Garmin Approach R50 vs FlightScope Mevo+: Is the R50 Worth the Extra Money?

For nearly five years, the FlightScope Mevo+ has been one of the most popular golf launch monitors for consumers stuck between inexpensive entry-level options and the super spendy devices the pros use. In other words, the Mevo+ has been a prosumer standout.

But now there’s a new sheriff in town. In November 2024, along came the Garmin Approach R50. Just like the Mevo+, it’s targeting the golfer who’s serious enough to spend thousands on a golf launch monitor but not so serious that they’re willing to spend tens of thousands.

And just like the Mevo+, the R50 is noted for its incredible accuracy and unrivaled ball and club data metrics.

But the R50 has some tricks up its sleeve that the Mevo+ can’t match.

Then again, the Mevo+ starts at $2,299 compared to $4,999.99 for the R50.

Which of course means that we’ve got to get to the bottom of which of these two golf launch monitors is the better buy. If in fact the R50 is the overall better golf launch monitor, is it that much better that it’s worth that much more money?

I’ve spent many hours using each of these golf launch monitors indoors and outdoors. I’ve got what I think is a solid handle on where both of them shine brightest and in what areas either of them may fall short.

If you want my honest take on how they stack up against each other on a scale of 0 to 5 in 10 key categories, read on for my Garmin Approach R50 vs FlightScope Mevo Plus showdown.

Golf Launch Monitor and Simulator Price

Garmin Approach R50 = 4; FlightScope Mevo+ = 4 

On the surface, it may look like the Mevo+ wins easily on price. After all, it starts at just $2,299 whereas the Garmin Approach R50 costs $4,999.99.

But to make this closer to an apples-to-apples comparison, we’ve got to jump the cost of a Mevo+ to $3,798.00. That’s because that’s what it costs after you add thef Pro Package and Face Impact upgrades, which allow you to get everything the Mevo+ is capable of doing. If you want all of that ball and club data, swing plane visuals, and impact location information that bring the Mevo+ closer to the capabilities of an R50, you need to spring for a maxed-out Mevo+.

But even fully unlocked, the Mevo+ is still more than a grand less expensive than an R50. The reason I rate them as a tie on price comes down to what I see as overall value.

The R50 does things that no other golf launch monitor can do. Namely, it’s got built-in golf simulator capabilities, and if you want to use it with a projector or TV, you don’t even need an additional computer. We’ll explore more of those features as we go. But I do think these key R50 differentiators more than make up for the more than $1,000 price difference between these two devices.

When you consider everything each of these golf launch monitors deliver, I think the pricing for both is very fair.

First Impressions Upon Unboxing

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 5 

I’ve said this in other product comparisons, but I think the Garmin Approach R50 deserves the highest score in this category no matter how high the scale goes. Opening this product and seeing the gorgeous, 10-inch, color, touchscreen display is truly a wow moment.

Then there’s the size of the R50. At 17 inches tall, 12 inches wide, 7 inches deep, and weighing 9 pounds, that too makes a stunning first impression. It looks positively gigantic compared to the much more diminutive Mevo+. I think the R50 size will be exciting for some users whereas others may see it as a bit much.

The R50 also comes with a carrying case that makes a statement in its own right. It too is massive, looking something like a large suitcase.

Opening the Mevo+ isn’t quite as awe-inspiring, but I couldn’t knock it down just because the R50 is so overwhelming. The reason I give the Mevo+ the highest score here is because its presentation is so clean and classy. You immediately get the impression that you’re dealing with a high-quality, serious piece of golf technology.

The quality of the Mevo+ box, the look and feel of the launch monitor and included carrying case, and the straightforward simplicity of the instruction manual all engender feelings of confidence. It’s deserving of the highest mark even if it isn’t quite as jaw-dropping as the R50.

How Easy Is It To Set Up the Garmin Approach R50 or FlightScope Mevo+?

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 3

This is one key area where we see some separation between these two products.

There is literally not another golf launch monitor that is easier to set up and start using than the Garmin Approach R50. It is so, so simple.

How simple?

Well, first of all, you don’t need anything more than the R50 itself. Because of its beautiful, large, touchscreen display, you can get all of your shot information right on the golf launch monitor. That means, there’s no need to interface with an app, a mobile device, a computer, more software—nothing!

But the ease-of-use goes further than that. Because the R50 includes Garmin’s Home Tee Hero golf simulator package right on the device, you don’t even need to hook up to anything else to play a round of simulator golf! We’ve never seen a product that could deliver that kind of experience.

And it goes even further still! When you want to get a big-screen experience, you can connect the R50 directly to a projector or television with just a single HDMI cable. Yet another first-of-its-kind feature.

