Golf Simulator Buyer’s Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know (and Then Some)

You don’t have to be insanely wealthy to own a home golf simulator.

You don’t even need to have an excessively large home.

Those things used to be true about golf simulators. They used to cost a fortune, and the massive sim studio builds were luxuries realistic only for those with an abundance of both cash and space.

But now, an indoor golf simulator is for you. And me. And anyone else who dreams of enjoying this great game whenever and wherever they want.

I’ve tested every best golf launch monitor (the centerpiece of a golf simulator setup) available in 2024. And I’ve been in some of the best and most basic golf simulator studios anywhere in the world, including those from all of the leading manufacturers at the annual PGA Show.

Now, with this ultimate golf simulator buyer’s guide, I’m sharing my findings, giving you one place for everything you need to know about creating your own at-home golf simulator.

Your At-Home Golf Simulator Checklist

There’s a lot to cover. Some of it you’ve probably already been thinking about. But there may be factors you haven’t yet considered. We’ll dive into it all, including:

• Package or DIY Golf Simulator? Are you going to build this yourself, or does a turnkey solution make more sense?
• Golf Simulator Price. How much does a golf simulator cost? It really comes down to what you want to spend. Trust me, there are options for less than you might think.
• Where are You Putting it? A golf simulator room? A garage golf simulator? A golf simulator shed? Perhaps a golf simulator man cave? The area you choose and its size will help you determine your best options.
• Entertainment, Game Improvement, or Both? What is your objective in building an in home golf simulator?
• Space Requirements. How much room will you need?
• Righties and Lefties. Are you going to share this space with both-handed golfers? Because that may narrow down your best golf launch monitor options.
• System Requirements. Do you have the right kind of computer for the golf launch monitor you choose?
• Subscriptions. Some golf simulator software requires annual fees. Is it worth it to pay extra each year?
• Data. Which golf launch monitor data metrics are most important to you and your game’s improvement?

Let’s start with the best sellers. Each of the below products has had success for a reason, so familiarize yourself. We’ll dig into the details as we go.

Best Selling Golf Simulators

One thing I didn’t mention in the intro about the golf simulators of yesteryear is that if you were going to pull off a sim setup without an abundance of cash, you likely had to be extremely handy and resourceful.

Now?

You absolutely can still go the DIY golf simulator route. But chances are that you’re doing that because your budget is razor thin or because you enjoy it, more than because it provides incredible savings.

There are now crazy-good and very affordable indoor golf simulator packages that make setup simple. Here are some of the most popular options.

Garmin Golf Simulator

The Garmin Approach R10 golf launch monitor gets all the headlines and attention for being the first golf launch monitor under $1,000 that was actually worth owning and because it is so portable.

But the R10 makes for a sneaky good indoor setup. I’d argue the Garmin golf simulator software is actually the best overall of all the golf launch monitors under $1,000. Check out my shootout of those affordable golf launch monitor choices. It comes with five free e6 courses and is compatible with a surprisingly good array of third-party golf simulator software packages.

The R10’s only $599.99 for the golf launch monitor and $5,099.98 for a full-blown Garmin golf simulator studio complete with projector, mat, screen, side barriers—the whole shootin’ match.

As for system requirements, trust me, you’ve got it covered. All you need is a smartphone.

Affordable golf simulator fun ahead!

Check out this Garmin R10 review from our partner at Golfstead!

Foresight Golf Simulator

 

 

Foresight Sports GC3

Super simple. Super accurate. Worth every penny. That’s my summary of the GC3.

The built-in screen makes quick launch monitor practice sessions a dream. And the Foresight Sports golf simulator software packages are among the best in the industry. Great courses and incredibly realistic graphics.

But best of all for Foresight golf simulator users: There are no annual subscriptions! You only have to pay for the GC3 one time.

As more golf simulator users are choosing the simplicity of an all inclusive option that includes everything but the computer, the GC3 sim package has become very popular.

Watch 5 reasons to get this golf launch monitor from our partner Handicap Golf!

Foresight Sports GCQuad

With four cameras instead of three, the GCQuad gives you one additional vantage point over the GC3. The launch monitor can more precisely read ball and club data, which means more data options.

The GCQuad has every useful data metric a good player, teaching pro, clubfitter, or golf simulator geek could want.

For ball data, you’ve got:

• Launch angle
• Side angle
• Ball speed
• Total spin
• Carry distance
• Side spin/spin axis

That’s the same set of ball data metrics that the GC3 and Bushnell Launch Pro deliver. It’s when we get to club data and putting that the GCQuad separates itself. Club data includes:

• Clubhead speed
• Smash factor
• Club path
• Angle of attack
• Loft/lie (not available with GC3/Launch Pro)
• Face angle (not available with GC3/Launch Pro)
• Impact location (not available with GC3/Launch Pro)
• Closure rate (not available with GC3/Launch Pro)

Throw in the next-level golf simulator software packages from Foresight Sports, which are included with the GCQuad purchase, and you’ve got a simulator studio dream.

The way to go is with an all-in-one GCQuad golf simulator studio solution. You’ll get all the goodies, including the projector, impact screen, hitting mat, etc. (everything but the computer) to have a top-of-the-line, full-blown indoor golf simulator experience.

Foresight Sports QuadMAX

Here’s the mountaintop. As accurate and souped-up of a golf launch monitor as you can possibly find.

Everything that makes the GCQuad so great and trusted by even professionals is, true to its name, maxed out with the QuadMAX. That means even more features, including unlimited shot storage in the device itself, speed training, an improved touchscreen, and a lot more.

If you wanted the absolute best turnkey golf simulator package, the only thing that would reasonably hold you back from a QuadMAX SimStudio is if you planned to play regularly with both righties and lefties.

Because this is a photometric golf launch monitor, it reads shots from the side of the golf ball, meaning you’d have to switch it back and forth to take turns between righties and lefties. That’s the same challenge with every camera-based launch monitor, so if you clear that hurdle, you can’t get any better than the QuadMAX.

Pro Tip: You will need a gaming computer to run sim software on a Foresight! Here's a helpful Gaming PC buying guide from Yardstick Golf!

SkyTrak+ Golf Simulator for Home

The SkyTrak Plus has rapidly become one of the most popular choices for indoor home golf simulators, especially in the past couple years. SkyTrak has excelled in creating a software and app experience that makes simulator golf, virtual range practice, and friendly competitions, whether in-person or online, a total blast.

For a lot of golfers, this is the perfect at-home or garage golf simulator. If you can get an all-in-one package that’s easy to set up and gives you everything you need to unleash the full range of fun and game improvement this thing is capable of, you’re likely to be mighty popular with your friends and neighbors.

In June of 2024, SkyTrak rolled out their own Course Play golf simulator software that rivals the best sim software available with any device. What was already a great SkyTrak golf simulator is now positively killer.

Our Partner Sean at Breaking Eighty offers the pros and cons of the SkyTrak+ here!

Full Swing Golf Simulator for Home

As of this writing, the most recent golf launch monitor I tested was the Full Swing KIT. You might remember when it came out a few years ago and there was a lot of hype because of its association with Tiger Woods. But then accuracy issues caused the product to kind of fizzle and stall out.

Well, as of this year, Full Swing updated the KIT, and it is now a real contender in the mid-to-upper-end best golf launch monitor category. The accuracy issues are solved.

You can get a Full Swing KIT total golf simulator package that includes everything for a simulator studio including a preloaded laptop computer with the Full Swing golf simulator software already installed.

The Full Swing KIT features the nicest built-in screen of any golf launch monitor near its price point, and the far-and-away best screen in the radar-based launch monitor category. Another advantage is that to use it just to gather data, you don’t even need a subscription.

When you do want to use it as a full-fledged at-home golf simulator, you’ll only need to pay $99 per year, which is quite reasonable compared to other brands. The included e6 Connect Perpetual Package is limited to just five simulator golf courses, but with a turnkey package, you can upgrade to Full Swing’s own proprietary and very impressive golf simulator software.

