The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2023: An In Depth Review

Updated in January 2023 to add the Leupold GX-6c and update with current pricing data. 

One of the best parts about being a golf blogger is that I have opportunities to review a lot of different products.

And for whatever reason, golf rangefinders are one of the products that I’ve become most familiar with.

A rangefinder is pretty much designed to do one thing: tell you how far away you are from the pin.

So considering it has just one relatively simple task, it’s pretty amazing considering how many different models and price points there are out there.

This review of the best golf rangefinders was updated in January of 2023, and will continue to be updated as new models come out throughout the year.

Keep in mind I’ve personally used every single product in this rangefinder review, and have played at least 3 rounds with each.

What to Look For in a Golf Rangefinder

The rangefinder that is going to be the best fit is going to come down to a few different personal preferences:

• Price
• Performance
• Features

While any of the rangefinders mentioned in this post will do the job of telling you distances, there are some that will do it faster, are more enjoyable to use, and have features that while not always essential are really nice to have.

Some questions to ask yourself before deciding on the best fit for you:

• What is your budget?
• How long do you plan to have this?
• Do you want a slope feature? This will give you a second “plays like” distance number that accounts for the flag being uphill or downhill.
• Will you be using it in tournaments?
• Is feel and quality more important, or price?

Keep these in mind as you read about the best golf rangefinders on the market below.

Also worth noting, prices on these rangefinders are changing constantly. I do my best to keep this as up-to-date as possible, but do a little research before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best price.

The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2023:

• Best Overall Golf Rangefinder – Bushnell Pro X3

• Best Rangefinder for Most People – Precision Pro NX10

• Best Bushnell Rangefinder Under $300 – Bushnell Tour V5

• Best Optics: Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized

• Most Accurate: Cobalt Q6 Slope

• Best Value Rangefinder – Blue Tees Series 3 Max

• Best Budget Rangefinder – Precision Pro NX7

• Most High-Tech Rangefinder – Garmin Approach Z82

• Best Smart Rangefinder: Precision Pro R1

• Best Image Stabilization: Leupold GX-6c

• Most Compact Rangefinder: TecTecTec KLYR

• Best Golf GPS: Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS

• Best Golf GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S62

And if you want to know all the details of why we selected each of these, then read on!

Best Overall Golf Rangefinder: Bushnell Pro X3

The top-of-the-line rangefinder from Bushnell, the Pro X3 is the very best rangefinder we’ve tested.

The previous model the Bushnell Pro XE was (and is) excellent, and frankly, it has some benefits over the XE. For instance, I prefer the slope adjustment switch on the old model.

For years the Pro XE was clearly the best in the market, but now things aren’t so cut and dry. 

There’s some very stout competition from other golf rangefinders in this list, and most of them cost significantly less.

But if money is no object, and you’re looking for a high-end rangefinder that will last for years? Look no further than the Pro X3.

Best Overall Rangefinder

Bushnell Pro X3 Laser Rangefinder

$599

The Bushnell Pro X3 improves upon it’s flagship Pro XE in subtle, but meaningful ways. If you want the best of the best, the X3 is the rangefinder for you.

Buy from Play Better

Buy from Bushnell

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Best Rangefinder for Most People: Precision Pro NX10

There have been a lot of fantastic golf rangefinders to come out this past year, but perhaps none more so than the Precision Pro NX10.

It feels high-end, performs well, and comes in well under $300.

But not only that, its revolutionary new faceplate system allows you to truly customize your device – the first time we’ve come across a rangefinder that allows you to do this.

This is the first rangefinder we’ve reviewed over the last few years that can truly give Bushnell a run for it’s money, while doing so at a budget price point.

Honestly, the NX10 is fantastic and gets our highest recommendation. 

Precision Pro NX10 Golf Ranegfinder

$279.99

The Precision Pro NX10 is one of the very best rangefinders we’ve reviewed, and comes in at a price that makes it a smart choice for just about anyone.

Buy from Precision Pro

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Best Bushnell Rangefinder Under $300: Bushnell Tour V5

Within two holes of using the new Bushnell Tour V5 I audibly laughed, handed the V5 to my buddy and said “try this.”

