The home golf simulator is without a doubt a trending topic in the world of golf equipment and technology. Just a few years ago the pricing on these simulators was just slightly out of reach. As things have improved and prices have dropped, the possibilities for your home have greatly expanded. Let’s take a look at the best home golf simulators on the market, for every budget.
TLDR
The great thing about launch monitors and golf simulators is that they give you data and numbers. The bad thing is that those numbers aren’t always accurate and some work better in small spaces! This isn’t a dig at manufacturers, the tech is great but we still have:
- Measurement error (how accurate your launch monitor & simulator is given your space).
- Calibration/user error (how you set up your launch & home golf simulator)
- Shot error (you not hitting it towards your intended target).
After a lot of testing, we’ve compiled this review with accuracy, cost and fun in mind. Accuracy and features come at a cost, but there have never been more options on the market for you.
The best home golf simulators in 2023 are:
- Best overall for home simulator – GCQuad Sim In A Box
- Best accuracy for small spaces – GCQuad Sim In A Box
- Best under $10k – Flightscope Mevo+ SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- Best under $10k for small spaces – SkyTrak SIG10 Simulator
- Best for fun – OptiShot Indoor Golf Simulator
- Easy pack away – FlightScope Mevo+ Bronze Golf Simulator Package
- Best for coaching pros/travelling pros – Trackman custom
GCQuad Sim In A Box
The GCQuad Sim In A Box package is starting to grow in popularity and take over in many situations where TrackMan was once the only choice. In our opinion, the GCQuad Sim in a box is the best overall home golf simulator package. This model perfectly blends what players need with what they want and give great accuracy in any hitting space.
What’s included?
The GCQuad Sim in a box comes with the GC Quad launch monitor, the FSX 2020 Software, the SIG12 Golf simulator enclosure, projector, ceiling mount, capable and more. If you want to make this a highly impressive and complete model, than you will also be able to add on putting analysis and a club head measurement.
- GC Quad Launch Monitor
- Power Adapter & Cable
- USB-C cable
- Alignment stick
- Club marker dispenser
- FSX 2020 Software
- SIG12 Golf Simulator Enclosure
- Side Barrier Netting
- Landing Pad Turf
- Choice of Golf Mat
- Panasonic VMZ50U Golf Simulator Projector
- Ceiling Mount
- 15′ HDMI Cable
Practice & play
The GCQuad has very realistic graphics than to the 4K resolution. If you are looking for a way to practice on a range, play some great golf courses, and also play in competitions with other users of the GCQuad, you will easily be able to do so.
The GCQuad Sim in a box comes with the FSX 2020 software. There are five courses included with this Teton Pines, Broken Tree, Linfield National, Willow Crest, and Bayou Golf and Fishing Club. In addition, there is long drive and closest to the pin competitions.
If you are interested in potentially changing up some of your golf clubs, the GCQuad also offers club fitting software to make this a breeze. The ability to compare your old club with a new option is a great feature.
If you get bored with the initial courses, there are opportunities to purchase additional courses. In addition, the FSX Play is a brand new release from Foresight that will give you even more advanced options for play and practice. The upgrade to this FSX Play will typically come with a few more courses.
Data & accuracy
The GCQuad is without a doubt, one of the most accurate golf simulators on the market (just check the PGA and LPGA Tour ranges on TV). Players of all handicap levels are impressed with how quick this is to set up and how the number reflects exactly the information they need for their game. The GC Quad keeps things rather simple by measuring ball speed, launch angles, spin, and carry distance.
The GCQuad also offers the club head analysis add on feature. When you pay a few thousand dollars extra, you can get the club head speed and smash factor, angle of attack, loft at impact, lie and face angle at impact, and impact location on the club face.
Although the $4000 extra for this data may seem like alot, it is going to completely change the simulator experience – turning the home golf simulator into a complete coaching suite. When adding the club head data and the putting data to the GC Quad, it is capable of everything that TrackMan can do, and actually performs better in small spaces. For an average golfer, and even for an aspiring professional, the GC Quad has all of the technology necessary.