Then there’s the Mevo+. It’s not like it’s rocket science to set up, but it is a bit finicky. The Mevo+ is capable of outstanding data accuracy, but it has to be set up perfectly in order to deliver those reliable results. Getting it right takes a few minutes.

So again, especially after you get the hang of it, setting up the Mevo+ is definitely doable, and you shouldn’t be intimidated. But compared to the R50 setup process, it’s night and day.

Portability

Garmin Approach R50 = 3; FlightScope Mevo+ = 5 

Here the tables turn in the Mevo+’s favor.

Not only is the Mevo+ small (6.8 x 1.2 x 4.6 inches and weighing just 16 ounces), it also includes a really sleek, totally functional carrying case.

It’s a bit of a tight fit, but you ca slide your Mevo+ into a golf bag pocket, making it a great on-the-go option.

The Garmin Approach R50 also includes a carrying case. And it’s also very nice. But because the device itself and the accompanying case are just so huge, “portability” isn’t really the word that comes to mind.

But I can’t knock the R50 down any lower than this because of the fact that you can use it for practice or simulator golf without the need to connect to any additional devices. That makes it extremely portable in the sense that you can bring it anywhere where there’s room to swing a golf club and be up and running in less than a minute.

Garmin Approach R50 vs FlightScope Mevo+: The Data

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 5

Both of these golf launch monitors are absolute standouts when it comes to data. They each easily earn the highest mark in this category. Not only can you get all of the metrics you could ever need with either device, but both are capable of professional-grade accuracy.

Among the many things that make the R50 worth the $4,999.99 asking price is the fact that you get all of the ball and club data right out of the box. That means:

• Ball Speed
• Launch Angle
• Launch Direction
• Spin Rate
• Spin Axis
• Sidespin
• Smash Factor
• Total Distance
• Carry Distance
• Carry Deviation (in both yards and degrees)
• Total Deviation (in both yards and degrees)
• Apex Height

• Clubhead Speed
• Path Angle
• Angle of Attack
• Face Angle
• Face to Path

The FlightScope Mevo+ 2024 edition starts at $2,299. For that price, you get:

• Ball Speed
• Smash Factor
• Carry Distance
• Total Distance
• Launch Angle
• Spin Rate
• Spin Loft
• Apex Height
• Flight Time
• Angle of Attack
• Launch Direction
• Spin Axis
• Roll Distance
• Lateral Landing
• Shot Dispersion
• Shot Type

Then, for another $700, you can add the Pro Package, which opens up a whole suite of club data, giving you:

• Face to Path
• Face to Target
• Dynamic Loft
• Club Path
• Vertical Swing Plane
• Horizontal Swing Plane
• Low Point
• Vertical Descent Angle
• Curve
• Club Speed Profile
• Club Acceleration Profile

Or, for the add-on price of $975, you can get the Pro Package and Face Impact Location software, which allows you to see precisely where on the clubface you’re making contact. It’s a really cool and useful feature.

Again, one of the biggest selling points for both of these golf launch monitors is not only is each device capable of reporting such an extensive array of data, but they both deliver accurate information that you can count on for legitimate game improvement.

Outdoor Use

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 4

I mentioned that portability is a bit of an issue with the Garmin Approach R50. But once you do get it to where you want it, wow is it a dream to use, and that most certainly includes outdoors.

Not only can the R50 reliably read shots hit off of natural grass or an artificial hitting surface, but it’s just so damn simple to operate.

Plus, you’ve got every way to use it all without needing to connect to any external devices. That means just getting data, using it for target practice on virtual ranges, or playing full-blown rounds of simulated golf, all right on the R50’s built-in display.

So, yeah, giving the R50 a 5 for outdoor use is a no-brainer even with portability challenges.

The FlightScope Mevo+ is likewise able to accurately read shots hit off of either mats or real grass with no issues at all. And it does win some overlap points here for its strong portability. But because it’s a bit finicky to get aligned correctly, it falls just short of the highest mark in this category.

Indoor Use

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 4

For all the same reasons that it excels outdoors, the Garmin R50 is a killer indoor option.

I mean, come on, we’re talking about a golf launch monitor that can be used to play or practice anywhere without needing any additional hardware or software!

And when you do want to use the R50 with a projector and impact screen or to display the simulated action on a large-screen TV, it’s as simple as a direct HDMI connection.

There’s never been a golf launch monitor/simulator as versatile as the R50, and that certainly extends to indoor use.

On top of all that, because the R50 is an optical golf launch monitor that uses three high-speed cameras to read golf shots from the side of the ball, not only is it accurate but it’s also a space saver. All you really need is enough room to be able to swing a golf club freely without damaging anything and enough space between where you’re hitting from and what you’re hitting into to avoid a ball ricochetting back at you.

