Updated January 5, 2024. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
One of the easiest ways for struggling amateurs to improve the consistency of their game is by finding the correct yardage for every long distance shot on the course.
With the help of a golf rangefinder, any golfer, no matter their handicap, has the power to get precise yardage readings from anywhere they play.
In our review of the best budget golf rangefinders, we’ll take a deeper look at which rangefinders you should put at the top of your list and what makes them shine in a crowded market.
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Table of Contents
Best Budget Golf Rangefinders 2024
Gogogo Sport VPro
Best Overall Budget Golf Rangefinder
Pros
- Switchable slope technology
- Upgraded clear display
- Powerful magnetic mount for easy access on the cart
Cons
- Processing time can be slow if batteries are low
- Can be hard to find pin over long distances
Gogogo’s Sport VPro, our choice for the best budget golf rangefinder, offers casual players 6x magnification, pinseeker JOLT technology, and the ability to find slope compensation distance in a lightweight, compact size.
First off, when it comes to optics, we were pleased with this slope rangefinder. Not only are you getting 6x magnification, but the company upgraded the viewfinder to present a clearer view of the hole.
During our time with the laser rangefinder, we admired the rangefinder’s ability to engage and disengage the slope technology quickly. This rangefinder is completely legal for tournament play, which we need for our game.
When searching for the flag, the unit also gives off a nifty vibration letting you know that the yardage is locked on the viewfinder.
If we have some complaints about the unit, they focus particularly on the pinseeker mode from distances farther than 200 yards. You’ll need a steady hand and a little bit of patience when searching for the right yardage in these situations.
Several times on long par 5s, we had to stop, allow the laser rangefinder to clear, and then search again before getting a read on the flag. While annoying, we’re happy to report that this hiccup doesn’t often happen with the VPro.
Available for right around $100, the Gogogo Sport VPro earns our top spot for golfers on a budget due to its terrific functionality, fast focus system, and lightweight build.
WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder
Top Budget Non-Slope Golf Rangefinder
Pros
- 800-yard range
- Continuous scan locks target quickly
- Extremely versatile, great also for hunting
Cons
- Missing slope technology
- Lacks the smoothness of more expensive golf rangefinders
You certainly won’t find your jaw dropping when you first see the WOSPORTS rangefinder, but looks can be deceiving as this little juggernaut provides golfers with an impressively accurate laser rangefinder at an even more incredibly low price.
Featuring an 800-yard range, it offers outstanding versatility if you need the rangefinder for other uses such as hunting. But its primary function is to find flags and mark the distance.
Considering this criterion, we must say that the WOSPORTS does remarkably well considering the price.
Inside 250 yards, the rangefinder delivers a smooth flag lock that’s accurate up to one yard in distance. Once you hit the flag, the WOSPORTS device emits a vibration that lets you know that the yardage is ready.
If you are a struggling golfer, the WOSPORTS rangefinder is easily one of the best golf rangefinders for its price.
Offering an ergonomic hold coupled with a continuous scan that locks onto the flag in mere seconds, the small rangefinder rides easily in the golf cart or fits comfortably in the valuables pocket of your golf bag.
Yes, this rangefinder is missing slope functionality, and while we hate that, if you are looking for a simple device to help you choose the right golf club, then the WOSPORTS model can handle the job.
Gaialoop Golf Laser Rangefinders
Top Budget Golf Rangefinder with Slope Functionality
Pros
- 700-yard range with 6x notification optics
- Accurate slope adjusted distance
- Vibration notifies golfer of results
Cons
- Issues with battery door staying locked
- Can struggle to lock on the pin occasionally
Gaialoop’s latest rangefinder offers a wide scope of essential features, such as a 700-yard range, exceptionally accurate slope readings, and a wide angle of view to help you understand the scope of the hole.
With 6x magnification and coated lenses, it also boasts one of the largest fields of view you’ll find in a low-cost rangefinder.
With 7.5 degrees of view angle, you’ll see even more of the hole as you step up to find the distance of your next shot.
We love rangefinders with continuous scans because they work more efficiently in getting you the result. We’re happy to report that the Gaialoop’s continuous scanning helps minimize the time you need to look through a viewfinder.
Another helpful feature of the Gaialoop rangefinder is that the interior is protected by a waterproof outer shell that keeps the rain and moisture out for long-lasting protection.
