Best Budget Home Golf Simulator – Golf Insider UK

The words affordable and home golf simulator don’t always end up in the same sentence. Home golf simulators are a major investment, but they can offer great entertainment as well as game improvement opportunities. We have tested and compared several of the best affordable home golf simulator packages to help you find something in the $3000-$7500 range. 

The Best Affordable Home Golf Simulators Are:

Mevo Plus SIG10 Golf Simulator

The Mevo Plus SIG10 Golf Simulator was our favorite choice of the best budget golf simulator packages on the market. Although this is the most expensive of the options here, you will quickly notice that when you pay a little more money, the accuracy and the overall effectiveness of the simulator is considerably better. 

What comes with the package

The Flighscope Mevo+ SIG10 Package comes with a charging cable, carrying pouch, metallic stickers for hitting golf shots indoors, E6 simulation software package, the SIG10 Golf Simulator Enclosure, side barrier netting, landing pad turf, a golf hitting mat, simulator projector, ceiling mount and all of the necessary cables and adapters. 

With the Flightscope Mevo+ SIG 10 Package, there is nothing else that you will need to purchase to get your golf simulator up and running; the software will run on an iPad or a computer. 

Course/practice modes

The Mevo Plus SIG10 Golf Simulator comes with the E6 simulator software package. This is just the basic package, so you will only get 5 golf courses initially, but there are options to upgrade. The five golf courses you get are . . .

• Aviara
• Stone Canyon 
• Wade Hampton 
• Sanctuary
• Belfy 

There are also 17 practice ranges and some other fun practice games that come along with the base package. 

How it works

The Flightscope Mevo Plus SIG10 Golf Simulator package has a very easy to set up and use Flightscope Mevo Plus launch monitor, and the rest of the package is necessary to project your images on the screen in front of you. 

This is not a pro model, so the data you get will be ball data and not club data. However, even the ball data alone from Mevo Plus is one of the more accurate readings on the market. The pro package add-on that provides club data and additional features will run about $1000 extra. 

Setup/maintenance

Setting up the Flightscope Mevo Plus takes a few minutes; if you are someone that uses this is more of a portable option. However, for a more permanent setup, we recommend taking 5-15 minutes and getting this to be perfect (including adjusting for the height of your mat and getting the monitor directly on your ball-target line). 

You will need at least 7 to 9 feet behind the ball to place the launch monitor. We also recommend nine feet of ceiling height to make sure you have full clearance and are not restricting your swing in any way. 

Cool extras

One of the great things about the Mevo Plus SIG10 is that you can play a round of golf the day you get it. We like the fact that you can pick and choose the mat that you like best, and you can even end up putting in a full golf carpet in the room if you want to. 

Golf Insider verdict

This is the most expensive of our budget-friendly affordable home golf simulators; however, it also offers the most accuracy and usability for golfers. If you are serious about this and don’t want to have to upgrade your simulator package in a year or two, the Mevo is a smart option. 

SkyTrak SIG 10 Golf Simulator Package

The SkyTrak SIG 10 Golf Simulator Package is very similar to our top choice, the Mevo Plus SIG 10 Golf simulator. You will notice that the net options and the mat are exactly the same; the difference here is the SkyTrak launch monitor as opposed to the Mevo Launch Monitor. They each have unique characteristics, so it’s a good idea to evaluate both when you are shopping in this $7000-$8000 price range. 

The key difference is that the SkyTrak sits beside your golf ball, rather than behind, meaning you need far less space to create a great home golf simulator experience.

What comes with the package

The SkyTrak SIG 10 Golf Simulator Package comes with a charging cable, carrying pouch, WGT software package, the SIG10 Golf Simulator Enclosure, side barrier netting, landing pad turf, a golf hitting mat, simulator projector, ceiling mount, and all of the necessary cables and adapters. 

You will still need to have an iPad or a laptop to load the software and get that to work. 

Course/practice modes

The WGT software that comes with the SkyTrak is well known for its accuracy and the fact that it makes golf considerably more fun. Golfers will have an easy time getting this setup, and some of the courses you get to play are very famous. 

