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The 7 Best Golf Rangefinders of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Dial in the yardage with rangefinders from Garmin, Canon, Bushnell, and more.

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best golf rangefinders

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Golf requires both precision and accuracy, which is why if you want to maximize your scorecard, grabbing one of the best golf rangefinders is a new must-have, as they have become indispensable gadgets for players of all skill levels. These compact devices use lasers to measure the distance between the golfer and the target, providing invaluable insights that will make your time on the course more productive, precise, and, most importantly, more fun—no more misreads that leave you 20 yards shy of the pin.

While golf courses will use color-coded stakes to indicate distance to the greens (red=100, white=150, blue=200 yards) or flat plates in the fairway, plus sprinkler head markers, to show distance to the center of the green, those only help you in limited situations. Rangefinders help you out in every situation, not just when your ball is a few feet from a marker. They eliminate guesswork by delivering precise measurements, allowing you to select the appropriate club and execute shots with confidence. Additionally, rangefinders enable users to account for factors that can influence club selection, such as wind direction, elevation changes, and hazards. Use a rangefinder for even just a few rounds, and you’ll quickly start to understand how slope and elevation can affect every shot on the course.

Not all golf rangefinders are created equal. Here are a couple of things you should be aware of before you make your selection, more than just the obvious cost.

Best Golf Rangefinders of 2025

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What to Look for in a Rangefinder

Accuracy

The most crucial factor to consider when choosing a rangefinder is accuracy. Look for a rangefinder that is accurate to within a yard or two. The best ones can dial in yardage down to the half-yard, but for most of us, accuracy to 1.5 yards or so is plenty.

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Range

The range of a rangefinder is the maximum distance at which it can measure accurately. Consider the type of golf you play and the courses you typically play when choosing a rangefinder with an appropriate range. Most rangefinders list a max distance it can measure based on reflective surfaces—usually somewhere between 1,000 and 1,300 yards. Further, you’ll want to look for a rangefinder with a pin-lock accuracy distance, which will probably come into play more often than that 1,000 yard maximum measurement (unless you’re just really into seeing how far away the tip-top of that tree is).

Ease of Use

A rangefinder should be easy to use, for beginners and experts, alike. Look for a rangefinder with a simple user interface and clear display. Most rangefinders will only have one or two buttons on them, so that’s not always an issue, but you’ll want to double check what the display looks like, what information it gives you, and how to access said information. Some rangefinders on our list only offer distances and make adjustments for slope, while others take in four or five factors to gauge the proper playing distance. Make sure you know what you’re getting into when you make a purchase.

Battery Life/Charging

Your rangefinder is only as handy as it is when it's working, and if the model you opt for has poor battery life, it won’t do you much good being left in your bag, dead. Whether your model uses disposable or rechargeable batteries will determine their lifespan. Most disposable models will run for months on end (likely all season) with up to a couple of thousand measurements. Rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly but offer much shorter lifespans, generally up to 20 hours of use or 10 to 20 rounds.
For rechargeable batteries, also consider how long it takes to recharge them to full capacity. Most will take 2 to 3 hours; however, as newer models switch to faster charging methods like USB-C, this can take less than 60 minutes, now.

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How We Tested

To determine the best rangefinders on the market, our senior gear and commerce editor, Ryan Brower, provided his testing notes to ensure we can provide you with the best. Ryan plays around 20 rounds per year, so he definitely knows his way around a course, and having tested ample rangefinders, he took into consideration many factors, including accuracy, magnification, battery life/charging, and bonus features. Even for someone like myself, who only plays a handful of times a year, using one of these models from our list can be literally game changing.

Best Overall Rangefinder

Garmin Approach Z30

Approach Z30

Pros

  • Range Relay uses Bluetooth for accuracy
  • Magnetic strip lets you attach it to a cart for easy access
  • Tournament mode indicator light

Cons

  • Requires another device for advanced features
  • Not the most stable
  • Takes some advanced setup to maximize use

The Garmin Approach Z30 rangefinder is our absolute favorite rangefinder, offering excellent range of up to 1,300 yards, 400 yards to a flag, and an easy-to-view display that provides up to 6x magnification. Its clever tournament mode indicator light makes it easy to comply with tournament regulations and let your playing partners know you’re following the rules (if you’re into that sort of thing). It works exceptionally well within Garmin’s ecosystem, but is still one of the absolute best on its own.

The most impressive and beneficial feature of the Garmin Approach Z30 is its Range Relay feature. It pairs with your compatible Garmin smartwatch, Garmin launch monitor or mobile phone’s Garmin Golf app via Bluetooth to provide precise pin locations on each green, allowing you to dial in your yardage with unmatched accuracy. Not only can it tell you exactly where the pin is located on the green, Range Relay utilizes real-time course data and factors like wind, elevation, and temperature to deliver accurate distances, helping you make informed shot decisions and improve your overall game. Setup requires a few extra steps, but the process is simple and the results are well worth it.