“Whoa, that’s fast!”

It’s not very often I pick up a device like this and am so instantly enamored with it, but that was the case with the Tour V5.

Frankly, it just works.

You know since it’s Bushnell that you’re going to get a high-quality product, but this device had the right combination of size, speed, and predictability that has made it one of my favorite rangefinders I’ve ever tested.

It isn’t as feature-heavy as the class-leading X3, and its build quality isn’t quite as “tank like”, but this is a very good device and one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a high-quality rangefinder that will last a long time.

I reviewed the $299 standard V5 which didn’t have slope. For an extra $100 you can get the Slope Edition if that’s important to you – either way, you’ll be happy.

Best Rangefinder for Most People

Bushnell Tour V5 Golf Rangefinder

$299.99

The V5 doesn’t have many of the bells and whistles of other models, but you know what? It’s lightning fast, looks great, and most importantly? Is REALLY enjoyable to use. I love this thing.

Buy on Bushnell.com

Buy on Amazon

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Best Value Rangefinder: Blue Tees Series 3 Max

When I originally tested Blue Tees first foray into the rangefinder market, I found the devices to be a bit of a mixed bag.

They had potential, but I found them to inconsistent to really be able to give them a strong recommendation.

Around a year later, they released the Series 3 Max. I was excited to try it out, but also a little apprehensive based on my first experience.

And you know what happened?

They addressed nearly every complaint I had about the original devices.

The new Blue Tees Series 3 Max is a device that does pretty much everything you’d want a rangefinder to do, at a price that’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a more premium brand like Bushnell. 

The optics and build quality won’t be quite as good as those more expensive models, but at this price? There’s not a lot that can beat it.

Even better? Use our code “BREAKINGEIGTHYMAX!” to save another 10%. This brings it down to $234 – which is a pretty killer deal for this device.

Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder – Use code BREAKINGEIGHTYMAX! for 10% off!

$259

Blue Tees stepped it up in every way over their previous models. The Series 3 is their best yet, and one of the best “full-featured budget rangefinders we’ve tested.

Buy Now

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Best Optics: Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized

Despite having a bit of a tongue-twister of a name, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this device is.

Not that I should have been. After all, Nikon has spent decades building their reputation for having extremely high-quality glass in their lenses.

Fortunately, a lot of that tech and reputation has transferred well into the golf rangefinder market.

Optical quality is usually the biggest differentiator between a cheap rangefinder and an expensive one. And I can safely say that the ProII rangefinder has the best glass I’ve ever seen in a rangefinder. Everything looks crystal clear.

Throw in the stabilization technology to make it easy for anyone to lock onto the flag, and you have a very good device. It isn’t cheap, and there are aspects about some of the Bushnell’s we like better – but this absolutely a device to consider if you’re looking for a high-end golf rangefinder.

Best Rangefinder Optics

Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized

$336.95

Buy on Amazon

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Most Accurate: Cobalt Q6 Slope

The Cobalt Q6 Slope is one of the most underrated rangefinders in golf.

I’ve given it my “most accurate” title for two reasons:

1. It gives consistent results down to the 1/1oth of a yard. No one needs that amount of precision, and most devices that go down to the 1/10th bounce around. The Q6 does not. If it reads 100.4, it’ll keep reading 100.4
2. It’s flag lock vibration feature is the best I’ve used. It really only vibrates when it’s locked on.

These two things combined, make me have more confidence in the accuracy of the numbers when compared to any other device I’ve used.

It’s very good, and worth considering if you’re looking for a high-end golf rangefinder.

Editor’s Choice: Most Accurate

Cobalt Q6 Slope Rangefinder

$450

This is one of the most well-built and most accurate rangefinders we’ve ever used. Yes, there’s a premium price, but it comes along with premium performance.

Buy from Cobalt Golf

Buy from Amazon

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Best Budget Rangefinder: Precision Pro NX7 Pro

When I first reviewed the Precision Pro NX7 Pro, I wasn’t overly familiar with the company. They were the new guys on the block with a goal of creating a full-featured rangefinder at a budget price.

