Best Portable Golf Simulator: Play Golf Anywhere, Anytime!

Get out of your basement! Or garage. Or wherever you’ve set up or are envisioning setting up your ultimate golf simulator dream space.

The problem with an indoor golf simulator is that, if you have one, you don’t ever want to leave it. It’s too much fun and, well, completely addicting.

Next thing you know, you can’t remember the last time you left the house, your doctor’s telling you you’ve got a vitamin D deficiency, and your spouse is giving you an ultimatum: The golf simulator or your marriage (That’s a personal decision. Just remember, a happy marriage isn’t likely to do much for your handicap. So, you know, choose wisely.).

But you know what? Owning a golf simulator doesn’t have to relegate you to a life in a dark dungeon like some golf-obsessed neanderthal with no prospects of mating.

Instead, you can take your show on the road. With the right portable golf simulator, you can play golf pretty much anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Your friend’s house, the driving range, your backyard … Maybe even out on a date. If you can find somewhere with enough space, you’re in business.

It’s easy to think of a golf simulator as a permanent fixture that stays attached to a specific space. But that’s not what all of these products are designed to do. The best portable golf simulator choices give you the luxury of playing golf where and when it makes the most sense for you, even if that’s not the same place as you played yesterday. Kind of like the real thing!

Keep the Stray Cats Away: How the Best Portable Golf Simulators Can Help You Reclaim Your Space

When it comes to golf simulators, friends become exactly the same as stray cats. First they come around with a little timid curiosity. Next thing you know, after they’ve got a taste of the good stuff, you can’t get rid of them.

Sure, you’re social. You love having your buddies over. It’s cool that your house has become the main hang for your crew. Until… It’s 1:30 in the morning, you’ve got to work tomorrow, and Bill won’t leave until he registers a 300-yard drive on the simulator range. “Just one more,” Bill’s been saying for the past 90 minutes.

Remember when we said golf simulators were addicting? Well, that goes for your friends too. If you install something like this in your house, you’re likely to become very popular. Maybe too popular. Just ask your spouse, who can’t fall asleep — again — because of all the noise downstairs.

But what about if you told Bill that the party’s at his house tonight? That you’ll be there at 7 with the golf simulator? And that all of the other stray cats, er, friends, can join you guys over there?

If that sounds kind of nice, a portable golf simulator might be the way to go.

But one thing to keep in mind is that not every golf launch monitor can be used as a golf simulator. Make sure you know what you’re buying.

The Different Kinds of Golf Launch Monitors and Simulators and What You Need To Operate Them

A quick refresher. To play simulator golf, you’ll need a golf launch monitor to record your shots and golf simulator software to overlay that shot data onto a virtual golf course in a way that is visually realistic and simulates the real golf course.

Some golf launch monitors come with access to the golf simulator software you’ll need. With others, you’ll have to pay additional fees to access that software. And then there are some golf launch monitors that don’t work with golf simulator software. Instead, they are just meant to record your shots and report your shot data and will be compatible with basic software that might include a simple virtual driving range.

So, in addition to the golf launch monitor itself and whatever simulator software it's compatible with, you’ll need a computing device to run the software. In the case of many portable golf simulators, that is as simple as a smartphone. With more robust indoor golf simulators, you may need a full-fledged gaming computer.

You’ll also need a surface from which to hit golf shots. If you’re outdoors, say at the driving range, that’s pretty easy to find. But if you’re indoors, it means you’ll need a hitting mat. Also indoors, you’ll need to be sure your walls and surroundings are protected. Enclosures and side barriers are generally a good idea. And, finally, if you’re planning a long-term setup, you may want a projector and impact screen so that you can watch the shots fly in front of you.

PlayBetter.com sells turnkey packages for each golf launch monitor on this list. You can buy everything you need — the launch monitor, hitting mat, enclosure, projector, impact screen — all in one purchase. You’ll get everything you need except the smart phone or computer.

Now you may be thinking, “That’s a lot of stuff. How am I going to haul all of that over to my friend’s house?” The good news with many of the products on this list is that all you actually need to play simulator golf is the golf launch monitor, simulator software, and smartphone. So, maybe your friend doesn’t have a simulator enclosure and projector and impact screen. But maybe they’ve got a space in their backyard. Or maybe they have a spot in their garage and something to hit into without damaging the walls. The point is, it’s not difficult to get up and running from wherever with a portable golf simulator.

