SkyTrak Launch Monitor and Flightscope Mevo are some of the best budget golf simulators due to their accuracy and versatility. SkyTrak’s advanced technology offers precise shot data, while Flightscope Mevo’s portability suits indoor and outdoor use. You can opt for options like OptiShot 2 (the Golf in a Box series) if you’re a casual player and need a complete simulator experience.
Affordability often stands between many golfers and their desire to have a personal golf simulator setup. Some players wish to enjoy a virtual golf experience but do not want to spend more than a thousand dollars.
If this is you, then this is the article for you. I have tested and conducted in-depth research into some of the most recommended simulators by golf coaches. I noticed that many of these budget-friendly options offer fewer features than the high-end units, but I’ve streamlined by ranking only the ones that provide an excellent experience for the cost.
Based on my testing, research, and experience, here are my top selections for affordable golf simulators:
| Golf Simulators | Why I Recommend | Price* | Buy This Golf Simulator |
| SkyTrak Launch Monitor | Best Overall – great value for an affordable price | $1,995 | Buy Now |
| Flightscope Mevo | Easy to setup and use for the average golfer (portable!) | $499 | Buy Now |
| TruGolf Mini Golf Simulator | Accurate swing data and superbly ideal for small spaces. Not so fantastic for drivers since there is no actual ball striking. | $249 | Buy Now |
| OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator (Golf In A Box) | Best for family and casual players. Not so great for training. | $1,000 | Buy Now |
| Garmin Approach R10 | It can be used as a launch monitor or golf simulator | $599 | Buy Now |
| SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator | Great for improving your swing path. Accurate data for its price | $235 | Buy Now |
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SkyTrak Launch Monitor |
| $1,995 |
 | Flightscope Mevo |
| $449 |
 | TruGolf Mini Golf Simulator |
| $249 |
 | OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator (Golf In A Box) |
| $1,000 |
 | Garmin Approach R10 |
| $660 |
 | SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator |
| $235 |
*at the time of publishing.
In the rest of this article, I will walk you through detailed information on these golf simulators and the value they offer for their price. However, before we dive in, I have to tell you that there are some essential features you won’t find in these budget-friendly options.
What You Will Miss Out On By Going For Budget-Friendly Simulators
Using a Golf simulator is primarily to sharpen our game and get better at our swing. All golf simulators are manufactured with this value in mind, but you need to understand that cheap golf simulators offer limited experience.
- These affordable options can provide you with some shot and club data, access to simulation software, and maybe a net or mat, but not much more.
- If you’re particular about spending only a few hundred dollars on golf simulators, then it’s impossible to have complete enclosures, projectors, and impact screens.
- Sometimes, you must settle for a launch monitor and hook it up with a projector.
In this guide, I’ve tried to include golf simulators at a range of prices under the $1000 mark and a little higher. But nothing as expensive as the $7,000 to $20,000 options.
While picking these affordable options, I prioritized affordability, accuracy, versatility, and ease of use. Each option is guaranteed to improve your game and provide entertainment value.
1. SkyTrak Launch Monitor
SkyTrak Launch Monitor
$1995
- SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor and Golf Simulator offers an innovative and portable system for accurate golf training and improvement.
- Provides immediate shot launch data and 3D ball flight visual feedback through high-speed photography, including key metrics like ball speed, launch angle, and spin rates.
- Integrates seamlessly with top Golf Course Simulation Partners such as the World Golf Tour, TruGolf E6, and The Golf Club Game, allowing virtual play on renowned courses (Additional fees apply).
- The compact unit connects wirelessly to compatible devices, making it ideal for indoor training or practice away from the course. It includes a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 4 hours of continuous use.
- Purchase includes a 30-day trial of the SkyTrak Game Improvement Software Package, offering enhanced practice options and engaging play for game improvement.
If you want a low-cost virtual experience for your swings, I recommend the SkyTrak Launch Monitor. For less than $2,000, you get an accurate reading of your ball speed, distance (carry and total), launch angle, club speed, spin rates, and more.
It’s a fantastic option, particularly if you’re an avid golfer more interested in your game improvement than entertainment. You can connect the high-quality launch monitor wirelessly to any compatible mobile device and instantly receive data and 3D visualization of the ball flight.
It works with the World Golf Tour, TruGolf E6, and The Golf Club Game software. I also like that the battery lasts up to 4 hours of continuous use. It’s also rechargeable.
It is compact and works well for smaller spaces. For a whole simulation experience, you can pair it with accessories like a net, mat, and projector if you already have them.
What I like about this device
- Real-time shot launch data
- It comes with a 30-day trial of game improvement software
- You can pair it with accessories like a mat, net, and projector for a complete simulator experience
What I don’t like about this device
- Works better indoors than outdoors
- You need a subscription to access all features.
2. Flightscope Mevo
Flightscope Mevo
$449
- Mevo is a lightweight and portable launch monitor with advanced 3D Doppler radar technology.
- Use Mevo for improvement on the range, course, and at home, offering video and data feedback for every shot.
- Provides 8 comprehensive data parameters for full-swing performance analysis, including direct spin measurements.
- Engage in Mevo Skills Challenges, featuring PGA and LPGA Challenges, Long Drive Competitions, and Range Competitions.
The setup for Flightscope Mevo is so straightforward. I’m recommending it for new golfers experiencing virtual golf play for the first time.
Although it doesn’t include lateral data like the Mevo+ Portable Golf Launch Monitor and doesn’t have up to 17 practice ranges, it’s a decent option that works just fine.
You only have to pull out the stand, power on the monitor, connect it to the Mevo app, and then start stroking. Flightscope recommends placing the device 6 feet behind the area where you take the shots for optimal performance.
The device allows you to control the length of your video clips by setting pre- and post-trigger durations.
Flightscope Mevo is another affordable SIM option if you’re on a budget. It has eight data parameters and is portable enough to make it easy to practice anywhere.
What I like about this device
- Impressive appearance
- Works with the FS Golf app tracking
- You can record slow-motion videos
- Extremely easy to use. Ideal for first-time sim users.
What I don’t like about this device
- It only works with a compatible phone for stats display and video recording.
3. TruGolf Mini Golf Simulator
TruGolf Mini Golf Simulator
$249
- Receive a clear and color-coded swing analysis after each swing for easy performance understanding.
- Designed exclusively for Apple iPhone & iPad (iOS 11.2 or later) for seamless compatibility.
- Access 5 golf courses to simulate real-world play and enhance your golfing experience.
- Benefit from 17 practice ranges and 3 challenging difficulty settings to tailor your training.
- includes the TruGolf Mini Sensor, Impact Trainer, and Charging Cable for a comprehensive practice and analysis setup.
Unlike other options, the TruGolf Mini simulates play with a shortened swing stick with an attached sensor. To my surprise, this unit was super accurate for the provided data. There isn’t much of a gap between its performance and that of severe golf simulators and launch monitors.
However, there are limitations in analyzing ball metrics since there’s no actual ball striking with these options.
Also, I don’t recommend pairing this with hitting a driver because generating as much speed through the swing is difficult.
The TrueGolf pairs with the E6 Connect software, which delivers high-quality graphics. Hook this device up with your projector, or watch your performance from your Tablet or phone.
What I like about this sim
- It’s easy and quick to set up, incredibly mobile
- Audible simulated impact sound
- High-quality E6 graphics
What I don’t like about this Sims
- No actual ball striking for spin accessibility
- Essential E6 subscription that is limited to 5 golf courses
- The club is just 12 ft long
4. OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator: Golf In A Box Series
OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator: Golf In A Box Series
Sub Title
- Get everything you need with the OptiShot2 simulator, software, USB cable, adjustable rubber tees, practice golf balls, a golf mat, a net return simulator screen, and a short-throw HD projector.
- The infrared sensor tracks club speed, carry distance, face angle, path, face contact, and tempo for accurate feedback on 15 premium real-world golf courses.
- Enjoy indoor golf simulation with online/offline gameplay on a 7’6”x 8’x 3’6” net return simulator screen for immersive visuals.
