Updated July 18, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
With accurate readings and enjoyable play, the golf simulator is no longer a device that only the rich can afford.
Whether you are looking for a simulator to entertain the family or a technologically advanced device to improve the distance of your drives and the accuracy of your iron play, the best golf simulators are more than capable of providing an excellent experience.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2023-09-25. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- Featured Recommendations
- The Importance of a Golf Simulator
- Golf Simulator Space Requirements
- Things to Consider When Buying the Best Home Simulator
- Types of Golf Simulators
- Best Home Golf Simulators 2023
- Materials You Need To Build a Home Golf Simulator
- Questions & Answers
- Ready To Buy Your Own Golf Simulator?
The Importance of a Golf Simulator
Simulators can improve a player’s skill level through the repetition of hitting the golf ball without the need for a course and its facilities.
A golf simulator can provide the backdrop for hundreds of full speed swings per day, a vital necessity for the golfer living in colder environments that can’t play the game for 4-6 months out of the year.
With a plan in mind, golfers can help lengthen their driving ability while dialing in their distance with different irons and wedges. An accurate golf simulator provides the data that allows the golfer to chart their progress and take the steps to improve where necessary.
Golf Simulator Space Requirements
Golf simulators do demand a lot of room as the netting, screen and projector setup need certain characteristics to function properly.
Whether it be a garage or a large family playroom, the amount of space needed is exclusive to how big the golf simulator and its accessories require.
If you are planning to use a golf simulator in an enclosed area, such as a play or game room, then the height of the ceiling is the most important feature of the facility.
Having 9-10 feet of height in the room is vital to allowing golfers to freely swing without the danger of damaging property.
The width and depth of the room are secondary factors that also must be estimated as the screen needed to hit the golf balls into, must have space to move as it absorbs the punishment of the shots.
Recommended: How Much is a Golf Simulator?
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Home Simulator
Technology
Since game simulators are sophisticated pieces of technology, it only makes sense for the golfer to gather an understanding of how well the software and interface work together. Once a golf simulator is calibrated, it is relatively easy to use for golfers of all skill levels.
When testing the golf simulator, we wanted to see how long it took to set up and once it was ready for use if there was a delay in the time it takes before your first swing.
Finding the right combination of entertainment coupled with advanced technology that will accurately gauge your improvement is vital for passing a final opinion on a golf simulator.
Features
The features of a golf simulator allow the golfer to grasp what can be achieved with the device.
Of course, golfers want to know things like distance and swing speed, but the quality of the interface of the golf simulator offers an overall entertainment experience that is an essential reason why golfers would consider the product in the first place.
A sophisticated golf simulator provides golfers with the ability to play courses from around the globe in the comfort of their own home.
While that is certainly exciting, if the golf simulator does not deliver a smooth experience for the golfer, then they’ll ultimately be disappointed.
Accuracy
There’s nothing worse than playing with a golf simulator and finding out that the machine does not accurately represent the level of your game. If the device is off by tens of yards with each shot, then the golfer will certainly feel less enthusiastic about the purchase.
But most simulators handle the accuracy element of their interface with precision and confidence as they provide statistics quickly to the golfer.
Although it is very important to follow the directions of the setup of the golf simulator, most devices are preprogrammed to read your swing with accuracy the moment it leaves the box.
Functionality
When we discuss functionality in our reviews, we are talking about how the golfer interacts with the golf simulator and how it responds to those instructions.
While some simulators can have a longer learning curve, they typically have an interface that is easy to use once the golfer becomes comfortable.
Although there are simulators on the market that are tough to master, the best golf simulators all offer premium functionality to help the golfer set up their device and netting with efficiency for enjoyable play.
While it is important to know ahead of time if your golf simulator is tough to set up, the functionality of the device is far more important for long term enjoyment.
Game Improvement
Perhaps the biggest question on the mind of most golfers is if a golf simulator can help improve their game and for most dedicated players, the answer is yes.
A golf simulator allows the golfer to hit full strength shots without the need for a course, while providing accurate reading that offers the weekend warrior the opportunity to chart their stats and improve over time.
For advanced golfers, a golf simulator might not improve their game as much as keep it sharp until they can return to the course. But beginning golfers can see vast improvements in their game with the repetition provided by a golf simulator.
Types of Golf Simulators
Photometric
Photometric simulators use photography along with measurements to create the simulated ball flight. Since the amount of time that the ball is on the face of the club is so slight, the photometric simulator uses a high-frame rate camera to take a series of pictures.
These pictures are then used, along with the immediate measurements, to craft an accurate representation of the shot’s sidespin, launch angle, backspin, smash factor, and ball speed.
The data is immediately fed into the simulator’s processor to take advantage of the proprietary software to provide numbers that golfers can use to measure their improvement.
