Best Indoor Golf Simulator of 2024: Top 10 Options for Your Dream Setup
Interested in making your indoor golf simulator dream a reality? It's closer than you think, and our golf guy Marc has made understanding your home golf studio options easy with this article!
Admit it, the pressure is mounting. You want in on this indoor golf simulator fun, don’t you? Any golf nut would. And even casual players are finding themselves smitten with the idea of playing simulator golf from the comfort of their own homes.
This is the time to shop for indoor golf launch monitors and simulators. There are so many options, spanning such a range of price points and including such an array of features.
We’ve very quickly gone from the problem being lack of affordable choices, meaning simulator golf wasn’t a reality for “normal” home users, to now the problem being option overload.
That’s where we come in. We’ve whittled it down to the 10 best indoor golf simulator of 2024 choices, and we’ve included prices and an explanation justifying each product’s place on this list. If you can find the golf simulator that fits within your budget and that includes the features that speak to your specific use cases, you’re going to have a fantastic purchase option on your hands.
After that, well, good luck controlling your urges.
Setting Up Your Ideal Indoor Golf Simulator
To create the perfect indoor golf simulator, you’ll need three main components: a golf launch monitor, golf simulator software, and a device or computer to run the software.
After those key pieces, the rest is a matter of protecting your space and maximizing your entertainment. You’ll likely want a golf simulator setup that includes a projector with the image projected onto an impact screen. That’s what will allow for the most lifelike, fun indoor golf simulator experience.
Of course, you’ll also need a hitting mat. And you’d be wise to include an enclosure and side barriers to corral the golf ball and prevent it from hitting your walls or ceiling.
PlayBetter.com offers a turnkey golf simulator studio package for each golf launch monitor on this list. You’ll get everything that you need, with the exception of the computer or smartphone required to run the software, all with one purchase. So, if you want to make your life a lot simpler, focus on picking the right golf launch monitor. After that, one of these complete packages takes the headache out of the rest of the process.
The 3 Kinds of Indoor Golf Simulators
The golf launch monitor is the star of your indoor golf simulator setup. That’s the component that’s recording the shots, calculating the data, and sharing all of the information with the simulator software.
Golf launch monitors come in one of three varieties:
- Those that sit to the side of the golf ball
- Those that sit behind the golf ball
- Those that are mounted to the ceiling above the hitting area
The advantage of a golf launch monitor that sits to the side of the ball is that you don’t need nearly as much indoor space as you do with a golf launch monitor that sits behind the ball. A photometric monitor that sits to the side records all of its information via cameras at the moment of impact. So you only need enough indoor space to be able to swing a golf club without damaging the walls or ceiling.
The disadvantage of this kind of photometric golf launch monitor is that you’ll have to move it back and forth to either side of the golf ball if righties and lefties are playing at the same time. This can become a serious drag and maybe totally impractical. So, consider that limitation if you plan to share sim space with righties and lefties.
Golf launch monitors that sit behind the golf ball are great in that you don’t have to worry about moving the device regardless of whether it’s a righty or lefty that’s hitting.
The problem with them is that they take up a lot of space. Most radar-type golf launch monitors need to sit at least 6 to 8 feet behind the golf ball and also need several feet in front of the ball in order to accurately read what the ball is doing. You may need 21 feet or more of room depth to properly set up some radar golf launch monitors. If you’re tight on indoor space, a radar unit may not be an option.
The best of both worlds is the type of golf launch monitor that mounts above the ball. It’s completely out of the way. It doesn’t require that much room depth. It doesn’t have to be moved regardless of righties or lefties. In other words, it’s pretty much perfect.
The one drawback of a ceiling-mounted golf launch monitor is that they aren’t portable. So, this isn’t a good option if you want something you can bring out to the driving range or over to a buddy’s house.
Best Indoor Golf Simulators of 2024
Foresight Falcon: Overhead and Out of the Way Golf Simulator Fun
The Foresight Falcon transforms commercial-level simulation into a reality for home golfers, offering unparalleled performance and convenience. Designed specifically for dedicated indoor use, the Falcon’s overhead installation keeps the launch monitor completely out of the way. It captures precise ball and club data and comes with extensive simulator software, including 25 courses with the purchase.
Priced at $14,999, the Foresight Falcon is $5,000 less expensive and half the size of the Foresight GCHawk while maintaining the same industry-leading accuracy. The Falcon boasts a larger hitting area than the Hawk, making it even easier and more fun to use.
The Foresight Falcon is the ultimate solution for an indoor golf simulator, perfect for creating a dream home setup.
Read more about the Falcon in our in-depth product review.
