Golf simulator comparison chart 2020

Golf simulators allow you to practice and play a virtual round of golf on courses 24/7, in the comfort of your home, regardless of what the weather is doing outside. As the technology matures, the gap between virtual golf and the real thing continues to narrow. Don’t get us wrong, an indoor golf simulator will never replace playing a round at your local golf club, but it goes to show how realistic the experience is becoming. Find our Golf simulator comparison chart 2020 to know everything that you need.

With its rise in popularity and a growing home golf market, the number of companies producing simulators has increased. More options means more competition for the manufacturers. Know details in Golf simulator comparison chart 2020.

Golf simulator comparison chart 2020

1.Best Indoor Golf Simulator comparison for Home – SkyTrak SIG10

The SkyTrak SIG10 Package is our most popular golf simulator package, delivering an accurate and realistic experience, and our selection for best indoor golf simulator for home use. This complete bundle is built around the highly reviewed SkyTrak Launch Monitor – voted Best Value Golf Simulator by Golf Digest three years running for its performance and accuracy.

SkyTrak is a photometric based tracking system that captures ball data including: carry distance, total distance, backspin, side spin, distance off center, launch angle, and more.

In addition to the Skytrak, a metal protective case, and simulation software (allows you to play 12 famous golf courses), a 10’W golf simulator enclosure with impact screen & floor projector mount are included (Golf simulator comparison chart 2020).

Your choice of upgraded mat and Optoma HD 1080p projector (with HDMI cable) round out the SkyTrak SIG10 Package.

Starting at $7299.99, you simply will not find another golf simulator bundle at this price point that features every item you need as the SkyTrak SIG10 Simulator, which is why it is our choice as the Best Indoor Golf Simulator for home.

2. Best Commercial Golf Simulator comparison – Trugolf Vista 10

The Trugolf Vista 10 is our leading option for businesses, and our selection for best commercial golf simulator for sale.

This high end commercial grade simulator offers lots of features including stunning HD graphics, Trugolf’s proprietary TruTrack2 tracking system (calculates club data including launch angle), and the E6 connect simulation software.

PGA Tour Pros, teaching professionals and golf shops around the country love the recently added skills challenge feature to track performance and also use Trugolf simulators for club fitting and bag mapping. 

E6 Connect’s extensive golf course library (27 courses on basic plan), and Trugolf’s multiplayer capabilities – including peer to peer gaming, also makes this a top option with Commercial Indoor Golfing Centers and residential golfers (Golf simulator comparison chart 2020). 

Priced at $15995, the Trugolf Vista 10 delivers a realistic experience that has plenty of options which work great for commercial applications, and is our choice as the Best Commercial Golf Simulator.

Upgrade to the Vista 10 Pro version and receive everything in the Vista 10 PLUS an upgraded computer, audio speaker, and side nets and walls for a more premium golf experience.

3. Best Cheap Golf Simulator comparison – SkyTrak Bronze Package

When we say “cheap” golf simulator, it is important to note that we are not referring to the quality of the simulator, rather we are referring to the simulator’s cost and how it is relatively affordable compared to other golf simulators.

At a price of $4599, the SkyTrak Bronze Package is a fun and affordable option for budget conscious golfers, and is our choice as the Best Affordable Golf Simulator For Under $5000.

This bundle comes with the SkyTrak launch monitor, a golf mat, a net, side barriers, projection screen, HD projector, Projector Shield enclosure, and all required cabling.

The software (one of the main features) is also included with purchase, and provides access to various game improvement modules such as bag mapping and wedge matrix, along with a virtual driving range and multiplayer closest to the pin and long drive challenges (Golf simulator comparison chart 2020). 

With so many features for under $5000, the SkyTrak Bronze Package is a great value, and our recommendation for Best Golf Simulator For The Money.

4. Rapsodo R-Motion

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Ball speed, club speed, swing path, launch angle, smash factor, distance
• Golf course selection: 15
• Requirements: Windows 10 x64 OS, Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, DirectX 11, NVidia GTX 970
• Power: Rechargeable non-standard battery, provides up to 4 hours of continuous use
• Warranty: 1 year

What the R-Motion delivers is an incomparable golfing experience at a relatively cheap price, allowing you to polish your golf skills from the comfort of your own home. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4 hours of runtime.

Additionally, to save battery life, it turns off automatically when you have not used it for a pre-set amount of time. There are no less than 15 different real-life courses you can select and play on, courses that are 3D rendered to look as realistic as possible (Golf simulator comparison chart 2020).

What sets this simulation device apart from most competitors is its ease of use, all that you are required to do being to attach the tracker below the club grip. The rest of the operation will be handled by the automatic shot system.

