The Best Golf Rangefinders To Reliably Measure Distances On Any Course

Forbes

01-05-2025

Golf rangefinders are a must-have tool for anyone looking to dial in their distance on the course. These handheld devices take the guesswork out of club selection by providing accurate yardage to the flag, hazards and bunkers, no matter where your ball lies. Whether you're looking to add one to your kit or pick up a new one, we looked at top models from Bushnell, Gogogo, Garmin and more to find the best golf rangefinders that are compact, accurate and reliable. Based on our findings, most golfers will be happy with the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift, because it balances adequate range, magnification, slope technology and price.
Measure distances to flags, hazards and bunkers with one of the best golf rangefinders.
To narrow down our picks, we compared rangefinders by focusing on features that matter to golfers, like range, magnification, battery life and weatherproofing. We also considered different needs to identify rangefinders for different golfers—whether you're looking for a model that's big on performance, cutting-edge features or a high-end finish. Below, the best golf rangefinders, and what you need to know to find one that meets your needs.
Amazon
Range: 1,300 yards | Magnification: 6x | Battery life: N/A | Weatherproofing: IPX6
The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is an excellent rangefinder for most golfers. Boasting a range of up to 1,300 yards, it's the most powerful model in this guide, and 6x magnification makes it easy to hone in on targets or spot potential obstacles. Bushnell includes a dedicated slope switch, so you can turn slope compensation on for casual rounds or off to meet USGA requirements. Once you've locked onto the flag, a quick vibration and a red ring around the viewfinder confirm you're good to go. And because it boasts an IPX6 waterproof rating, you won't have to worry about light drizzles, heavy rain or run-ins with water hazards.
There's not much reason to knock the Tour V6 Shift, but it is expensive, and that may be a dealbreaker for amateur golfers. If you're looking for a rangefinder that still delivers reliable accuracy for less (albeit with fewer features), the Gogogo Sport Vpro is a great choice. But if you want a rangefinder that blends excellent range, accuracy and smart features at a justifiable price, the Tour V6 Shift is hard to beat.
Amazon
Range: 1,000 yards | Magnification: 6x | Battery life: N/A | Weatherproofing: Waterproof case
Not every golfer needs a rangefinder loaded with additional features, and if that sounds like you, the Gogogo Sport Vpro should be on your short list. It still provides a range of up to 1,000 yards and 6x magnification, making it easy to spot flags and hazards from afar, and with the push of a button, it cycles between yards, meters and feet. Like many high-end rangefinders, it features slope correction and vibrates when you've locked onto the flag. And thanks to upgraded optics, it reaches farther than the previous-gen Vpro, which maxed out at 650 yards.
With that said, you do have to make a few trade-offs at this price, though none of them are dealbreakers. The rangefinder itself isn't waterproof, but it does come in a waterproof case. There are no built-in magnets, so you'll need to buy a magnetic sleeve if you'd like to secure it to your cart. And while it accounts for slope, it doesn't have a dedicated slope switch, which means the feature is always on. Ultimately, these are small sacrifices worth making if you're in the market for a well-rounded rangefinder that's simple, accurate and often on sale for less than $100.
Amazon
Range: 600 yards | Magnification: 7x | Battery life: N/A | Weatherproofing: IPX7
If you're looking for a rangefinder with enhanced magnification to better see distant targets, the Bushnell Pro X3 is a standout choice. While it doesn't match the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift in overall range, it does up the magnification to 7x, offering a clearer, larger view. Its 600-yard range is still more than adequate for most holes, and an IPX7 waterproof rating means it's fully waterproof and ready to withstand the elements. It runs on a CR2 battery (included), so be sure to keep a spare in your golf bag just in case, though the included carrying case makes storing it safe and easy.
Again, the Pro X3 is expensive, but that price includes a lot of additional features. For example, you can view temperature and elevation data in the display, and even set your home elevation to receive more precise slope-adjusted distances on your preferred course. Dual display modes let you toggle between display settings based on light conditions, and a two-year warranty adds peace of mind. If you value better magnification and useful features, and you don't mind paying a bit more for the whole package, the Pro X3 delivers a well-rounded experience.
