Posted March 5, 2024 in Products and Brands by Trevor Cigich
Home practice can be difficult for most golfers, as not many have enough outdoor space to let it rip with all their clubs. As a result, golfers are often stuck only being able to practice when they have time to go to the range, except for some chipping around the park.
Golf simulators are the go-to solution for home practice, and they allow golfers to practice with all their clubs on a simulated golf course and get in-depth analytics on every shot. Two obstacles generally dictate whether a golfer thinks a simulator is right for them: Required interior/exterior space and cost. Luckily, there are far more options than most realize, and we will cover the best home golf simulators for every golfer’s situation:
Best Premium Indoor Simulator | Skytrak and Skytrak+ Studio Packages |
Best Value All-in-One Simulator | Optishot Golf in a Box 3 |
Best Simulator for Portable Indoor/Outdoor Functionality | Rapsodo MLM2PRO/Voice Caddie SC4 |
Best for Precise Analytics | Foresight GCQuad |
Best Budget Practice Setup | Golf Net + Hitting Mat |
Let’s dive into our recommendations for each situation and find the best golf simulators for every golfer.
The Skytrack indoor golf simulators are our choice for premium indoor golf simulation because of their unrivaled combination of easy setup, high-quality visuals, course variety, and accurate shot metrics. They come with the Skytrak or Skytrak+ launch monitor, an HDR-capable projector with a mounting arm, a hitting mat, putting turf, and enclosure netting– everything you need for an incredibly immersive golf simulation in one package.
If you have the space and budget for one, Skytrak ($5,995) and Skytrak+ ($6,995) studio packages provide an all-in-one experience unmatched by any other golf simulator on the market in this price range.
Optishot offers 5 Golf in a Box packages that provide varying levels of simulator functionality. The Optishot Golf in a Box 3 is our best value selection because it is the lowest-cost package with a simulator screen and projector. At just over half the price of the Skytrak+ ($3,200), the Optishot 3 provides all of the fundamentals of an indoor golf simulator at an extremely competitive price. It accomplishes this by using a hitting mat that can be connected to a computer instead of a standalone launch monitor system with its own computing power.
As a result, we believe the Optishot Golf in a Box 3 offers the best value through a great base-level indoor simulator experience at a more digestible price.
We have a two-way tie for our Portable indoor/outdoor simulator category, and this is because the Rapsodo MLM2PRO and Voice Caddie SC4 are comparable in form factor and functionality. Both of these portable launch monitor systems can be used in just about any practice environment both with and without a net, are easy to set up, offer simulator functionality through a mobile app, and provide accurate shot metrics through Doppler radar technology.
They sit about $100 apart in price, but the key differences make them both great values at their given price points:
Rapsodo MLM2PRO | Voice Caddie SC4 | |
Price | $699.99 | $549.99 |
Recorded Metrics | 13 | 8 |
Video Shot Replay | Yes (w/ Shot Vision/Impact Vision multi-option replay) | Yes |
Native Simulator Courses | 30K Rapsodo Courses + E6 Connect and Awesome Golf capability (for extra money) | No native courses, free E6 Connect included with purchase |
Requires Smartphone | For Simulator Only | For Simulator Only |
For high-level golfers who require the most precise possible metrics, with the widest array of features and a true workhorse of a launch monitor/simulator, there is no better option than the Foresight GCQuad. With 14 measured ball and club metrics, putting analysis, a massive 18”x14” hitting zone, four high-definition cameras, and many more industry-leading features, the GCQuad simply leaves nothing on the table regarding accurate shot tracking and simulation.
Foresight GCQuad Feature Rundown
Ball Data | Launch Angle Side Angle Ball Speed Total Spin Carry Side Spin/Spin Axis |
Club Data | Club Head Speed Smash Factor Club Path Angle of Attack Loft/Lie Face Angle Impact Location Closure Rate |
Putting Analysis | Yes |
Hitting Zone | 18” x 14” |
Cameras | 4 (Quadrascopic) |
Light Source | Integrated Infrared |
Battery | Interchangeable Lithium Ion |
Display Type | Premium Reflective Memory Display (Outdoor Viewability) |
Fold-Out Ground Stabilizer |
Yes |
Finish Material | Thermo Plastic Rubberized Material with Premium Metallic Finish |
Barometric Sensor | Yes |
Accelerometer | Yes |
WiFi | Yes |
Ethernet | Yes |
USB Type | C |
Bluetooth | Yes |
Alignment Stick | Included |
Warranty | 2-year US |
Size | 7” (W) x 12.5” (H) x 4” (D) |
Weight | 7.5lbs / 3.8kg |
Battery Life | 6-8 Hours |
Now, the Foresight GCQuad carries a premium price tag to go along with its premium features ($16,000), which is only for the monitor. To get a simulator setup to go along with it, it will run another $1-3 thousand. But golf can get expensive, and a simulator package with a GCQuad launch monitor is an absolute dream for golfers who prioritize having the best of the best. So, for those who can manage the cost, this is our #1 pick.
For golfers who have reached the end of this list and have not found anything that quite meets their needs for frugality, we have good news for you: A simulator is the only way to get full-swing practice at home or a local golf range. The fact is, golf is a much more financially flexible sport than many give it credit for, and there are options for everybody to enjoy the game just as much as those with all the money in the world to spend.
All you need to practice full-swing in your garage, yard, or local grass patch is a golf net. Full-size nets can be had for as low as $69.99 on our online store, and they take mere minutes to set up on some grass and get swinging. If you need to hit off of an indoor surface or a hard outdoor surface, a hitting mat can come as affordably as $20. Throw in a couple of rubber tees, and you’re looking at full-swing practice wherever you have the space for less than $100.
Golf is for everybody, and while in-depth metrics and electronic simulators can improve the fun and precision of your practice, they certainly aren’t necessary to improve one’s golf game. Golfers on a budget should get what they can to unlock their ability to swing as often as possible, and as the money comes, a mobile launch monitor can be an affordable addition down the road to improve the practice quality.
Worldwide Golf Shops provides next-level service to customers of all experience levels, with the best-trained staff in the industry. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide guidance to beginners and to share pro tips with even our most experienced clientele, making us one of the best places to buy the best home golf simulators.
Check out our online store to see our industry-standard variety of all of the following:
At Worldwide Golf Shops, we take pride in offering brands that we guarantee will provide the highest level of value to our diverse range of golfers. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf gear. Find a store near you today!
Trevor Cigich | Director of Retail Marketing | Worldwide Golf Shops
I’ve been at Worldwide Golf Shops for 6 years, and I’ve been playing golf for 23 years. I have played a few mini tour events but now compete occasionally at the amateur level– currently a +2.1 handicap. I am a bit of a tinkerer when it comes to golf and golf clubs. I enjoy testing all aspects of different products, utilizing various fitting systems and learning about all the different club shafts, club lengths, golf balls, and putter styles. Not just for my game, but to help customers of all calibers.
For more content from me and our team, as well as our vast online store, go to www.worldwidegolfshops.com.