In this article we'll explore what I believe are the top golf gps devices available, and provide you what I feel are the pro's and con's of each.
We'll also explore the various types of gps devices including:
- Best Overall Golf GPS Device
- Best Touchscreen Golf GPS Unit
- Best Golf GPS Watch
- Best Handheld Golf GPS Units
- Voice Enabled Golf GPS
We've also included a Golf GPS Buyer's Guide towards the end of the article.
The buyers guide serves to pinpoint the features you should consider when you begin comparing options for the best golf GPS. This will narrow down the possibilities and make your choices easier.
My hope is that our readers are able to use this information to make an informed purchasing decision, and that this article simplifies their buying process.
Let's get into it, here are Golf Connection's top-rated, best golf gps devices of 2019.
Best Golf GPS Comparison Table
Image | Product | Details |
|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Approach S20 GPS Golf Watch | |
 | Garmin Approach X40 Golf GPS Band | |
 | Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS | |
 | GolfBuddy GB9 WTX+ Smartwatch Golf GPS | |
 | GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS | |
 | Callaway GPSy Golf GPS Watch | |
 | Garmin Approach G30 Handheld Golf GPS | |
 | IZZO Golf Swami 5000 Golf GPS Rangefinder | |
 | Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch | |
 | Shot Scope V2 Smart Golf Watch |
Now that we've got our recommendations out of the way, let's take a look at what makes each of these special.
We always encourage our readers try out any equipment we recommend before purchasing, but realize that it may not be possible with a product such as a gps device. We hope that this guide provides value and narrows down your list of candidates, making the process a little less overwhelming.
Let's dive in to each one of our recommendations for the best golf gps units.
Best Overall Golf GPS - Garmin Approach S20 GPS Golf Watch
The Garmin Approach S20 provides the yardage to all parts of the green, and comes packed with lots of cool features.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how long of a battery life it had, which is perfect for when I want to play two rounds of golf back to back, or when I just forget to charge it.
The S20 also provides yardages to all layup positions and significant points of reference such as lakes, doglegs, bunkers, and other hazards.
It has a larger watch face that I found easier to read and navigate.
Best Golf GPS - Pro's & Con's
Garmin Approach S20 GPS Golf Watch
Golf GPS Pros
Golf GPS Cons
I really like the fact that it comes with 40,000 courses pre-loaded for free. No fees or monthly subscriptions. You can rest easy knowing that the chances are your course is included in the library.
But mostly, I was very impressed with the level of accuracy the unit displayed. I used my GolfLogix App and my golf cart gps unit as a baseline to compare distances and determine level of accuracy.
The Garmin S20 also allows you to customize the pin placement on every hole, which is a far superior option to the typical back, middle, front yardages displayed on lower end golf gps units.
- Autoshot round analyzer measures shot distances with auto recording for post round analysis on your Garmin Connect account
- Stylish comfort: Fully hinged, sleek watchband design with comfortable fit. Display resolution: 128 x 128 pixels. Smartphone compatibility - iPhone, Android
- Truswing compatible: When paired, Garmin TruSwing golf swing sensor provides metrics to improve your swing consistency. Display size: 0.9 x 0.9 (inches)
- Activity tracking: Reminds you to stay active on or off the course with move bar alerts. Displays steps, calories burned, distance and time of day, plus it monitors hours of sleep
- Stat tracking: Enhanced stats keeps track of fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts per round. Strap material: Silicone
- Completely waterproof to 50 meters
- Packed with tracking technology
- Slim and sleek look
- Scorecard and stats feature
- Compatible with the Garmin TruSwing swing analyzer
- AutoShot Round Analyzer
- Bluetooth
- And more
The band was another large draw for me as I found it to be very comfortable. I liked the breathable but durable material that felt great on my arm but was unobtrusive enough to stay out of the way.
It is for these reasons, that the Garmin Approach S20 GPS Golf Watch is our recommendation for the Best Golf GPS of 2019.
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Garmin Approach S20 Golf Watch | 3,851 Reviews | View on Amazon |
Next up on our list of the best golf GPS devices is another high quality Garmin unit.
Even though it came out in 2016, I still think it's one of the best touchscreen golf GPS available.
It gives you the yardage to the green's front, middle, and back.