Learn more about the Full Swing KIT pros and cons in my recent review.

FlightScope Mevo+ Golf Simulator

FlightScope has officially discontinued the Mevo+ Limited Edition, but the features that made it special are now included in the new standard Mevo Plus 2024 Edition.

The revamped Mevo retains the Limited Edition’s premium E6 golf simulator course package, offering iconic courses like St Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Bethpage Black without subscription fees. Yes, that’s right, no subscriptions with the Mevo+!

Additionally, the new standard edition also supports the Pro Package and Face Impact Location add-ons, making it equivalent to the outgoing Limited Edition.

From a simulator studio standpoint, it’s all good news. The courses are great, and the accuracy of the golf launch monitor means that the shot results can be trusted.

On top of that, as a radar unit that sits behind the golf ball, you’ve got the luxury of playing hassle-free with both righties and lefties. Then again, you’ll need a lot of room depth (21 feet is recommended).

Jock at GolfBusters LOVES the Mevo+. Find out why in his video here!

Bushnell Launch Pro Golf Simulator

If you’re not entirely sure your golf simulator man cave will still be standing after several years but you want to get a taste of the best of simulator golf in the meantime, might I suggest a turnkey Bushnell Launch Pro golf simulator package.

Why?

Because you’re getting everything you’d get with the Foresight Sports GC3 simulator but for a less expensive entry price.

With the GC3, there are no subscriptions, but the least-expensive option starts at $5,999. With the Bushnell Launch Pro, which is the exact same golf launch monitor and is compatible with the exact same Foresight Sports simulator software, you have to pay $499 per year for golf simulator compatibility. But the least expensive Launch Pro starts at just $2,129.99.

So, it comes down to how long you think you’ll own the same golf launch monitor. If it’s a long-run thing, get the GC3. If you anticipate a shorter run, you won’t go wrong with the Bushnell Launch Pro.

Pro Tip: You will need a gaming computer to run sim software! Check out this Gaming PC buying guide from our friends at Yardstick Golf!

Rapsodo MLM2PRO Mobile Golf Simulator

Want an affordable golf simulator setup? Here’s how I’d do it.

Get the Rapsodo MLM2PRO for your golf launch monitor. The unit itself costs only $699.99. And, you can combine the MLM2PRO with a Net Return premium hitting net, a hitting mat, side barriers, rubber tees, and sandbags to anchor it all down for just $1,798.99.

And because you can run the MLM2PRO using your smartphone, you won’t have to worry about a computer.

The MLM2PRO is one of the most portable golf launch monitors available, which means an accompanying pop-up, net golf simulator setup allows you to bring your mobile golf simulator wherever you go. To a buddy’s, in your backyard, in your golf simulator room, or your golf simulator shed. Really, anywhere that has enough space is an option with this mobile golf simulator solution.

Watch Golficity's video on the MLM2PRO's overlooked feature here!

Swing Caddie SC4 Portable Golf Simulator

Another great, inexpensive mobile golf simulator option is a Swing Caddie SC4 combined with a hitting net, turf, side barriers and accompanying accessories like rubber tees. You can get the launch monitor and everything you need with a SimStudio package for just $1,698.98.

This is my recommendation if you want to get into a golf simulator setup for as little as possible. The Swing Caddie SC4 may not be quite as nice overall as some of the under-$1,000 golf launch monitors available and it doesn’t include as many golf simulator software compatibility options. But it does have some advantages of its own, including price and a built-in display that makes getting numbers on the fly quick and easy.

Garage Golf Simulator

Where will you put your golf simulator studio? One popular option is a garage golf simulator setup.

Who cares about keeping your cars protected. We’re talking about playing golf whenever you want! Let’s get our priorities straight!

Or maybe you’ve already got enough space in your garage for your vehicles and an indoor golf simulator. As we’ll talk more about below, you don’t necessarily need a huge space for your home golf simulator.