You just need to choose the right one. Let’s have a look at the best portable golf simulator of 2024 options.

Best Portable Golf Simulator: 8 Great Choices

Rapsodo MLM2PRO: The Best Portable and Affordable Golf Simulator of 2024

The Rapsodo MLM2PRO stands out as an exceptional portable golf simulator, offering a combination of advanced features, accuracy, and portability for just $699.99. This launch monitor uses Doppler radar technology and two built-in cameras to provide a comprehensive suite of data metrics, including carry distance, total distance, side carry, club speed, ball speed, smash factor, launch direction, launch angle, spin rate, descent angle, spin axis, and shot type.

For all these reasons, it’s our pick for the best golf launch monitor under $1,000.

The Rapsodo MLM2PRO fits easily into its sleek carrying case. And it connects seamlessly with your mobile device, providing high-definition video playback of your swings and impact through the Rapsodo app.

The MLM2PRO is compatible with E6 Connect and Awesome Golf, and you get five free E6 courses with your purchase. However, to play simulator golf with the MLM2PRO, you do need to purchase the premium subscription, which costs $199 per year.

To learn more about why we love the Rapsodo MLM2PRO so much, read our in-depth review.

Garmin Approach R10: The Portable Golf Simulator That Started It All

Before the Garmin Approach R10 debuted in 2021, “affordable,” “portable,” and “golf simulator” were not words that went together. Generally, golf simulators (at least those accurate enough to be considered options for serious golfers) were expensive and they stayed in a fixed location.

The R10 changed all of that. Suddenly, a unit the size of a deck of cards and that cost only $599.99, made simulator golf on the go a reality for everyone. And while copycat products have followed, very few can compete with the awesomeness of the Garmin Approach R10.

The R10 is compatible with multiple third-party simulator software options such as E6 Connect, Awesome Golf, The Golf Club 2019, and Creative Golf 3D, providing an extensive variety of simulated courses and practice scenarios. The included five free E6 courses (iOS-only) add significant value, making it easy to dive into simulated golf right out of the box. And the included-with-purchase Home Tee Hero is a fun, animated golf simulation that lets you play virtually any course in the world.

Portability is another strong suit of the Approach R10. Though the carrying case is bulkier than the device itself, the launch monitor fits easily into your golf bag for convenient transport. It’s perfect for on-the-go practice or sim sessions. And all you’ll need to operate the Garmin Approach R10 is a smartphone.

Check out our full Garmin Approach R10 review.

FlightScope Mevo Plus: Data for Days and No Subscriptions!

Priced at $2,299 and with no annual subscriptions, the Mevo+ gives you the opportunity to play 12 premium E6 Connect simulator golf courses right out of the box. And they are big-time courses, including St Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Bethpage Black!

And because the FlightScope Mevo+ is so small and portable, it means it’s easy to bring out to the driving range, to your friend’s house, or wherever else you can find the space and want to play those big-name sim golf courses.

The Mevo Plus offers more data metrics than any golf launch monitor near its price point, meaning it’s a great game-improvement tool as well as great for sim golf fun.

If you’re looking for a serious golf launch monitor that’s still reasonably priced, that’s incredibly portable, and that can be used as an excellent golf simulator, you’re looking for the FlightScope Mevo+.

Learn more by reading our complete Mevo+ review.

Bushnell Launch Pro: Portable, Rugged, Simple

One of the standout features of the Bushnell Launch Pro is its built-in screen. That, combined with its portability, rugged build quality and ease of setup, make it a great choice when you want to take your golf launch monitor away from your home.

Bushnell’s sister company, Foresight Sports, has proprietary sim software that comes with the purchase of a Bushnell Launch pro. That even includes 25 simulated golf courses. But to use this golf launch monitor as a simulator, you will have to pay a $499 annual subscription.

The Launch Pro, starting at $2,499.99, is right in the sweet spot where golfers who are serious about a proper simulator are likely to land. You can spend less than this, but you’re going to be missing something. And you can spend more than this, but you don’t have to.

Find everything there is to know about the Bushnell Launch Pro in our complete review.

Foresight GC3: All the Advantages of the Launch Pro but Without the Subscriptions! 