However, it goes a step further and gives you activity tracking, step tracking, and a heart rate monitor.
Garmin X40 Golf GPS Band
X40 GPS Pro's
X40 GPS Con's
You get 40,000 courses pre-loaded in, and Garmin gives you free course updates whenever they're available. One of the features that landed this unit on my top 10 list for the best golf GPS watch was the band. The Garmin X40 comes with one of the lightest and thinnest bands available. Combine this with the smaller screen, and you get a comfortable and lightweight golf GPS that stays out of your way.
The activity tracking software is excellent for tracking your heart rate, distance traveled, intensity, and calories burned. It also gives you more frequent feedback on your heart rate to ensure that it's accurate. The activity tracking is similar in functionality to that of the Apple Watch.
- GPS receiver - high-sensitivity GPS acquires satellites quickly to Show distance to greens, Hazards and doglegs -even under Tree cover
- Auto shot - round analyzer measures shot distances with auto-recording for post-round analysis on your Garmin connect account
- 24/7 Heart rate monitoring - Elevate wrist Heart rate technology allows you to track your Heart rate all day and night - Activity Tracking Accuracy (go to garmin.com/at accuracy)
- Activity Tracking - reminds you to stay active on or off the course with move bar alerts ; Display size: 1.00 x 0.42 Inches
- Battery life - rechargeable battery: up to 5 days in activity mode; up to 10 hours in GPS mode
This is critical in allowing you to employ proper golf course management.
You also get a lot of additional features including green view display, up to five days of battery life, Garmin Connect, access, TruSwing technology compatible, scorecard and stats features, and Bluetooth capabilities.
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Garmin X40 Golf GPS | 678 Reviews | $249.99 $149.99 | View on Amazon |
Best Handheld Golf GPS - Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS
As feature-rich as some of the higher end best golf GPS devices are, sometimes you just want to get back to basics.
This bright golf GPS is easy to read, requires almost no input from you, and attaches easily to your golf cart with its built in magnetic cart mount.
It comes pre-loaded with 36,000+ courses in more than 30 countries, and provides yardages to back/center/front pin locations and up to four hazard distances per hole.
Magnetic Mount Technology
Pre-loaded with 36k Courses
Front, Center, Back Distances
Bushnell Golf App Included
Best Handheld Golf GPS
Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS
Pros
Cons
Most importantly, I found the accuracy of this unit to be up to par in comparison to the other models on this list.
You also receive the Bushnell app for free when you buy the Phantom GPS unit. It's one of my favorite features because it lets you tap the map at 100, 150, 200, and 250 yards to get exact distances and arcs. The flyover view of the hole is incredible, and I found it to be very helpful. Could see this feature being used quite a bit especially if it is your first time playing a particular course.
- Bluetooth allows for wireless course updates
- Long battery life play up to 2 rounds before charging
- Preloaded with 36,000 courses in 30 countries
- Easy to use interface
- Up to 4 hazard distances per hole
I also noticed that the bluetooth feature gives you automatic and wireless course updates which is pretty neat.
It's hard for me to imagine a smaller more compact golf GPS option with the functionality and reliability of the Phantom golf GPS unit. It's for this reason that we deemed it to be the best handheld golf gps of 2019.
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Bushnell Phantom Handheld GPS | 1,811 Reviews | $129.99 | View on Amazon |
Best Golf GPS Watch - GolfBuddy GB9 WTX+ Smartwatch Golf GPS
Next on my list is the GB9 WTX+ Smartwatch made by GolfBuddy.
This is an elegant looking smartwatch but don't let that fool you. When it comes to functionality and capability, the GolfBuddy GB9 is more function over form.
It has a breathable strap that is quick and easy to adjust or take off and put on, and can be worn both on and off the course, making it the perfect everyday lifestyle watch.
You can even receive text messages on it as its compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Best Golf GPS Watch
GolfBuddy GB9 Smartwatch
Pros
Cons
You charge the GolfBuddy GPS device by using a supplied disk that clips to the back of the watch, similar to the Apple Watch. You then plug it in via a USB cord that makes it quick and convenient to charge it.
I really liked the screen size on this golf GPS watch. It's larger, colorful, and very easy to see in different weather conditions. It makes the list as one of the better options due to the fact that it has multiple tracking capabilities. Along with tracking your steps, it can seamlessly track cycling, walking, or running.