Ceiling height for golf simulator is likely to be your biggest challenge. You’ll probably need at least 9 feet of height to comfortably swing a golf club without hitting the ceiling, though those golf simulator room size requirements are going to vary depending on golfer height and length of swing.

If you’ve got the space, you can make any of the golf launch monitors we’ve discussed so far work in your garage. A lot of people prefer a turnkey garage golf simulator setup because it provides a bit of separation or privacy between a home’s living area and the golf simulator man cave where the sometimes loud fun is happening.

Best Golf Simulator

As you’re hopefully realizing by now, you’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to choosing the components for the best home golf simulator. With so many options, ranging from very affordable to professional-level quality, the only wrong answer is to not buy any kind of golf simulator. And with a lot of these golf launch monitors, you can play simulator golf out on the driving range, with nothing more than a smartphone. That means that you could have a golf simulator setup for anywhere from $549.99 to $19,999.

Best Indoor Golf Equipment

If you don’t want to go the turnkey, pre-packaged golf simulator route and you’re handy enough, you can always do a DIY golf simulator setup. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Golf Simulator Screen

The coolest part about a golf simulator is that, if you’ve got a projector and a screen, you can hit golf shots and see them fly in front of you just as you would out on the real golf course. But a lot of people cheap out on the impact screen. You don’t want a screen that’s going to be baggy or wrinkly and that’s going to get damaged every time it gets pelted with a golf ball.

Instead, you want something that’s made specifically for use with an indoor golf simulator. 

We like the SIG Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen products. You can buy the raw material in different sizes and designed for different aspect ratios. Or you can choose from multiple size options of screens with a finished edge already installed.

Golf Simulator Enclosure

For your DIY golf simulator design, you’ll need something to corral the golf balls after they hit the impact screen.

Generally, you can go with either a hitting net that includes side barriers, or an enclosure for your impact screen. Learn more about your options here.

Golf Simulator Projector

You don’t need a projector, but an at-home golf simulator is a lot cooler if you have one. Think of the realism of hitting golf shots and watching the simulated ball flying over the simulated golf course right in front of you. A golf simulator projector combined with a golf simulator screen is what makes indoor golf realistic.

Check out this PlayBetter SimStudio option that includes a golf simulator enclosure and a golf simulator screen with the option to add a golf simulator projector and a hitting mat. Bingo!

Golf Hitting Mats

Here’s the thing about golf hitting mats: They are not all created equal. Far from it. My advice: Choose a quality mat for a more realistic, more injury-preventive, and longer-lasting golf simulator experience.

The best of the best is Fiberbuilt. Hands down. They make mats so good that even the most diehard mat hater will have to begrudgingly admit that these mats feel and behave just like real grass. And they’ve got options that mimic different types of grass.

Check out our buds at Golficity and this fantastic video they made about Fiberbuilt golf mats!

Side Barriers

Many golf simulator nets will include an option to add side barriers to help collect the golf ball after it’s hit into the net.

If you choose a DIY golf simulator build that has an impact screen and enclosure, you may or may not need additional side barriers. It all depends on your surroundings and how confident you are that anything valuable won’t get damaged by stray golf balls.

Golf Simulator Wall Padding

This is another optional component, depending on what you need to protect. But if you’ve got walls that may be in danger of errant shots, you may want to consider covering them with some padding. Our buddy Jock at YouTube’s GolfBusters shows you exactly how to build your own.

PlayBetter BYO Bundles With and Without Projectors/Mats

A reminder that even if you’re doing a DIY golf simulator build, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by buying some of the components already finished. PlayBetter has options for packages that include your golf simulator enclosure and golf simulator screen with the option to add a hitting mat and a golf simulator projector.

Golf Launch Monitor

Of course, your golf simulator room is going to need a golf launch monitor. That’s the heart of any simulator system. It’s what reads the golf shots and interfaces with golf simulator software to create the realistic experience.

Above, we ran through several of the very best golf launch monitor options, including some of the best affordable launch monitors and some of the best prosumer devices. There really is something for every budget.