And I was pleasantly surprised to see they’d done just that.

It has most of the features you’ll see from rangefinders that are double the price, and generally, it does things pretty well. Not quite as well, but its good enough for me to absolutely recommend it for someone in the sub $250 range.

The build quality feels like cheaper plastic compared to the Bushnell.

The optics aren’t quite as sharp, and I prefer the 5x magnification of the Bushnell to the 6x of the NX7.

The vibration doesn’t feel quite as high quality.

It’s not quite as fast at getting distances (but we’re talking less than a second here).

But at close to $200, it’s the best rangefinder in that price range. And if you’re looking for something a little bit quicker and full featured, but you don’t want to pony up the big bucks, then check out my thoughts on the NX9 above.

• Price: $199. On Amazon, I’ve seen this very occasionally under $140, and often hovering around $170 – which is a great price for this.
• My Rating: 8.0
• My Review: Precision Pro NX7 Pro Review
• Where to Buy: Buy it on Amazon Here. Buy at Precision Pro Golf
• You can also use the code BREAKINGEIGHTY to save $20.

Best Budget Rangefinder

Precision Pro Golf NX7 Rangefinder – Use Code BREAKINGEIGHTY FOR $20 Off

$199.00

There are a LOT of bad rangefinders in the sub-$200 price range. This isn’t one of them. It works well, is fast, and while it may not quite have the display or optics of more expensive devices, it does exactly what you need a rangefinder to do: give you the distance. Quickly.

Buy from Precision Pro

Buy on Amazon

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Most High-Tech Rangefinder: Garmin Approach Z82

The Garmin Approach Z82 is unlike any other rangefinder on the market.

For starters, it doesn’t have an optical viewfinder.

Rather, this GPS rangefinder has a video screen that gives you all kinds of additional information overlayed on your view.

Want to know distances to the front back and center of the green, along with your pin reading? It does that.

Want to know what direction and speed the wind is blowing? No problem.

Want accurate distances to every single hazard on the course? Yep, it does that too.

Oh, and want a GPS locating system, so that you never lose your rangefinder again? The Z82 has got you covered.

That isn’t to say this rangefinder isn’t without it’s drawbacks, but if you’re looking for the most high-tech and arguably feature-heavy rangefinder on the market? This may just be for you.

Most High-Tech Rangefinder

Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Rangefinder

$599

Looking for the most high-tech golf rangefinder on the market? Your search is over, get the Garmin Approach Z82.

Buy Now

Buy on Amazon

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Best Smart Rangefinder: Precision Pro R1

When I heard that the small-startup company Precision Pro was going to make a smart GPS rangefinder, I was excited but apprehensive.

Could they really pull off creating an entirely new, highly technical product – and do it at a budget price?

I had my doubts.

But after using the Precision Pro R1, I’m blown away.

Not only is it an excellent rangefinder on its own, but the smart features and companion app worked great, and legitimately enhanced my rangefinder experience in ways I wasn’t expecting. Highly recommended if you’re looking for this type of product. 

It doesn’t hurt that it comes in at close to half the price of its closest smart competitor, the Garmin Z82 I mentioned above.

• Price: $319 (USE CODE BREAKINGEIGHTY for $20 off. January 2023: This is currently on crazy sale at Precision Pro for $229. Take $20 off and it knocks it down to $209. If you want a smart rangefinder, this is a no-brainer.
• My Rating: 9.6 Read my Precision Pro R1 Review
• Where to Buy: Buy at Precision Pro

Editor’s Choice

Precision Pro R1 Smart Rangefinder – Use Code BREAKINGEIGHTY for $20 OFF

$319.99

A fantastic rangefinder with great optics and high-tech features in a package that’s both easy and enjoyable to use. Highly recommended.

Buy Now

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Best Image-Stabilized Rangefinder: Leupold GX-6c

Leupold golf flies under the radar. People “in the know” have known for years that they have some of the most accurate and well-built devices in golf. But next to the marketing hype of other brands, they haven’t quite hit the mainstream.

I don’t expect it to stay like that for long though, because their current lineup has something for everyone.