- An Everyday Lifestyle Watch
- Simple and fast touch sensitive user interface
- Preloaded with over 38,000 courses worldwide with free updates
In terms of accuracy, the GB9 does not disappoint. The use of dynamic yardages lets one make more accurate shots, and you get a map overview of the hole that displays hazards as well as yardage in 100, 150, and 200 yards with layup point lines.
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GolfBuddy Golf GPS Watch | 185 Reviews | $229.99 $168.95 | View on Amazon |
Best Talking Golf GPS - GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder
For a more futuristic golf GPS in several colors (available in six different colors), the GolfBuddy Voice 2 doesn't disappoint.
It's one of the smaller options we reviewed on this list, making it a great choice for those needing something portable, lightweight, and small.
On top of the features mentioned above, I chose it as one of the best golf rangefinders due to the fact that it's simple to use, and has a voice readout feature built in.
It also comes with several language options, making it great for golfers outside of the US.
The smaller size of the GolfBuddy Voice 2 also translates into lower power consumption, which leads to prolonged battery life. I was able to get three full rounds of golf in (about 12.5 hours) without having to recharge the unit which is pretty darn good in my book. This also aligns with GolfBuddy's claim that the Voice 2 has a battery life up to 14 hours per charge.
Course availability is more than sufficient, with an extensive library of pre-loaded courses totaling just north of 40,000. When you switch it on, the GolfBuddy Voice 2 will automatically search for and find your course.
You're provided back/center/front yardages into the greens, similar to the blue/white/red flag structure commonly seen at muny courses. The Voice 2 is lightweight, very user-friendly, and it comes with a bright LCD display. You'll get Dynamic Green View technology with a shot distance calculator as well.
The cost is another attractive feature, coming in under $100. This makes it a solid choice for both beginning and veteran golfers alike. When you combine the price with the sheer number of options, it's easy to see why this made the list for the best golf GPS available.
- Easy-to-use talking GPS
- Distances to front/center/back of the green
- Dynamic green view Technology with distance readings from the golfer's perspective
This is a relatively slim golf watch with a decent sized face.
It's not a flashy option like some of the other golf GPS devices, but it's solid and affordable option if you are looking for the basics.
If you're looking for top of the line technology with all the bells and whistles, this is definitely not the watch for you. There's no touchscreen functionality, no color display, etc.
But if you're like me and you like a simple, lightweight and user-friendly watch, then this is an excellent choice.
Golf Play Mode
Scorecard Feature
Hazard Distances
Shot Distance
The score tracker built into the GPSy GPS tracks your scores, putts per round, and your greens in regulation (GIR). You can use it to see identify the weak areas in your game and work to improve on them.
It also has 30,000 golf courses pre-loaded that is inline with some of the other options on this list.
The watch face is readable in the sunlight, and has a large display that is easy to see. There is no touchscreen, but it makes up for it by being user-friendly. According to Callaway, in non-GPS mode, the battery can last for 90 days. In GPS mode, you'll get between 10 to 12 hours, and should be more than enough for two, possibly three rounds of golf depending on playing speed. Personally I was only able to get through 1.5 rounds before the battery gave out. Not bad, but certainly not the best in terms of battery life.
- Preloaded with over 30,000 golf courses worldwide; No annual fees or subscriptions required
- Accurate distances to front, center, and back of green as well as layup and carry distances to back of hazards and doglegs
- Scorekeeper tracks scores, GIR, and putts per round; Auto-course recognition; Auto-hole advance; Shot distance measurement
- Analog and digital time display. Time and date automatically set by satellite
- Battery lasts 10-12 hours in GPS mode. 90 plus days battery life in time mode
Overall I found the GPSy to be a basic unit that checks all of the required boxes, but as I mentioned earlier, it does lack some of the more common features seen in other units...i.e. touchscreen, bluetooth, longer battery life.
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Callaway GPSy Golf Watch | 603 Reviews | $179.99 $170.00 | View on Amazon |
Best Touchscreen Golf GPS - Garmin Approach G30 Handheld Golf GPS
If you're in the market for one of the best touchscreen golf GPS units, take a hard look at the Garmin Approach G30.