Radar (Doppler)
Doppler radars capture the physics of the swing during the takeaway, downswing, and through the impact zone. Launch monitors using a Doppler radar uses microwaves to measure these specifications.
Once a golfer hits a shot into the microwave field created by a Doppler radar, the ball disrupts the wave field allowing it to be measured for speed, spin and launch.
The radar can quickly process the golfer’s swing information allowing the software to produce a replication on the computer screen. Doppler radars are sophisticated and offer a high level of accuracy to allow golfers to gather information to use to improve their game.
Infrared
Infrared simulators measure the swing speed of the golfer’s club, but they don’t measure the quality of the contact. Even if you miss-hit the golf ball, say you chunk it or hit it fat, the shot replication on the infrared launch monitor won’t show the results of the mistake.
These simulators can be used with alternate golf balls, such as foam or plastic golf balls, so that makes them highly usable indoors. Also, if using alternative golf balls, you don’t need a full sized mat, but rather one that can handle the impact zone.
Best Home Golf Simulators 2023
Here are the best golf simulators for home:
SkyTrak Home Series Package
Best Home Golf Simulator Overall
PROS
- Advanced SkyTrak App registers clear, concise data
- Rechargeable batteries lasts up to 5 hours
- Play and Improve Package offers dozens of golf courses
CONS
- Only for use on range or on course as it does not show spin or direction of shot
Our choice for the best luxury golf simulator is the SkyTrak Home Series Package. Delivering rechargeable batteries that last up to five hours, the SkyTrak simulator comes with its proprietary App that helps gather important data to help you improve your game.
Along with a couple dozen preloaded courses, the SkyTrak also provides exceptional accuracy on a host of data points including swing speed, launch angle, and distance.
With wireless connectivity, the SkyTrak launch monitor and golf simulator is guaranteed to help you lower your scores and improve the quality of your shots.
Check our full SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review
Phigolf Mobile and Home Golf Simulator
Best Golf Simulator For Small Spaces
PROS
- Perfect for compact simulation golf games with online features
- Interface is smooth and works well, even online playing against other players
- Setup is a breeze with minimal time or equipment required, just a television
CONS
- Not traditional golf simulator, cannot use your own clubs
The Phigolf Mobile and Indoor Golf Simulator is a video game-style simulator that leans heavily into the entertainment arena, leaving golfers who want more traditional simulation with their own golf clubs on the outside looking in.
But that doesn’t mean that it cannot improve your game.
During our time with the Phigolf indoor golf simulator, we found that strong fundamentals did equate to better game performance, so while you aren’t using your own clubs to play the game, you are working on a correct approach to hitting the golf ball.
Phigolf indoor golf simulator utilizes a golf club-like device to play the game and while it certainly can’t mimic a regular golf club, the realistic grip and weighted sensor on the end of the stick does give a proper replication of swinging a club.
The indoor golf simulator connects to a television and the swing trainer only measures two feet, so you can honestly enjoy the Phisoft anywhere in the house, regardless of the room’s dimensions or shape.
The ability to play the game in high definition and from close distances, does give you the feeling that you are on the course, although it is basically a sophisticated video game at heart.
With several different games to choose from, the Phisoft Mobile and Home Simulator can even be played online against other friends or even on your tablet or phone.
This full indoor golf simulator service package is a lot of fun to play and is great for bringing along any kids you’d like to teach the game to from the comfort of your own home.
Voice Caddie SC300
Most Accurate Home Golf Simulator
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PROS
- Allows for adjustment of loft for clubs for better accuracy and development of data
- Quickly provides swing and ball speed, carry distance and launch angle
- Accumulates data and provides contrast to your readings over time
CONS
- Only for use on range or on course as it does not show spin or direction of shot
The Voice Caddie SC300 indoor golf simulator uses advanced and sophisticated Doppler radar technology to measure a group of data points on each swing.
It also provides those readings in a fun-to-use mobile app that will definitely help you focus on areas you need to improve your swing.
A big knock on the Voice Caddie device is the fact that for the money you would like to see more data. The product does not show if your shot has sidespin or if it drifts offline.
Instead, it seems the intention of the device is to show the muscle stats such as distance, club speed, and launch angle and that’s fine, but for golfers who want more from their simulators, it is disappointing.
The separate display readout of the Voice Caddie is definitely the showstopper here as its big screen and clear display help with immediate feedback.
The display stands on its own and can be placed on the ground, near the golfer, for instant measurements. When coupled with the mobile app, you’ll find yourself really enjoying analyzing the statistics as you search for ways to improve the quality of your contact.
A very well-built swing analyzer that can definitely find a place in your backyard or garage golfing area, the Voice Caddie delivers solid performance in an expensive package that might drive away beginning or budget golfers, but should attract advanced players who want to improve.
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
Most Accurate Golf Simulator
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PROS
- Uses camera in smartphone with radar technology to produce information on shots
- Measures distance, ball and club speed with launch angle without need for attachments
- Features longest drive, closest to pin and practice mode interfaces
CONS
- Doesn’t offer courses to play, but if you are serious about your game this can drastically improve performance
The Rapsodo Mobile is one of the most sophisticated pieces of equipment you’ll find to improve your game at a price point that is very affordable.
If you are a developing golfer or inexperienced coach, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is incredibly adept at providing an experience that will undoubtedly improve your game.
Most launch monitors involved a complicated setup that costs thousands of dollars, but the Rapsodo just needs a smartphone and driving range or backyard net to produce all the data you need to hone your game.
This works much like a high-end simulator but instead of needing a projector, netting and mat, all you need is a smartphone and place to hit golf balls. You will use your real clubs with real golf balls with this device as there is no need for the softer balls that damage screens.
The accuracy of the Rapsodo launch monitor is staggeringly good. Trackman systems that you find in golf superstores and at the training facilities of professional golfers costs thousands more than the Rapsodo and the difference in accuracy is honestly negligible when taking into account the final data.
Once you download the software, you can get reading in less than 30 seconds after you plug your phone into the included launch monitor that is slightly bigger than a large brownie you’d find at a bakery.
As your shot leaves the club, you can follow on the device’s screen as it tracks the shot path and details of your hit.
The software comes with three different games to play; a practice session, longest drive competition with other golfers or a closest to the pin.
Blast Golf Swing Trainer
Excellent Golf Simulator for Beginning Golfers
PROS
- Simple to install sensors go on the end of each club for data processing
- Program interface provides lessons with video of your swing for real time adjustments
- Instant feedback with large collection of data points to help increase skill level
CONS
- Does not offer games or interactive programming, but great at giving data on swing
The Blast Golf Swing Trainer is a golf simulator that allows the golfer to clip on a sensor to the end of their club and while they hit their shots, the device sends a wealth of information to the mobile app for the golfer to later read.
If you are looking for an affordable trainer that offers the same response of an at-home simulator, then the Blast Golf Swing Trainer is a worthy product.
The Blast trainer is not for entertainment, although it is fun to see your results after you’ve hit a group of shots. There are no games to play on the app, but the interface is clean and crisp, allowing the golfer to quickly see what’s right and wrong with their swing.
At first our testers felt strange playing with the sensors on the end of the club because it acts as another inch on the grip, but after a few swings, the golfers had no issue with the sensor and were ready to fire away on the range.
The Blast’s mobile app works on both Apple and Android devices and we found that the functionality of the software is first rate.
Another feature we really enjoyed is the metric window that allows you to place video of your swing in the app for real time analysis.
For some of our beginning golfers that tested the product, they noticed their stance is too upright and with some slight adjustments their swing became more rounded and on plane.
FlightScope Mevo Launch Monitor
Most Portable Golf Simulator
PROS
- Portable lightweight device carries well to indoor or outdoor areas to set up a simulator
- Incredibly accurate with several key measurements including length, club and ball speed, plus spin rate
- Exceptional app keeps track of your shots and helps you simulate a day at the local course
CONS
- Compared to other simulators, the interface is a bit simplistic for those who want more data
The FlightScope Mevo is our choice for the most portable golf simulator on the market.
Not only does the Flightscope accurately measure a variety of critical data points on your swing, but the monitor is very lightweight and easy to move to indoor or outdoor areas.
The size of a smartphone, the monitor can easily fit in your bag or the cup holder of your car during transport to the range or other outdoor golfing areas.
The monitor uses a doppler radar to track everything about your swing. From club and ball speed to yardage and spin rates, the FlightScope covers the bases to provide you all the information in a user-friendly app that works on all smartphones.
During our testing, we found this monitor to be highly accurate. Regardless of the environment, you use the monitor in; you’ll find that it quickly gathers your data and gives you an instant readout.
This immediacy of information allows you to make quick changes to your swing to get the most out of your session.
With your tablet or smartphone, you can take the app and record a video of your swing with the data attached. This feature is excellent for using with a coach or for your analysis after the workout.
The affordable FlightScope Mevo offers a compact and easy to carry option for golfers looking to create a golf simulator in their home.
Tittle X Home Golf Simulator
Best Budget Golf Simulator Option
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PROS
- High-grade stick controller for a realistic experience
- Very affordable price with ultra-fast processing and on-screen response
- Free one-year subscription to E6 Connect
CONS
- If you don’t wear a glove on course, you’ll need to wear one here to use device
The Tittle X Home Golf Simulator is a very enjoyable at-home simulator that offers incredibly fast response along with the full host of features that you’d expect.
Available for use with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, the simulator’s impressive software plays across all platforms.
When you unbox the simulator, the first thing you notice is the swinging stick. While not the full size of a golf club, once I got it into my hands, it felt very realistic to the shape and form of my current set.
The shorter stick is important because it allows you to use the simulator in game rooms or living rooms without the worry of damaging your property.
After you remove the swing stick, then it is time to download the software to your favorite device, a process I found to be extremely fast.
I also enjoyed the intuitive interface from the Tittle when downloading as well, and I’d say that it is so easy even the tech-savvy teenage golfer in your home will find it incredibly easy to complete.
When it comes time to actually play, the simulator offers a full training simulation that provides data such as swing speed, distance, club speed, tempo, and spin.
For those that want to have fun, the golf courses included are a blast to play and offer, even advanced golfers like me, a challenge.
As with most technology, the simulator runs via a subscription service, and while you do get the first year for free, the cost of future years is $100 annually.
One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to at-home simulators is the slow processing and response from my swing to the on-screen results.
What really impressed me with the Tittle X is that the lag is relatively extinguished. The gameplay with this simulator remains one of the best I’ve used, and an absolute mind-boggler at this price point.
Materials You Need To Build a Home Golf Simulator
Hitting Mats
A hitting mat is needed for golf simulators to allow golfers to simulate a real full-swing experience. Mats come in a variety of sizes, from small rectangles that can handle full speed swings to full-sized mats that golfers can completely stand upon.
The mats are made with the combination of padding and carpet that replicates real turf. The best hitting mats can withstand thousands of swings without tearing or wearing down.
Projector
For golfers that want the full experience, a projector and screen can allow players to take full swings. To utilize a projector, users need a large space like a garage or a playroom. The projector must be hung from the ceiling so the golfer won’t interfere with the screen.
A high-definition projector is ideal for use with the software provided by the golf simulator.
Recommended: Best Golf Simulator Projectors
Hitting Nets
A hitting net can come in the form of a smaller, more shallow net that offers more portability, while larger nets provide a longer capture area. The best hitting nets give users a strong weave of netting along with a sizable hitting area.
The hitting net must have the durability of being able to withstand the punishment of thousands of swings. If using indoors, and with real golf balls, the net must capture all shots so the interior area isn’t damaged.
Simulator Software
Simulator software comes with the equipment package that includes the launch monitor. Some new monitors require the user to download the software onto their computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The best simulator software offers a clean interface that is easy to use and clearly shows the golfer’s swing results.
Launch Monitor
The launch monitor uses a radar to capture the details of the swing. Everything from swing speed to launch angle is instantly measured by the simulator’s software. The resulting measurements are translated on the screen in the form of a shot.
The launch monitor’s software enables golfers to accurately see what their shot would look like if they were on the golf course. The monitor’s ability to register multiple facets of the swing makes it a sophisticated piece of equipment.
Computer
Golf simulators utilize desktop computers, mobile smartphones and tablets. The computer must have the ability to handle the processing needs of the software to instantly respond to the golfer’s swing.
When choosing the right computer or tablet to host the software, it is important to read the software’s requirements first before making the simulator purchase.
Questions & Answers
What is the best screen size for golf simulators?
The minimum size of a golf simulator screen appears to be around 8 feet in width and height. Most screens go over that size but it really depends solely on the size of your room.
Another aspect that must be considered when choosing the right size of the screen is how the protective netting will work in unison with the backdrop. The netting must form a seal around the screen to make sure there are no golf balls that get loose and could potentially damage the surroundings.
Most netting has 4-6 feet of width with 8-10 feet in height. The golfer will also need to match their turf with the screen and the netting as well, although the carpet can be longer than both.
Do I need a special screen for a golf simulator?
Yes, a screen for a golf simulator must have a thickness that allows for the projector to clearly show the virtual course but also handle the impact of the shots. For that reason, most golfers use screens that are seamless and reinforced with a multi-layered hem.
The screens also need to accommodate the attachments with the netting and how it will interact with the artificial turf on the floor of the room.
Most manufacturers specially design the screens to handle the impact with help of piping that can be inserted in pockets along the edges of the sheet.
Manufacturers also rate the material and make suggestions if real golf balls can be used on the screen or if it is better to use softer balls to minimize wear and tear.
The mats are made with the combination of padding and carpet that replicates real turf. The best hitting mats can withstand thousands of swings without tearing or wearing down.
Ready To Buy Your Own Golf Simulator?
The best indoor golf simulator for home are a combination of exceptional innovations and clean interface technology.
All of the best golf simulators on our list provide value and excellent playability for golfers looking to improve their game from the comfort of their own home.
Our choice of the best home golf simulator, the Voice Caddie SC300 Launch Monitor, utilizes an innovative radar technology to capture all the details of your swing.
Along with an easy to use mobile/tablet app, the SC300 measures swing speed, carry distance, ball speed, launch angle, and smash factor.
A great way to enjoy golf with friends and family, the golf simulator is a wonderful original way.