Other cool features
The GCQuad weighs about 7 pounds, so it is easy to bring with you both inside and outside. Outdoors on the driving range, you will need nothing but the GCQuad to get things up and running, simply place it next to you and start hitting shots. All of these shots will be uploaded to the cloud, where you can analyze them later.
One of our favorite things about the GCQuad is the quick data that is offered on the top of the launch monitor. The information on the launch monitor will display so that you don’t have to wait to see your basic stats like distance and speed.
The GCQuad is really user friendly and just does not feel as overwhelming – it is also pretty much fool-proof when setting up.
What you’ll need to run it?
The GCQuad comes with a quadrascopic (four) high speed camera system that captures really impressive data. However, you will need a PC operating Windows 7 or greater and a processor speed of i7 as well as an NVidia GeForce 1050 Ti Video card or greater. Essentially if you are going to invest in something like this, you will need recent technology with plenty of speed and clear graphics.
A small, but important note is that GC Quad doesn’t need any markers on golf balls for accurate tracking and simulator use (unlike TrackMan and FlightScope for indoor modes). This means even less faff if you want to step up and play golf any time of the day.
Below is a couple of pictures from our testing at Foreshight’s HQ near London, just to show what the basic components look like. This is a perfectly good, functioning set, but you can see how a clean backdrop and smart carpeting around this setup elevates it into a swanky looking golf simulator room (our top image).
Golf Insider verdict
The GCQuad package is still a major investment into your golf game. This is something that will cost you more than $20,000 to install in your home, but the overall results, accuracy, and usability are impressive.
Although this is a lot to spend, for the serious golfers that are going to invest the time into their game, there is no doubt that the GCQuad will offer you everything you need.
TrackMan custom setup
For those with no set budget, deep pockets and space, the TrackMan is the most premium option in the game. Although TrackMan is better known for its coaching capacity, it also provides a cracking home simulator setup. Even if the TrackMan customer setup is not in your budget, it pays to understand what this option is and why it stands out from others on the market.
What’s included?
With the TrackMan custom setup, you will work with a representative from the company to determine the exact needs of your space. TrackMan does a lot of commercial setups and applications for fitting centers, golf clubs, and even universities. The details from one package to another can vary.
Practice & play
The TrackMan offers tremendous opportunities for players to both practice and play with their golf simulator technology. The software system that comes with the TrackMan is called Virtual Golf 2. It was completely updated in 2019 to become more accurate and offer better visuals for players.
The Virtual Golf 2 Software has dozens of courses, but one of the better features here is the 30 plus PGA Tour stops that you can play virtually. If you have always wanted to play Pebble Beach and St.Andrews in the same day, you now can!
The driving range setup is perfect from TrackMan and allows for customization of the way that data is displayed, the lighting, and even the targets. If you want to work on your game and truly feel as though you are on the course, TrackMan provides that opportunity.
We were impressed with the graphics from Trackman but also expected this at the price point this launch monitor and home simulator setup is sold.
Data & accuracy
The Trackman is extremely accurate as long as you have the space requirements (and markers on the golf balls), and part of that is because of the way that data is collected. This launch monitor has two radar systems that help increase the accuracy of its data. The short-range radar focus on putting, club, and impact data. The long-range radar is for the ball tracking. This allow TrackMan to triagnualte data from club and ball to ensure accuracy levels are as high as possible.
The data parameters that come with the TrackMan are advanced. If you are a golfer that does not have much knowledge about spin, loft, face angle, tempo, dynamic lie, and more, there will be quite a learning curve with the Trackman.
Luckily, Trackman is aware of this and offers plenty of support and training to help average golfers and even new players start to make sense of all the data that is thrown your way.
