Golf Launch Monitors in 2026: What Actually Matters When Choosing One
The personal launch monitor market has exploded over the last few years. You can now get radar-based units for under $200 and camera-based systems that rival what Tour pros use for under $3,000. But with so many options, choosing the right one comes down to three things: what data you actually need, whether you want simulator compatibility, and how much you're willing to pay in ongoing subscription fees.
The two main technologies are radar and camera (photometric). Radar units like the Garmin R10 measure ball and club movement using Doppler radar — they're portable, affordable, and work great outdoors. Camera-based systems like the SkyTrak+ capture high-speed images at impact for more precise spin and launch data, but they need consistent lighting and are typically more expensive. There's a detailed breakdown of the differences at https://golflaunchlab.com/guides/radar-vs-camera-launch-monitor that covers accuracy, indoor vs outdoor use, and which technology suits different budgets.
One thing most people overlook is subscription costs. Some monitors look affordable upfront but charge $100-200 per year for full features or simulator access. The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is $699 but needs a $199/year subscription for simulator mode. The SkyTrak+ is $2,995 and still charges $99-199/year. Meanwhile the Square Golf Omni is $499 with zero subscription fees ever. Over three years, the "cheap" option can end up costing more than the "expensive" one. There's a full cost comparison at https://golflaunchlab.com/guides/launch-monitor-subscription-costs that breaks down every monitor's true cost of ownership.
If you're just starting out and want to track your swing speed without spending a fortune, there are really only two options under $200 — the PRGR HS-130A and the Shot Scope LM1. Both measure swing speed only, but that single number is enough to match yourself to the right shaft flex, the right golf ball compression, and track your progress with speed training. For the full picture on what's available at every price point, GolfLaunchLab has a comprehensive ranking of all 17 launch monitors they've tested at https://golflaunchlab.com — it's the most detailed independent comparison I've found.