Even before you step up to hit the golf ball, you have to know how far you have to hit it– and hence why you need the best golf rangefinder. Regardless of skill level, every golfer needs one. Rangefinders are handheld devices that show you the distances to greens and hazards, and provide you with countless other resources to help your course management skills.
There are plenty of rangefinder options that provide you with different features, sizes, and visuals for your day out on the course. That being said, this article will help you find the best rangefinder for your specific style of play. Let’s dive in.
1. Bushnell Tour V6 Shift ($299.99)
- Weather-resistant design
- Vibrates to indicate you’ve locked onto the flag
- Magnetic mount for easy cart usage
The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is the epitome of the modern rangefinder. Equipped with everything you might need for your round – including everything from a microfiber towel and precise measurement to the inch – this rangefinder is one of the most accurate and efficient you’ll see on the market. While its high price point might not be best for new golfers, its accuracy, longevity, and consistency certainly make it worth the investment for more advanced players.
2. Nikon COOLSHOT 50i ($299.95)
- Unique incline/decline mode to factor in slope
- Lightweight design for easy carry on the course
- Clear OLED display
Another high-end rangefinder, the Nikon COOLSHOT 50i pairs sharp visuals with in-depth features to provide you with a flawless golfing experience. Equipped with both classic features, such as flag lock and magnetic mounting, to more advanced qualities, such as its signature Actual Distance Indicator for competition use, the COOLSHOT 50i truly is a rangefinder fit for every type of golfer. Another hefty investment, but its combination of visuals and enhancements gives it longevity far past its purchase date.
3. Blue Tees Series 3 Max ($199.99)
- Extended 1000-yard range
- USB-C chargeable battery
- Red/black control change for switching between day and nighttime play
One of the more stylish rangefinders on the list, the Blue Tees Series 3 Max makes a sleek companion for your round. Throw a USB-C cord into your bag and toggle between the red and black controls to brighten the display for nighttime play, and this rangefinder can last days, if not weeks, on the course. At a lower price point, this rangefinder should certainly be in consideration for golfers looking to gain all traditional rangefinder features at an affordable price.
4. Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser ($499.99)
- Wind speed and direction feature
- Dual-display technology
- Slope-compensated distances w/ adjustable course elevation
The Taj Mahal of rangefinders. The Bushnell Pro X3+ is equipped with any and everything you need for your round, including slope-switch technology, weather protection, and even a mobile app to accompany the rangefinder’s data. PGA Tour players have preferred Bushnell rangefinders for over a decade now –add one of these to your golf bag, and you’ll be up there with them in no time.
5. Gogogo Sport Vpro ($109.99)
- Measures up to 2500 yards
- Comfortable latex grip
- Slope distancing reading w/ on-and-off switch
The Gogogo Sport Vpro combines precision with a sleek design at a price that won’t break the bank. Wrapped with a nice latex exterior that feels as good as it looks, this rangefinder checks all the boxes with a magnetic mount, slope measurements, and a clear LCD display. Along with a 2500-yard range – much longer than most other competitors – this rangefinder deserves consideration for golfers at a lower price point.
6. Mileseey PF260 ($129.99)
- Stylish teal and black grip
- 7 degrees wide view
- Flag lock capability
Not many people think of Mileseey when it comes to the best golf rangefinders, but it might just be an underrated pick. A nice teal and black grip makes the rangefinder both stylish and comfortable, and (perhaps) an even more stylish carrying case makes traveling to and from the course a breeze. Check it out before others get to it first.
7. GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 ($179.99)
- Range from 2-800 yards
- Pin Finder mode
- USGA compliant for handicap/tournament play
Another affordable rangefinder on the list, the GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 comes with all the features of a typical rangefinder packed into a sleek, compact design. An easy-to-access Pin Finder mode and vibration alert make it easy to know when you’ve locked onto your target, no matter what part of the course you’re on. The Laser Lite 2 is sold out right now, and for good reason–make sure to pick one up when they’re back.
8. Garmin Approach Z82 ($599.99)
- Front, middle, and back green distances
- 43,000 preloaded courses
- Hazard and layup view
The Garmin Approach Z82 is a remarkable surprise of a rangefinder. With sharp accuracy within inches of the flag on over 40,000 preloaded courses, the Approach Z82 combines professional-grade performance with unique features such as wind measurement and green contour analysis. Factor in its modern design and the convenient FindMyGarmin feature, this rangefinder is not the cheapest but certainly offers exceptional value for advanced golfers.
9. Bushnell Tour V5 ($299.99)
- Pinseeker with visual jolt
- Magnetic cart mount
- Connects to Bushnell Golf app
The perfect balance between precision and value. The Bushnell Tour V5 is an exceptional pick for beginner to intermediate golfers looking to step up their game, as it’s even trusted by 995 of TOUR pros. Wrapped in a clear optics package that won’t break the bank, this rangefinder might just give you everything you need. Plus, you’ll have enough budget for a rangefinder pouch to stay organized and protect your investment when not in use.
10. Shot Scope Pro ZR ($279.99)
- Enhanced target-lock
- Durable hardshell casing
- Provides detailed maps via Shot Scope app
If you’re looking for another sleeper pick or don’t believe the big names have the best golf rangefinders, the Shot Scope Pro ZR might be for you. Its price point of $279.99 is not unwarranted, however – it packs all the premium features you’ll see in pricier models, from a weatherproof Durashield case to a target lock that extends all the way to 1500 yards. Throw in free GPS mapping through their app, and you get flagship features without the flagship price.
11. PEAKPULSE LE600AG ($69.99)
- 6x magnification lens
- Pulse vibration flag lock
- 0.5-yard range of error
Hitting the course this weekend and still don’t have a rangefinder? Cheap and with a quick delivery period, the PEAKPULSE LE600 AG has you covered. The LE600AG comes with built-in slope technology, pulse vibration, and fast focus technology–essentials for golfers at any level. You won’t find many with better features for this price point.
12. Cobalt Q-6 Slope ($450)
- Weatherproof aluminum casing
- 2500 yard range
- USGA-conformed SmartSwitch feature
The most precise rangefinder on this list. Its PinSense and Surge technology distinguishes the pin from background objects (trees, rocks, etc.), providing an extremely accurate view and distance measurement. Between its rock-solid construction and top-notch features, the Q-6 Slope might be the last rangefinder you ever have to buy.
13. Precision Pro Titan Elite ($349.99)
- Aluminum shelling
- USB-C rechargeable battery
- Customized yardages for individual ball flight
The Precision Pro Titan Elite is certainly one of the most unique rangefinders on this list, with an aircraft-grade, weatherproof aluminum case that can handle all of Mother Nature’s troubles. Beyond the usual slope features, though, this rangefinder has some tech upgrades, with integration to the Precision Pro app for GPS yardages and a “Find My Titan” feature that’ll protect you from those parking lot U-turns. For tech-savvy, statistic-driven golfers, this is the rangefinder for you.
14. Callaway 300 Pro ($249.99)
- Slope-adjusted distance technology
- Water/Fogproof
- Pin Acquisition Technology vibrates when locked on pin
A few years outdated now, the Callaway 300 Pro proves you don’t need the newest models to get premium features on your rangefinder. Weighing only 5 ounces, this rangefinder is extremely compact yet still full of everything you need–your slope measurement, tournament mode switch, and magnetic mount are all there. If you’re tired of overthinking your gear choices, this rangefinder gets straight to the point–literally.
15. Voice Caddie SL3 Active Hybrid GPS ($599.99)
- Putt view w/ elevation and distance
- Course layout view
- GPS data pin-seeking assistance
Combining laser accuracy with a touchscreen that displays both green and course layouts for thousands of courses worldwide, this might just be the Tesla of rangefinders. The SL3 Active Hybrid rangefinder takes the guesswork out of distances with its unique GPS technology, pin tracing, and putt-view for green reading. If you want cutting-edge gear in your bag, you won’t find anything else quite like it.
16. Vortex Anarch ($599.99)
- Shockproof design
- Eliminates shakiness for clear flag view
- Slope-adjusted yardages
With magnesium framing and a waterproof design, this new Vortex rangefinder is built like a tank. While initially pricey, the Anarch’s game-changing image stabilization and auto-adjusting red display back up its price tag, delivering pro-level features to anyone who holds it. For serious players who demand military-grade precision and don’t mind paying for it, the Anarch’s steady view makes those crucial shots feel a lot more manageable.
Best Golf Rangefinders FAQs
Why is Bushnell best rangefinder?
Bushnell has consistently proven itself as the best golf rangefinder on the market. Over 90% of TOUR players use Bushnell when practicing, as they consistently deliver tournament-grade precision, durable quality, and innovative features. While other brands do offer great alternatives, it's Bushnell’s decades of experience and reliability that keep them at the top of most lists.
Why can’t pro golfers use rangefinders?
Contrary to popular belief, pro golfers actually can use rangefinders now, but only to measure the distance to the pin–any slope adjusting features must be deactivated. Removing these features allows the PGA to ensure that their golfers are still skilled in course management and factoring in course elements, such as wind, elevation changes, etc.
Does the PGA Championship allow rangefinders?
Yes. The PGA Championship began allowing rangefinders in 2021, but with similar restrictions–only for distance measuring and not for slope adjustments. The PGA argued that this change would help speed up play for one of the world’s most notoriously slow tournaments, but many golfers (if you ask them) would still prefer yardage books and caddie input for their critical shots.