- Compatible with Windows 8, 10, or 11, featuring 3 GB of HDD storage, 4 GB of RAM, and a USB 2.0 Port. Not compatible with MacOS.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty on the OptiShot2 Simulator (base, electronics, housing), and a 30-day warranty on accessories like golf mat, net, USB cable, tees, foam balls, and turf.
I love the OptiShot 2 because it comes with every accessory you need for a complete simulation experience, making it an excellent value for the price. However, it doesn’t deliver accurate data, so I recommend it for casual players, family, or any purpose outside of serious training.
OptiShot 2 has been a top-selling low-cost golf simulator system for a long time. It comes with an 8.5-foot-tall net and hitting mat for a more fairway feel. It’s also easy to set up; you only need to unpack the hitting mat and the net, install the software, and start striking.
For optimal performance, your ceiling distance has to be at least 9 feet.
What I like about this device
- It comes with everything you need for a complete simulator experience
- It is ideal for casual players and entertainment purposes with family.
- Impressively affordable for its value
What I don’t like about this device
- It doesn’t always provide reliable data.
5. Garmin Approach R10
Garmin Approach R10
$600
- Smart Control: Seamlessly operate the device using both intuitive app controls and voice commands for a hassle-free experience.
- Unwavering Precision: Experience unparalleled accuracy with club head speed precision within plus/- 3 mph, ball speed accuracy within plus/- 1 mph, launch angle accuracy within plus/- 1 degree, and launch direction accuracy within plus/minus 1 degree.
- Progressive Training: Engage training mode to closely monitor club-specific statistics and view shot dispersion graphs, aiding you in identifying areas for improvement.
- Visual Swing Analysis: Capture your swings in auto-recorded video clips enriched with integrated metrics when linked with the Garmin Golf app.
- Extended Battery Life: Stay on top of your game with an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, ensuring ample practice time without interruptions.
Instead of splurging multiple thousand dollars on a Skytrack Full Enclosure high-end simulator, you only need the Garmin app and an impact screen.
It is one of the most accurate simulators for the meager cost I’ve experienced in my testing. The best part is that it can function as a launch monitor or a simulator to provide a broad range of data, such as ball speed, club head speed, launch angle, launch direction, and more.
It has a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means you can also use it outdoors. You also have access to 42,000 virtual courses if you subscribe to the app’s premium version.
What I like about this device
- Works with E6 CONNECT Software like TruGolf
- It comes with a tripod stand, phone mount, and carry case with a charger
- Tracks up to 14 metrics
What I don’t like about this device
- It is more accurate outdoors.
6. SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator
SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator
$235
- Complete 4K Home Golf Solution:
- Year-Round Golf Enjoyment
- Accessible to All Ages and Abilities
- Compatibility with Real Golf Clubs
- Instantaneous Responsiveness
The SLX MicroSim on this SwingLogic is impressively accurate compared to most other options in its price range. I also like the ultra-realistic (4K) graphics, which are entertaining.
Like the TruGolf Mini, you don’t work with a club or golf ball using the SwingLogic SLC MicroSim.
It comes with a stick that picks up your swing path, face position, ball speed, and more. If you’re struggling with an over-the-top golf swing, this golf simulator can help you correct your path.
It’s an amazingly affordable option and will work just fine.
What I like about this device
- Ideal for training and improving swing path, speed, and more.
- Works anywhere, highly mobile
What I don’t like about this device
- No actual ball striking, so you sacrifice that feel.
Final Verdict
It’s not always easy to find an absolute Golf simulator that fills in the space for all your desires at a low cost. However, for basic shot tracking, reliable data, and high performance, there are a few models you can rely on.
If you’re looking for a more accurate performance analysis and are not playing courses, I recommend you stick with a launch monitor and pair it with accessories like a projector, net, and mat for indoor use. The Skytrack Launch Monitor is an excellent choice.
However, casual players prefer the simplicity and relatively low price range of options like TruGolf Mini and Optishot 2. Many golfers report that they eventually dump Optishot as it is considered a toy. So I won’t recommend it for training purposes.
My two top recommendations for budget-conscious golfers looking for golf simulators remain the Skytrak launch monitor and Flightscope Mevo+.
