Many people dream of having a full golf simulator setup in their home, so they can play their favorite golf courses or practice on the range day or night, rain or shine, any time of the year. Of course, not everyone can afford to invest in a simulator that costs excessive amounts of money. Fortunately, as golf simulator technology has advanced, more affordable solutions have appeared in the market, so there are options that can accommodate a wide range of budgets.

The design, size, and price range for the best golf simulators vary widely. Some allow you to play in any room of your home, while others are large enough to require a designated space all their own. In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best home golf simulators across a wide range of different budgets.

Buying Guide

Investing in a golf simulator is a big step, especially for individuals who want a personal home setup. Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match it with your goals.

1. Size

White Measuring Tape

Size is a critically important factor in golf simulators. You need to have a clear understanding of the space you intend to use in your home to contain the simulator, and what its dimensions are.Measure the width, length, and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements of every golf simulator you look at.

Practically all full golf simulator setups will require a bare minimum of eight feet of ceiling height, but you should strive for nine feet or greater. Width allowance is usually a minimum of ten feet, and depth allowance is usually a minimum of twelve feet.

2. Portability

Another thing to consider is how easy it will be to pack up and transport your golf simulator setup. Do you plan to have a dedicated space in your home where the simulator will always be located, or will there be times when you need to move it?

Maybe you travel periodically and want to be able to easily take it with you. Maybe you just want to pack it away during certain times of the year (like summer, when you can get out to the golf course).

If portability would be particularly useful for you, then look for things like retractable screens, mobile swing pads, and nets. Also recognize that ceiling-mounted systems like a Uneekor are not portable, so you should look at freestanding launch monitors instead.

3. Net Vs. Screen

Netting Closeup

In general, there are two options with golf simulators:

You can have a screen and a projector that will project your shots on a virtual driving range or golf course. You can hit into a net, but still, be able to view your shot data and see the ball flight on your connected computer or tablet.

A screen projection will be the more expensive option. Keep in mind that you’ll be connecting your launch monitor to a computer or tablet that has special simulator software installed.

If the full golf simulator experience is important to you, and you want to feel like you’re playing a real-life simulation, then you’ll want to invest in a screen and projector setup. On the other hand, if you’re satisfied with seeing your shot data and ball flight on a phone or tablet, then you should go with a net and save some money.

If your goal is to be able to work on and improve your game from the comfort of your home, some would argue that it shouldn’t matter if your shots are projected on a big screen in front of you or not. But that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself.

It’s worth noting that more than 50% of all golf simulator owners use a net instead of a screen.

4. Tracking

OptiShot Swing Pad

Consider the tracking system that measures your ball and club data. Is it photometric (SkyTrak), stereoscopic, infrared, radar-based, or something else?

Of course, some tracking systems are better than others, which is where much of the price difference comes from. Some tracking systems have better accuracy, better reliability, and less lag between the ball hitting the screen and the ball flight displaying.

For example, while the inexpensive Optishot 2 is regarded as being a lot of fun, many complain that the infrared tracking system doesn’t do a good job of detecting clubs and is too picky about lighting. That is part of the reason why we no longer feature it in this guide.

The SkyTrak is excellent in comparison, but many people don’t like its shot delay, which can be upwards of five seconds. The GC3, GC2, QED, EYE XO, and TruTrack systems don’t have such a lag.

Generally, the more expensive the simulator, the better the tracking system. Look into the performance of each and decide how you weigh the importance of entertainment.

5. Software

You should also consider what kinds of things you want to do, games you want to play, and activities you want to take part in on your golf simulator.

There are many software options available. For example, SkyTrak uses software that allows you to practice on the range and take part in competitions like long drives and closest to the pin. One of their packages comes with a subscription to WGT Play, which allows you to play world-class courses.

E6 CONNECT is a high-quality software option that is highly customizable. It offers various course simulations, minigames, training ads, tournaments, and more, and is compatible with many simulator systems.

6. Budget

Of course, your budget is very important when shopping for a golf simulator. Not everyone can afford simulator packages that cost a lot, and fortunately, some options cost well below this amount. With that said, it’s important to realize that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get, both in terms of equipment and software.

Our Pick for 2023

SkyGolfSkyTrak

Why it will help you get better: SkyTrak provides immediate and detailed feedback you need to know about the strengths and weaknesses of your game. Ball speed, launch angle, back and side spin, and other measurements come standard with the SkyTrak.

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor

Why it will help you get better: The most affordable quality launch monitor on the market, the Rapsodo is great for beginners and scratch golfers alike. Turn your tablet or phone into a launch monitor wherever you go!

Foresight Sports - Sim-in-a-Box: Eagle Plus Package Simulator

Why it will help you get better: Okay, this may be a stretch but hear us out. Sim-in-a-box is the most elite setup you can have. You can play almost every famous course in the world from the comfort of your own home. And it’s cheaper than having a membership at all of those clubs!

Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor

Why it will help you get better: Another portable option, the R10 is on the affordable side but it doesn’t skip on technology or quality. Paired with the Garmin golf app, you’ll be able to measure every key swing metric available.

SkyTrak Home Series Package

Why it will help you get better: The SkyTrak home package is the best budget option which includes everything you need to have a professional-style swing studio in your house. This brings in prestige and functionality on a simpler budget compared to other pro options.

Optishot Golf In a Box 2

Why it will help you get better: The Optishot Golf In a Box 2 hooks up with any software past Mac OS X 10.5 or Windows 7. A plug-and-play, this setup comes with Optishot2 software that features 15 courses.

SwingLogic SLX MicroSim

Why it will help you get better: The least expensive item on this list, the SwingLogic SLX is a different way to improve your game over the winter.

PHIGOLF Home Golf Simulator

Why it will help you get better: Similar to the SwingLogic SLX, the PHIGOLF is a viable option for getting baseline readings but we recommend it more for its fun factor. This is also compatible with a subscription E6 for access to courses from around the globe.

SkyTrak Game Improvement Package

Why it will help you get better: A slimmed-down version of the Home Series Package, this SkyTrack option is a great pickup if you have a small home setup already. All the tech needed comes in this package. All you need to grab is a net and turf to complete the setup!

FlightScopeMevo+

Why it will help you get better: FlightScope is used by Tour professionals for a reason. The Mevo+ allows you to get all the data you could ever ask for no matter where you’re hitting a golf ball. Take this to the course, or the driving range or keep it at home and play some fun tracks from around the globe.