One of the first things I noticed when I took it out of the box was that it was really light and sleek with a slightly rounded back that just felt like a quality built product.
It comes with a single power button, and you control everything else through the touchscreen.
Best Touchscreen Golf GPS
Garmin Approach G30
Pros
Cons
As one of the best golf GPS units, it comes with a 36-millimeter by 47-millimeter display. The display has a rubber bezel around the outside to protect it from accidental drops and water. Once you switch it on, it'll automatically search for your course in under 20 seconds. If it doesn't find it, you can search manually too.
I liked that the default view that comes up is the particular hole you're going to play with red, white, and blue lines. These lines highlight 100, 150, and 200 yards or meters to help improve your accuracy and distance. You can touch the screen to give layup points for each hole as well.
- Sleek, compact handheld golf GPS with 2.3-inch color touchscreen display
- High-sensitivity GPS acquires satellites quickly to show distance to greens, hazards and doglegs
- Preloaded with more than 40,000 courses worldwide
- Full-color course mapping with Touch Targeting feature
- Green View allows you to place the pin in the correct location for the day, which improves distance accuracy
With purchase, you'll also get a robust carabiner clip to attach the G30 to your belt or bag.
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Garmin Approach G30 Handheld Golf GPS | 169 Reviews | $249.99 $236.99 | View on Amazon |
IZZO Golf Swami 5000 Golf GPS Rangefinder
This inexpensive and highly intuitive best golf GPS features a larger two-inch full color display that is very easy to read.
The icons and red numbers are easy to see and discern at a glance, and this is important for faster play.
It's also much slimmer than previous models, and this makes it easy to grab it and go.
Full Color Display
Hazard Distances
Shot Distance
Scorecard Tracking
I really liked the visibility factor that the sleek black and yellow color scheme gave this device. It comes with over 30,000 courses from all over the world. It made my list for the best golf GPS in part due to the very fast and responsive auto hole recognition feature. You don't have to touch anything for it to advance to the next tee because it does it by itself.
- Distances: F/C/B to greens; layup/carry to hazards & doglegs
- Preloaded 38,000+ global course maps; no annual or download fees
- Auto course recognition & hole-advance
- New slimmer profile & larger 2-inch color LCD
- New improved 12+ hr battery life & scorecard feature (save & view scores)
The price was very agreeable as well, and I found that it was extremely accurate. This is important on the more challenging courses I routinely play. Finally, it came with a magnetic belt clip that made it easy to keep track of this golf GPS unit while I was out on the course.
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IZZO Golf Swami 5000 GPS | 835 Reviews | $180.95 | View on Amazon |
Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch
Bushnell provides some of the best and most accurate GPS equipment in the world.
The Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS is no different.
It's a newer generation Golf GPS Watch, and is hailed as one of the lightest and thinnest available on the market.
The battery performance is almost unparalleled when you compare it to direct counterparts.
This Bushnell golf GPS comes in blue or black, and has five different language options.
I liked that it had 36,000 pre-loaded golf courses with the option to add more. I found the process to add additional courses to be easy and straight forward.
The Bluetooth capabilities allow for course updates in real-time, and I found the battery life to be among the best, allowing me to play three full rounds of golf during my evaluation, before it had to be charged.
The auto hole advance is another useful feature auto detects your location as well as which hole you are on. With the Bushnell Neo Ion 2 you get front/center/back yardages when hitting approach shots into the green, along with four hazard distances per hole.
- Material_type: Plastic
I found this feature to be extremely convenient. It's legally allowed in tournaments, comes with a warranty that lasts two years, and also tells you how far you've walked.
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Bushnell Neo Ion 2 GPS Watch for Golf | 466 Reviews | $199.99 | View on Amazon |
This is one of the best golf GPS units available to help improve accuracy.
I chose the V2 because it comes with sensors that attach to the end of each of your clubs for bonus swing data.
These sensors sync to your golf GPS and record every shot you take. It'll tell you where you took your shot from, and which club you used.
I used it to help improve my game from round to round by drilling down into the data and analyzing the data for each club.
You get 20 sensors that you register with an online account. It was useful to be able to name and color code them so I could compare club to club and see which one performed better. It's slightly larger, but it's very lightweight and unobtrusive on your wrist when you slip the watch on.