Amazon
Range: 450 yards | Magnification: 6x | Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Weatherproofing: IPX7
The Garmin Approach Z82 has been around for a few years now, but you wouldn't know it based on its slew of features. Unlike traditional rangefinders with optical viewfinders, the Z82 uses an OLED screen that overlays data, so you can see not only the distance to the pin, but the front and back of the green as well. It can also display the wind speed and direction, and even packs in GPS functionality to help you find it if it's misplaced. We're also fans of the rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 15 hours, so you won't have to worry about carrying spares. Add in a digital scorecard feature, and you've got a rangefinder that can pull double duty.
Of course, a feature-rich rangefinder like the Approach Z82 is alluring, but for most golfers, it's overkill. Like with one of those high-end fridges that feature a built-in TV, you can find ways to use all the features, but you probably don't need them. If you like the look and quality of Garmin rangefinders but don't want to shell out $600, the Approach Z30 offers the same core functionality and costs $400. But if you're after a model that truly stands out in terms of capability, this is the one to buy.
Amazon
Range: 1,000 yards | Magnification: 6x | Battery life: 25 hours (GPS mode); 45 hours (laser mode) | Weatherproofing: N/A
You'd be hard-pressed to find a rangefinder that looks as good—and performs as well—as the Voice Caddie SL3. It was in the running for the top spot in this guide, in fact, but since it's priced a bit higher than the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift, it's better suited for golfers who want powerful, good-looking gear. Like the Garmin Approach Z82, this device features a vibrant OLED screen that's great in low-light conditions, but it adds a circular touchscreen that lets you zoom in on hole features or swipe through menus for stats and settings. A dedicated slope switch provides slope-adjusted distances and can be easily turned off for tournaments. And instead of standard batteries, it runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 25 hours in GPS mode or 45 hours in laser mode, where it functions like a traditional rangefinder.
Again, the SL3 is probably more than most golfers need, but if you're after a rangefinder that embraces tech and has a sleek aesthetic to boot, it's a great option. For something a bit simpler (and $250 cheaper), the Voice Caddie TL1 is a smart alternative without dual screens. Otherwise, if style and functionality are high on your list, the SL3 delivers one of the more refined experiences.
At Forbes Vetted, we strive to provide transparent, reliable buying advice to help you find products that meet your needs. From rangefinders to GPS watches to golf shorts, our recommendations are the result of in-depth research, expert insights and firsthand experience with products in the field.
A reliable, accurate golf rangefinder can impact your approach to each shot. We focused on key details like range, magnification, battery life and weatherproofing to make sure our picks are the best you can buy right now.
Finding the right rangefinder comes down to understanding how these devices work and what features impact their accuracy and reliability. Here's what to look out for:
A rangefinder, as the name implies, is designed to accurately measure distances to faraway objects. And yet, while all rangefinders fulfill this obligation, some can measure further than others. Based on our research, you'll want to look for a rangefinder with a maximum range that exceeds the hole you're playing on, and for most golfers, that range falls within 800 to 1,200 yards. Keep in mind that some models can quickly and reliably lock onto objects faster than others.
A rangefinder uses magnification to make an image bigger and help you see distant objects. Most models offer 4x to 7x magnification, and higher magnification is more helpful if you're playing on very big or unfamiliar courses. Just keep in mind that as the magnification goes up, it gets harder to keep the rangefinder steady for a clear view.
A rangefinder with a long-lasting battery should go multiple rounds on a single charge. Our findings suggest most models last anywhere from five to 15 hours, though you'll want one with better battery life if you play multiple rounds per week.
Rain or shine, the game goes on—and that's why it's worth picking up a rangefinder with some degree of water resistance or, even better, full waterproofing. Look for models with a rugged housing that can handle weather, accidental drops, dirt and long-term exposure to the sun.