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Accuracy+/- 1 yard
Range1,300 yards to reflective surface, 400 yards to a flag
Magnification6x
ProtectionIPX7
Batteryup to 1 year
Golf Rangefinder with Slope
Now 47% Off

Pros

  • Super affordable
  • Magnet for easy use during a round
  • Accuracy down to .5 yard

Cons

  • You have to remember to charge it
  • Focus and targeting isn’t as good as competitors
  • Susceptible to inaccurate readings

The RedTiger Rangefinder with Slope is a budget-friendly option that packs a lot of features for its easy-to-stomach price. It offers a range of 1200 yards to reflective surfaces and a magnification of 7x, providing accurate distance measurements and a clear view of the target.

It also includes features like slope compensation, a magnet for easy attachment to your golf cart, and a vibration function for pin-lock confirmation, keeping you from playing a guessing game with your distances. The RedTiger Rangefinder is an excellent choice for beginner golfers looking for their first rangefinder or experienced players searching for a reliable backup.

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Accuracy+/- 0.5 yards
Range1200 yards to reflective surface
Magnification7x
ProtectionIP54
Battery6.5 hours of continuous use (lithium ion)
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Golf A1‑Slope Laser Rangefinder
Now 17% Off

Pros

  • Ultra compact
  • Tour-trusted slope accuracy
  • IPX6 weather-resistant construction

Cons

  • Size may not be suitable for everyone in hand
  • No built-in stabilization

The Bushnell A1-Slope packs the brand’s tour-trusted accuracy into its smallest laser rangefinder ever, making it a perfect pocket-friendly design. Despite its size, it delivers the same patented slop tech trusted by over 98% of PGA Tour pros, giving you reliable “play-as” distances whether you’re hitting into elevated greens or playing downhill approaches. It locks onto the flag with accuracy within one yard out to 350 yards and can read up to 1,300 yards overall, all shown clearly through its 6x magnification optics.

It also includes its signature PinSeeker with a “jolt” to confirm when you’ve locked onto the pin, and its protective magnetic skin lets you stick to your cart’s metal rails or bars. The integrated rechargeable battery lasts 50+ rounds on a single charge—no CR2 batteries required—and its IPX6 water-resistant build ensures trustworthy performance in unpredictable weather. For golfers wanting a lightweight, ultra-portable rangefinder without sacrificing accuracy or durability, the A1-Slope is one of the best values Bushnell has ever produced.

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Features at a Glance

Accuracy+/- 1 yard
Range1,300 yards to reflective surface, 350+ yards to a flag
Magnification6x
ProtectionIPX6
Battery Life50+ rounds
Best Rangefinder for On-Course Photos and Video

Canon PowerShot Golf Digital Laser Rangefinder

PowerShot Golf Digital Laser Rangefinder
Now 14% Off

Pros

Cons

When one of the best camera brands in the world makes a rangefinder, you know it’s gonna be a good one. The PowerShot Golf digital laser rangefinder blends fast, accurate distance measurements with something no other major rangefinder offers: the ability to shoot photos and videos directly through the device. With built-in optical image stabilization, a digital zoom that doubles from 6x to 12x, and slope-adjusted measurements, it gives you the tools to lock onto the flag quickly while also capturing swing footage or any golf memory. Despite its tech-forward design, it remains surprisingly compact at just 150 grams and fits easily in a pocket or your golf bag.

Canon’s digital viewfinder and stabilization make it easier to hold steady than many traditional lasers, especially in windy conditions. It offers a measurement range of 700 to 800 yards with +/- 2-yard accuracy and includes a pin lock vibration function to confirm when you’ve picked up the flag. An IPX4 water-resistant rating means it can handle light rain without issue, and a simple menu lets you toggle slope mode on or off—complete with an LED indicator for tournament play.

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Features at a Glance

Accuracy+/- 2 yards (at max distance)
Range800 yards
Magnification6x optical / 12x digital zoom
ProtectionIPX4
BatteryRechargeable lithium ion
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Golf 300 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder
Now 20% Off

Pros

  • Great ratio of features to price
  • Very well reviewed by users
  • Frequently discounted

Cons

  • Not the furthest pin-lock distance
  • Not waterproof
  • Focus isn’t super reliable

The Callaway 300 Pro rangefinder is a mid-tier option that offers a great balance of features and price. With a range of 1000 yards to a reflective surface and 300 yards to a flag, it provides accurate distance measurements for most golfers. It also features 6x magnification for a clear view of the target.

