This is our review of the best golf rangefinders you can buy in 2021.
Rangefinders can give you information that is crucial to planning your shots! Knowing the distance to the front of the green or back of the bunker is important when choosing the club for your next swing.
I have spent hours reviewing the best golf rangefinders to help you find the right one for your game!
I found that the Bushnell Pro XE is the best rangefinder of 2021. But every player is different, so we have included various options in our review of the best golf rangefinders.
Let’s get started.
Best Golf Rangefinder- Overall
Bushnell did it again; the Pro XE wins the spot as the best rangefinder for 2021!
This is the total package! Easy to use, rich features, and the built quality is just superb. I love taking it out every time I play!
Best Golf Rangefinder – Our Budget Pick
Our budget pick! It’s hard to find a better rangefinder than the Gogogo for the money.
If you’re just getting into golf or don’t have the budget for any of our other choices, this rangefinder will do the job and has received great customer reviews!
Best Golf Rangefinder – Our Premium Pick
Yes, Nikon also makes golf rangefinders now! This premium option makes a great fit for golfers with shaky hands.
The image stabilizing technology is phenomenal and is fun to use!
What To Look For In A Golf Rangefinder
Before you buy a rangefinder, it’s important to understand what to look for. This will differ depending on your needs and personal circumstances. Here what to look out for when buying any laser rangefinders in 2021.
Accuracy
Naturally, your rangefinder must be accurate. Telling you the exact yardage to a target is the reason we buy one in the first place. Luckily, most modern rangefinders are pretty accurate.
Ease of use
A good laser rangefinder will be easy to use. If it takes you too long to figure out yardage, you not only waste time on the course but also lose focus.
Range
Realistically, you don’t need a huge range to plan your shot on the course. While many brands claim accuracy up to 1000+ yards, there is very little use for that.
More important is the magnification the models offer. Having a clear look at the target will help your decision-making on the golf course.
A good magnification is between 5x-7x.
Magnification
As mentioned, magnification is more important than range. Higher magnification makes targets that are far away easier to see. The best golf rangefinders combine magnification with stabilization technology.
Battery life
Nobody likes to have more gadgets that we need to keep an eye on. Luckily, golf range finder battery life is usually between 6-12 months. So nothing to worry about. Rangefinders with GPS are an exception to that rule.
Price
This is something you’ll have you decide yourself. Prices range broadly. None of the rangefinders we’ve reviewed do a terrible job finding the yardage, but premium models will offer you features that can give you a competitive advantage on the course. We have included budget options in our review of the best golf range finders.
Features
Most golf rangefinders come with similar features. Here what to look out for:
- Account for Slope
- Water Proof
- Display technology
- Magnification
- Finding Flagstick
- Yard / Meters units
Decide which features are most important for you and select a model that fits your needs.
Best Golf Rangefinders of 2021 reviews
We have reviewed the best golf rangefinders available in 2021. Here are our top pics:
Bushnell Pro XE Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell did it again; the Pro XE wins the spot as the best rangefinder for 2021!
This is the total package! Easy to use, rich features, and the built quality is just superb. I love taking it out every time I play!
Pros
- 7x Magnification and a 500+ yard range
- Slope with elements compensation
- Pin seeker feature
- Bite Magnetic car mount
- Waterproof & water-resistant
Cons
- Quite the price tag! A good alternative is the Bushnell Pro X2
The Pro XE is the newest model from the Bushnell family. It impressed us with its superior build quality and overall fast performance.
The 7x magnification which is accurate to 1 yard, makes it helps you to target objects and flagsticks. Combined with the pin seeker feature, you’ll be lightning quick in getting the exact yardage to the pin.
This allows you to quickly check multiple targets, such as the front of the green, back, and flag. Once you have all the information, you can choose the right club that comfortably carries the front of the green but doesn’t overshoot it.
The magnetic car mount of the Pro XE allows you have the rangefinder handy at all times. It adds quite some weight to the range finder, which might be uncomfortable to some people. We didn’t find this to be a major issue.
The slope with elements feature will give you the true “play as” distance, accounting for slopes & barometric pressure!
This is achieved by accounting for incline, decline, temperature, and barometric pressure. On every measurement, you’ll get 3 different numbers. The actual distance, slope adjusted distance, and lastly, the slope with elements adjusted distance.
Knowing the play as distances is important when playing in different weather conditions. You won’t leave your shot shorts because you didn’t account for air pressure and slope.
All in all, the Bushnell Pro XE is without a doubt the best rangefinder on the market.
Gogogo Laser Rangefinder
Our budget pick! It’s hard to find a better rangefinder for the money. If you’re just getting into golf or don’t have the budget for any of our other choices, this rangefinder will do the job and has received great customer reviews!