Among the important shot data it gathers, enabling you to analyze your game in depth so that you can make proper changes for the better, we have ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, distance, and swing path.

These instant data screen readouts allow you to finally take your golf game to the next level so the next time you are on an actual course in a competitive game with friends, you will impress them with your low handicap. Since we are on this subject, know that up to 4 players can simultaneously use it. Therefore, you can play a fun game of golf with friends or family members indoor all year round.

PROS

• Allows you to play with you real golf clubs – better accommodation and more accurate practice
• Reliable precision and feedback offered as soon as you strike the ball
• Designed to be perfect for beginners as well as professional players
• Swing tracking model monitors all aspects of your swing

CONS

• Limited app memory – only tracks the pattern of your last swing
• A single clip is included with the purchase

5. OptiShot 2

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Swing path, face impact angle, face area contact, shot shape, swing tempo, clubhead speed, distance
• Golf course selection: 15
• Requirements: Windows 7 or newer OS, Mav OS X 10.8
• Power: Connect to PC/laptop via USB cable
• Warranty: 1 year

The OptiShot 2 is a more compact and affordable option to go with. Of course, it lacks a lot of the features and innovative elements than the upper mentioned better-ranked models come with, but this does not mean you won’t get everything you need if you go with it.

This relatively cheap model provides useful data regarding your shots and swings, like swing path, face area contact, swing tempo, shot shape, distance, clubhead speed, and face impact angle (Golf simulator comparison chart).

It allows for a maximum of four people to play on it at once, so you can have fun and play golf with your loved ones whenever you want. It offers a wide selection of 15 golf courses you can choose from.

Best of all, these are real courses that are rendered and simulated, so when the weather gets nice or you have the time, you can play on the real-life courses you have already practiced on at home. Therefore, you will not get bored of practicing and playing on it as it ensures course diversity.

The games you can play if you go with it are Match Play, Stable ford, Alternate Shot, Best Ball, Better Ball, and Stroke Play. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows PCs, and it features great sensor hardware in order to be as accurate as possible and to even allow you to putt. Due to the fact that it features online play, you can play with your friends online even when each one of you is in their own homes. In addition, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

PROS

• Calibration feature allows you to customize the settings for the club you are using at that moment
• Self-explanatory help windows eliminate doubts regarding shot data
• Affordable purchase – reasonably priced considering its specs and features
• Large grass pad makes it convenient to use

CONS

• The swing pad is a tad fragile
• Not the best option for putting practice

6. PhiGolf WGT Edition

PhiGolf WGT Edition

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Distance, attack angle, face angle, head speed, swing path, swing tempo
• Golf course selection: 1
• Requirements: iOS 9.0 and up, Android 5.0 and up, Bluetooth 4.1 and up
• Power: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery, provides up to 7 hours of continuous use
• Warranty: 1 year

Providing with an immersive game experience so that you may practice your skills just as well as you would have on an actual course, the PhiGolf WGT Edition provides an unparalleled practice session for any golfer.

WGT or World Golf Tour is the #1 online video golf game, and with the integration of the PhiGolf sensor into the system, you can swing the club to realistically play the game as if it were real life. You can place the sensor on the included swing trainer provided with the purchase as its shortened length makes it ideal for indoor practice (Golf simulator comparison chart).

With it, you can actually pick between two golf simulator apps, the PhiGolf app and the WGT app, so you can go with the one that feels more entertaining for you. You can choose to play solo and focus on the areas that you find problematic or you can choose online play and compete with friends to see who is the most skilled.

As it is a multi-platform system, you can use a tablet, smartphone, or an AppleTV to play and practice. There are 7 game modes that you can select between – Practice, Online Multiplayer, Putting Game, Competition, Stroke Game, Approach Game, and Nearest to the Hole.

You can play 3, 9, or 18 holes on famous courses from all around the world with it. The life of the sensor’s battery is up to 7 hours, so you can get a hefty practice before you must recharge it. Furthermore, it takes only 1.5 hours for the battery to fully charge.

Seeing how the sensor weighs a third of an ounce, it is basically undetectable when you swing. The data it collects as you play include distance, face angle, attack angle, swing path, head speed, and swing tempo. Easily connectible to iOS and Android smart devices, it is a system we recommend you look into for convenient golf practice year round.