Foresight GCQuad: Trusted by the World’s Best
The Foresight GCQuad is an exceptional choice for an indoor golf simulator, thanks to its unmatched accuracy and comprehensive data capabilities. Its quadrascopic imaging system uses four cameras to capture precise ball and club data. This high level of precision makes the GCQuad a trusted tool for top golfers worldwide.
Included with the GCQuad are the FSX Play 25-course simulation software, FSX 2020, and FSX Pro Performance as well as a lifetime membership to Awesome Golf. The Foresight software’s advanced graphics deliver stunning, lifelike visuals that max out any indoor simulator golf experience.
With no annual subscription fees and 25 preloaded golf courses, the GCQuad offers significant value, even at $15,999.99.
Learn more about the Foresight GCQuad in our comprehensive review.
Buy everything you need for a Foresight GCQuad indoor golf simulator studio.
Foresight QuadMAX: The GCQuad and Then Some!
The Foresight QuadMAX takes the ultimate accuracy of the GCQuad’s quadrascopic camera system and adds a touchscreen display and internal shot storage capacity for more than 1 billion shots.
While the QuadMAX definitely delivers more than the GCQuad, its $19,999 price limits it to serious users. If you’re not teaching or using your launch monitor outdoors or remotely, where the QuadMAX shot storage advantage would really shine, you may be better off in an indoor-only golf simulator space with the less-expensive Foresight GCQuad. They are identical when it comes to data, accuracy, and golf simulation capabilities.
But if you want the ultimate golf launch monitor for indoor and outdoor use, you can’t beat the QuadMAX.
Read our Foresight QuadMAX review.
Buy everything you need for a Foresight QuadMAX indoor golf simulator studio.
Foresight GC3: Ultimate In-Home Accuracy Without Any Subscriptions
The Foresight Sports GC3’s flexibility in pricing allows users to choose a package that fits their needs, whether it’s the ball-data-only $5,999 model or the ball-and-club-data model for $6,999.99. But the beauty with either choice is that there are no subscriptions. Once you make your purchase, you’re all set to enjoy incredibly realistic simulator golf.
With included simulation software packages like FSX Play, FSX 2020, and FSX Pro, the GC3 offers an immersive and varied virtual golfing experience right out of the box.
Because the GC3 sits to the side of the golf ball, you won’t need nearly the room depth that you would if you chose a radar-based launch monitor.
If you’re enamored with the simulator capabilities and accuracy of something like the GCQuad or QuadMAX but can’t quite reconcile the price, the Foresight GC3 is an outstanding middle ground option.
Check out our GC3 review for more information.
Buy everything you need for a Foresight GC3 indoor golf simulator studio.
Bushnell Launch Pro: A Better Buy Than the GC3 for the Right User
The Bushnell Launch Pro is identical to the Foresight GC3, offering the same hardware and software, same impressive accuracy, and same portability and ease of setup. The difference is in the pricing models.
For the right user, the Bushnell Launch Pro, starting at $2,499.99, could be a better choice than the GC3. The trade-off is that, unlike with the GC3, you’ll need to pay a $499 annual subscription to use this launch monitor as a golf simulator.
So, it’s a matter of how long you plan to be in the game. If you’re not totally sold on this idea of indoor golf simulator good times, or if you envision upgrading or changing launch monitors, the shorter-term better buy might be the Bushnell Launch Pro.
Buy everything you need for a Bushnell Launch Pro indoor golf simulator studio.
SkyTrak+: Perfect for Golf Simulator Fun With Friends
SkyTrak has done a brilliant job of making really fun, easy-to-use simulator software that includes a variety of game-improvement opportunities. And in July 2024, they rolled out software updates that now include their own proprietary, in-app simulator golf courses, including biggies like Pebble Beach, Le Golf National, Quail Hollow, Innisbrook, Sweetens Cove and 25 others. The SkyTrak+ updates also include five new, interesting simulated driving ranges, each one designed to help you improve a specific shot shape.
The $3,344 SkyTrak+ is also compatible with TruGolf E6 Connect, the Golf Club 2019, WGT by TopGolf, Creative Golf, Fitness Golf, and Pro Tee Play, making it among the most versatile from a third-party sim software compatibility perspective.
If your primary objective is to create a simulator space that’s fun and social, the SkyTrak+ would make a great centerpiece. This is the kind of device that’s perfect for firing up games when you’ve got friends over. The graphics are great, the whole platform is super quick and intuitive, and it all just works well together to create memorable indoor golf experiences.
What’s not to love?
One limitation, as it is with any photometric monitor that sits to the side of the ball, is that you will have to move the SkyTrak+ back and forth between both sides of the golf ball if you’re playing with righties and lefties together.
Read our complete SkyTrak+ product review to learn everything you need to know.
Buy everything you need for a SkyTrak+ indoor golf simulator studio.