• Pebble Beach
• St. Andrews Old Course, UK
• Royal St. George’s Golf Club, UK
• The Olympic Club, CA
• Merion Golf Club, PA
• Erin Hills
• Kiawah Island Ocean Course, SC
• Congressional Country Club, MD
• Bethpage Black, NY
• Pinehurst No. 2, NC
• Wolf Creek
• Chambers Bay, WA

In addition to the golf courses, there are also options for a 3D driving range, closest to the pin, long drive challenges, target practice, bag mapping, and more. Most of these games offer the ability for several players to participate at once. 

How it works

The SkyTrak launch monitor is becoming one of the more popular options on the market because of the mix of affordability and accuracy. This is not as accurate as a Trackman or GC Quad and there is no club data, only ball data, but overall, SkyTrak provides for a really great home simulator experience.

The data you’ll get is accurate enough until you make it down to scratch, then you may start to find a few shots that don’t match the precision you’re looking for. 

Setup/maintenance

The SkyTrak launch monitor uses photometric tracking and sits beside the golf ball, so you won’t need as much room as radar options that need 8-12ft behind and in front of the golf ball to work. The net itself requires about 14 feet of space, with added room needed for your backswing! 

Cool extras

The fact that the projector comes with the SkyTrak SIG 10 Golf Simulator Package is one of our favorite features. Of course, the Mevo has this too, but shopping for a projector is no easy task for those that struggle with technology and terms like “Short Throw” and “Screen Size Ratio.” This SkyTrak is perfectly paired with what it needs to provide a great simulator experience. 

Golf Insider verdict

We like the SkyTrak SIG 10 Package because it is easy to use, simple to set up, and Is a great budget option if you are short of space.

SkyTrak Bronze Package

The SkyTrak Bronze Package has some of the best value for a simulator in that $5000 range. Although you may lose a few things when it comes to the overall accuracy if you compare it to a Trackman Launch Monitor, the fun and entertainment you get from the SkyTrak is a tremendous value for the price. 

What comes with the package

The SkyTrak Bronze Package is a full golf home simulator package with the SkyTrak Launch Monitor, SkyTrak Play & Improve Software, Net Return Home or Pro Series V2 Net and Frame, Side Barriers and Simulator Screen, a projector shield, large pro turf mat, cables, and a few rubber tees. 

Similar to the Mevo package, this is something that you will be able to set up and play the first day you get it. 

Course/practice modes

SkyTrak Bronze Package comes with the SkyTrak Play and Improve software. This will have full golf course play on 12 courses, including . . .

• Pebble Beach
• St. Andrews Old Course, UK
• Royal St. George’s Golf Club, UK
• The Olympic Club, CA
• Merion Golf Club, PA
• Erin Hills
• Kiawah Island Ocean Course, SC
• Congressional Country Club, MD
• Bethpage Black, NY
• Pinehurst No. 2, NC
• Wolf Creek
• Chambers Bay, WA

In addition to the golf courses, there are also options for a 3D driving range, closest to the pin competition, long drive challenges, target practice, bag mapping, and progress tracking. Overall it becomes very hard to get bored while using the SkyTrak Bronze Package Home Golf Simulator. 

How it works

The great thing about the SkyTrak Bronze Package is that the most important feature of the actual simulator, the launch monitor, is still the high-performing SkyTrak golf simulator. That means the ball data and overall accuracy that you get with the SkyTrak Bronze should be nearly as good as the Sky Trak SIG 10 package. 

Setup/maintenance

There is very little maintenance with the SkyTrak Bronze setup, and it can be a good option if you have several people in your family looking to use the simulator. The only thing to be careful of is the side nets are not nearly as effective as they are in the more advanced models; some wayward shots can cause damage, so be mindful when you are setting this up. 

You will need about 10’ for the width, 14’ for the length, and 8’6” for the height. 

Cool extras

Even though the FlightScope Mevo + Package is our favorite overall option, it only comes with the 6 golf courses to start out; having 12 golf courses as well as a darts game and other fun extras makes this a really entertaining choice for players. 

Golf Insider verdict

Overall we like this option for the golfer that really needs to keep the pricing down but at the same time is afraid to buy “cheap” or “junky” products. You will still be getting a great golf simulator here; the only issue to be aware of is the setup is a little less impressive from a netting/enclosure standpoint. 

OptiShot 2 Simulator Series Package 

The OptiShot 2 Simulator Series Package is the cheapest on our list, but it is not the cheapest on the market. As great as it is to find affordable golf simulators, it does not always make sense to purchase items that are the lowest price. This is the lowest of the OptiShot series that we feel warrants a spot on this list. 

