Best Golf GPS Devices Reviewed

The main advantage of using a golf GPS tracking device is that it can improve your golf skills. Saying that it can take your game to the next level is an understatement.

A lot of golfers don’t realize that having a bird’s eye view of the course allows for more strategic gameplay. Playing for position is much more important than playing for distance, and a GPS can help with this.

Here are some of the more specific advantages to investing in a golf GPS tracking device:

The GolfBuddy Voice is our top pick for best-rated golf GPS. The main reason for its #1 ranking is the powerful audio technology. Players receive simple audio distance measuring updates for each hole. This means you won’t even need to take the device out of your pocket to gather intel while navigating the course. There are 8 preloaded language options to choose from.

In addition to audio capabilities, GolfBuddy Voice offers a dynamic green view for seeing the back, front, and center of the green. This lets players gauge the shape of the green and any hazards along the way. When you come to the course with the device fully charged, you’ll get 9 hours of battery life. You’ll be able to get 2 or even 3 rounds of golf in before having to recharge.

The visual display screen comes with a full set of enhanced features. For greater versatility, golfers have the option to purchase an array of GolfBuddy accessories, like the watch wristband or belt clip. Upon purchase, players get the change to enjoy access to over 38,000 preloaded courses around the world. If a new course opens near you, it’s possible to automatically update your GolfBuddy for free.

As the #1 trusted voice GPS for golfing, this talking GPS device will serve as your new best friend on the course. The main downside for golfers is that the device doesn’t offer tons of extra features. This is to be expected on a device so small, though. If you're looking for a simple, easy to use, and affordable device to improve your game, the GolfBuddy Voice is our top pick.

The Approach Z80 Garmin Handheld Rangefinder isn’t the most affordable option for golfers looking to boost their game, but it’s a pretty amazing tool nonetheless. This rangefinder provides the most accurate laser distance measurements, measuring up to 350 yards within 10 inches of the flag. Most GPS rangefinders claim to measure within 1 yard of the flag. If you’re looking for the most detailed and accurate measurements, the Approach Z80 can give them to you.

Looking into the device gives players a whole new perspective on over 41,000 worldwide courses. The Approach Z80 gives you a full-colored view of the course plus a Green View 2D overlay for the specific hole you’re playing. It provides distance measurements to the front and back of the green, but the real magic happens once a player activates the rangefinding laser.

As soon as the laser is activated, you’ll receive measurements to the flag within 10 inches. Not only that, but you’ll receive highly accurate distances to hazards at the same time. Since there’s no need to range the distance to the flag and hazards in separate device features, this speeds up gameplay. Instead of fiddling around with your device, you can access the information quickly and get back to the game.

The rangefinder even helps players to navigate through uphill and downhill slopes. If you struggle with this feature, the Garmin support team can walk you through the process. Aside from the high price tag, there is really nothing else to complain about when it comes to the Approach Z80. Some players don’t love the bulky design and much prefer a slim watch GPS device, but that’s all about personal preference. 

Anyone looking for a complete solution to improving golf skills should consider this Bushnell Hybrid device. This has been called the best Bushnell handheld rangefinder by golfers all over the world. This is mainly thanks to the fully integrated display featuring both laser and GPS yardages. The device uses 1 CR2 3-volt lithium battery; you don’t have to worry about running out of battery on the course with the extra battery included.

Like most rangefinders, the Bushnell Hybrid claims to provide accuracy up to 1 yard. The Garmin mentioned above is accurate up to 10 inches, but the much higher price tag of the Garmin is a turn off for some players. The Bushnell is the more affordable solution, but you’ll just have to accept that it might not be as accurate. That said, up to 1-yard accuracy is still extremely impressive.

By purchasing the Bushnell Hybrid Bundle, you'll receive everything you could possibly want for improved gameplay. This includes the device itself, a carrying case, a carabiner, a wearable lens cloth, a golf brush, and 2 CR2 batteries. If there’s something else you need, you’ll find it at the Bushnell parts and accessories store.

Bushnell uses an advanced PinSeeker with Jolt Technology, which provides the user with short vibrating pulses to confirm that the laser has locked onto the flag. Once locked on, receive exact distance measurements within 1 yard. After purchasing the Bushnell rangefinder, you can use the Bushnell Golf App for even more cool features, like hole layouts with distance, 3D flyovers, and wireless course updates.

One of the most budget-friendly options on the market is the Bushnell Phantom. The Phantom is similar in size and features to the GolfBuddy device reviewed above, with amazing versatility. The device comes with a Bite Magnetic Mount, which means it can be mounted onto a golf cart for easy viewing. During gameplay, simply remove the device from the cart and clip it onto your belt.

The Phantom Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless course updates, so you never have to worry about not having access to relevant course information. Although the display screen is small, the large digits make it easy to read front, center, and back distances as well as hazard distances. You’ll quickly figure out how to use the device interface but refer to the Phantom user manual for any questions.

Included with purchase is the Bushnell Golf App so that you can connect the device to your smartphone for even more cool features. By downloading the app and pairing it with the device, you'll receive advanced 3D flyovers of the course and aerial reviews of course layouts with distance measurements. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

One negative relating to the Phantom is that the device does not indicate battery life. When the battery dies, players don't receive any notice. The perk, however, is that the battery is meant to last for 2 full rounds of golf. If you come to the course with the device fully charged, you should have no problem. For the amazing price, this basic and easy-to-use golf GPS gets the job done.