- Club Data (Club Speed, Attack Angle, Dynamic Loft, Club Path, Face Angle, Face to Path, Spin Loft, Swing Plane, Swing Direction, Low Point, Impact Height, Impact Offset, Dynamic Lie)
- Ball Data (Ball Speed, Smash Factor, Launch Angle, Spin Rate, Launch Direction, Spin Axis, Height, Curve, Landing Angle, Carry, Side, Total, Side Total)
- Putting Data (Club Speed, Backswing Time, Stroke Length, Forward Swing Time, Tempo, Dynamic Lie, Launch Direction, Ball Speed, Skid Distance, Roll Speed, Speed Drop, Roll %, Effective Stimp, Side, Break, Distance, Attack Angle, Club Path, Face Angle, Face to Path, Entry Speed Distance, Elevation, Slope %, Slope % Rise, Stimp (Flat))
Other cool features
TrackMan is really known for being the leader in the golf launch monitor game, and they have added in some unique features that will set this unit apart. One of our favorites is the ability to change the time of day that you play a course, wind and even temperateure. If you like playing at dawn or dusk, simply select that when you start your round and get to enjoy the completely different scenery.
We also found the TrackMan to have some really great options for the competitive player. If you like skills challenges that you can do with the family, TrackMan has you covered. In addition, they will run global tournaments each year for those that get really into the virtual golf concept.
The app that comes with the TrackMan custom setup allows you to have all of your data with you at all times. Since the TrackMan can work both indoors and outdoors, when you are out on the range, the app is a handy tool to have. The app is limited in what it can do and you’ll still need a laptop/desktop to run a simulator setup.
What you’ll need to run it?
The Windows 10 (64 bit) with 16 GB Ram is recommended for running the Trackman. In addition, you will want to have a really good graphics card so that you will be able to support the software necessary.
TrackMan vs GQuad – What you need to know (article coming soon)
Golf Insider verdict
The TrackMan is, without a doubt, a complete solution, and for the price you pay, it should be. As great as this would be to have at home, the TrackMan still feels like the commercial solution to us. For those with a simulator center or club fitting room, the TrackMan is a smart choice. Even though the initial investment is high, you have a way to pay off the costs over time. For the average home golf simulator, this may be more than you need, or may not function as well as GCQuad if you have a smaller hitting space.
Flightscope Mevo+ SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
Some golfers have a large space where they can set up a simulator and leave it set up for years to come. Others will pull the car out of the garage and set the home golf simulator up for the weekend. If you need something that you can pack up and put away, the Flightscope Mevo + SIG10 is a perfect solution.
Also…did we mention this is 1/3 the cost of the GCQuad Sim-in-a-box option and 1/4 cheaper than TrackMan’s custom setups…that is a lot of extra golf cash. The Mevo+ is incredible for the price, you can read our full FlightScope Mevo+ review here.
What’s included?
The Flightscope Mevo + is one of the best affordable golf simulators for the average player. This model is really portable; it’s easy to bring with you from the course to the range to your home golf setup. Although you won’t get the club data that the GCQuad or Trackman offers (with the basic version – you can now upgrade your Mevo+ software to get club data), you can still have a fun and accurate simulator experience at home.
This model comes with the simulator enclosure and even a projector to make sure it is a complete package. The golf balls used indoors will need a metallic sticker put on them to get the best accuracy. The E6 simulator software is also included with this package, one of the more popular software packages on the market.
- Mevo+ Launch Monitor, USB Charging Cable, Carrying Pouch, and Free App for Mobile Devices
- 50 Metallic Stickers*
- E6 simulation Software Package (5 Courses, 17 Practice Ranges)
- SIG10 Golf Simulator Enclosure
- Side Barrier Netting
- Landing Pad Turf
- Choice of Golf Hitting Mat
- Golf Simulator Projector
- Ceiling Mount
- 15′ HDMI Cable & Lightning to Apple Adapter
Practice & play
The Flightscope Mevo uses radar doppler technology to help make your practice and playing experience as accurate as possible. There are some great additional features on the Flightscope, like the action video clips that will also allow data overlay. If you are working on fixing a swing issue, these kinds of features will help.