What comes with the package

The OptiShot 2 comes with the Infrared Optical Swing Pad, OptiShot2 Software, capable foam practice balls, and Net Return Simulator Series Golf Net. Pro Turf Mat, Projector Mount Kit, and side barriers. 

You will need to connect a projector to the OptiShot 2 Simulator Series Package, but the projector mount is part of the unit. The projector will really help complete the overall experience of being in a golf simulator, and it should be considered when looking at the total price. 

Course/practice modes

One of the things that golfers have consistently said about the OptiShot 2 Simulator Series Package is that it is alot of fun. We voted this one to be the best for the entire family because of the number of courses you get for a fair price and the overall ease of use. Some of the courses you will get to play include . . . 

• The Golf Club Scottsdale
• Long Island Black
• Torrey White
• Torrey Black
• Palm Desert Mountains
• Palm Desert Canyons
• Barsebäck Golf Club
• Black Mountain
• The Canadian Club
• Österåkers Golf Club
• West Maui Plantation
• Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club
• Fylde Links
• Cogs Corner
• Twisted Twig

There are also options for practicing at ranges and skills challenges that you can play with more than one player. Be aware that the accuracy of the OptiShot launch monitor is not quite as good as something like SkyTrak or Flightscope, so be patient with the overall results that you might get. 

How it works

Unlike other launch monitors on the market, the OptiShot 2 launch monitor has a swing pad that you must hit the ball off of in order for it to record the necessary data. This is a bit annoying and why the OptiShot never makes it in our top three. 

However, the good news here is that you can use your OptiShot 2 Launch Monitor with a regular golf ball, foam golf ball, or no golf ball at all. In that regard, we were impressed with the technology. 

Setup/maintenance

Since the OptiShot 2 Simulator Series Package uses a bit of a different approach with this hitting pad, you won’t have a hard time finding enough room to place your simulator. Just make sure that you have enough clearance. 

Cool extras

The 15 courses are a great addition to the OptiShot 2, and it helps to have the driving range as well. The best part here is that for the more affordable price, the whole family can play a round of golf together without stressing about a delicate system that can get easily damaged. 

Golf Insider verdict

We will not tell you this is the most accurate of the affordable home golf simulators on the market. However, for the price, the functionality is good, and it makes a good option if your house has several golf enthusiasts, especially those that are a little younger in age. 

FlightScope Mevo+ Training Package 

The Flightscope Mevo Training Package is the best affordable home golf simulator in the $3000 range. If you want to break things down to basic technology that gives you accurate results and a really cool place to practice in your home, this is the option we would choose. 

What comes with the package

When shopping for the best affordable home golf simulator, you will quickly notice that the accessories are what make the total price add up. The launch monitor is not all that bad in the grand scheme of things; the extras increase the price. 

This is strictly a training package and a bit more difficult to use as a golf simulator. It comes with the Mevo+ Launch Monitor, charging cable, caring pouch, an app for mobile devices, E6 software, golf net, side barrier netting, Pro Turf Mat, two rubber tees, and a duffle bag. You won’t get the projector or the impact screen. Setting up an iPad or computer nearby, you can still get a basic simulator experience if you wish. 

Course/Practice modes

The E6 Software allows for some great practice opportunities as well as access to five golf courses. The graphics are impressive and give players lots of insight into the courses they are playing. The courses included are . . . 

• Aviara
• Stone Canyon 
• Wade Hampton 
• Sanctuary
• Belfy

How it works

The Flightscope Mevo+ Training simulator is considered a good choice because of its accuracy, and it will work no differently than the more expensive Mevo + Package, which is our favorite for an affordable home golf simulator. 

The reason this model is cheaper is that it does not come with the projector, the full enclosure, the impact screen, and the extras that make it feel as though it’s a true on-course experience. However, from a practice standpoint, you will be able to get lots of work done with this simulator. 

Setup/Maintenance 

Maintenance is simple with this model, and the Mevo+ is able to work both indoors and outdoors. Since the net can fold down easily and there is no projector, you can take this up and down if you need to. 

Cool Extras

This is not the highest priced option on the market, and that will impact the extras that get thrown in here. Don’t expect too many frills, as this is more of a starter option if you want to be sure you have a place to hit balls on those rainy days. 