And remember, golf launch monitors are for more than just playing simulator golf. You can use them to learn everything you’d want to know about your golf swing, including how far you hit each club, what kind of spin you’re putting on the ball, whether or not you’re coming into the ball with the right angle of attack, and so on. To take full advantage of your golf launch monitor, it’s important that you learn how to interpret all of the data.

If I were building a DIY golf simulator, I’d choose the best golf launch monitor I could afford, and I’d pair it with a PlayBetter BYO package with the projector. Then I’d buy a Fiberbuilt hitting mat. As for the side barriers and additional wall padding, I might choose to skip those steps. But again, that depends on your setup, how nice you want it to look, and what you have to protect.

Here's some Best Launch Monitor videos from some of our favorite partners on YouTube:

• Best Golf Launch Monitors by Golfers Authority
• Gabe at Let's Play Thru — Best GLM of 2024 List
• Don't Miss Sean at Breaking Eighty's List
• Check out Handicap Golf's Best GLM List!
• Here's Jock from GolfBusters' Best 5 Under $5,000!

How Much Is a Golf Simulator?

By now, you’ve likely realized that there are many ways to achieve your dream golf simulator. So determining golf simulator cost isn’t entirely simple.

Among other things, you’ll need to decide on:

• Golf Launch Monitor. From the $549.99 Swing Caddie SC4 to the $19,999 Foresight QuadMAX, you’ve got options.
• DIY Golf Simulator or All-in-One Package. Are you going to build it yourself, or are you going to go the more conventional modern route of saving the time (and probably money in the long run) of buying a turnkey solution?
• Golf Simulator Materials. Whether it’s hitting net vs. impact screen or cheaper hitting mat vs. something like a Fiberbuilt, there are a lot of variables contributing to overall golf simulator price.

Watch our guy Gabe at Let's Play Thru talk about how getting a golf simulator is cheaper and easier than you think!

Where Is Your Golf Simulator Room?

Generally speaking, if you’ve got enough room to comfortably swing a golf club without damaging anything, you’ve got enough space for a golf simulator room. Popular home options include:

• Golf Simulator Shed. Park the lawnmower and store the tools outside in the elements. Who cares? You’ve got golf to play!
• Golf Simulator Man Cave. Or woman cave… All golfers dream of a private sanctuary that’s all things golf, with a simulator as the centerpiece.
• Garage Golf Simulator. This is one of the most common areas used for a golf simulator. And because so many of these turnkey builds are simple to collapse or move out of the way, you might even still have room to park your car.
• Basement. Another very popular at-home golf simulator space. Just make sure the ceilings are high enough. Most golfers can get away with 9-foot ceilings. And shorter golfers may require even less.

Golf Simulator Dimensions

Golf Simulator Enclosure/Bay/Impact Screen and Mat Sizes

Pre-packaged, turnkey golf simulator builds come in various sizes. My advice is to go with as large as you can afford and that will fit in your space. It’s a nice luxury to have a wide impact screen and enclosure space. It allows for a larger projected image and more room to protect against wayward golf shots.

PlayBetter.com sells SimStudio Enclosure packages with the following dimension options:

• 10’ W x 8.5’ H x 5.3’ D
• 12’ W x 8.5’ H x 5.3’ D
• 13’ W x 10’ H x 5.3’ D
• 13’ W x 10’ H x 10’ D

Hitting mat size will likely come down to personal preference. You should plan on a primary mat that is approximately 5’ x 5’. But you may want additional mat surfaces if you plan to incorporate putting into your golf simulator experience. It’s also nice to have a mat surface in the area in front of the screen where the golf ball bounce will deaden when they fall to the floor.

Fiberbuilt, being the next-level mat manufacturers that they are, even gives you hitting mat options that include multiple different types of synthetic grass so that you can practice and play from various conditions all on the same mat.

Golf Simulator Room Size Requirements

How much space do I need for a home golf simulator?

That, of course, is a very frequently asked question.

And the answer is… It depends. But the variances aren’t as all-over-the-place as you may fear.