Pros
- AAA battery powered
- Pin seeking and flagpole locking
- 6x magnification
- Multi-coated optics lens
Cons
- Not the fastest
- Not the most reliable
With rangefinders in this price range, you can’t expect the world. The Gogogo golf laser rangefinder will do the job just fine for most people!
Unlike many other brands, this model is powered via AAA batteries. This makes maintenance easy, and you won’t need to buy an expensive replacement should the power run out.
The flagpole locking feature works for distances up to 150 yards. This is useful as you won’t need to keep a steady hand when pinning down flagsticks. We’re read customer reviews that mentioned this feature is not the most reliable.
You will get the accurate distance onto the pin from up to 250 yards. That should fit most player’s needs.
If you are looking for a budget option, this rangefinder won’t disappoint. It performs well, and for the money, you get a lot of use out of it!
Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized
Yes, Nikon also makes golf rangefinders now! This premium option makes a great fit for golfers with shaky hands. The image stabilizing technology is phenomenal but can take some time to get used to!
Pros
- Nikon Image-Stabilized Technology
- Suited for smaller hands
- Scan mode; 8 Second continuous measurement
- Bright 6x magnification with High-Visibility OLED Display
Cons
- Very lightweight
- Premium price
The predecessor of the Nikon Coolshot 20 makes our list of the best golf rangefinders with its impressive image stabilizing technology.
If you have difficulties keeping your hands still using a rangefinder, the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized got you covered.
Images are being stabilized digitally, which might be a feature Nikon had lying around from their camera portfolio.
The scan mode allows you to quickly get the distances to different targets on the golf course. Knowing the exact distances to targets around the green will help you make better club choices.
With its lightweight, the unit is suited for players with smaller hands. Together with stabilizing technology, this makes it easier for you to aim accurately.
The 6x magnification is accurate to 1 yard. The display is clear and crisp. It works great in any weather condition!
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized is a great pick for people that want stable, crystal clear images from their rangefinder. The high price point might put some people off, but you’ll get an innovative rangefinder that is fun to use!
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift
The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is an excellent rangefinder with slope functionality! All rangefinders Bushnell releases are premium products. You’ll get what you’ll pay for, and this one is no exception. Definitely one of the best rangefinders on the market.
Pros
- 6x magnification
- Pinseeker with visual jolt technology
- Bite Magnetic car mount
- Slope on/off switch
Cons
- Premium Price Tag
- Not the best for bad weather conditions
A successor of the Bushnell Tour V4, the Tour V5 comes close to taking the top spot!
The Pinseeker with visual jolt technology tells you exactly when you locked onto the pin by flashing and vibrating. This makes sure you know when you locked onto the pin and how far you’ll have to it.
The magnetic car mount allows you to quickly access the Tour V5, making it convenient to measure the accurate distance for your next shot.
The slope on/off switch is great for measuring slope compensation in your game. Knowing that true distance is crucial for making the right club choice.
Being able to turn the slope function off makes the Tour V5 legal to use in tournaments!
The V5 Shift is reliable, easy to use, anything you can expect from a rangefinder at this price point! An excellent upgrade from the Bushnell Tour V4.
Bushnell makes many appearances in rangefinder reviews. They produce some of the best golf rangefinders on the planet, and the Bushnell Tour V5 is no exception!
Callaway Golf 300 Pro
Callaway has produced some of the best golf rangefinders in the market. The Callaway Golf 300 is no exception. Reasonably priced, it’s offers everything you expect from a premium brand rangefinder.
Pros
- Slope technology
- Measure in Yards or Meters
- Slope on/off switch
Cons
- Pin Acquisition technology can catch background more often
The slope feature of this rangefinder calculates the distance you’ll need to add or subtract to your shots if you account for the slope.
The rangefinder produces accurate numbers comparable to Bushnell’s. Having accurate numbers to flags and elements of the course helps you make the right club choice and commit to your targets.
This model has a dedicated button to change from yards to meters. Some people might need time getting used to the button layout, as they are easy to mix up.
Changing from yards to meters quickly is helpful if you play abroad, where distances are marked in meters or if you have a playing partner who is more used to the metric system.
The slope on/off switch makes it convenient if you play tournaments. While rangefinders are allowed to use during tournaments, you have to make sure to disable the slope function!
Callaway’s P.A.T Pin Acquisition with Pulse Technology allows you to lock onto pins on the course. Some reviews mention that the rangefinder often picks up the background when aiming at a flag, giving you inaccurate numbers.
Make sure you wait for the vibration that confirms you are locked in. In most cases, the mistake is easy to recognize and fix.
All in all, the Callaway Golf 300 Pro makes a great rangefinder that doesn’t break the bank.