Full Swing KIT: Precision, Portability, and Tiger Woods’ Endorsement!
The Full Swing KIT blends advanced radar technology and a high-resolution camera to deliver 16 points of detailed data and crystal-clear video analysis.
Priced at $4,999 and endorsed by Tiger Woods himself, the Full Swing KIT is trusted for its precision and reliability. While it will need the considerable room depth that a golf launch monitor positioned behind the ball requires, the comprehensive data, built-in 4K camera, and simulation of over 100 golf courses, makes this launch monitor perfect for golfers looking to refine their game in the comfort of their own home.
Buy everything you need for a Swing KIT indoor golf simulator studio.
FlightScope Mevo Plus: Now Even Better as an Indoor Golf Simulator
In July 2024, FlightScope turned what was their Limited Edition Mevo+ into their standard-edition Mevo+. One of the biggest parts of that news was that a standard Mevo Plus now comes with 12 premium E6 simulator golf courses, including St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, and nine others. That exclusive pack of sim courses was previously only available through the Mevo+ Limited Edition.
Priced at $2,299, the updated Mevo+ still doesn’t include any annual subscriptions. Another reason it's a great option if you’re building a long-term space. Buy once, get everything set up, and don’t worry anymore about keeping up with payments.
The FlightScope Mevo Plus offers more data points than any other golf launch monitor in its price class, making it a great choice for data nerds. If you want to know everything about your golf swing, this is an awesome option.
Learn more by reading our complete FlightScope Mevo+ review.
Buy everything you need for a FlightScope Mevo+ indoor golf simulator studio.
GolfJoy GDS Plus: Best Golf Simulator Software You Might Not Know About
The GolfJoy GDS Plus offers tremendous value in that, for just $1,890, you can get a ball-data-only golf launch monitor that includes:
- Total distance
- Carry distance
- Roll distance
- Ball speed
- Club speed
- Smash factor
- Deviation
- Launch angle
- Backspin
- Apex
- Landing angle
- Launch direction
- Sidespin
- Hangtime
- Spin rate
- Spin axis
- Center line
- Curve
That’s an incredible list of metrics for the price. Then, for another $1,700, you can add club data that includes:
- Attack angle
- Face angle
- Club path
- Face to path
But where it really gets good is with the GolfJoy simulator software. The attention to detail — things like tree branches swaying in the wind — is amazing, and the graphics are as crisp and realistic as anything on the market.
The GDS Plus might not be quite as pinpoint accurate as some more expensive devices, but it does provide an excellent and affordable option for playing some really fun simulator golf.
Get all the details in our GolfJoy GDS product review.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO: Best Low-Cost Golf Simulator for Indoor Use
Truth be told, we like the Rapsodo MLM2PRO best for its portability and ease of use outdoors at the driving range. But its accuracy, simplicity, features, and golf simulator software compatibility make it a good choice for those looking to do an indoor golf simulator space on a budget.
Priced at $699.99, the MLM2PRO competes well with other affordable options like the Garmin Approach R10, offering substantial value for its cost. One of its key strengths is its dual-camera system, which, combined with Doppler radar, provides comprehensive data metrics and makes it an excellent tool for in-depth swing analysis that exceeds what you’d expect for the price.
With additional features like automatic video replay of swings and a gamified practice mode, the MLM2PRO is a standout choice if you want to build out an indoor sim space but don’t want to drop the major money required for some of the more robust systems. You can still have a ton of fun with the Rapsodo.
But, because it sits behind the golf ball several feet, you’ll need a large room.
Another hangup is that the MLM2PRO does not read putts. We know that putting is, overall, one of the least realistic parts of simulated golf, but it’s still nice to be able to actually hit every shot in a simulated round.
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is compatible with E6 Connect and Awesome Golf for your sim golf course selections.
Check out our in-depth review of the MLM2PRO.
Buy everything you need for a Rapsodo MLM2PRO indoor golf simulator studio.
Best Indoor Golf Simulator of 2024: Which One Is The One for You?
If you’ve got the itch, you’re probably too far gone. An indoor golf simulator is in your future.
And what could be wrong with that?
If that’s where you’re at, these are your 10 best indoor golf simulator of 2024 options. You’ve got a range of prices and setup choices.
Even better, you can make the whole indoor golf simulator space setup process simple with a PlayBetter SimStudio turnkey package. Everything but the computer. That’s basically what this is. You pick the launch monitor, and PlayBetter can ship you all the components for your dream sim setup.
If you find products on this list that you want to know more about, remember to read our in-depth reviews. We’ve spent a lot of time with each of these products, and we share all of our findings, good and bad, in those reviews. So, check them out.
After that, all you’ve got to do is make a selection. Which one you picking?
About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen
Marc Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.