Probably the biggest complaint we had with the Gaialoop involved the design of the battery door.
Strangely, once we checked the battery area, we had problems keeping the door shut, something other golfers have expressed as a problem with this model.
However, if you are looking for the best budget golf rangefinders with slope technology at a low price, the Gaialoop rangefinder certainly can make the argument. For less than $70, it offers exceptional performance on the golf course.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Golf Rangefinders
Accuracy
When evaluating accuracy in a budget golf rangefinder, you are looking for a reading that provides accurate measurements of the distance from your ball to the target within one yard. Most, if not all, budget golf rangefinders offer this capability.
But be forewarned, if you are using a rangefinder without slope, your mileage may vary on how accurate even the best cheap golf rangefinder is on the course.
Magnification
Industry standard usually provides 6x magnification through the viewfinder to help you clearly see the terrain, fairway, or green shape ahead.
However, most cheap golf rangefinders do not offer magnification in their device. As with the slope function, finding a rangefinder with 6x magnification will cost you more money.
Higher priced rangefinders, such as anything from the Blue Tees Golf Series line of rangefinders, offer tremendous magnification power to help you see closer to the landing area with crystal clear clarity.
Slope Technology
In slope mode, rangefinders can consider the elevation changes to determine the distance. A slope feature can usually be activated by a switch along the side of the device.
When looking into the rangefinder, you will find two different yardages in slope mode. The first could be the actual distance without accounting for elevation, but the slope measurement will give you the accurate yardage for what you need to hit.
In most amateur golf tournament play, you are not allowed to use the slope mode for distance measuring, so please consider this if you regularly play in sanctioned events.
Optics
With even the best budget golf rangefinders, the optics might not be as crisp and clear as you’d find with a higher-priced laser rangefinder.
But that doesn’t mean that a budget rangefinder can’t offer sharp optics that help you get a sense of the upcoming terrain, especially when dealing with uphill and downhill shots.
Of course, it helps if your laser rangefinder has magnification, but if it doesn’t, finding an accurate golf laser rangefinder with a clear view of the hole and its surroundings certainly puts you ahead of most golfers.
Waterproofing
Due to the cost, you can expect to find that some budget golf rangefinders do not include waterproofing with their unit.
Rangefinders on our list, such as the AOFAR GX-2S, offer outstanding waterproof protection, allowing you to get the yardage you need even in rainy conditions.
These waterproof budget golf rangefinders are a great choice if you regularly play in wet climates year-round.
Strength
When we talk about strength, we typically refer to the laser rangefinder’s ability to find the exact distance quickly.
Whether the device utilizes a pin lock feature or a progressive scan mode, having the power to run through that process quickly helps you get to the task of hitting your shot.
There’s nothing worse on the golf course than slow play, and the laser rangefinder offers the simplest way to jump start your game and reduce the time between shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best inexpensive golf range finder?
The best inexpensive golf rangefinder is the Gogogo Sport VPro.
Built with a magnetic mount that easily attaches to the golf cart for quick access, it also offers precise flag readings up to 300 yards and a dynamic slope function that gives you precise yardage no matter what elevation you are dealing with on the course.
Are budget rangefinders any good?
Yes, a budget golf rangefinder can be worth your money.
For essentially the cost of a green fee at a nice course, rangefinders can eliminate the guessing game of how far your ball is from the green, the hole, or any hazards you’d like to avoid.
A cheap golf rangefinder can change how you see the course, which is a huge game-changer for struggling golfers.
What is the best rangefinder for the money?
The TecTecTec VPro500 is our choice for the best budget golf rangefinders for the money.
Offering up to 540 yards of range, the VPro500 delivers highly accurate readings up to a yard. It is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry in your golf bag.
With an ultra-clear eyepiece, the VPro500 offers exceptional performance.
How much should I pay for a golf rangefinder?
If you are a casual player, you can pay anywhere from $60 to $100 for a rangefinder that will last you many, many years.
Most rangefinders do a great job at measuring distance with accuracy, but if you want to gain that extra edge, find a laser rangefinder with slope switch technology.
The slope reading allows you to measure your shot with the elevation considered.
Check this video to get an idea of how to use a golf rangefinder and how it works:
