Best Golf Rangefinders for 2023

Author:
Paul Liberatore
Publish date:
Nov 3, 2023

Paul Liberatore is the founder of Golfers Authority, which reviews the world's best golf products and gear.

If there’s a sport that’s constantly changing due to rapid improvements in technology, it’s golf. That’s the case for everything from the clubs and balls you play with, to how you learn and improve.

Another area is how you go about measuring distances. After all, if you’re going to play your best, it’s essential you know precisely how far you have to the target. And that’s where rangefinders come in.

I remember my first rangefinder: it was the Bushnell 1500 and it resembled something like the Starship Enterprise from Star Trek. That was in the early 2000s and like everything else, rangefinders have evolved since then.

In fact, there are so many different options that making the right choice for your game can seem overwhelming. If you’re looking for a new rangefinder but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in luck. I’ve spent the better part of 2023 testing all the new rangefinders and thinking about all the things golfers should consider when deciding on the best one for them.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

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What You Should Look for in a Rangefinder

Like any piece of golf equipment you buy, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into before you pull the trigger. A rangefinder’s most important function is accuracy. Believe it or not, there are rangefinders out there that are a lot more accurate than others. That’s why I’m a huge proponent of doing some of your own research before making a buying decision. Spend some time reading user reviews on the Internet, ask your friends what they think of a particular rangefinder, and of course, try it out for yourself if you can.

Unless you have an unlimited budget, price is going to play a significant role in determining what rangefinder best suits you. Prices can vary from just a few dollars all the way up to hundreds. So, be mindful of how much money you can afford to spend and make your decision accordingly.

Performance is another key factor to consider when you’re buying a new rangefinder. Just like accuracy, there are some rangefinders that function a lot more consistently than others. Here again, I recommend doing some of your own research to find out what other golfers’ experiences have been with a particular rangefinder. Are they having to constantly send them back to the manufacturer because of malfunctions or defects? Or are there very few performance issues that seem to come up?

Next, you’ll want to consider the features the rangefinder you’re thinking about buying has to offer. If you’re a casual golfer who doesn’t want anything more than basic distances to a target, there are plenty of affordable options that will reliably give you the bare minimum. However, there are also many rangefinders that come with advanced features like “Plays Like” yardages that account for uphill and downhill slopes, built-in GPS features, the ability to track your stats, and much more. These rangefinders tend to be more expensive, but offer a lot more than the most basic, less expensive options.

As you comb through our list of the best rangefinders below, keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Best Overall Golf Rangefinder: - Bushnell Pro X3 Laser Rangefinder

Out of all the rangefinders I tested, the Bushnell Pro X3 laser rangefinder performed the best and had the most to offer. Its predecessor, the Pro XE was great, but the Pro X3 has some additional features that set it apart.

The Bushnell Pro X3 is by the best golf rangefinder with slope. With the ability to get slope yardages that also take into account the elements of altitude and temperature, it is simply amazing. That’s right, you can manually enter the elevation and temperature you’re playing at on a particular day. This feature alone allows you to really hone in on precise yardages and pick the right club more consistently.

Other notable features of the Pro X3 include dual red and black display, and the ability to pair the rangefinder with the Bushnell Golf app for additional functions like 3D hole flyovers and wireless course updates.

If budget isn’t a huge deal for you, there’s no better rangefinder in 2023 than the Bushnell Pro X3.

Most Advanced Rangefinder: - Shot Scope Pro LX+ Laser Rangefinder

This rangefinder combines not only yardage accurate down to a single yard through the scope, but it also has a built-in GPS. Not only can you shoot yardages to the target, you can also reference the GPS for front, middle, and back of green yardages, and measurements to hazards and landing areas. This device is like having a digital yardage book on every hole.

The GPS comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses, so you’ll never have to worry about downloading a course before your round.

But that’s not all. The Pro LX+ also comes with 16 tracking tags that you attach to the end of your club. These allow you to track more than 100 key clubhead and ball flight metrics that you can access via the free golf app on your smart device.

In short, there isn’t much that the Shot Scope Pro LX+ can’t do, and that’s why it’s the clearcut choice as this year’s most high-tech rangefinder.

Best Rangefinder Under $300: - Precision Pro NX10 Slope Rangefinder

Not only is the Precision Pro NX10 one of the most affordable rangefinders out there in 2023, it’s also the most customizable.

It’s the only rangefinder on the market that allows you to replace the skin whenever you feel like it. This feature is a big selling point for golfers that like to look the part and stand out from the crowd.

But it’s not all looks with the Precision Pro NX10. It’s just as functional as the other rangefinders on our list too.

Target acquisition technology lets you know when you’ve locked in on the flag, eliminating the need to guess if you’re actually hitting your intended target.

It also has a slope feature that can be turned off during tournament play.

Best Rangefinder Under $200: - Blue Tees S3 Max Rangefinder

Blue Tees hasn’t been around as long as companies like Bushnell, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves as a company that produces top-notch rangefinders that are more affordable than some of the other premium brands.

New for 2023 is their S3 Max rangefinder. This rangefinder has a lot going for it both in terms of functionality and modernity.

Unlike other rangefinders whose displays can be difficult to read in poor light, the Blue Tees S3 Max’s auto ambient display feature automatically adjusts the color of the display to provide unmatched contrast and clarity in any lighting condition.

Advanced flag lock and pulse vibration gives you double confirmation when you’ve locked in on the flag.

While this rangefinder isn’t quite as advanced as the Bushnell Pro X3, it has all the features and functions you need, is reliable, and priced at a point most golfers can afford.

Best Rangefinder for the Price: - Bushnell Tour V6 SHIFT Rangefinder

Aside from accuracy, the quality of the optics is what I consider most when evaluating a rangefinder. And nothing impressed me more in this regard for 2023 than the Bushnell Tour V6 SHIFT Rangefinder.

With new and improved optics and electronics, the Tour V6 Shift is the longest ranging, most accurate rangefinder Bushnell has ever produced.

The slope technology in this rangefinder is so good, it’s trusted by 99% of PGA Tour Pros.

Compared to previous models, the Tour V6 SHIFT shows noticeable improvements in the Pinseeker visual jolt feature, a stronger magnetic mount, and hardier IPX6 weather resistant construction.

For a rangefinder that’s incredibly accurate, trusted by the game’s best players, and exceptionally reliable, don’t overlook the Bushnell Tour V6 SHIFT rangefinder.

Most Accurate Rangefinder: - Nikon Coolshot Pro ll Stabilized Rangefinder

While the majority of the rangefinders on this list were fairly accurate, the Nikon Coolshot Proll Stabilized rangefinder was in a league of its. Over the course of three rounds, it was never off by more than half a yard. This was due in large part to how incredibly stable it was no matter if the wind was blowing, or if my hands were a little shaky.

On top of that, the display is crystal clear. We can thank Nikon’s HYPER Read technology, industry-leading OLED display, and 6x power monocular for that.

While Nikon might be best known for producing some of the finest cameras in the world, it should come as little surprise that the Coolshot Proll Stabilized rangefinder sits at the top of our list as the most accurate in 2023.

Most Popular Rangefinder: - Callaway 200s Laser Rangefinder

Not all golfers are looking for the latest and greatest when it comes to tech and features in rangefinders. In fact, a lot prefer something that’s easy to use, reliable, and gives them the basic information they need.

If this sounds like, the Callaway 200s rangefinder is your best bet for 2023.

This rangefinder gives you both gross and adjusted yardages, the latter of which accounts for uphill and downhill slopes.

Pin acquisition technology engages up to 275 yards, and the 200s has a total range of up to 800 yards.

I also like its lightweight, compact size. It weighs just 3.9 ounces and measures 3.74” by 2.8” by 1.57”.

Simple, easy to use, yet tremendously reliable, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Callaway 200s laser rangefinder.

Best Smart Rangefinder: - Voice Caddie SL3 Hybrid Rangefinder

Much like the Shot Scope Pro LX, the Voice Caddie SL3 is a rangefinder and GPS all in one.

The laser rangefinder acts just like any other and gives you both gross and slope yardage with a high degree of precision.

Where this rangefinder really stands out, however, is with the features that come with the GPS. To start, the touchscreen gives you a bird’s eye view of every hole and the ability to use your finger to pinpoint yardages to strategic points of interest.

Additionally, you can activate the green view feature to see each green’s undulations, use your finger to pinpoint the hole location, and even activate putt with distance and elevation measurements.

The smart green view even gives you colored topographic green maps so you can tell where the high and low points are.

I’ve never seen anything quite like the Voice Caddie SL3 rangefinder. It’s perfect for golfers that want to take into account every single piece of information and are comfortable using technology.

Best Rangefinder Under $150: - Shot Scope Pro L2 Rangefinder

Our second-best budget rangefinder is the Shot Scope Pro L2.

This rangefinder comes with 6x magnification so you can acquire your target quickly and see it clearly. It also has a range of up to 700 yards and it’s proven to be accurate to within a yard in the testing I’ve done.

Additional features include target-lock vibration, adaptive slope technology, a sturdy cart magnet, and protective carrying case.

Again, the Shot Scope Pro L2 isn’t the most high-tech rangefinder out there, but it more than serves its purpose.

Best Rangefinder Under $100: - Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder

There’s no doubt about it, golf isn’t cheap. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be played on a budget.

For golfers who want the benefits of a rangefinder while spending as little as possible, the Gogogo Sport Vpro rangefinder is worth considering.

This rangefinder has all the barebones functions including slope distance technology, flag locking vibration, a range of up to 650 yards, and fully coated optics that help optimize light conditions.

Even though this rangefinder is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the best golf rangefinders for the money who want something they can rely on.

Editor’s Choice: - Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder with GPS

Just like Bushnell, Garmin is a name that’s been in the rangefinder game for a long time. For years, they’ve produced rangefinders that golfers can trust and rely on.

Their latest release is the Garmin Approach Z82 rangefinder with GPS.

While there isn’t necessarily one feature that makes this rangefinder stand out above all the others on this list, it's all-around function and performance are tough to top.

I’m really impressed with how accurate this rangefinder is. We’re talking to within 10” of the flag.

The image stabilization feature is also a big help, especially on windy days or if my hands are a little shaky.

The GPS feature is worth noting too. It gives you a vibrant 2D display and access to more than 41,000 preloaded courses. It also offers a hazard view and laser arc feature that allows you to get yardages to any given point on a hole.

For all-around performance and reliability, the Garmin Approach Z82 gets my vote as an Editor’s Choice in 2023.

Best Handheld Golf GPS: - Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS

It comes as no surprise that Bushnell occupies multiple spots on our list.

For golfers that prefer the compact design and functionality of a GPS, the Bushnell Phantom 2 tops the lot in 2023.

It comes with more than 38,000 preloaded courses so there’s no hassle of having to constantly download new ones.

The Phantom 2 gives you yardages to the front, middle, and back of every green, and even allows you to pinpoint the hole location with your finger for even more accurate yardages. You also get up to six yardages to hazards on every hole.

Extras include 18 hours of battery life, a magnetic cart mount and belt clip, and free access to the Bushnell Golf app, the Bushnell Phantom 2 is one of the best golf GPS of the year.

Best Golf GPS Watch: - Garmin Approach S70 GPS Watch

Preloaded with more than 43,000 courses, you’ll have access to course mapping and yardages no matter where you play.

The virtual caddie feature is really cool. It takes into account wind direction and velocity, elevation, and your swing metrics to give you club recommendations.

Green contour mode shows you undulations on every green so you can properly plan your approach shots and make more putts.

The Garmin Approach S70 is more than just a golf GPS, however. It provides you with 24/7 health monitoring and activity data. It even comes with preloaded profiles for strength, HIIT, yoga, and running.

Just like rangefinders, GPS golf watches have come a long way thanks to technology. There’s no better example of that in 2023 than the Garmin Approach S70 GPS watch

Stylish, high-tech, and built by a brand you can trust, the Garmin Approach S70 is the clear-cut favorite as the best golf GPS watch this year.

Final Thoughts on the Best Golf Rangefinders for 2023

There’s no shortage of choices for best golf rangefinders in 2023. The hard part is figuring out which one best suits your game and budget.

As you can see, there are multiple options at nearly every price point. As you make your decision, be sure to keep in mind your budget, the features you think are most valuable, and be sure to do some of your own research before you buy.

When you ultimately find the right rangefinder, you’ll surely be having more fun and shooting lower scores out on the course.