The Mevo+ has five simulator golf courses with the E6 technology. You can play Aviara, Stone Canyon, Wade Hampton, Sanctuary, and Belfy. There are upgrade options to increase the number of courses that you can play; these will come at an additional cost.
E6 simulator software also comes with 17 different practice ranges and a darts game. You may think that the practice range won’t make that much of a difference, but you will quickly learn that there are some benefits to practicing in an area that you enjoy.
Data & accuracy
The Mevo+ has 15 plus data parameters that it will measure for you. There is also an additional option to increase the data with the Pro Package upgrade. The Pro Package upgrade helps to get some of that club path data that you will see with the more premium launch monitors.
- Mevo+ Data Parameters (Ball Speed, Clubhead Speed, Smash Factor, Carry Distance, Roll, and Total Distance, Back Spin, Spin Axis, Side Spin, Spin Loft, Side Angle, Horizontal Launch Angle, Launch Direction, DIstance Offline, Vertical Launch Angle, Angle of Descent, Apex Height, Hang Time)
- Pro Package Upgrade (Club Path, Face To Path, Face To Target, Vertical and Horizontal Swing Plane, Low Point, Dynamic Loft, Vertical Descent Angle, Curve, Speed Profile, Acceleration Profile)
Other cool features
Although the technology of the launch monitor itself is the most important part of any home golf simulator setup, the fact that the Mevo+ saves you some money may mean that you can have a better net, screen, and mat setup.
The Mevo+ is great to use on the driving range, and it basically fits in your golf bag. For those with a flexible space in the home, it is the right size and offers just the right functionality.
What you’ll need to run it?
The Mevo+ has quite a bit of compatibility with a wide range of devices (iPad, laptop or desktop for a simulator experience). Since this model does not have as advanced graphics, you can also save a bit of money on the graphics card you will need for your setup.
We do recommend getting something that helps you charge the Mevo+ when you are at the range or even while using the simulator. There are some solutions out there to look into, but the battery life of this unit, when in simulator mode, is a little limited. You will only get about 2 hours of battery life, which is a bit of a problem if you don’t have it plugged in.
Golf Insider verdict
If you are on a budget but do not want to sacrifice quality, the Mevo+ package is a good solution. In addition, if you like to set up a simulator for a weekend and take it down to get your car back in the garage, the Flightscope Mevo+ Sig10 is really easy to work with choice.
For commercial settings and those that are going to be building out a simulator room, you may need a bit more technology than what the Mevo+ has to offer.
FlightScope Mevo+ Bronze Golf Simulator Package
The FlightScope Mevo+ Bronze Golf Simulator Package is a budget-friendly model that works for many people that are just starting out in the golf simulator space. If you know you will use your simulator on rainy days or one evening a week when you come home from work, this is a good way to keep your budget intact but still get the experience.
What’s included?
The FlightScope Mevo+ is the launch monitor included with the Bronze Golf Simulator package. The great news here is that you get all of the impressive data that you have come to expect from the FlightScope brand. In addition, this launch monitor is portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
When using the FlightScope MEvo indoors, remember that you can use any golf ball you like, but the ball does need the metallic sticker in place in order to be able to accurately track the proper ball data.
This particular model is a great package price, but it does have a few shortcomings. For starters, the net is more of just a screen with side barriers as opposed to a full enclosure. Players will find that the overall setup is much less impressive, and the projector is also not as high in quality. The result will be an image on the screen that is not nearly as clear and an overall play experience that doesn’t feel quite like the golf course.
- Mevo+ Launch Monitor, USB Charging Cable, Carrying Pouch, and Free App for Mobile Device
- 50 Metallic Stickers*
- E6 simulation Software Package (5 Courses, 17 Practice Ranges)
- Net Return Pro Series V2 Net & Frame
- Side Barriers & Golf Simulator Screen
- 1080p HD Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector
- Projector Shield (projector floor mount enclosure)
- Net Return 6′ x 10′ Pro Turf Mat
- 15′ HDMI Cable & Lightning to HDMI Adapter
- Two Rubber Tee’s – 1.75″ and 2.25″
Practice & play
The FlightScope Mevo+ Bronze Package comes with 17 practice ranges and 5 golf courses that you get with the E6 simulator software. Remember that this software is just an introductory package, and you can expand the courses you play and customize this to be something that you truly enjoy using.
Data & accuracy
When you look at the pricing of the Bronze package compared to that of the Flightscope Mevo SIG10, you will see that there is a few thousand dollars difference. However, when breaking down this information, it’s important to understand what the differences in costs are related to.
The cost does not have anything to do with the data and accuracy of the launch monitor itself. The main reason that the pricing is different is the net and the projector. You will find that things like your launch direction and clubhead speed are just as accurate; however, the visual images portrayed on the screen will not look nearly the same as they would with something like a TrackMan.
Visual clarity and real feel experiences are things that many golfers are willing to pay for. However, the player that simply wants stats and data will be just fine with what the Flightscope Mevo + packages have to offer regardless of the extras that come along with them.
- Mevo+ Data Parameters (Ball Speed, Clubhead Speed, Smash Factor, Carry Distance, Roll, and Total Distance, Back Spin, Spin Axis, Side Spin, Spin Loft, Side Angle, Horizontal Launch Angle, Launch Direction, DIstance Offline, Vertical Launch Angle, Angle of Descent, Apex Height, Hang Time)
- Pro Package Upgrade (Club Path, Face To Path, Face To Target, Vertical and Horizontal Swing Plane, Low Point, Dynamic Loft, Vertical Descent Angle, Curve, Speed Profile, Acceleration Profile)
Other cool features
The FlightScope Mevo+ allows you to record a video of your golf swing and save it to compare later. For any player that is serious about improving their scores, being able to compare where your swing is today with where you were just a few months ago is a tremendous benefit.
The Pro Package upgrade may be easier for you to afford with the lower price of the Bronze Package; this is something that is worth considering to get a bit more data from your simulator. At some point, you may want to upgrade the projector and screen, but this package gets you started at a fair price.
What you’ll need to run it?
All of the Flightscope Mevo packages require basic technology from Windows or Apple to run the app. You will find that the technology requirements for something like this package are much less strict than they are from other launch monitors. This is due to the graphics of this model not being quite as impressive.
Golf Insider verdict
We like this package for those that have been happy with a launch monitor for several years and often think about how it would be nice to have a simulator setup. In other words, if you have been satisfied with just data alone, then this simulator makes it affordable to at least play a round of golf at home.
SkyTrak SIG10 Simulator
You may have noticed that the $5000 budget is a bit tough to stick with when looking at golf simulator options. However, if you can bump it up to $10,000, then you will add in quite a bit more technology and performance. The SkyTrak Sig10 Simulator is our favorite choice for under $10,00, with a permanent spot to set up your simulator.
What’s included?
The SkyTrak SIG10 simulator is a middle of the road package that is built specifically for the golfer that just can’t get enough golf. SkyTrak launch monitors offer tremendous value, they are easy to transport, and we find them to be one of the more durable options on the market. For those that are worried about accuracy, ease of use, and the ability to enjoy a round of golf on a simulator, don’t be; the SkyTrak can do all of the above.
This model is the SIG10 package, so it will come with the SIG10 Golf SImulator Enclosure. For those that are worried about stray shots and really want to create a setup that feels like a golf room, the SIG10 is a great idea.
Although you pay a little more for an enclosure as opposed to a screen with side netting, it can really change the picture on the screen as well as the overall feel of the simulator experience.
- SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor
- Metal Protective Case
- Play & Improve Software
- SIG10 Golf Simulator Enclosure
- Side Barrier Netting
- Landing Pad Turf
- Choice of Golf Hitting Mat
- Golf Simulator Projector
- Ceiling Mount
- 15′ HDMI Cable and HDMI to Lightning Cable
- Micro-USB Charging Cable for SkyTrak
- SkyTrak User Manual & Quick Start Guide
Practice & play
One of our favorite things about the SkyTrak SIG10 Simulator is the SkyTrak Play and Improve software. For those that have worked with E6, you may find that the SkyTrak Play and Improve have more to offer.
With most of these golf software packages, you will get a certain number of features to start your plan, and then you will have to upgrade. Looking for the option that offers the most right from the start is a smart strategy. The SkyTrak Plan and Improve gives opportunities for single or multi players, and we had fun playing with all that this launch monitor has to offer.
Some of the things you can expect from the SkyTrak Plan and Improve software include
- 12 WGT golf courses
- 3D Driving Range with Shot Tracer
- Closest to Pin, Long Drive, Target Practice
- Skills Assessment
- Bag Mapping
- Progress Tracking
- Environment settings for humidity and wind
Data & accuracy
The SkyTrak measures ball speed, back spin, launch angle, side spin, and side angle. As you will quickly notice, there is no club data, and the SkyTrak instead focuses on ball data. The information collected from SkyTrak will then give you carry, roll, and total distance, as well as clubhead speed and angle of descent.
At the current time, you won’t be able to upgrade to a model that includes any additional data parameters. For the things that SkyTrak does measure for, it is highly accurate.
Other cool features
Although we mentioned it in our practice and play section, it is worth bringing up the concept of bag mapping. Other simulators also have these features, but it’s something that players should be utilizing. Loft gapping between golf clubs in your bag has become a major issue with modern equipment. Use the features of the SkyTrak play and play to narrow down your exact yardages and see if there are any holes in your current set.
What you’ll need to run it?
To get the full play experience with the SkyTrak, you will need an iOs device. There are options for PC and Android, but you may have to invest additional funds to help cover the costs of this third-party software.
Golf Insider verdict
If you care about the accuracy but need to keep your simulator purchase under the $10,000 range, the SkyTrak is the way to go. SkyTrak is a well respected name in the home golf simulator industry, and we really like the SkyTrak PLay and practice software; it’s fun to use and helps encourage players to work on their game.
OptiShot Indoor Golf Simulator – Silver Entertainment Package
The best way we can describe the OptiShot Indoor Golf Simulator is a mix between a golf simulator package and a game for your home. This has more of a feel of a video game experience than a true professional golf simulator, but for those on a budget, it may be worth considering.
What’s included?
The OptiShot brand has tried to make it easy for the average golfer to set up a simulator in their home. For many years the launch monitor pricing was dropping, but players were having a hard time figuring out how to do a complete setup in their home for just a few thousand dollars; the OptiShot helped to make that possible. With the OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator, you get the net, mat, projector, mounting bracket, and even a one year warranty
- OptiShot2 Golf Simulator
- Full Golf Course Play on 15 Courses (1-4 Players)
- Driving Range Feature
- The Net Return Pro Series Net
- The Net Return Pro Series Simulator Screen
- OptiShot Golf Mat
- Optoma Short Throw HD Projector (X305ST)
- Mounting Bracket
- Two Foam Practice Balls & Adjustable Rubber Tees
- USB Cable (10 ft), HDMI Cable, Extension Cord
- 1 Year Warranty
Practice & play
Optishot2 will come with 15 famous golf courses already preloaded and ready for you to get started the day you get your unit. In addition, you can purchase more golf courses that you want to play; they come at an additional expense but can help for those types of courses you may never have a chance to play otherwise.
This particular home golf simulator tends to be a really great choice for families that want to play golf together. You can play full rounds of golf with up to four people, and there are plenty of game modes to help you enjoy the round a bit more. If you want to set up stroke play, better ball, or match play events, that is entirely possible with OptiShot2.
Data & accuracy
OptiShot uses a unique technology where you must hit off of a special pad that will record data. With the OptiShot hitting pad, the results you will get include things like club speed, distance, face angle, path, tempo, and face contact. This model will not do much with spin, and that can impact your overall accuracy and results.
Is the OptiShot2 accurate enough to have fun and enjoy a round of golf with friends on a rainy day? Yes. Is the OptiShot2 accurate enough for an aspiring professional that is making real swing changes and working on improving stats and data? Probably not.