You download the app and sync your phone through Bluetooth for the best golf GPS to sync and run. It has a slightly larger screen that is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. It has 40,000 courses loaded from around the world, and it's easy to find the particular one you want to play on.
- GPS Distances to Front/Middle/Back of green and hazards
- Automatic Performance Tracking using Clubsense technology
- Free account available on iOS, Android, Desktop
- No subscriptions
- Excellent support team
I liked the different modes on this golf GPS. It allowed me to track my shots, score, steps, and more in GPS + Tracking. I could switch it off by clicking on the GPS icon.
All in all I was pleasantly surprised by the Shot Scope V2, and I'm glad I gave it a shot.
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Shot Scope V2 Golf GPS Watch | 457 Reviews | $245.50 | View on Amazon |
Golf GPS Buyers Guide
Finding the right golf GPS may be more difficult than you think. As you could see from our brief reviews, there are many GPS units available with different designs & features. Each offers certain benefits, as well as downsides.
In the section below, I'll explain the different key features to pay attention to, and how to find the right golf GPS that fits your needs.
Battery Life
Battery life is a huge factor with any golf GPS. The last thing you want is for your golf GPS to die in the middle of a round of golf. Ideally, it should last at least four hours, if not eight or more. This means that you'll get a round or two of golf out of a single charge. Batteries continue to improve, and the best golf GPS offers over 12 hours of battery life.
Distance Information
The best golf GPS will come equipped with relevant distance information. Your golf GPS should clearly display accurate distances, and you can think of it as a personal caddie. You want to see distances to the green's front, back, and center. Another option to watch for is yardages to any doglegs and hazards for each hole.
Ease of Use
You don't want to spend hours fiddling with your GPS. This is especially true during play when you have to keep moving. Whatever unit you pick out, make sure that it comes with easy navigation and settings. You'll have to decide if you want a more simple golf GPS or a high-tech one with all of the bells and whistles.
Green Mapping
Green mapping features found on higher end units lets you see the green before you play it. It's especially helpful if you're far away from the green and you're unfamiliar with the hole or course. Units with this feature show you how wide the green is as well as how deep it is. In turn, you make smarter shots.
Manual Pin Setting
Manual pin setting is a newer feature many of the top GPS units have. Basically, it lets you manually move the pin's location around the green on the hole you're playing. Once you set it, you get a distance calculation. You can use this calculation to help you with club selection on approach shots into the green.
Pre-Loaded Golf Courses
When the first golf GPS units came out, you had to hook them up to your computer and manually download course information. I remember how time consuming this was, especially when I played several courses. Today, golf GPS devices come with courses pre-loaded. Some units have upwards of 40,000 courses all around the world.
Scorecard
Some units come with automatic scorecard options. It'll log your score, and some even let you log up to four players at once. You can track them, review them, and use them to improve.
Swing Analytics
Everyone wants to improve when they play, and a golf GPS with swing analytics can help you do just that. It tracks your swing speed, swing path, ball speed, launch angle, and other swing metrics. This lets you see where you're having a problem and make corrections that can help you improve your overall score and play. Personally though, I still prefer my SkyTrak launch monitor for obtaining relevant ball data.
Touchscreen
While this isn't a deal breaker, it's useful. A touchscreen will let you easily navigate between the different pages between shots. If your rangefinder doesn't have a touchscreen, you have to use the buttons to navigate around. This can be more time-consuming, but again, not a deal breaker.
Tracking
One feature we know a lot of people like in their golf GPS devices is tracking stats. Many wearable golf GPS units record your steps, heart rate, how fast you walk, and how many calories you burn. Some even offer more detailed options.
Waterproof
A little rain never stopped me from getting out and playing, and I'm betting that it won't stop some of you either. To stay protected from rain and/or sweat, your GPS should have waterproof capabilities. If it's not completely waterproof, it should have a waterproof coating. Some of the best golf GPS devices are actually able to be submerged in water, similar to dive watches, up to several meters.
The Author
I'm Jason Johnson, and I'm a golf fanatic. If you're looking for reviews and recommendations of the best golf equipment, then you've come to the right place. Hope you enjoy the site, and if you want to learn a little more about me checkout my story.