PROS

• Battery life of up to 7 hours allows long, uninterrupted practice sessions
• Can be connected to Android and iOS smart devices
• Comes with a swing trainer that boasts the ideal length for indoor practice
• Provides 7 game modes for you to select between

CONS

• Some users complain there are issues with the connection quite often
• Some report that the sensor isn’t always reliable

7. Tittle X Micro

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Head speed, swing path, swing type, carry distance
• Golf course selection: 12
• Requirements: Bluetooth 4.0 and up, iOS 8.0 and up, Android 4.3 and up, Windows 8.1 OS or up
• Power: Lithium polymer battery
• Warranty: 1 year

We have to start off by praising what is surely one of the most appealing aspects of this purchase, more precisely the convenient, cheap pricing. Of course, we must underline the fact that it is not a pretentious investment either as it only requires for the computer you install the software on to run Windows 8.1 or 10. It also works with Android and iOS, so you can even use the software on your smartphone or tablet.

As it endorses indoor use, it allows you to practice golf all year long from the comfort of your home or office. Moreover, it is a viable choice even for those with limited free space as the short swing stick does not require a hearty amount of room to be swung. It includes over 12 TruGolf fantasy courses and ranges for you to practice with in order to provide variety so that you never actually get bored of using it.

As we approach the end of this mini review, we must put an accent on the fact that it is suited for all skill level players of all ages. Thus, regardless if a child or an adult uses it, the comfort level of the player remains the same.

Furthermore, it provides a welcoming environment and practice for beginners who are looking to improve their swings, as well as providing those who are more experienced with the chance of polishing their game when off-course.

PROS

• Comes with more than 12 TruGolf fantasy courses to practice with while enjoying variety
• Presents a perfect opportunity for beginners to upgrade their skills and for pros to practice when they’re at home
• The short swing stick allows you to practice in small spaces without a problem
• The accompanying software can be installed on two different computers
• More reasonably priced when compared to competitors

CONS

• Not as feature-rich as the models presented before it
• Asking price is a bit high

8. P3ProSwing Grasstop PKG10000

P3ProSwing Grasstop PKG10000

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Hit distance, carry distance, angle of attack, swing path angle, club face angle, toe/heel height, swing tempo, impact shot, club head speed, front and side body/arm positions, launch angle of the ball
• Golf course selection: 20
• Power: AC adaptor
• Warranty: 1 year

Ensuring high accuracy due to the technology used in its manufacturing, this is a reliable system to practice with from the comfort of your home. It picks up numerous swing data in order to aid you to figure out what aspects need to be improved and how.

As it allows multi-player use, up to 8 people can use it at once, so you and your friends or family can have fun together and compete with each other to see who is the best player. Due to the fact that it even provides online play, you can set up a private or public game, enter daily online competitions, or participate in virtual tournaments.

Swing Analytics

A thorough analysis of your swings and play style is important in order to improve and lower your handicap, so it is mandatory for as many data as possible to be picked up by the system. As it comes with a sensor pad that features 65 infrared sensors which reflect light back to the pad sensor from your club, you are provided with an in-depth analysis of all swing aspects that matter. The detailed information includes angle of attack, swing tempo, ball speed, back and side ball spin, sweet spot, club head face angle, club head speed, hit distance, toe/heel height, and more.

Mention-Worthy Features and Specs

• You can play on virtual Championship courses regardless if you are online or offline.
• Delivers a 99.9% accuracy when it comes to data gathering to ensure precision in analysis.
• Product is backed with a 1-year warranty offered by the manufacturing company.

Virtual Courses

There is a total of 20 virtual courses put at your disposal by the system, so you will enjoy variety when it comes to the scenario you are looking at while playing. Seeing how these are Championship courses, you get to practice in a realistic environment, learning the path you have to follow when competing on the real thing so that your shots are more precise and you won’t be caught off-guard.

PROS

• 20 courses to choose between
• Online play feature allows you to play with friends or strangers over the internet
• Allows a maximum of 8 players at once
• 65 infrared optics ensure precise measurement of shot data
• It allows you to view your swing through the impact zone

CONS

• Too simplistic in comparison with more expensive products
• Some complained that the videos don’t capture the whole swing

9. Electric Spin GolfPro GP8411ML

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Acceleration, path, face angle, club head speed, and more
• Golf course selection: 7
• Requirements: iOS, Windows, PlayStation 3
• Power: Direct connection to PC/laptop via cable
• Warranty: 3 months

A great option for any eager golf player who wants to practice at home or at the office, the GolfPro delivers everything you need for a smooth and enlightening practice session. The TruFeel technology the device incorporates along with the Surlyn ball attachment work together to accurately reproduce the physics behind free-ball impact.

Thus, you will not be able to tell the difference between the real-life experience of playing golf and the simulated one if you are using the GP8411ML. A detail worth mentioning is the fact that the device allows a perfect simulation of long clubs with the help of a wedge as long as the ceiling is 8 feet high.