Other features of the Callaway 300 Pro include rain/fog resistance, a slope switch, and a scan mode. The slope switch allows you to compensate for elevation changes, while the scan mode lets you quickly measure multiple targets. We think it is a great choice for avid golfers who want a reliable and affordable rangefinder.

Accuracy+/- 1 yard
Range1000 yards to reflective surface, 300 yards to a flag
Magnification6x
ProtectionRain/Fog Resistant
Battery30+ rounds of heavy use (CR2 3V lithium)
Coolshot ProII Stabilized Rangefinder

Pros

  • Crystal clear view and display
  • One of the most stable rangefinders available
  • Very fast measurements

Cons

  • Waterproofing could be better
  • No pin-lock distance listed

The Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized rangefinder is a premium tool designed for professional golfers and serious amateurs. With a stabilized image viewfinder, it eliminates blur caused by hand movement, making it easier to lock onto the flag or other targets. The rangefinder has a long range of 1200 yards to a reflective surface and 6x magnification for precise aiming. It also features water-resistant construction for use in all weather conditions, a fast measurement speed of 0.3 seconds, and ID (incline/decline) technology that calculates the horizontal distance to the target.

It provides improved accuracy and reliability for better shot selection and club selection, leading to increased confidence in your golf game. By eliminating the need to pace off distances, it speeds up play and reduces frustration by avoiding penalty strokes due to inaccurate distance measurements. The rangefinder is the perfect tool for the less steady-handed golfers among us who are looking for optimal accuracy and performance.

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Accuracy+/- 0.5 yards
Range1200 yards to reflective surface
Magnification6x
ProtectionIPX4
BatteryAbout 2,200 readings (CR2 lithium batteries)
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Series 4 Ultra Golf Rangefinder
Now 16% Off

Pros

  • Bright OLED display
  • Easy to read in bright or low light levels
  • Accurate to half a yard
  • MagStrip can attach to cart rails

Cons

  • Pin lock can take longer than others
  • Battery less than ideal
  • Foliage can pose issues at times

Packed with tech, the latest model from Blue Tees offers fast, ultra-accurate yardages and a bright OLED display that’s easy to read in any lighting. With this model, you can flag-lock precision up to 350 yards, use its 6x magnification, and it has an IP56 dust- and water-resistant build—making it reliable in everything from rainy rounds to windy afternoons. It features a toggle that lets you switch between tournament-legal mode and slop-adjusted distances, and it even includes a filter to isolate the flag by removing background distractions.

Additional features like vibration for lock-on confirmation, active tracking for accurate reads even while moving, and a powerful Ultra MagStrip for secure cart mounting make it one of the most tech-forward options in the category. It measures up to 1,200 yards with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. It comes with a weather-proof case, three batteries, and a two-year warranty, making it a strong, ready-to-play option for golfers who want premium reads.

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Features at a Glance

Accuracy+/- 0.5 yards
Range1,200 yards to reflective surface, 350 yards to a flag
Magnification6x
ProtectionIP56
BatteryNot listed
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What Is the Most Important Feature to Look for In a Rangefinder?

Accuracy is the most important feature. You want a rangefinder that can give you consistent, accurate readings so that you can make informed decisions about your shots. Clear displays and exceptional down-range distances are great, but if the rangefinder isn’t accurate, no amount of bonus features will make a difference.

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How Do I Use a Rangefinder?

To use a rangefinder, simply point it at the target you want to measure and press the button. The rangefinder will then display the distance to the target. It really is that simple.

Some rangefinders, though, will be more stable than others, while other rangefinders provide more detailed information based on the conditions you’re playing in. These features help you get faster, more accurate readings, but in the end, it’s as simple as a point-and-shoot camera.

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What Are the Different Types of Rangefinders?

There are two main types of rangefinders: laser rangefinders and GPS rangefinders. Laser rangefinders use a laser beam to measure the distance to a target, while GPS rangefinders use satellite signals to determine the distance to a target. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but generally, if you play in standard, well-lit conditions, a laser rangefinder will easily do the job. If you frequently play in bad weather or in the fog, you may want a rangefinder that incorporates GPS. Better yet, pick one up that does both, like the Garmin Approach S30.

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Headshot of Will Porter

Will Porter is an LA-based freelance writer covering golf, tech, and travel. In addition to Men's Health, his work has been published in GQ, Gear Patrol, The Strategist, and others. When he's not writing, you'll find him running the trails at Griffith Park or trying to catch every new movie in IMAX at the local movie theater. 

Headshot of Jeff Turbett

Jeff Turbett is a fitness and wellness writer who's based in Miami, FL. His work has been featured in The Manual and FightCamp. 

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