Precision Pro NX7
The Nx7 Pro comes in two versions; a rangefinder with slope and without. The no slope version is great if you’re looking for something in a lower price range. Thousands of customer reviews confirm that the NX7 Pro is one of the best value rangefinders you can buy at the moment!
Pros
- Fast readings
- Enhanced LCD Display with 6x magnification with a 400 yard range
- Slope and No Slope Versions available
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Target Acquisition technology can struggle lockin onto the flag
The enhanced LCD Display offers shart and crisp images. In our review, the Precision Pro performed well in rainy and foggy conditions.
Getting a quick and reliable read off your rangefinder saves time on the course and allows you to focus on playing your best golf instead!
The Precision Pro Nx7 comes with Target Acquisition Technology, which allows you to lock onto the flag quickly. This makes it easier to measure distances if you have shaky hands. Some users mentioned that flags that reflect light might be harder to read.
The slope calculation feature of the Precision Pro is great for players that don’t compete in tournaments. It allows you to get true distances to the target, making it easier to pick the right shot.
Depending on if you are playing your shot uphill or downhill, you need to adjust the length of your shot. Uphill targets require you to play your ball longer, while downhill targets usually play shorter.
Measuring the slope is not allowed in tournaments. So the cheaper, no slope option might be what you’re looking for if you play in tournaments often.
The Precision Pro is a great choice for players that don’t want to pay premium prices but still want quality!
Bushnell Pro X2 Laser Rangefinder
The Bushnell Ro X2 offers valued Bushnell quality in a smaller package. Everything you’d come to expect from a staple of the industry!
Pros
- IPX7 Fully Waterproof
- Slope-Switch Technology and Slope Compensation
- Dual Display Technology
- Fast Focus System
Cons
- No golf cart mounting option
- Slope compensation readings can be off
Being fully waterproof, like most rangefinder Bushnell releases, means you won’t have to worry about playing in wet conditions.
You can disable the slope feature, making this rangefinder competition legal. Some users have reported that the slope technology is not always accurate. We haven’t experienced that for ourselves.
With the Pinseeker Technology, you’ll be able to tell the distance to the pin, back of the green, and front of the green in one reading.
This is great for planning your approach into a green. Knowing the distance to the back and the front means you can select a club that carries the front easily but won’t overshoot the back of the green.
Bushnell’s display allows you to switch between a black and red theme by pressing a button.
Adjust the display to your weather condition, so you always have a clear reading of your target.
The fast focus system allows for a quick reaction time. It feels snappy, accurate, and works great with the slope technology.
Callaway Hybrid Laser GPS Rangefinder
Callaway has been known to produce some of the best golf rangefinders! This one is no exception. With the GPS feature, you get a Laser Rangefinder and GPS device combined in one device! No wonder we included it as one of the best golf rangefinders for 2021.
Pros
- Scan reading to acquire multiple targets
- Preloaded with 36,000+ Golf Courses
- Accurate distances to holes and hazards
Cons
- Battery life
Scan reading is a great way of quickly getting an overview of the targets on the course. You can use it by pressing and holding the button.
Knowing the distances to all elements on the green allows for quick and accurate decision making. Plan for the right miss, depending where the hazards are.
The GPS capabilities will also quickly highlight the most important information for you; the distance to the flag, front of the gree, and back of the green.
You can figure out pin-locations based on this information and plan your shot accordingly. Remember, trouble at the front; play it long. Trouble at the back, play it short.
The pre-loaded courses require no download or subscription. The Callaway app will show you interesting insight into your game and data you might haven’t seen before.
With this much technology packed into a golf rangefinder, it’s no wonder the battery isn’t the longest. You’ll have no problem playing 2 rounds before needing a charge, though.
We like to see companies being innovative when it comes to building golf rangers. And the Callaway Golf 300 Pro is a pioneer in that regard!
Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser Rangefinder + GPS
The Bushnell hybrid golf laster rangefinder with GPS combines the best of both worlds! The fully integrated display will tell you both laser and GPS yardages. Together with the Bushnell Golf app, you’ll get data like never before!
Pros
- Pinseeker with Jolt
- External GPS
- Stabi-Grip Technology
Cons
- Battery Life
As with all Bushnell models we’ve reviewed, the Pinseeker Technology works great. It gives you a short, vibrating signal when you have locked the target.
Measuring distances can be difficult if your hands move. This feature solves that problem and provides accurate readings, fast and reliable.
The external GPS feature was a first for laser rangefinders. You will be able to read the distance to the flag, distance to the front, and the back of the green in one reading.
Crucial for planning your way around golf courses is to know how far you’ll need to hit your next shot. With the information provided, you can select a club that will carry the front but not overshoot the back of the green.
The external GPS comes pre-loaded with 36,000+ golf courses in 30 countries. You can read the par-number, distance to the front, distance to the back, and hole number from anywhere on the course!
