10 Best Garmin Golf GPS Devices 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach R10 is a versatile and portable golf launch monitor designed to improve your game whether you are at home, indoors, or on the driving range. It offers a compact display size of 0.9 inches and comes with a robust battery life of up to 10 hours, making it perfect for extended practice sessions. One of its standout features is its extensive course coverage, enabling users to play virtual rounds on over 42,000 courses globally through the Garmin Golf app, which is excellent for variety in practice and competitive play.

Accuracy is a strong point with the R10, providing precise readings for club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, ball spin, and launch angles, with minimal deviations. This level of accuracy can be instrumental in honing your skills and improving shot consistency. Additionally, the device includes a training mode that tracks stats for each club and offers a shot dispersion chart, aiding users in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Ease of use is facilitated by the included phone mount, which attaches to your golf bag for better viewing and interaction with the app.

The R10 is also water-resistant with an IPX7 rating, ensuring durability in various conditions. However, there are a few drawbacks. The small screen size might be less convenient for some users, and while the app integration is helpful, it requires a compatible smartphone and an active subscription for full functionality. At 12 ounces, it is lightweight but may still require careful handling. The Garmin Approach R10 is a solid choice for golfers looking to improve their game with detailed metrics and extensive course options, though it comes with some reliance on additional tech and subscriptions.

The Garmin Approach R50 is a premium golf launch monitor and simulator featuring a bright 10-inch color touchscreen for easy interaction both on the course and at the range. It uses a 3-camera system to provide detailed swing metrics such as ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate, offering precise feedback to help golfers improve their game. The device supports an extensive course library of over 43,000 courses via the Home Tee Hero platform, enabling virtual rounds and online competitions, though this requires an active subscription. Battery life is about 4 hours, suitable for typical practice sessions, but may need recharging for extended use.

Portability is enhanced by an included carrying case, although the device weighs around 9 pounds, which may not be the lightest option. The built-in barometer improves accuracy by adjusting distance calculations based on atmospheric conditions, enhancing outdoor performance. Users can also connect the R50 to a monitor or projector through HDMI for a larger viewing experience, a useful feature for home practice setups.

The device includes essentials such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen control. It is well-suited for serious golfers seeking detailed swing data and virtual play, while casual users may find the subscription requirement and device weight less convenient.

The Garmin Approach S50 is a golf GPS smartwatch designed to enhance your time on the course by providing accurate distances and useful features right on your wrist. Its 1.2-inch AMOLED color display is bright and clear, making it easy to read course details and hazards, which is a big help when planning your shots. With over 43,000 preloaded courses mainly across North America, it offers extensive course coverage for most golfers. The battery life supports up to 15 hours in GPS mode—enough for a full day of golf—and extends to 10 days if used just as a smartwatch, which means less frequent charging is needed.

You get smart distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of greens, plus a feature that adjusts distances for elevation changes to give a truer shot yardage. The watch pairs with optional club trackers for detailed shot analysis, adding value if you want to dive deeper into improving your game. Beyond golf, it tracks heart rate and other health stats to help maintain overall fitness, which might be a bonus if you enjoy a well-rounded wearable. It also supports contactless payments and music streaming, making it versatile off the course.

The nylon strap is comfortable and lightweight, although some may prefer a more durable material for rougher use. The device is user-friendly with both touchscreen and button controls, simplifying navigation even for those new to golf GPS watches. Some users might find the battery life in GPS mode a bit limited if playing back-to-back rounds, but for most, it strikes a good balance. The Approach S50 mixes useful golf-focused tools with smartwatch conveniences, making it ideal for golfers who want accurate course info plus fitness and lifestyle features in one device.