Best golf rangefinders

With the way that golf rangefinder technology has evolved, there is no reason not to own a rangefinder in 2022. If you want the exact yardage to flagsticks, confidence in your yardage, and more accurate golf shots, a range finder is necessary. 

There are many golf rangefinders on the market, and truthfully some are not nearly as good as others.

Many rangefinders fail to give actual yardage, and they have a hard time picking up the pin. We have chosen the best rangefinders on the market with all the features you need. 

We are giving you the inside scoop on which ones are worth the price.

Best golf rangefinder – 2023

Bushnell Tour V5 Shift

It should come as no surprise that the Bushnell rangefinder sits at the top of our list. The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is one of Bushnell’s newest releases, and it does a tremendous job with both accuracy and performance. We are continually impressed with the technology that Bushnell brings to the market, even though it is priced a bit higher than other companies. 

The new enhanced slope algorithm on the Tour V5 is what sets it apart from other models. A bit of technology and research was put into this, and the result is an impressive model that gives players a more precise distance. If you think your current rangefinder may be giving you mixed numbers, the V5 will fix it. 

You can easily switch out of slope mode when it is time to win your next golf event. The Tour V5 also has the Bite Magnetic technology to let the rangefinder stick to your cart and make it always within arm’s reach. 

As with many of the recent Bushnell releases, the Tour V5 Shift also has the Pinseeker with jolt technology. This is in place to help both professional and amateur golfers narrow in on the pin and know with certainty that they are getting the number on the pin and not a mound of dirt behind it. 

The Bushnell is trusted on tour, and it’s a fantastic addition to the rangefinders offered in 2022.

Pros

• Gives exact distances
• Visual jolt with pin seeker technology
• Slope or tournament mode
• Trusted on the PGA Tour
• Is water resistant

Cons

• Bushnell rangefinders are almost always priced higher than other models

Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser Rangefinder + GPS

Are you one of those people that has a hard time choosing between a GPS and a rangefinder? If that is the case, the Bushnell hybrid golf laser rangefinder is a perfect choice for you. This is a quality rangefinder model that combines both technologies and allows you access to whichever makes the most sense for your needs. 

Some people have a hard time reading the display inside a rangefinder but still like the exact number to a pin at times. The Bushnell will allow you to see your distance as well as verify it through the scope. 

You will get the Pinseeker with jolt technology, allowing you to zero in on your target and get a quick and effortless distance. The GPS part of the rangefinder is easy to use and comes preloaded with 36,000 golf courses. You won’t have to adjust as you move from one hole to the next; the rangefinder does it for you. 

Pros

• Combination GPS and Rangefinder
• Accurate to 1 yard
• Pinseeker with Jolt technology
• GPS comes preloaded with golf courses

Cons

• It needs two batteries, always watch the charge levels

Callaway 300 Pro Slope 

Callaway has made some of the highest-rated rangefinders in the past, but they could not always compete with Nikon and Bushnell. This new and improved 300 Pro Slope Rangefinder is a great choice and has some very impressive technology. In addition, the pricing on the Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder seems to be a bit fairer than other rangefinder models. 

This is a slope model that allows you to toggle between tournament and non-tournament mode. The unit comes equipped with 6x magnification that can give you yardage from over 1000 feet away. Although 1000 feet may seem excessive, it is helpful to have when you are playing a course you have not been on before. 

The pin locking technology is very similar to the Bushnell Jolt technology. From 300 yards and in, you can lock into the pin, and the Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder will let you know you have the proper target.

Pros

• Vibrates to let you know you are on the target
• Accurate to within one yard
• 6X magnification
• Tournament and non-tournament mode

Cons

• The casing does not have the same protection as Bushnell rangefinders

Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Pro Slope 

The Blue Tees Golf Rangefinder is starting to grow in popularity, and a good reason behind it is the size. The Blue Tees rangefinder is one of the smaller options on the market, and it fits in the palm of your hand. This is a good fit for professional golfers who like to walk the course and keep their equipment lean. 

Even though the Blue Tees Rangefinder is smaller, it does an excellent job of delivering accurate yardages. You can use the Blue Tees Series 2 from over 800 yards away and get accuracy to within a yard. 

The Flag lock technology helps you feel confident with the yardage number you were given. If you are new to the world of golf rangefinders and want something simple, small, and easy to use, this is a perfect choice.

Pros

• Fair price range for the technology offered
• Has slope
• Vibration lock
• Accurate to within 1 yard from 800 yards away

Cons

• The smaller display can be difficult to see

Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Golf Laser Slope 

Nikon and Bushnell often compete to have the best golf distance finder tools on the market. The Nikon Coolshot 20i GII Golf Laser Rangefinder is our favorite choice when looking for the slope feature. With slope, you can get accurate yardages even when there are steep inclines on your home course. The slope function can be turned on and off to use this Nikon in a tournament round.

Just like Bushnell, Nikon prides itself on being extremely accurate. Within one hundred yards, this rangefinder is accurate to within one yard. When you of over one hundred yards, you will get accuracy to two yards. If you play golf courses with lots of slope and worry about the getting correct distance, the Nikon will have you covered.

