Read This Guide Before You Go 'All-In' on a Golf Simulator

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WHEN IT comes to improving at golf, remember this old adage, "If you don't use it, you lose it." You can spend months getting into a rhythm of playing before you start to see results, only to then halt your routine by taking a week or two off and then finding yourself in a full-blown meltdown on the course upon your return. We've all been there, which is why we're firm believers if you want to improve at golf, you need a golf simulator to give your an opportunity for consistent, year-round practice.

Whether you set up a portable simulator outside in your backyard with a net, or you install a state-of-the-art simulator inside your man cave, a golf simulator provides you the chance to get swings in, but also the ability to capture useful data you can use to make adjustments in your game. We at Men's Health have had our fair share of trial and error with golf simulators, and over the past year we've been able to pinpoint which models are worth the hard earned cash in our pocket. With careful consideration, we've pulled together our seven favorite golf simulators of all price points in 2024.

The Best Golf Simulators

What to Consider

The top performing golf simulators are notorious for reaching well into the five-figure range. (Expensive simulators are are akin to buying a car, and so only a small percentage of golfers are adding these to their homes.) Examples of expensive simulators are brands like Trackman and Foresight that require a set up process in a home or garage. You need to be a serious golfer before considering an investment into this type of simulator, which is why we're spotlighting golf simulators that reflect all price points and experience levels.

Budget

Expensive simulators (like Trackman and Foresight) usually have better technology (and more lasers), which translates to better accuracy and better capturing of data across for a number of unique metrics. David Roesch, PGA Teaching Professional in Wisconsin, is a firm believer that if you want to improve year-round, then an expensive simulator is worth shopping. "An expensive simulator is an investment in one’s golf game, and if you want to improve year-round you need a machine that will help you dial in your swing, patterns, and yardages," says Roesch.

Roesch points out a cheaper simulator is going to focus on keeping you motivated to establish a practice routine, as opposed to owning a simulator that breaks your game down to a science. If you are on the fence about what simulator to get, one unique edge expensive simulators have over cheaper simulators is expensive models are likely to hold a much better resale value; so if you ever want to upgrade or sell your simulator, you are in a better position to make your money back.

Portability

A portable golf simulator might not be as accurate or capture as much data as a simulator you install in a home or garage, but it will provide you a fun way to receive shot feedback in a more authentic environment. One big factor that can determine how portable your want your simulator to be is the climate you live in, because if you live somewhere mild year-round, like Florida, there are more days out of the year you get the opportunity to take your simulator with you to the course. If you live somewhere colder, then it would make better sense to get a better concrete set up at home, that way you can practice year-round even if there are piles of snow on the ground.

Software

Some of the software on our best golf simulators include better graphics with more virtual courses to play. You can find these features on expensive simulators like Trackman and Foresight. We mention the FSX software on this roundup, as it's a reliable software many in the golf community trust. Some software incorporates competitive challenges with other online users playing around the globe—one example is the World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf. Software is a big factor for those who are buying expensive simulators over $2,000 and up. It's not as important when buying cheaper golf simulators, so long as the software is reliable and provides data in an easy manner.

Courses

Most golf simulators come with at least a handful of virtual courses to play. It's fun to have a wide selection of courses to choose from, but it's important to note that more courses does not always equal a better playing experience. To play off what we mentioned in the paragraph above, you will want to pay attention to the software being used. Software can dictate how engaging, detailed, and smooth those virtual courses play.

Simulator Technology

Most simulator technology either uses cameras, radar, or a combination of the two. The way this technology is structured will dictate how well the simulator picks up your swing and your shot. More cameras usually always helps ensure better swing and shot pick-up. Radar has been around for a while on golf simulators, and typically the most advanced simulators incorporate some form of radar. However, the one knock on radar technology is it doesn't perform as good indoors as it does outdoors.

How We Selected

For the past 12 months, Men's Health gear editors and writers, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, have been testing and reviewing the best golf simulators for all types of golfer skill levels. We evaluated golf simulators based on price point, performance, portability, and special features. We also spoke with experts in the world of golf who have significant experience working with and testing different golf simulators. We also considered golf simulators mentioned in popular golf forums, like r/golf on Reddit, for community favorite picks that are lesser known to guys who are just getting into golf. Ready to see the list?

Mobile Launch Monitor

Although technically a launch monitor, Rapsodo's Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM) operates in many ways like a quality golf simulator would. For starters, the MLM is one of the best devices for giving flight path feedback on your shots. All you have to do is simply connect the device to your iPhone or iPad—iOS compatible only— and position it behind your before starting your swing. From there, the GPS on the MLM will then track the location of where the ball lands.

Where the MLM shines is it's ability to produce useful data feedback on club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, and distance. You can also view the trends and shot averages of each club you use too, allowing you to familiarize yourself what club will perform best for you in certain situations.

So what are the downsides? Well, it comes back to tracking accuracy on each shot. Sometimes it's hard to get the MLM to register when swinging in a dark indoor spot—like a basement. The MLM is also iOS only, so if you have an Android or any other brand you're out of luck.

Alas, the MLM is incredibly portable, insightful, and fun to use. While the Phigolf is more of an at-home training the device, the MLM is something you can quite literally take with you wherever you plan on practicing or playing golf; and for that, we love this as our top portable simulator.

Mobile Launch Monitor 2 Pro

Last fall, Rapsodo released the Mobile Launch Monitor 2 Pro, an upgraded golf simulator that's slightly bigger than the regular MLM model but packs a lot more tech. The biggest difference between the two? The MLM 2 Pro has a dual optical camera vision and radar for processing epic accuracy—which means a better capture of data on your shots.

The MLM 2 Pro comes with software that hands tough with simulators that are of the $1,000 to $2,000. You have a Shot Vision and Impact Vision feature that provides multiple different views of swing replay, as well as an R-Speed feature that records and monitors speed training on your shots. We can't forget to mention the simulator captures metrics like spin rate and spin axis.

The downside to the MLM 2 Pro is it still doesn't get close to the premium accuracy and software Foresight, Trackman, and even Bushnell have on this list. However, that's not what the MLM 2 Pro aims to do. What you get with this simulator is advanced portability and shot reading for an awesome value-driven price. You can take it outside to use on the course or at the driving range, or you can bring it inside and create your own basement setup (MLM 2 Pro comes with over 30,000+ virtual courses you can play).

Remember when we mentioned this simulator hangs with ones that are up to $2,000? The MLM 2 Pro typically retails for just $700. Here's your pick if you like versatility and still want a few premium features.

Home Golf Simulator with Weighted Swing Stick

The Phigolf golf simulator has gained widespread popularity in the golf world due to its awesome price point and unique swing stick. It works by connecting the swing stick to either a phone, tablet, or monitor, where you can then queue up a virtual course and swing away. The sensor on the end of the stick measures data like head speed, swing tempo, club path, and more, giving you just enough info to have an idea where you swing is at that day and what you can do to make adjustments.

The downside to the Phigolf lies within some of its tracking features, and really these types of design notes can only be solved with more advanced tracking software—which means looking at the expensive simulators. The Phigolf feels like it plays a lot faster when trying to putt, resulting in an oversensitive response that might not be the case when on a real course. Another detail about the Phigolf virtual shot tracking is there's not much penalty added to hitting out of grass or sand, so the Phigolf is generous in that aspect.

With that all being said, the Phigolf is the perfect fix for growing golfers who are looking for entertainment and practice. You're not going to get the same kind of accuracy as a commercial-level simulator, but really that's ok for most players. And if you're worried about having to use the swing stick instead of your regular club, you can actually pop on a separate sensor to use for your actual club. Jamie Boudreaux, founder of GolferGeeks.com, told us he uses the add-on sensor piece most of the time; "If you're blessed with extra room and a net at home, you can also pop the Phigolf sensor into your own golf clubs. It's almost like hitting the course without leaving your living room," says Bourdreaux.

One final feature we like is the Phigolf's ability to sync with popular simulator softwares, like the World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf. Simply put, this is a quality simulator for guys looking to improve their game while also having fun.

Mevo+ Portable Golf Launch Monitor

FlightScope is one of the first names you'll be told about when asking golfers about simulators to buy. The brand is known for its ability to provide high-level accuracy at a price point of only a couple thousands dollars—this is significant when you consider a brand like Trackman is tens of thousands of dollars more. The Mevo is a fan-favorite, but going a step above to the Mevo+ will unlock a whole other level of data metrics to interpret. Some of those metrics include club path, dynamic loft, horizontal and vertical swing plane, and more. The Mevo+ is one of the best simulators when placed indoors, providing accurate readings that supersede Phigolf and the Rapsodo MLM.

"The Mevo+ is an ultra-portable simulator perfect for tight spaces. It provides spin axis, smash factor, launch angles and other key data through its built-in cameras and sensors that are useful in swing anaylsis," says Alex Clapp, a UK-based professional golf instructor on Skillest who has taught over 30 regional, mini tour, and European Tour players. Clapp also likes how he can connect his Mevo+ with LTE connectivity and play anywhere.

Other reviewers made to note about the Mevo+ is, when using indoors, you need to have eight feet of space behind you to set up the simulator. This can be tricky for golfers working with tight spaces. Another note was that the space you're golfing in should be clean and free of any clutter, that way the Mevo+ doesn't get confused on trying to track the ball.

One of the coolest features of the Mevo+ is it records, clips, and provides a data overlay of your shot to your iPhone or iPad. The data overlay will provide info like where your arms and head is at on each swing, so you can then stack each swing and see what adjustments you may need to make. The Mevo+ is the ideal starting point for those wanting to invest in a mid-tier golf simulator.

Launch Pro Golf Simulator

The Launch Pro is a pretty penny, but when it comes to combining portability with advanced accuracy readings, this is a worthy choice for golfers who are serious about improving their game. For starters, the simulator weighs a lofty five pounds and measures about a foot tall and a half foot wide. You can carry the simulator with you out to the course or driving range, or you can place it in front of your hitting net at home.

The Launch Pro also has a wonderfully simple built-in display. After hitting a golf ball, the simulator pops up swing data like carry distance, club head speed, launch and spin on the screen for you to interpret. The readings are pretty solid, and the numbers on the screen are large and visible so you don't have to squint to read.

As far as connecting to your devices goes, you can pair an iPhone or iPad to the Launch Pro and get a full reading of your swing analysis. If you're using the Launch Pro indoors, you can connect it to your PC and run the FSX software it comes with and play on virtual driving ranges and courses. The software unfortunately only runs on PC, and it's recommended you have a PC that's optimized for gaming to handle the power the software takes up.

If you're looking for a high-end simulator but still want a product you can still transport, then the Launch Pro is a simulator you should look into buying.

Sim-in-a-Box Eagle MAX Package

Foresight carries high respect from serious golfers. Pretty much all of Foresight's monitors require a major investment, but what you get in return is some of the highest levels of accuracy a simulator can provide—with much less time spent troubleshooting than you would with a cheaper simulator. "I've found this simulator provides the most accurate and comprehensive data to help improve my game," says Alex Clapp, a UK-based professional golf instructor who has taught over 30 regional, mini tour, and European Tour players. Clapp also told us how much he liked the camera-focused ball tracking system over the ones that use radar, "The quad camera and sensor system precisely tracks club and ball data like club head speed, angle of attack, spin rates and more. I love how the wealth of metrics allow me to dial in my swing and equipment in detail," says Clapp.

Foresight is a popular simulator choice for indoor golf facility businesses too. Mary and Nick, the owners of Brooklyn Greens, a Brooklyn-based indoor golf facility that specializes in providing lessons and simulator bay access, told us they use Foresight simulators. "We built and designed the whole space ourselves when opening in 2020, and one of our biggest financial decisions came down to what simulators we would purchase. We settled on the Foresight because we knew from past experience the brand was reliable," said Mary and Nick.

Foresight simulators uses its own software, FSX, in order to provide realistic renders of courses and driving ranges. You can purchase a few different models of Foresight simulators, but one of the most popular sellers we've pictured above is the Sim in a Box Eagle Max Package; which includes the Foresight GCQuad, a frame and impact screen, a premium projector, a turf strip, a fiber-built hitting mat, and a computer cart. It's a complete setup for one clean price. Now all you need to do is lace up your golf shoes to simulate a full feeling of being out on the course.

Simulator 4

Trackman is the most popular simulator of choice for PGA and LPGA players due to its track record of reliability and quality performance. The latest model, the Simulator 4, uses multiple cameras and radar tracking to get a precise read on the ball, delivering swing data that can be used to bring your handicap score way down. You can play a library of over 240+ courses on Simulator 4, including St Andrews and Pebble Beach. The graphics on Simulator 4 are immaculate too, so there's a unique immersive feel when playing that other simulators don't have.

"The Trackman gives the best and most accurate feedback, and the club and ball data it provides can be very helpful for golfers of any skill level," says David Roesch, a PGA Teaching Professional. "The software is easy to use and understand too, and the video output combined with data from the club and ball can help golfers improve at a fast pace."

Roesch maintains if you're only purchasing an expensive simulator for fun and entertainment, then the Trackman isn't for you. "An expensive simulator is an investment in one’s golf game. If you want to improve year-round, you need a machine that will help you dial in your swing, patterns, and yardages," says Roesch. A Trackman can require a lot of space too, so make sure you have more than enough room wherever you plan on installing. All-in-all, the Trackman is for a specific type of golfer, and if you fit the description—and have the money to purchase one—then we certainly recommend going in on a simulator of this caliber.

Meet the Experts

• David Roesch, a PGA Teaching Professional who was rated Golf Digest's #1 Teacher in Wisconsin in 2022

• Alex Clapp, a UK-based professional golf instructor who has taught over 30 regional, mini tour, and European Tour players

• Jamie Boudreaux, the founder and editor of GolferGeeks.com

• Mary and Nick, the owners of Brooklyn Greens, a Brooklyn-based indoor golf club that specializes in providing lessons and simulator bay access

Why Trust Us

Retailers, manufacturers, brands, salespeople, and PR folks never dictate the products we cover. Everything we recommend is editorially selected. Occasionally, our staff receives press samples of the products we test (typically on a “loaner” basis). But it’s important to note that we never guarantee a mention, a positive review, or a recommendation for any product. In most cases, our staff personally buys the products they test. However we come about the products we review, we treat them all the same for testing purposes. They’re all subjected to the same honest review.

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