Updated March 3, 2022. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The Rundown:
Best GPS Watch Overall: Garmin Approach S42
“With an AutoShot analyzer and a crystal clear 1.2-inch color touchscreen display, the Approach S42 is stylish & easy to read. The perfect companion to shave strokes from your average score.“
Best for Beginners: TecTecTec ULT-G
“Easy to charge with instant course recognition & a great band, the TecTecTec ULT-G provides simple data readings with everything you need on the course – perfect for beginners.”
Best for Advanced Golfers: Garmin Approach S62
“The Garmin Approach S62 is a luxury watch with many golf-specific features such as accurate yardage via its PlaysLike Distance feature, a Virtual Caddie, and a responsive touchscreen.”
In the modern era of golf, golf GPS wrist watches and handheld devices have revolutionized the game giving golfers of all skill levels the power to know exact distances to the pin from anywhere on the course.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best golf GPS devices available to golfers.




Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2023-01-15. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown:
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Golf GPS Devices
- Garmin Approach S42
- TecTecTec ULT-G
- Garmin Approach S62
- Bushnell Neo Ion 2
- Garmin Approach X40 Golf GPS Watch
- Garmin Approach G30
- Bushnell Phantom 2
- GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder
- Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS Device
- IZZO Golf Swami 6000 Golf GPS Rangefinder
- Golf Buddy Voice 2 Golf GPS
- Garmin Approach S12
- Garmin Approach S40
- Garmin Approach S10
- Garmin Approach S42
- How to Pick the Best Golf GPS Devices
- Questions & Answers
Best Golf GPS Devices
First look:
- Best Overall: Garmin Approach S42
- Best for Beginners: TecTecTec ULT-G GPS Watch
- Best for Advanced Golfers: Garmin Approach S62
- Best for Mid-level Golfers: Bushnell Neo Ion 2
Runners-up:
- Garmin Approach X40
- Garmin Approach G30
- Bushnell Phantom 2
- Voice 2 from Golf Buddy
- Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS device
- IZZO Golf Swami 6000
- GolfBuddy VoiceX GPS handheld device
Garmin Approach S42
Best Golf GPS Device Overall
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PROS
- AutoShot analyzer automatically measures shot distances for post-round breakdown
- Pairs with Garmin Golf app for live scoring, automatic course scorecard, and stats review
- Crystal clear 1.2-inch color touchscreen display with interchangeable bands
CONS
- Doesn’t have a full readout that gives you a complete layout of the upcoming hole
Our choice for the best overall Golf GPS option is the Garmin Approach S42. Not only does the S42 provide value, but this golf GPS watch comes equipped with over 42,000 courses, the ability to automatically track your shots for easy scoring, and a bird’s eye view of the green for pinpoint placement from the fairway.
Paired with the Garmin Golf app on your smartphone, golfers can create advanced analytics for their game. With these detailed stats, you can easily craft improvement plans to shave strokes from your average score.
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TecTecTec ULT-G
Best Golf GPS Device for Beginning Golfers
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PROS
- Clear display provides simple setup and data readings
- 38,000 preloaded courses with instant GPS recognition
- Measurements to several areas of green plus hazard distances
CONS
- Doesn’t have a full readout that gives you a complete layout of the upcoming hole
Worn on your wrist, the TecTecTec ULT-G GPS Watch delivers instant course recognition with hole advance, distances to the front, center, and back of green, along with hazard distance, and free updates with no subscription fees.
Easy to charge using the included USB cable, the ULT-G is incredibly lightweight, rain-resistant, and features an automatic backlight to help you read the screen early in the morning or late in the evening without issue.
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Garmin Approach S62
Best Golf GPS Device for Advanced Golfers
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PROS
- 1.3-inch color touchscreen offers quick, clear information
- Virtual Caddie assists you in choosing the right club on every shot
- PlaysLike Distance feature factors in elevation for accurate yardage
CONS
- Doesn’t provide a broad variety of yardage readings like a rangefinder
Garmin’s latest addition to the Approach GPS line is the S62, a sophisticated, incredible piece of golfing equipment that looks as good as a luxury watch but with so many more golf-specific features to offer.
With over 41,000 courses preloaded to the watch, the S62 can help you find the yardage to just about any shot from anywhere you play in the world.
The S62 works in concert with Garmin’s Golf App, a streamlined application that allows you to get advanced data, track your scores, and find tournaments around the globe.
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Bushnell Neo Ion 2
Best Golf GPS For Mid-Level Golfers
PROS
- Bluetooth compatibility for wireless updates for new courses
- Exceptionally long battery life with the capacity for three rounds before charging
- Clear readout presents accurate yardages from a variety of locations on the course
CONS
- Charger is made from a thin plastic and needs extra care to not break
The Bushnell Neo Ion 2 is a well-designed accessory that is worth its very affordable price when you consider all of the essential features it presents to the golfer.
From distances to three areas on the green to the integration with the company’s excellent smartphone app, the Neo Ion 2 dazzles behind the power of its preloaded course count of over 36,000.
If there’s a negative worth noting, it is with the charger made from flimsy plastic. It is cumbersome and can be hard to center on the back of the watch for charging. It would be wise to reinforce the charger without letting a pet or child mishandle the device, or it could easily break.
If you are in the market for outstanding golf GPS watches that can help on the golf course, the Bushnell Neo Ion 2 provides a host of useful features that will make your life easier on the links and help you improve your game.
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Garmin Approach X40 Golf GPS Watch
PROS
- Does an exceptional job at showing distance to greens, hazards, and yardage needed to clear doglegs
- Monitors heart rate so you can use the X40 off the course as a health tracker
- AutoShot integration for helping you compile statistics that will help you improve
CONS
- Slim design can be off-putting for golfers who like a larger display
The Approach X40 is a more compact GPS wristwatch that provides plenty of detail during your round. With a slender, yet clear display, the X40 has many of the same features that golfers have been enjoying on the more traditional S20 and S60 watches from Garmin.
The X40 does have tremendous app integration with the beloved Garmin Connect system, so all of your drives, putts, and yardage are recorded for analysis at your convenience.
The golf GPS watch also works very well as a health tracker, providing instant updates on your heart rate and reminding you when you need to move if you’ve been stationary for too long.
With all the great golf features in the body of a first-rate health tracker, the X40 is a winner.
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Garmin Approach G30
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PROS
- 2.3-inch color display clears outlines upcoming hole layout
- High sensitivity provides accurate distances from anywhere on the course
- Preloaded with 40,000 courses, great for taking on golf travel trips
CONS
- The GolfBuddy App is not as detailed and user-friendly as Garmin and Bushnell’s systems
Garmin’s Approach S30 offers serious golfers a compact handheld device to get accurate distance readings, collect data for their round, and comes preloaded with 40,000 courses that helps the device work from anywhere in the world.
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Bushnell Phantom 2
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PROS
- Ability to track advanced data with distances to hazards, layups, and greens
- Preloaded with 38,000 courses with instant course recognition
- Very affordable handheld device with clear yardage display
CONS
- Need an app on a smartphone to see the layout of the hole, so juggling two devices might not be appealing for some golfers
Highly affordable, the Bushnell Phantom 2 is a handheld device that easily tracks the GPS distances around the course of your upcoming shots. The easy to read screen offers front, back, and center distances on the green, plus a powerful BITE magnetic mount that makes for stable riding on your golf cart.
Featuring a brighter, backlit display, the larger screen makes the Phantom 2 an upgrade over older models. Visibility remains incredibly high, even in the sun with the Phantom 2.
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GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder
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PROS
- An advanced voice-enabled golf GPS device that gives clear readout via voice or text
- Provides accurate distances to the front, back and center of the green on second shots
- Snap-on clip keeps the Voice 2 secure against your hat or bag
CONS
- Has a long load up time when you arrive at the course, so plan ahead when using
The Voice 2 from Golf Buddy is another popular version of their petite yet highly capable line of voice-enabled best golf GPS devices.
Golf Buddy has taken the Voice 2 and increased the battery life while keeping the same high contrast, large number display that gives users exact yardage for their next shot.
Legal for tournament use, the Voice 2 is water-resistant and comes with a battery that lasts up to 14 hours per charge, good for over two rounds of use. With eight languages pre-loaded, the Voice 2 delivers outstanding performance.
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Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS Device
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PROS
- Very convenient device that easily clips onto bag or belt for quick access to yardage
- Multiple yardage readouts for hazards and green with manual pin placement
- 15-hour battery gives golfers the ability to play three rounds without charging
CONS
- No app integration to use with smartphone or web browser
The Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS device is a stunner fueled by a large, bright screen for easy to read numbers. The G80 provides yardages to all areas of the hole from hazards to green.
The Approach G80 also updates automatically with the latest courses added to the Garmin system, so you don’t have to worry about heading to a new course without a map for your golf GPS.