Yet another Garmin to make the list of the best golf GPS devices reviewed, the Approach X40 is perfect for tracking activity. As the best activity tracker GPS golf watch on the market, a player can track every aspect of gameplay, all from this comfortable-to-wear wristwatch device. It works as a high-sensitivity GPS by quickly acquiring satellite signals to show distance measurements and hazards.

This golf and fitness tracker comes together in 1 sleek band. After measuring the distance to the flag, a player can monitor heart rate and track the overall activity. The Garmin activity tracking technology reminds players to stay active, both on and off the course. The real perk of investing in a combination activity tracker/GPS golf watch is that you can keep it on all the time. It’s just like wearing a Fitbit or Apple Watch.

When off the course and the device remains in activity mode, the battery is expected to last up to 5 days. Once the GPS is activated, you can expect 10 full hours of battery. The main downside is the small display, which is just 1 x .42 inches. However, the displayed numbers are large enough to see simply by looking down at your wrist.

Some players love that this watch vibrates for incoming calls, texts, and other alerts, while others don’t love this feature. They find it distraction while on the course, but this can easily be avoided by switching off the device’s smart notifications. The Approach X40 manual gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do this. 

With so many wristwatch golfing devices to choose from, deciding on the best golf GPS watch for you can be challenging… until you come across the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. The Fenix 5 is a multisport GPS watch, equipped with everything from wrist heart rate technology to detailed colored golf course maps. The watch can be used for traditional navigation on roads or navigating through a round of golf.

The rugged design of the Fenix 5 Plus features stainless steel, titanium, and diamond-like carbon, which basically makes this device one of the most durable on the market. It does so much more than just improve a golfer’s game. In addition to providing accurate distance measurements to the flag and hazards, the Fenix can sync with music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora. It even allows a user to make convenient payments, right from the watch.

To be completely honest, if you're just looking for a GPS device to enhance your golf game, paying the high cost of the Fenix 5 Plus isn't necessary. But if you're searching for an all-in-one tool for staying connected, this is a fantastic choice. The sleek design comes in multiple color options, and it looks good no matter where you choose to wear it.

From this list of reviewed golf GPS devices, it’s obvious that Bushnell is a leading name in the industry. Millions of golfers have been using Bushnell devices for years, and many of them will continue to use Bushnell products for the rest of their lives. Whether you’re one of them or you’re new to the brand, you’ll love the Bushnell Neo Ion. This is the best Bushnell golf GPS watch, and not just for its sporty design.

The sleek and comfortable design features a reversible band and comes in several colors, including white/blue, charcoal/orange, and black/green. It comes with a silicone sports band, keeping it comfortable even after a full day on the course. The device itself features auto course recognition and auto hole advance. The screen displays easy-to-read front, back, and center distances with information on up to 4 hazards per hole.

Some golfers don't love that this device doesn't include slope adjustments, but others actually prefer it this way. To legally use a device during a golf tourney, measuring slope is not allowed. If you plan on using this for a tournament, you’re in the clear according to the rules of the United States Golf Association.

Any avid golfers who are shopping around for Garmin devices should consider the Garmin S60 device. This is, without a doubt, the best Garmin golf GPS watch, and it has a lot to do with the fact that it was designed for both on and off the golf course. You can go from home to the golf club and back again with the device securely strapped to your wrist.

This device was designed to provide helpful information during gameplay while also looking stylish off the course. The coolest feature of the Garmin S60 is the touchscreen display. Players can navigate through features like slope adjustments, Auto-Shot tracking, PinPointer, Swing Analysis, Touch Targeting, and more by merely touching the screen.

The screen was not only design for touch capability, but also for protecting a player's eyes from the sun. The sunlight-readable display is easy to read, even on the sunniest days. Players can clearly see precise yardages to greens, hazards, and doglegs along the way, and detailed full-colored maps of each hole. The device comes with over 41,000 preloaded courses and instantly updates when new course information becomes available.

Many golfers claim that this device actually did help to improve their game. Part of the reason for this is the post-game analysis offered by the Garmin Connect mobile app. Another reason is that this device comes with more sensors to improve detection accuracy. So if you’re hoping to improve your game with the best Garmin golf GPS watch, the S60 can help you to achieve that goal.

Nasa offers clear insight into how GPS devices work:

The Hole19 Golf GPS & Scoring app is available on both iOS devices and Android devices. It provides players with accurate GPS distances, digital scorecards, status tracking tools, and over 42,000 courses to choose from. It’s as accurate as using a dedicated caddie. The best part of all? You get all this and more, completely free of charge.

For any golfers in need of an iPhone golf GPS tool, Golfshot Plus: Golf GPS + AR is a top pick. The app uses augmented reality to experience the course in a brand new way. A player can visualize and plan the round with 3D previews of the entire course. It even utilizes Siri to activate the Voice Caddie feature, which provides info on each hole and real-time distances.

If you don’t have an iPhone, downloading the Golfshot Plus app isn’t an option. The alternative is to download the Golf GPS Rangefinder: Golf Pad for Android devices. This free golf GPS tool functions as a rangefinder, scorecard, and shot tracker. The coolest feature is the satellite viewing with an aerial flyover. This offers amazing views of the course you’re playing - there are over 40,000 courses to choose from.

One of the most-loved features of a golf GPS watch is its ease of use. To start using the device, simply follow the manufacturer's setup instructions. Once the device is charged, and the setup is complete, you can use this video tutorial as a guide before starting a round of golf. 

Because a golf GPS rangefinder is larger in size, it often comes with more features than you would typically find in a GPS watch. Each rangefinder model is different from the next, so reading the device’s User Manual is more even more crucial if you opt for a handheld device. This getting started with the Garmin rangefinder can help to clear up any confusion.