If you love the idea of the simple, accurate, ultimate golf-on-the-go that the Bushnell Launch Pro provides but hate the idea of having to pay $499 per year to play simulator golf, check out the Foresight GC3!

The GC3 is an identical unit to the Bushnell Launch Pro. Same great hardware and access to the same great golf simulator software. The difference is in the pricing. With the Launch Pro, you’ve got to pay a subscription every year. With the GC3, which starts at $5,999, you’re good to go for as long as you own the unit.

In terms of data accuracy, the GC3 is unparalleled in its price range. It uses a triscopic high-speed camera system to deliver precise ball and club data. While it requires small stickers on club faces for club data, the accuracy you get makes it well worth it.

Using the GC3 with Foresight Sports’ proprietary golf simulator software is a next-level experience. You can truly immerse yourself in lifelike simulated golf. But you will need a robust gaming computer to run the software.

Learn more about the Foresight GC3 in our in-depth review.

Foresight GCQuad: Like You See the Pros Using on the Range

The Foresight GCQuad is a top-tier portable golf simulator, renowned for its unmatched accuracy and comprehensive data capabilities. Equipped with a quadrascopic four-camera system, it captures every aspect of your swing with unparalleled precision. This advanced technology makes the GCQuad a favorite among professional golfers and instructors, and you’ll regularly see GCQuads on the driving range when you turn on the TV to watch the pros warm up.

Portability is a key strength of the GCQuad. Despite its advanced features, it remains compact and easy to transport. And with a built-in screen, you can get data on the device without even interfacing with the Foresight app.

Foresight Sports has its own proprietary golf simulation software, and it is outstanding. Among the most lifelike and realistic of any option out there. And with GCQuad, you get that software with your purchase along with 25 top golf courses. However, to run the software, you’ll need a robust gaming computer.

Although the GCQuad starts at $15,999.99, its investment is justified by the high level of accuracy and extensive data. Those things, along with the awesome software, make for a very lifelike golf simulator experience.

Check out our complete Foresight GCQuad product review.

Foresight QuadMAX: Everything You Love About the GCQuad, Only Better!

The Foresight QuadMAX elevates the already awesome experience of the GCQuad by adding a touchscreen display and an impressive internal storage capacity for more than 1 billion shots!

Priced at $19,999, the QuadMAX is geared towards serious users. It’s particularly popular among teaching and playing professionals. And one of the reasons they love it so much is because it’s so incredibly portable.

When you combine the unmatched accuracy of the QuadMAX with the incredible realism of the Foresight Sports golf simulator software, you’re talking about the ultimate golf simulator. For those seeking a truly incredible sim golf experience, this is the top of the mountain.

Learn more about this amazing device in our Foresight QuadMAX review.

Swing Caddie SC4: Inexpensive and Self-Contained

The Swing Caddie SC4 stands out as a top contender for the best portable golf simulator under $1,000, offering exceptional value and performance. Priced at $549.99, it’s the most budget-friendly option among its peers, and it doesn’t require any subscription fees, making it an economical choice for golfers.

One of the SC4’s advantages is its ease of setup. It’s the only monitor in its class that can be used straight out of the box without pairing to an app, making it incredibly convenient for quick range sessions. Simply turn it on, set it down, and start hitting shots to see your data on the built-in display.

To play simulator golf with the SC4, you won’t need anything more than a smartphone. So when you combine the device’s portability and smartphone compatibility, it’s a great choice for golf on the go.

As for sim golf access, you’ll be limited to just E6 Connect, but that’s still a great simulator golf third-party platform. And, with the purchase of the SC4, you get one free E6 course and the E6 simulated driving range.

Read our full Swing Caddie SC4 review to learn more.

Take Your Golf Simulator With You for Fun Anywhere

Sure, a dream indoor golf simulator space is awesome. And if you own a golf simulator, you’ll probably want your own permanent setup.

But the fun doesn’t have to stop there. With so many great portable golf simulator options, including at a bunch of different price points, you can bring the good times with you wherever you go.

The driving range. A friend’s house. Your vacation spot. If you can find the space, and if you’ve got the smartphone or computer required to run the software, all of those destinations and more become opportunities to play simulator golf with the right kind of portable device.

Now the question is, what are you waiting for?

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.