Very portable with a clip that can attach to your bag or belt for quick access, the G80 is an absolute delight.
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IZZO Golf Swami 6000 Golf GPS Rangefinder
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PROS
- Great look and feel when it sets in your hand with large display and buttons for easy use
- Save your scores on the device for later viewing and analysis
- Provides immediate shot distance and accurate readings for layup, hazards, and green distance
CONS
- Doesn’t have the app integration that most of Swami’s higher-priced golf GPS rangefinder devices seem to feature
IZZO’s most popular golf GPS handheld device is the Swami 6000. With a fun look and feel, the 6000 is a colorful handheld rangefinder gadget that gives the golfer a vivid look at the hole ahead.
With over 38,000 courses preloaded onto the device, you can take the Swami 6000 just about anywhere in the world and be ready to go the moment you hit the links.
Water-resistant and with an improved battery, the 6000 provides the standard auto course recognition and hole advancement seen on most of the best golf GPS devices at this price point.
With a stylish interface, the lightweight Swami 6000 is a great device for intermediate golfers of all ages.
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Golf Buddy Voice 2 Golf GPS
PROS
- Small with a handy clip-on attachment makes this easy to stick on your golf hat or bag
- Clear readout display with yardage to all areas of the green for precise shot-making
- Syncs with a smartphone app to wirelessly update course information for up to the moment changes
CONS
- Doesn’t have an app that keeps track of statistics and the software isn’t very advanced
The GolfBuddy Voice 2 GPS handheld device is a compact gadget that packs a nice little punch on the golf course.
With a clear and easy to read display, the Voice 2 provides golfers with an array of relevant information like pin placement, shot distance, and yardage to various areas of the green.
The Voice 2 updates wirelessly as you approach the golf course, preloading the most current version of the course to your device. If you don’t want to have to punch buttons all day, then the Voice 2 earns its name by audibly reading the distances to you in your choice of male or female voice.
Insanely affordable and perfect for the beginning golfer in your family, the Voice 2 is a solid golf GPS device.
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Garmin Approach S12
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PROS
- High-resolution sunlight-readable display screen
- Over 42,000 preloaded courses from around the world
- Yardages to all areas of the green, hazards, and dogleg distance to avoid trouble
CONS
- Doesn’t have an app that keeps track of statistics and the software isn’t very advanced
The Garmin Approach S12 offers sophistication with a high dose of functionality. The watch provides a whopping 30 hours of battery life, 42,000 preloaded courses from around the globe, and the ability to pair with Garmin’s outstanding Golf app for data collection that can help you improve your game.
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Garmin Approach S40
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PROS
- Green View allows manual pin placement for accurate distance reading
- Auto-records shot distances to pair with Garmin Approach app
- Also works as a health monitor, tracking steps and sleep
CONS
- Doesn’t have an app that keeps track of statistics and the software isn’t very advanced
The Garmin Approach S40 offers high-quality performance that helps you on the course but keeps you linked to your life away from the links. The watch also features 41,000 full-color CourseView maps of preloaded courses from anywhere in the world, the ability to keep score, and drag-and-drop pin placement on Green View for the most accurate distance readings you’ll find in a GPS device.
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Garmin Approach S10
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PROS
- Easy-to-read high-resolution display works well in sunlight
- Lightweight body offers a stylish look that works well with clothing
- Pairs with Garmin Golf app to record scores
CONS
- Doesn’t have an app that keeps track of statistics and the software isn’t very advanced
Holding a battery that lasts over 12 hours with each charge, the Approach S10 offers a bevy of worthwhile features. This sleek and comfortable watch provides golfers with a large, easy-to-read display, over 41,000 preloaded courses, the ability to keep score on the device, and smooth integration with the Garmin Golf smartphone app.
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How to Pick the Best Golf GPS Devices
Display Quality
Golf GPS handheld devices and wristwatches are handy tools that use a screen to convey yardage and other pertinent information. Since the display is essential for passing this information along, the quality of the display is a critical feature.
But not all devices convey those details equally. Wristwatches have far less area to give the golfer a full spectrum of the yardage to the front and back of the green.
The wrist-bound devices are different than handheld devices that could potentially give the golfer a fuller idea of what lies ahead on the fairway or green.
Golf GPS handheld devices are known for having better display quality because the unit is larger for more screen room and the larger gadget can utilize better technology.
For golfers who want a handheld that displays the entire hole, then the display becomes even more critical.
Accuracy
One of the benefits of owning a golf GPS device is that the yardage shown is relatively precise to allow you to choose the right club for your shot and avoid imminent hazards as well.
