives you a quick vibration (similar to Bushnell’s Jolt) to let you know it’s locked on to the flagstick.
Peakpulse also wraps up this very affordable and feature-packed rangefinder by including a handy carrying case and cleaning cloth, and backs you up with a 2-Year warranty and lifetime customer support.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point
- Accurate up to 600 yards
- Battery-saving feature automatically shuts the unit down after 8 seconds of inactivity
- Fast Focus System means golfers that use glasses or sunglasses won’t have any issues focusing on their target
- Flag Acquisition Technlogy helps you find and lock on to the pin, even with shaky hands, along with a quick vibrating pulse to let you know when you’ve found your target
- Water Resistant
Cons
- Lacking scanning features
- It would be nice if this unit was fully waterproof rather than water-resistant (although we can’t complain at such a great price!)
Best Golf Rangefinder Runner-Up – TecTecTec VPRO500 Laser Rangefinder
There’s several big reasons the TecTecTec VPRO500 is the best selling golf rangefinder on Amazon: the price point is absurdly reasonable, there’s advanced yet intuitive optics on the display, 540 yard range with 1-yard accuracy, and tech inside that makes it easy to find the pin quickly.
The VPRO500 offers a scan mode to get multiple readings quickly, letting you easily scan pin location as well as wooded areas, and the measurement locking function ensures you don’t stray from the target once you’ve found it.
What’s even better is the support: in addition to a 2-year warranty and lifetime support, TecTecTec also offers a 30-day money back guarantee. How’s that for assurance?
Pros
- Pin-seeker Technology provides fast measurement and accuracy within 1 yard
- Up to 540 yard range for long distance shots
- Lightweight (just over 6.5 ounces)
- Very simple setup, operation, and display
- Rainproof
- Comes with carrying case, microfiber cloth, and a 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Slope not included (offered in the TecTecTec VPRO500S)
Best Golf Rangefinder for Mid-Range Budgets – Bushnell Tour V4 Laser Rangefinder
The Bushnell Tour V4 takes a very solid build quality and great optics and puts it in a nice, water-resistant showpiece.
The bells and whistles are in this baby, with JOLT technology providing short bursts of vibration to let you know when it’s PinSeeker Technology has locked onto the target.
Fast processing power means faster yardage readings, and 5x magnification allows it to handle up to 1000-yard distances within 1 yard accuracy. Another big value add is that you can download the Bushnell Golf App, which allows you access over 36,000 courses to see hole layouts, 3D flyovers with distances, and much more, giving you an extra edge.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and performance
- PinSeeker and JOLT technology provide modern features
- Fast processing power
- Added access to the Bushnell Golf App is a nice touch
Cons
- Not Waterproof
- Not as accurate as the Bushnell Pro X2 (it’s pricier cousin)
Best Golf Rangefinder for Big Spenders – Leupold GX 2i3 Laser Rangefinder
The Leupold GX 2i3 is an extremely well-performing laser rangefinder. It features an OLED screen so it’s easy to read no matter what condition you’re playing in, and it comes with a really great rugged aluminum case – a nice touch compared to the flimsier plastic cases offered with other rangefinders.
Readings are accurate to within one-tenth of a yard, and those readings are delivered FAST. Leupold is known for some of the best quality laser gun sights worldwide, so it’s no shock that the GX 2i3 made our list of the best golf rangefinders.
Pros
- Extremely fast target acquisition
- Bright OLED display ensures visibility
- Features a scan mode to confirm you’ve got the right target in sight
- Aluminum case is both durable and attractive
Cons
- No image stabilization or vibration features (steady hands needed here!)
- No slope-reading capabilities
Best Golf Rangefinder for the Stylish Golfer – Nikon Coolshot 20 GII Laser Rangefinder
Respected brand? Check. Great looks? Check. Solid performance? Check. The Nikon Coolshot 20 GII rangefinder gets accurate distance measurements to you quickly and functions with a single press of a button.
The scan mode allows for multiple target options, and has a range from 6 to 800 yards, along with advanced pin identification technology to help you zero in fast.
There’s an adjustable focus and 6x zoom as well so you’ll always be able to see what it is you’re aiming at – all of this comes in a lightweight and affordable package.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design (good looking, too!)
- Single target and multi-target scanning options
- Trusted name in optics at a reasonable price point
Cons
- Yard accuracy is within 2 yards over 100 (instead of 1 yard with other models)
- No slope detection (however that is offered on the slope-enabled Nikon Coolshot 20i GII)
Best Golf Rangefinder for the Golfer Who Wants It All – TecTecTec ULT-X Laser Rangefinder
You want top-of-the-line features and all the gadgetry the best golf rangefinders can offer, but don’t really care about the brand name? Then the TecTecTec ULT-X rangefinder is your best bet.
The ULT-X offers 6x magnification for distances of up to 1000 yards, and accuracy of as little as ⅓ of a yard at distances of up to 300 yards. How’s THAT for accurate?
It has an easy-to-use faceplate that allows you to enable or disable the slope function, vibrates when you lock onto a target, and offers a scan mode to give you rapid-fire distance calculations.
Pros
- Excellent range and a nice improvement over the VPRO500
- Easy to use features
- Slope-enabled (easily disabled for tournament play)
- Pinsensor with vibration feedback
- Scan and single target modes
- Rainproof and moisture-resistant
Cons
- Not really much to be upset about here, unless you’re a stickler for name brands!
Best Golf Rangefinder for the Deep-Pocketed Golfer – Bushnell Pro X2 Laser Rangefinder
With it’s rugged metal housing and rubber grips, the Bushnell Pro X2 looks as great as it performs. That performance and those looks come at a price, putting it at the higher end of the price range of all the best golf rangefinders we’ve reviewed here.
The Bushnell Pro X2 can switch between dual displays (bright red or sharp black) to ensure you can see exactly what you need depending on lighting conditions or your personal preference.
Slope distance is included, which easily switches off during tournament play. JOLT technology is packed in so you’ll know when the laser hits the pin.
And just like the Bushnell Tour V4, you’ll get access to the Bushnell Golf App, giving you all kinds of extra features for over 36,000 courses.
Pros
- Awesome-looking, rugged, IPX7 Waterproof rangefinder
- Solid performance with many extra features (such as JOLT technology and PinSeeker technology)
- Fast performance and great ease of use
- Included Bushnell Golf App provides a great value
Cons
- Higher range price compared to others we reviewed
Best Golf Rangefinders: Buyer’s Guide
All technology moves at a breakneck pace, and this is certainly true of golf rangefinder tech. Here’s what to look for to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
Accuracy
The entire function of a golf rangefinder is to measure distance to a specific point, so accuracy is a very big deal.
After all, if your rangefinder’s not completely accurate, it’s just an expensive guess! Luckily today’s rangefinders all have great reliability in the accuracy department.
Ease of Use
Most of today’s rangefinders are user-friendly, but it’s important to understand all the features and how to operate your rangefinder.
It’s not ideal if you need two hands to use it or need to press multiple buttons for a simple function.
Range of Distance
Most rangefinders boast the ability to shoot 1,000 yards or more, as many offer between 6x-7x magnification.
It’s important to remember that the range of distance of your rangefinder is limited by your ability to see your target.
Price
There are many options available for golfers with different budgets, but expect the prices for a quality rangefinder to fall between $100 and $500, with a great mid-range option being, well, right in the middle – at around $250.
Naturally, as the price increases, so does the extra tech and features packed in these units.
Battery Life
This may not be a big issue, as most modern rangefinders have battery lives that range from six to twelve months. Some companies even offer free batteries for life when registering their devices!
However, if you’re one who never remembers to charge a device and doesn’t carry spare batteries in their golf bag, be sure to think about battery life when choosing your rangefinder.
Durability
Be sure to consider the weather you’ll play in, as well as how much attention you give to caring for your equipment. Some rangefinders offer shockproof options that help them manage drops and other types of accidents.
Waterproof & Water Resistance
If you play in the rain, love winter golfing, or live in a consistently humid climate, you’ll want to make sure your rangefinder can stand up to the conditions you play in.
Waterproof and water resistant are two very different things – make sure to choose the correct one for your situation.
Display Technology
Make sure that the display of the rangefinder you choose is preferable to you- some rangefinders simply offer too much information within the display which can overwhelm the user.