The one reason the Mevo+ suffers a deduction here is that, because it has to be set up 8 feet behind the golf ball, it requires at least 16 feet of room depth.

Golf Launch Monitor and Simulator Features

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 4 

Not only does the Garmin Approach R50 include features for days, but they are features we’ve never seen before on a golf launch monitor.

Among them:

• A 10-inch, color, touchscreen display. Other launch monitors include a built-in screen, but nothing as nice as this one.
• The ability to customize what’s displayed on the screen, including split-screen options.
• Built-in Home Tee Hero simulator capabilities right on the R50 itself without the need to connect to any other device.
• A direct HDMI connection from the R50 to a projector or TV.
• Automatic impact video replay on the screen after each shot.

It goes on and on from there. The Garmin Approach R50 is absolutely loaded!

What stands out for me with the Mevo+ is its integrated camera and the automatic swing video capability. This feature allows you to review video footage of every shot, with the option to annotate the footage with lines, angles, and circles to better analyze your swing. It even supports recording and exchanging lessons. And you can connect up to three additional cameras for capturing multiple video angles.

There’s also a series of challenges available in the FlightScope app so that you can play driving range games, try a long-drive competition, or see how your skills stack up against PGA and LPGA pros.

Another awesome feature of the Mevo+, new in 2024, is the Shot Tracer. Not only do you get a 3D trajectory of each shot, but your data is overlaid on top of the tracer line. It’s a really slick addition to an already great product.

Golf Simulator Use

Garmin Approach R50 = 5; FlightScope Mevo+ = 5

Two great options here when it comes to playing simulator golf.

The R50 is special because it’s the first-ever golf launch monitor that doubles as a golf simulator all in the same device. Garmin’s Home Tee Hero simulator software is built right into the R50. It does require a subscription, but to be able to play sim golf right on the golf launch monitor is amazing!

And what’s even better is that Garmin significantly improved the Home Tee Hero software for the R50. What used to be cartoon-like and not at all realistic is now far more lifelike with the mapping details being much more accurate. Plus, Home Tee Hero includes pretty much every golf course in the world—more than 43,000 of them!

Beyond Home Tee Hero, the R50 is compatible with GSPro, E6 Connect, E6 Apex, and Awesome Golf. Those are great options even if there will be additional cost to add third-party simulator software. However, you will need a computer to run those third-party packages. And the simulator graphics won’t be visible on the R50 screen.

A major golf simulator highlight with the FlightScope Mevo Plus is that the purchase price includes 12 big-name E6 courses such as the Old Course at St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, and others, all ready to play without extra subscription fees.

Beyond E6, the Mevo+ is compatible with the Golf Club 2019, Awesome Golf, Creative Golf 3D, and GSPro. This extensive range opens up a limitless array of golf course and gaming possibilities.

Subscriptions and Additional Costs

Garmin Approach R50 = 4; FlightScope Mevo+ = 4

One really cool thing about both of these golf launch monitors is that you can get a lot out of each of them without any more cost than the initial purchase price.

That’s especially true of the R50, which includes all of the ball and club data right out of the box.

But to play the built-in Home Tee Hero simulator golf, you will have to pony up $99 a year or $9.99 per month. I think that’s more than fair actually.

With the Mevo+, you can play free simulator golf right out of the box thanks to the included 12-pack of E6 courses.

However, to get all of the data that the Mevo+ can deliver, you do have to pay extra for the Pro Package. And the Face Impact location information costs even more still. To get both the Pro Package and Face Impact package together costs an additional $975.

What’s great about the Mevo+ is that there are no ongoing subscription fees. So once you decide what you want, you only have to pay for it one time.

Garmin Approach R50 vs FlightScope Mevo+: Which One Should You Buy? 

Adding up our scores in each of the 10 categories, we get a final tally of:

Garmin Approach R50: 46

FlightScope Mevo+: 43

I think making your best choice really comes down to deciding how much you want.

If you want it all, including features and functionality that aren’t available even in more expensive golf launch monitors, buy the Garmin Approach R50. And buy it quickly. This is the hottest golf technology product to come around in a long time. Retailers are having a hard time keeping them in stock.

To answer our initial question, yes, I think the Garmin Approach R50 is definitely worth the extra money.

But if you want to save some money, you can still feel great about getting a FlightScope Mevo+. It’s a tremendous golf launch monitor. And if you take the time to set it up correctly, it’s as accurate as any device anywhere near its price.

It’s never bad to have choices. And the Garmin Approach R50 and FlightScope Mevo+ are two excellent options.

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.