Other cool features
Many golf simulator packages will require you to purchase additional software extensions to be able to play a round of golf with four people. The OptiShot2 is equipped to do this right from the start. We like the way that this OptiShot can make the game a bit more fun, even for those that are not as serious about golf.
What you’ll need to run it?
The OptiShot2 works with both Mac and PC, and you should not have too much trouble getting the technology to be compatible with your OptiShot2. Remember that the speed of results are not as good here, but it also will not be the most accurate graphics either. This has everything to do with the pricing of the package.
Golf Insider verdict
This is truly a budget home golf simulator; if you are not comfortable taking swings indoors without a full golf enclosure, or you want highly accurate and extensive data, the OptiShot 2 is not for you. However, for a family that loves to play golf together and is frustrated with a cold or rainy season, the OptiSho2 serves a really good purpose.
What you need for a home golf simulator
To create your own home golf simulator, you will need…
Mat
A large hitting mat is a smart solution for a home golf simulator. The mat should allow you ample space to walk around, hit shots, putt and chip. We really like the options that will cover the entire interior of a the home golf simulator enclosure.
Net
With a golf net for a home golf simulator, it’s important to ensure that your home is well protected. Choose something that has sides so that a shot that goes a bit too far to the left or right will still be caught. If you are going to have a permanent setup, a net with a screen attached tends to be a smart solution.
Launch Monitor
The launch monitor is likely the most important part of the entire home golf simulator. If you want an accurate simulator with the experience of being on a real golf course, the launch monitor is necessary. Launch monitors will range in price from a few thousand dollars to more than $20,000. Pay close attention to the data parameters that a golf simulator reads.
Projector
The projector will help cast the images from your golf simulator software onto a screen in front of you. Projectors for golf simulators typically need to be short throw projectors that have faster speeds. Projectors will help to improve the overall experience of using a golf simulator.
Screen
A projector screen will improve the image that is cast in front of you. If you pay for an expensive launch monitor and great computer graphics card, it won’t be worth purchasing a cheap screen. Pay close attention to the resolution to ensure that you will get the images on the screen that has the most realistic look.
Computer/Ipad/Phone
All of the golf simulators that we have put on our list will require some type of digital component; for some, an iPad will work, and others need a computer. Most of these software systems also require relatively new technology, fast speeds, and plenty of storage space.
Software
If you want to play golf courses using your simulator, you must ensure that you have the proper software. The software comes with practice ranges, golf courses, and sometimes even skill challenges for players to take advantage of.
For more information, check out our guides on:
- How much does a home golf simulator cost?
- How much space do I need for a home golf simulator?
- Ceiling height for golf simulator
Golf Simulator Package Comparison: What You Need to Know
When it comes time to make your final decision on which golf simulator package is for you, there are some important factors to consider. Of course the most obvious is the price, we all know this will be one of your bigger purchases. However, we would be more concerned with value than price; you must find a simulator that offers quite a bit of performance for the money.
Screen or Net?
You will have two choices for hitting your golf shots; they will go into a net or into a net with a screen. The screen will show the image of the golf course or practice facility where you are playing. The net will simply catch the ball, and the images will instead be on a phone, app, or computer screen.
The screen is, without a doubt, a better experience. It feels more like really playing golf, but it comes at a higher cost. Some people will try and create a DIY screen with a white sheet, but you can trust us on this one; it’s not the same.
For those that want to simply check their swing speed, the screen is not necessary. However, if you plan to play rounds of golf using a simulator, pay for the screen.
Size of Golf Simulator
If you noticed from our list of the best golf simulators in 2023, the sizes would vary from one manufacturer and from one model to another. At the very least, plan on having ten feet of width, ten feet of length, and just under 9 feet of height.
If your simulator is going to stay set up, then the SIG10 or SIG12 packages are typically a better choice as they have a more “golf room” type feel to them. Although these are larger models, they allow you room to move around, chip, putt and feel like you are at a golf course.