And the best of the best? It’s the Leupold GX-6c, which has all kinds of tech from fog mode, to an automatic club selector, and yes, image stabilization.

This and the Nikon I mentioned above are the only image-stabilized rangefinders I know of. This works in the same way a stabilized camera lens works, and makes it incredibly easy for even the shakiest of hands to range long distances.

You sacrifice a couple of other modern features like flag-lock vibration and a built-in magnet. But for some golfers, what you gain makes this device well worth the purchase.

• Price: $599. Although, you often see it cheaper on Amazon.
• My Rating: TBD. Read my full overview of Leupold’s current rangefinder lineup.
• Where to Buy: Buy from Amazon.
• Solid Alternative: Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized. If you’re set on image stabilization, but want to save few bucks – the Nikon is a great choice.

Best Leupold Rangefinder

Leupold GX-6c Digital Golf Rangefinder

$499.99

Incredibly well built, tons of tech, and image stabilization. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line rangefinder that will last for years to come, the GX-6C is a great choice.

Buy from Amazon

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Most Compact Rangefinder: TecTecTec KLYR

I tested multiple TecTecTec rangefinders a couple years ago, and didn’t have a great experience. 

Fortunately, their latest device, the TecTecTec KLYR completely changed all of that.

Not only are the optics and usability very good, but it’s also the most compact device on this list.

Oh, and it does all of that at a price under $200.

I’d still likely stay away from their VPRO500, but if you’re looking for a golf rangefinder that’s going to leave the smallest footprint in your golf bag, but you still want a good user experience? The TecTecTec KLYR is absolutely a product to consider. 

Best Compact Rangefinder

TecTecTed KLYR Rangefinder

$199

The KLYR is miles ahead of the previous TecTecTec rangefinders we’ve tested. Its optics are fantastic and its compact size make this an excellent budget rangefinder.

Buy Now

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Best Golf GPS for Carts: Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS

So this isn’t a rangefinder, but for many people it may be a more inexpensive option that accomplishes the same goal.

This tiny device uses a magnet to attach to your cart, and gives you very accurate GPS distances to the front, back, and center of the green on over 36,000 courses.

While you don’t get the pinpoint accuracy of a laser rangefinder, you get the information most of us need, at a fraction of the price.

The recently upgraded Phantom 2 also features a larger screen and the ability to update pin locations for more accurate results.

Best Cart GPS

Bushnell Golf Phantom 2 GPS

$129.99

Do you normally ride in a cart? Don’t need the pinpoint accuracy of a rangefinder, but want green distances? Go buy the Phantom 2 right now. You won’t be disappointed.

Buy from Bushnell

Buy from Amazon

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Best Golf GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S62

If a traditional rangefinder isn’t your thing, and you prefer to get your yardages from a watch? Look no further than the Garmin Approach S62. 

It’s more expensive than offerings from Bushnell, or Garmin’s own Approach S42 – but the extra money is worth it.

It’s one of the most versatile watches we’ve used on the course, and provides extremely accurate yardages. If you pair it with their CT10 sensors and/or the Z82 rangefinder, you’ll have the ultimate high-tech golf setup.

Best Golf GPS Watch

Garmin Approach S62 Premium Golf GPS Watch

$449.99

Do you want a GPS golf watch that can do just about everything? Look no further. This is the watch for you.

Buy from PlayBetter.com

Buy on Amazon

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Final Thoughts on the Best Golf Rangefinders for 2023

The good news for golfers right now is that there are a lot of options out there for rangefinders at nearly every price point.

For $200-250 you can get a great device that will do the job of finding distances well.

For $400-550 you’ll get a few more convenient features, faster readings, and a package that is frankly, just more enjoyable to use.

Have a rangefinder you love? Let me know what it is so I can check it out!

We’ll continue to update this as new devices are rolled out for the 2023 season!

Looking for More Golf Reviews? Then Check out:

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Author

Sean Ogle

Sean Ogle helps people build businesses they can run from anywhere in the world. Oh, and while he’s traveling around doing that, he also golfs as much as humanly possible in his quest to break eighty for the first time ever.