I love this feature because I save time not looking up yardages on scorecards. A quick look at the display, and I know which club I’ll hit off the tee.
Bushnell produces some of the most innovative rangefinders on the market!
Tectectec VPro500
The Tectectec VPro 500 is a great value rangefinder. There aren’t many golf laser rangefinders for this price that perform as well!
Pros
- 6x magnification with diopter adjustment
- Lightweight
- First Target Technology
Cons
- Not the most accurate
The 6x magnification with diopter adjustment produces clear images of targets and surroundings. Being able to adjust the diopter on the rangefinder is great for people with glasses.
You’ll be able to adjust the sharpness of images without wearing your glasses. This saves time and is overall very convenient!
Being lightweight makes this laser rangefinder easy to handle if you have smaller hands. We found that the weight is still heavy enough to provide stability when aiming.
The First Target Technology allows you to choose between flagsticks and other elements on the golf course.
It’s helpful to measure the distance to slopes and bunkers so you can choose a club that carries or stays short of trouble.
This rangefinder comes without slope measuring technology, making it perfectly tournament legal.
Overall, this is one of the best golf rangefinders for the money. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, give the Tectectec VPro500 a try!
Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder
A good locking allrounder that checks all boxes.
Pros
- Slope measuring technology
- HD Display
- Water-resistant
- Great Design
Cons
- Can be slow locking onto flags
Like most products we’ve reviewed, this rangefinder also allows you to account for slopes on the course.
Very handy when you play hills courses and want to know the true distance to your target. Hopefully, we’re left less often between club distances by looking at the actual playing distances!
Since this rangefinder is water-resistant, you won’t have to worry about playing in the rain.
The HD display also helps when playing in bad weather conditions. The images are sharp and clear. Perfect to scout out the course and measure distances to greens and hazards.
We found the design very appealing and refreshing. All in all, a good pick if you are in the market for a rangefinder.
PeakPulse 6Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder
The PeakPluse rangefinder made the list of best golf rangefinders its comprehensive features and price! It has the same features as you’ll find with big-name brands but is in an affordable price!
Pros
- Flag acquisition
- Pulse vibration and quick focus system
- Industry-leading slope measuring technology
Cons
- Not easy to keep steady when reading distances
The flag acquisition feature vibrates when locked with your target. This reduces the time you have to keep the rangefinder still, which can be annoying with brands that don’t offer such a feature.
The quick focus system is actually rapid. We were surprised to find a rangefinder in this price range that competes with the big brand names.
Same for the slope feature, it’s quick, accurate, and helpful when planning your next shot.
It’s a fairly light design and can be hard to control at times. Luckily the flag acquisition system allows you to aim quickly, but some people might find the weight too light.
All in all, a great range finder that competes with household names like Bushnell and Callaway for a much lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many questions about rangefinders. Here some of them:
Is The Slope Function On A Rangefinder Worth It?
Yes, I believe having the option to account for slopes makes a difference. Depending on if you play your ball to an uphill or downhill target, it can make a big difference in the yardage you have to play.
Uphill targets usually require you to play the ball further, while with downhill targets, the ball spends more time in the air and travels further. Try accounting for slope during practice rounds; you’ll notice the difference.
Note that the distance measuring devices that account for slope are illegal during tournament play.
For a long time, all golf rangefinders were not allowed during tournament play. Recent rule updates made the use of rangefinders legal, but make sure to turn off the slope function on your device.
Should I Get A Golf Rangefinder Or A Golf GPS Device?
They are different! You can use a rangefinder to measure the distance to the hole, to a hazard, to carry water, and more. They are usually more accurate than golf GPS devices.
Golf GPS devices normally offer you more insights into your game. The Garmin S62, for example, can tell you which clubs to hit, your stock yardages, wind, and more.
Golf GPS and Rangefinders can also be used simultaneously. Check our review of the GPS Rangefinders!
Is It Difficult To Narrow Down Your Target When Using A Golf Rangefinder?
No, many devices have a first target priority function that makes it easy to narrow down flagsticks.
Are rangefinders Tournament Legal?
Yes, using a rangefinder during tournaments is legal. But note that you’ll have to disable the slope function. If you play in many tournaments, you might want to choose a rangefinder with a slope switch.
The Verdict
A good rangefinder will help you make the right choices around the course and helps you play your best golf yet!
The fact that I know exactly how far I have to carry my ball allows me to feel confident with my club choice. Anything less than 100% commitment on a shot is the same as 0% commitment.
All the rangefinders in this review are good, but the Bushnell Pro XE takes the top spot! It’s a superior product, and if you are in the market for a rangefinder, our recommended choice.
If you want to start hitting it further, consider doing some of these 6 Exercises that help your game!