Most companies that manufacture golf GPS devices state that their device provides an accurate measurement give or take a yard in any direction.
Whether it be a golf GPS watch or device, knowing that the GPS will provide accurate readings for your next shot is quite essential to find the right GPS unit.
So after purchase, it is not a bad idea to continue to test and see if your unit is giving you accurate readouts within the stated margin of error.
Accuracy on any golf GPS device is also dependent on housing the correct coordinates within the company’s app or website.
If the course has recently undergone renovations, then the GPS devices may have old information causing it to display the wrong yardage on each hole.
Durability
Watches and handheld GPS devices must be durable to be worthy of purchase, but each gadget has its positives and negatives in this area.
Wristwatches do better with the stress of a round of golf. Since they are in a fixed position on the wrist, they tend to last longer than handheld devices.
Watches are more compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and far more likely to stay out away from damage on the course or perhaps even getting lost during a round.
Handheld devices are more apt to be damaged during a round. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen to all golfers who own a handheld gadget, but it is a warning that the durability of the device over the lifetime of the unit will be tested.
Proper storage and finding a safe spot for the device to remain during driving or walking is crucial to keeping the unit secure.
App Integration
One of the latest features that seem to be getting more publicity is how the GPS device integrates with your smartphone.
Whether it be on a website or a sophisticated app, finding a GPS that takes accurate readings on the course will open your post-round world into diving into the statistics that could give you insight on how to improve your game.
Perhaps your second shots are missing the green with a high frequency? Then the app will let you know as it takes into account the readings from your last several rounds.
For the GPS device for golf to achieve elite status, it must have a solid foundation that can be used in an app or through a reliable website.
Courses Included
Every GPS device comes with thousands of preloaded courses already installed on the unit.
Most companies vary in the sheer number of clubs featured on the device, but if you have a few courses that you primarily play, it would be wise to look ahead and see if those courses are present on the device.
If the device is consistently updated, then new courses that are popping up in your area will soon make their way onto your golf GPS watch or handheld unit.
Finding a device that comes preloaded with at least 25,000 courses won’t be difficult to find in the GPS market. Most have over 35,000 preloaded for immediate use.
However you go with your GPS device, make sure that it has the courses that are important to you already taken care of on the device.
Questions & Answers
Q: Why do I need a GPS device on the golf course?
A: Easy to use, advanced GPS devices can give golfers a large amount of information in a small unit. GPS devices allow golfers to not only see the layout of the upcoming hole but assist in helping them choose a strategy for what clubs you’ll need on each shot.
With clear displays and colorful backdrops, GPS devices provide golfers with a full array of insight into each shot before it occurs.
Also, these devices not only show the golfer yardage and detailed maps but also have the capability of storing statistics on the round as the golfer plays all 18 holes.
For amateurs, detailed GPS devices can assist in helping them understand the yardage to the front, center, and back of the green. These devices can also give the golfer the precise distance to hazards such as water, sand and heavy rough.
Q: Watch vs. Handheld: Which one should I pick?
A: In the debate between golf wristwatch devices versus handheld units, the answer comes down to preference.
For those who don’t want to carry around a handheld device, then the watch is a perfect alternative that gives accurate yardage while resting on your wrist.
The downside to a wristwatch is that the display is small, so the information provided will be focused on the distance to the flag and other limited measurements.
Golfers wanting a complete experience may be inclined to lean toward choosing the handheld device.
While some handheld units only give out yardage numbers, other devices provide a full layout of the upcoming hole, allowing the golfer to formulate a strategy that will dictate the correct club usage.
Q: Which one is more convenient?
For convenience, it is hard to beat the wristwatch. The watch is compact, lightweight, and doesn’t need attention. You just strap it to your wrist and then use it while you play.
The downside to the handheld device is that you must find a way to keep it handy while also not damaging it during play. Golfers who don’t like handheld devices say maintenance is their number one complaint about the device.
Q: Which one has more features?
Handheld devices win the battle on what device has more features. With a larger display and the ability to tally a host of statistics as you play, handheld GPS golf devices also work well with smartphone apps to give you a comprehensive overview of the layout and yardage to all areas of the course.
Golf GPS watches are reasonably straightforward with the smaller display giving you yardage to the pin and possibly a couple of other areas of the green.
However, you could find yourself lost when trying to decide the distance to possible bunkers or water hazards.
We recommend you check our complete guide on How to Read Greens in Golf: 5 Tips to Drain More Putts.