It comes with a remote caddy which endorses a convenient use, eliminating any required interaction with a mouse or a keyboard. There are no less than 7 different golf courses put at your disposal to choose between, so you will have diversity from this point of view and playing or practicing surely will not get boring at all.

You can choose from 3 different fun mini-games to spice things up when playing with loved ones – Fairytale golf, Demolition golf, and BlockGolf. There are three challenge modes you can enter to enhance training sessions as well, more precisely the target challenge mode, the chipping challenge mode, and the distance challenge mode. In addition, the high-speed signal processing technology used allows it to track shot data like acceleration, club head speed, path, face angle, and more.

PROS

• Accurate sound reproduction guaranteed by tethered surlyn ball
• Challenge modes are put to your disposal to enhance skills faster
• 7 different courses you can choose between
• Supports three game formats – Fairytale golf, Demolition golf, and BlockGolf
• Remote caddy makes using it more convenient

CONS

• No information regarding product warranty
• Does not feature the save game option

10. Tittle X Trugolf E6

Specifications:

• Provided shot data: Club speed, distance, ball speed, launch angle, swing path
• Golf course selection: 12
• Requirements: Bluetooth 4.0 BLE, Android 4.3 or higher, iOS 8 or higher, Windows 7 or higher
• Power: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery, provides up to 5 hours of continuous use
• Warranty: 1 year

You can experience real-life golf with this affordable option which allows you to play at any time in the privacy of your own home. It is designed for both intermediate and experienced golfers due to its multiple playing conditions. Tittle X Trugolf E6 is very compact, meaning that it will not occupy much space in your home. It connects to a vivid 3D simulator like the TruGolf 6 cloud.

Tittle X Trugolf E6 an be paired with either a golf club or the provided Swing Stick and the sensors will analyze your movements and detect your shots. The data is then sent to its software and displayed within realistic golf courses.

This means that you will get the chance to try many types of courses and practice different shots, all at a fraction of the price you would spend on a more advanced system. Keep in mind that setting it up will require a smartphone and a PC but within a few minutes, it should be ready to use.

As it allows up to 4 players at a time, you get the chance to enjoy a fun and soothing golf game with your loved ones from the comfort of your own home. The 12 realistic 3D rendered golf courses that you get to practice on will have you feeling like you are outside playing rather than inside the house. When it comes to swinging data it analyzes, club speed, launch angle, swing path, distance, and ball speed are included.

PROS

• Puts no less than 12 realistic golf courses at your disposal
• Allows you and your family to play and practice together
• Rechargeable battery lasts for up to 5 hours of continuous play
• Best quality to price ratio – affordable option

CONS

• Not as feature-rich as other models
• Not as accurate when used on your own clubs

Golf Simulator Buying Guide

The Importance of a Golf Simulator

A simulator can be a very effective tool in helping golfers improve their performance. Technology has come a long way in a very short period of time, and as a result these units provide a level of accuracy and realism which mirrors a real world environment. 

The data provided by a simulator allows golfers to get very prescriptive and make informed decisions regarding their golf game such as swing, shot shape & trajectory, golf club equipment, etc.

Some may see a golf simulator as a luxury, but there are very practical reasons why one would own one.

Provides Accurate Data – most simulators will calculate shot results instantly, providing you with a range of valuable information you can use to practice and make improvements with any club. Data that is reported out can include: clubhead speed, back spin, side spin, carry distance, total distance (carry + roll), flightpath, distance offline, and much more.

Allows For Practice 24/7, Day or Night – a simulator is a versatile tool in that it can be setup indoors which means it can be used at anytime, regardless of the time of day or the weather outside – providing an unparalleled golf experience. This is especially useful for those that like to practice after the sun goes down, or those that live in an area with prolonged winters. 

Bag Mapping Exercise – the technology allows you to perform bag mapping for each of your clubs in a driving range environment. With bag mapping you will know exactly how far you hit each golf club in your bag, and removes any guesswork out on the golf course. 

Skills Assessments – several simulators come with skills assessment challenges. These assessments can be used by golfers to fine tune particular parts of your game. For example, SkyTrak offers a game improvement package that includes a wedge matrix feature. The wedge matrix can be used to work on your short game and practice pitches, half shots, 3/4 shots, and full shots with your wedges and other clubs. 

Full Golf Course Play – stunning graphics provide a vivid experience and allow you to enjoy playing golf in the comfort of your home with friends and family. Allows you to play on numerous famous courses, and some simulation software even allow you to create and design your own courses.

Editor’s recommendations

• PhiGolf mobile and home smart golf game simulator 2020
• What is the cheapest Garmin golf GPS watch in 2020?
• Are golf watches worth it?
• What is the best golf GPS watch with hazards in 2020?
• What is the latest golf GPS in 2020?