Pros

• First target priority helps you narrow down on your target
• Rainproof design for all-weather play
• High-speed acting functionality, truly a point and shoot rangefinder
• Eyepiece Focus Diopter for vision adjustability
• Continuous scan mode for easier measurement of multiple targets

Cons

• Not as accurate as the Bushnell Tour outside of 100 yards

Gogogo Sport Vpro 

We have warned you that a budget golf rangefinder will not give you an accurate number to your target; however, this GoGoGo Sport is a pretty good deal for the money. You will get a slope calculation, 6x magnification, and Flagpole Locking Vibration with the Gogogo.

The best golf rangefinders on the market will be three or four times the price of this Gogogo Sport. However, this does not mean this model doesn’t work. You will get accurate readings, and the Pin Seeking technology works quite quickly as well. If you want those extra features like vibration, fog proof, or magnetic locking to the cart, you will have to increase your budget.

Pros

• Good functionality for an affordable price
• Can turn slope mode on and off
• Has continuous scan for measuring multiple targets easy and fast

Cons

• Does not have fog proof, waterproof technology for longevity
• Does not come with a case or a skin

Bushnell Pro XE 

We warned you that we would be back with more options from Bushnell. This is another model with the JOLT technology; however, it has a few other impressive benefits.

The Bushnell Pro XE is a quality rangefinder that also has slope technology. In addition to the slope feature, you will also get adjustments for barometric pressure and temperature. This is a major technological advance for a golf rangefinder.

The Visual JOLT Technology gives players a vibration and a red light when they have found the intended target. This is one of the easiest and most accurate golf range finder choices on the market.

You will certainly pay a bit more for this model, but the performance benefits will make it well worth it.

Pros

• Easy to use model with JOLT Technology
• Tournament legal with Slope with Elements is turned off
• One of the only rangefinders on the market to account for temperature and barometric pressure
• Built in magnet cart mount
• Waterproof housing for all-weather play
• Has options for red or black display

Cons

• One of the more expensive rangefinders on the market
• The jolt technology doesn’t activate often
• Most features aren’t competition legal

Precision Pro Golf NX9 

When it comes to golf rangefinders, you have to be careful with the budget models that are offered. Some of these are very difficult to use and can make it hard to make the correct club selection. Finding a good budget rangefinder takes a bit of work.

The Precision Pro Golf Rangefinders are a perfect solution.

This model comes in a slope and non-slope version; it has 6x magnification and a 400-yard range. You will be able to lock this to your cart with the magnetic mount, and it is a shockproof design.

We won’t say that the Precision Pro gives us the same accuracy or speed as the Bushnell, but it is a great alternative for an affordable price.

Pros

• Fair pricing for the weekend golfers
• Water-resistant and shockproof design capable of sticking to the cart
• Rangefinder with slope or non-slope models available
• Updates distance depending on it it’s an uphill or downhill shot
• Comes with lifetime battery replacement service

Cons

• Not as quick as the Nikon or Bushnell
• Pinseeker Technology is not as advanced

Callaway EZ Laser 

Sometimes golf rangefinders can be awfully hard to work with. Not only do you have to worry about getting accurate yardage, but it can be hard to read this yardage. With the Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder, you have an extremely easy to read display on the outer part of the rangefinder.

In addition to being able to see what you are looking at; Pin Acquisition technology helps you get accurate distance readings from more than 275 yards away. This rangefinder works quickly, and it even has internal magnets that attach to the frame of your golf cart.

Pros

• Fog and water resistance
• Slope technology to help with hilly golf courses
• Internal magnets will securely lock this to the Gas powered golf cart
• Comes with cleaning cloth and carry case for better maintenance
• Magnetic cart mount

Cons

• A bit larger than other models

Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized 

Golf rangefinders are not always easy to keep stable. When you try to make your approach to the 18th hole and have a one-shot lead, your hand may be a bit shaky. This shaky hand can end up really changing the yardage that you get to the pin. This is where the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized comes in.

The Nikon will stabilize the viewfinder and the outbound laser so that you can get better accuracy and control with this model in your hand. Nikon is so good with lenses and cameras; they have really perfected this model.

You will get advanced pin identification and waterproof, rainproof, and fog proof technology. Although this compact rangefinder is one of the expensive models, it’s well worth it for the accurate yardage you will get.

Pros

• Legal for tournament play when the slope is turned off
• Has stabilized lens and laser
• Ergonomic design
• Very durable water and fog proof construction
• Perfect golf rangefinder for those that struggle to hold their hand still
• Continuous scan mode for easy and quick measurement of multiple targets

Cons

• The stabilization technology comes at a cost

Top rated rangefinder 

What to look for

Golf rangefinders are becoming increasingly popular. With the proper golf rangefinder, you will be able to get an accurate distance, making you a better player. 

For years when we were pacing off yardages from sprinkler heads, we were really making a good estimate.

With a great rangefinder, there is no more estimating. When purchasing a golf rangefinder, you need to consider the accuracy as well as the ease of use. Some people prefer rangefinders to GPS and vice versa.

Let’s take a look at a few of the things that you need to consider before purchasing a golf rangefinder.