Your rangefinder’s purpose is to make the game easier, not harder, so pay attention to what the rangefinder’s display has to offer.
Slope Measurement Capability
Even though this feature isn’t allowed during tournament play, it’s a very handy feature for finding out if your shot is up or downhill – and by how much.
Slope measurement rangefinders tend to be on the higher end of the price range, so be prepared to shell out for this feature.
Magnification
We spoke about this a bit while covering range of distance, but it’s important to understand how much magnification your golf rangefinder offers. Again, aim for 6x-7x magnification when making your selection.
Pinfinder Capability
Some rangefinders offer the ability to “lock on” to a target, ensuring you get an accurate reading to that specific point rather than bouncing around to other targets in front of or behind it, which is a nice feature to have.
Image Stabilization
Ever used a video camera (remember those?) or even your smartphone camera on high zoom? The image bounces around quite a bit. Same applies for rangefinders unless they offer image stabilization, which keeps the picture stable and clear even at high magnification levels.
Most models that have this feature will be on the higher-end and will also offer laser stabilization.
Number of Courses Loaded (GPS-Only models)
GPS Rangefinders will typically come with golf courses pre-loaded onto them. Depending on the obscurity of the courses you play (or plan on playing), most GPS rangefinders offer a wide majority of courses pre-loaded on them. Keep this in mind if choosing a GPS-enabled model.
Cosmetics and Storage
Looks aren’t everything, but make sure you don’t feel funny pulling out your rangefinder and actually using it! Choose something that suits your style or personal preference – most golf rangefinders on the market have sleek looks and modern design built-in, so this shouldn’t be a big issue.
Make sure your rangefinder comes with the proper storage you’ll need, whether that’s a carrying case, belt holster, or water-resistant pouch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Golf Rangefinders
What is a Golf Rangefinder?
A golf rangefinder looks like a pair of binoculars with the exception that you hold it up to one eye. Most rangefinders have a button on top that sends a laser to your target and rebounds back to the sensor below the rangefinder’s eyepiece. It then uses its laser sensor to determine the distance from whatever target you aimed at, whether that’s the pin, a certain spot on the fairway, or anything else you chose.
Do I need a Golf Rangefinder?
Rangefinders fall in the “nice to have” area of golf gear, as they’re extremely useful but not necessary to play the game.
We recommend purchasing in a rangefinder if you’re planning on getting serious about improving your game. Note that this doesn’t mean you need to be at any specific skill level, just that you’ll be playing often enough to get a good return on your investment.
How do I use a Golf Rangefinder?
Sure,yYou can use your rangefinder for measuring distance to the pin, but really you can use it to find the distance to any object you desire.
A rangefinder can also be of good use to you on the driving range for helping to measure the distance of your shots, and can be of great assistance in dialing in your performance with various clubs.
Are Rangefinders Legal in Golf?
Generally, rangefinders are permitted pretty much anywhere in golf with the exception of most professional tournaments and qualifiers for the US Open.
Do I need a Rangefinder with Slope?
Before we get into this, it’s important to note that rangefinders with slope calculation are not legal for use in either tournament or recreational play.
Some players may agree on using them between themselves recreationally, which is fine. To get around the legality issue, most slope-enabled rangefinders have a “tournament mode” that offers a distance-only option when slope calculation isn’t allowed.
GPS vs. Laser Units – which is the best golf rangefinder?
This is really a matter of personal preference, budget, and play style. GPS rangefinders offer certain advantages over lasers due to the fact that they can give you an overhead view of the hole, allowing you to see past blind shots.
Laser rangefinders are preferable to those who prefer highly accurate yardage measurements – this is where GPS can get a little spotty, especially during cloudy or rainy weather.
Battery life can be a bigger concern with GPS units as well, as they tend to require much more constant battery life to update location unlike a laser rangefinder.
The Best Golf Rangefinders – Conclusion
Hopefully you’ve learned a thing or two about what to look for in your new rangefinder and are closer to making a selection. No matter your choice, one thing’s for sure: a rangefinder is pretty dang close to a necessity on the course these days, and will help tremendously with improving your skills and lowering your scores.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Check out our golf ball selector guide and our reviews of the most forgiving drivers. Pair either (or both) of those with the best rangefinder and you’re going to be unstoppable!