Price
It’s hard to get a home golf simulator package for less than $5000. We would set your minimum budget around the $5000 mark and then increase from there. When you get closer to the $20,000 range, the amount of technology and accuracy that you get is pretty remarkable.
For those that don’t want to go too cheap that they need a replacement in a few years, the $8,000-$10,000 range is really a good place to look.
Real Golf Balls vs. Practice Golf Balls
Some golf simulators were allowing players to use real golf balls, but the balls would need metallic stickers on them to help track the spin. This has since changed, and players can now use real golf balls with models like Trackman and even some of the Flightscope.
You will want to ensure you have a golf simulator that allows you to hit the same golf balls that you would use on the course. We use the simulator at times to test which golf balls are the best for our game.
Courses Available
Each of the different simulators on the market has a mix of courses and practice ranges for players to choose from. Most are just going to give you five or six courses to start, and although this may sound like alot, you will get bored quickly.
One of our favorite things about the SkyTrak is the 12 golf courses that come with the initial package. In addition, almost all software packages allow you to upgrade the number of courses you can play on, but if you have a particular course in mind, make sure to check beforehand.
Installation
Some golf simulator are simple to setup and install and you can have them up and running in a matter of hours. However, the installation process for something like the Trackman may be better handled by a professional. Installation will add to the overall costs so be sure you are ready for that in the total cost of the project.
FAQs about Indoor Golf Simulators
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best indoor golf simulators for your home.
What is the difference between an indoor golf simulator and launch monitor?
A launch monitor is a data tracking system for golfers that will give information like ball speed, carry distance, and ball flight. A launch monitor is a necessary component of any indoor golf simulator. The indoor golf simulator needs a launch monitor in order to function.
Is Trackman the same as a golf simulator?
Trackman is a dual radar launch monitor that can be used in a golf simulator setup. The Trackman on its own is technically not a simulator, but it can be used to put together some of the most advanced golf simulator packages.
What is the best golf simulator under $5,000?
The best simulator under $5000 is the Flightscope Mevo Bronze Package. Although the net is a bit different than some of the higher priced models, it still has great technology, is easy to set up, and will have relevant technology for years to come.
How much is a full swing golf simulator?
A full swing golf simulator will start around $5000 and increase to more than $25,000. The higher end models will work well for commercial situations or serious golfers. If you have a long off season or are working hard to take your game to the next level, the higher priced simulators are well worth the pricing.
What is the cheapest golf simulator?
The OptiShot golf simulators are typically the cheapest options on the market. These will be full simulator solutions in a box. The cheapest golf simulators on the market will only give golf ball data and not club data, and they don’t have the same accuracy of results as a Flightscope or a Trackman.
How much room do I need for an indoor golf simulator?
Plan on a space that is about 10×10 with 8.5 feet of clearance for height. If you have more room than this, that will be helpful; the most important factor here is the height. The height needs to be high enough to give players full confidence in their ability to swing the club.
How accurate is a golf simulator?
Golf simulators have varying degrees of accuracy. Something like the Trackman will be more accurate than the Mevo. However, when it comes to overall accuracy, players notice that the Trackman and GCQuad are almost identical in a golf simulator experience as they would be on the golf course.
Are golf simulators worth it?
Owning a home golf simulator is worth the money if you are serious about improving your game, have the time to use the simulator, and plan on taking the time to invest in your simulator. Golf simulators are a great choice for those that have a long winter or a rainy season and players that may work during the day but still want to be able to practice at night. If you have the money for a simulator, they will be a really fun addition to your golf equipment.
Final Thoughts on Best Golf Simulator Package
Hopefully, you now have a better idea as to the best golf simulator package for your home. The GCQuad and the Trackman offer the best overall results and most realistic experience. For those that are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Flightscope Mevo + should be considered. For the first time in the history of golf, home golf simulators are becoming more affordable, and it’s a good time to start getting familiar with this technology. For more detailed reviews check out our main article on the best golf launch monitor.
Happy golfing