Accuracy

Golf rangefinders can help you improve your game by providing accurate yardages to the flagstick. The more accurate a rangefinder is, the better it is for your game. 

When you have full confidence that the rangefinder has read your yardage with accuracy, you can pick a club and swing with confidence.

Most of the time, rangefinders get more accurate as you move closer to the hole. There are often times that there will be one accuracy level for over 300 yards and one for less than 300 yards.

You will want to look for something that has the accuracy of around one yard. This should be enough to give you precise golf shots.

Range

Golfers will hit their approach shots around 230 yards or less. The golf rangefinder you choose should have an impressive performance from this distance. The range of the golf rangefinder can sometimes be close to 1000 yards away.

Although you can use the rangefinder almost like a scope at this point, it is not necessary. Some of these rangefinders advertise the technology that a pin can be seen from 600 yards away, but that really does not matter all that much.

They can also be used to find the front, back and middle of the green, as well as hazards and other targets.

Pin lock technology

The pin lock technology lets golfers find the flag on the putting green and rest assured that they are in the right place. When you are trying to get yardage with a handheld rangefinder, there are times that your hand may move or shake in the process.

When this happens, you won’t know if you are reading yardage for a tree or for the flagstick. With some type of pin lock technology or pulse vibration technology, lets players know they are locked on to the target and the readings are accurate.

Battery

A battery for a golf rangefinder typically lasts for quite a long time. These are not rechargeable batteries, and they must be replaced from time to time. If you are worried about the battery life of these products, make sure to check into this before you order one.

Some companies are so adamant about the longevity of the rangefinder that they will offer their customers a lifetime warranty. free battery replacement.

Accessories and Case

The golf rangefinder typically comes with a cleaning cloth for clear optics, a lanyard of some kind, and a case. Overall, the rangefinder design today is made to be more durable, yet you will still want to ensure you protect your device from falling to the ground.

Using a case between rounds is quite smart. In addition, you should be very careful as to how your rangefinder is handled during the round. Many of these models have magnetic technology that allows them to stick to the side of the cart.

Make sure that the magnetic connection is strong before pulling away in the cart and finding out that the rangefinder is now broken.

You may also want to check out our recent pick for the best Budget golf rangefinder here.

Rangefinder versus gps

It can be hard to pick a golf rangefinder with all the great GPS choices on the market. Most golf rangefinders use lasers to measure distance, and some models also include GPS.

The differences between the rangefinder and the GPS are significant. GPS gives much better visuals and stat tracking, but it only offers players a front, middle, and back distance to the pin. 

With a rangefinder, you won’t get as many technological upgrades, but you certainly get the accuracy of precise distance to the pin. Some rangefinders can also be used for hunting, fishing, or other outdoor activities.

In the end, you must choose something that works for your needs as a player.

Buyers guide

Now that you know the best golf rangefinders on the market, it’s time to narrow down, making the most sense for your golf game. Here are a few questions that you should consider before purchasing a golf rangefinder.

Is Slope worth It?

The slope on a golf rangefinder will give you an accurate representation of your yardage, regardless of the elevation. Therefore, if you are hitting from a tee box that will send your shot directly downhill, your slope mode rangefinder will adjust the number for you. 

With a traditional golf rangefinder, you will simply get the non-adjusted distance. (You can see AEC Info’s review on Slope rangefinders here).

For those that are just learning the game or learning how to play a certain golf course, slope mode is an excellent feature. Slope mode is not legal in tournaments, and therefore it is essential that the slope can be turned off. 

Most players will find that slope can be helpful for certain very hilly courses. However, over time it is important to understand how elevation affects shots, even without the use of your rangefinder.

See our best pick here for a Slope rangefinder.

Is a rangefinder or a GPS better?

If you talk to a golf purist, they will tell you that a rangefinder is the only way to go. Rangefinders are simple; they are to the point and give you the one number you need. 

With a Golf gps watch, you won’t have to worry about a steady hand or finding your target, but you will only get front, center, and back yardages.

The golf GPS can also give pictures of a golf hole and that helps golfers get a visual idea of how to play the course. If you play a variety of golf courses, the GPS can be helpful. 

However, when you play the same course over and over, the rangefinder is the better tool. Getting that exact number to the pin can give a player so much more confidence in the shot they are about to make.

Is it difficult to narrow down your target using a golf rangefinder?

You may hear horror stories from golfers that have struggled with rangefinders in the past. If you can’t get your hand steady or the rangefinder is not overly accurate, you may struggle to get the number you need.

Therefore, all the rangefinders on our list have pin-seeking or vibration technology. These tools are in place to help a golfer understand when their rangefinder has locked in on a target. 

This technology is highly advanced, but it will be something that you will rely on quite heavily.

If you are concerned about getting incorrect or inaccurate yardage, choose a better model that has a program designed to provide some help to the golfer trying to find their yardage.

Hopefully, this information has helped you narrow down the choices that are out there. Without a doubt, the Bushnell and Nikon golf rangefinders steal the show. 

If you take care of your rangefinder properly, this is a tool that could outlast that new driver you just bought!