The biggest determining factor is the type of golf launch monitor that you choose. Room depth, you see, can be a big challenge for some builds.

Radar-type golf launch monitors set up behind the golf ball. Most need to be set up at least 8 feet behind the ball and require another 8 feet between the ball and the screen. Then, it’s recommended that you add another 1 foot between the screen and the back wall. So that means, most radar golf launch monitors are going to require a room that’s at least 17 feet deep.

However, it’s often preferable to have 10 feet between a radar golf launch monitor and the golf ball. This generally allows for the monitor to read the flight of the golf ball for longer and therefore to produce more accurate results. So, that means that ideally, you’d want your room to be at least 19 feet deep. We often recommend 21 feet of room depth just to be on the safe side and to make sure everything fits comfortably.

Of course, not everyone has a golf simulator room with that much depth.

That’s where a camera-based or photometric golf launch monitor comes in. This type of device sits to the side of the golf ball. It records shots via camera at the moment of impact and then calculates the expected ball flight from there. That means that you really only need a room deep enough to swing your longest golf club without hitting any walls.

The same goes with room width. For any type of golf launch monitor, you just need enough space to swing freely without damaging anything.

Ceiling height is often the biggest hurdle to clear when building a home golf simulator. We recommend at least 9 feet. Taller golfers with longer swings may need higher. Shorter golfers with shorter swings may be able to get away with less. Just keep in mind any guests that might be visiting.

Important Considerations for Your In-Home Golf Simulator

We’ve covered a lot here. It’s natural to maybe initially feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the variables. But this really isn’t rocket science. Let’s break it down into the key criteria you’ll need to consider for your build.

• System Requirements. Less expensive mobile golf launch monitors can usually be operated with just a smartphone. You can even use some of the most expensive golf launch monitors with nothing more than a phone or tablet. But to operate the best, most feature-rich, lifelike golf simulator software available, you’ll usually need a fairly robust computer. A gaming computer usually works great. System requirements vary considerably by the type of golf launch monitor, so pay attention to those specs when you research the product you’re considering.
• Why Do You Want a Golf Simulator? Are you a super serious golfer who requires pinpoint accuracy and the most lifelike graphics available? Or are you cool with more animated-type graphics and maybe a bit of variance with some of the data? These sorts of questions will help you decide how far you need to go with your investment. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for.
• Who Will Be Using Your Golf Simulator Room? Of course you’ll have to consider height and swing length. But don’t forget to factor in which side of the ball each golfer will stand on. Radar units are great if you’re going to play with both righties and lefties because you won’t have to move the golf launch monitor when they switch turns. Camera-based units, on the other hand, will need to be moved back and forth depending on who’s hitting.
• More Permanent or Mobile? Do you plan to set up your golf simulator one time and leave it intact? Or do you envision a more mobile golf simulator version that allows you to take your show on the road? We’ve identified options for both approaches.
• Software Subscriptions. Everyone’s favorite topic. It’s just a fact of life that many of the best golf simulator software packages require you to pay annually. But not all of them do. If you can’t stand the thought of subscriptions, keep an eye on something like the Foresight golf simulator options or the FlightScope Mevo+.

Why Buy from PlayBetter

You should now have everything you need to know to make a very informed golf simulator purchasing decision. And if there’s something we didn’t cover, just ask us!

You’ve got choices, of course. And that includes where you buy your golf simulator. But just understand that you’re not going to find another retailer as crazy about golf tech as we are. We’re hands-on with these products each and every day. We’re in the sim studio, on the range, and out on the course, literally testing these launch monitors continuously.

And we share all of our findings in the most extensive, in-depth golf product reviews available anywhere on the internet.

All that plus we’ve got the best prices and the most friendly, responsive customer service. We offer free two-day shipping and no-hassle, no-questions-asked returns.

We’re direct with all of these golf launch monitor and golf simulator build manufacturers, so if we can’t answer a question directly, we know exactly who to ask.

So, sure, you can buy from somewhere else. The question is, what would you gain?

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" 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.