Golf Insider Verdict 

If you want to practice more and can’t get out to the course enough, the Mevo+ Training Simulator package is a great option to consider. Don’t be surprised when this is not the full golf simulator experience you get with the $7500 model, as it is just a fraction of the price. 

However, this gives you a great launch monitor that offers accurate data. At a later date, you can always upgrade to grab a screen and monitor. We’d suggest this over a cheap, inaccurate launch monitor for golfers who want to get better.

Low Cost Home Golf Simulator Buying Guide

If you have the budget for a higher-end golf simulator package, you’re in luck. However, for those on a budget, there are some corners you will want to cut and others you won’t. Here are the things to know before you invest. 

Space

Most of the best affordable home golf simulators still require at least 8.5 feet of height clearance, about 12 feet of width, and typically more than 15 feet of depth. These simulators tend to fit better in basements and garages unless you are lucky to have a bonus room with these dimensions. 

If you don’t have enough length in your room for a Mevo+, opt for a SkyTrak to power your budget golf simulator.

Portability

It seems as though the cheaper a golf simulator package is, the easier it is to move around. When you talk about portability, one of the things that get difficult is the projector. We highly recommend something like the Mevo+, where you can have a permanent setup at home and then disconnect the launch monitor and bring it to the driving range with you. 

You can record your results at the range and then come back home and easily get your simulator back up and running. The reality of moving your entire simulator set up indoors and outdoors from time to time is a bit more work than you may be up for. 

Portable launch monitors are great to have, but configuring your golf space for perfect accuracy from the start is the smartest overall option. 

Net vs. Screen 

The net is necessary to help protect your walls from getting damaged, but the golf screen is what really finishes off a golf simulator setup. The projector and the screen will complete your overall package and likely make you feel a bit better about the thousands of dollars that you have spent. 

When choosing a net, make sure you consider something with side panels. The side panels will ensure that the wayward shot does not do any damage to your home. Even great players hit one off the toe every once in a while. 

The last thing you want to do is set up a home golf simulator that makes you swing cautiously; the idea is to recreate the golf course situation as much as you possibly can. 

Software

Most of the best budget golf simulators will come with the E6 golf simulator package or the WGT package. Each of these is the basic version that will allow players to use them with full functionality; however, they both have plenty of ways in which you can upgrade the software. 

If you find that you use your golf simulator quite often, expect to get bored with the few courses that these packages come with. Investing in a few other courses or challenges can really help motivate you to practice and play more often. 

We love this concept for golfers because once you have the golf simulator setup, your possibilities are endless. Of course, there is always a cost involved with this, but for the most serious players, this will be money well spent. 

Budget

Although you can get launch monitors for a few hundred dollars, these are not accurate enough for golfers who want an enjoyable golf simulator experience. We suggest the SkyTrak or the FlightScope Mevo+ as the lowest entry point for a solid experience.

With this as your base cost, your overall budget should be between $3000 and $8000 for an affordable home golf simulator that offers a great experience. 

The lower-priced packages in this range will have less impressive nets, they may lack a screen, and some will require you to purchase the projector separately. 

If you want a unit that has the projector, the net, and everything included, expect to be a little over the $5500 mark. Once you get above this price range, you can find a full solution. However, if you want premium accuracy, tons of playability, and maybe even the ability to use the simulator commercially, the number will likely be over $15,000. 

Lifetime Use

When you are installing your affordable home golf simulator, chances are thinking about something that you will use for the next five or ten years. Try to consider this at the beginning so that you make the best financial decision from the start. For a more detailed review, check out our main article on best golf simulators for your home.

Too many golfers try to get away with a cheap simulator package for under $3000, and two years later, they go for the $7000 option. If you start with the $7000 from the beginning, you will actually end up saving money. 

Another great option to consider is going in with friends on a simulator package. If you play with the same foursome every week, choose a house that you can meet at when it rains, and everybody can chip in on a golf simulator package. 

Summary 

We hope you now feel more confident in your ability to choose the best affordable home golf simulator for your space. The good news for golfers is that pricing has come down considerably in the last few years with options like the Flightscope Mevo+ and the SkyTrak. If you have been on the fence about whether or not this investment makes sense for you, now could be the time to jump in. 

Happy golfing.

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