Golf GPS watch vs rangefinder: which is better?
A laser rangefinder gives the exact distance to the flagstick or any target you can see; a GPS watch gives instant front, middle and back-of-green and hazard distances without aiming, including on blind shots. Choose a rangefinder for precise approaches, a GPS watch for convenience, or a hybrid for both.
Head-to-head
| GPS watch | Laser rangefinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to pin | Green front/middle/back | Exact, to whatever you aim at |
| Blind shots | Yes | Needs line of sight |
| Hazard and layup distances | Yes, from course maps | Only if you can aim at them |
| Speed | Glance at your wrist | Pull out, aim, read |
| Extras | Stats, shot tracking, fitness | Slope, pin lock, vibration |
| Coverage | Depends on preloaded maps | Works anywhere |
Are they legal in competition?
Under the Rules of Golf, getting distance information from a device is allowed, but a Committee may prohibit distance-measuring devices by Local Rule (Model Local Rule G-5). Measuring elevation changes is not allowed during a round, which is why many rangefinders let you switch slope off (Rule 4.3).
GPS watches and rangefinders compared
1. Garmin Approach S70 (GPS watch)
Who it suits: Walkers who want hands-free green and hazard yardages and stats
- Front/middle/back distances on preloaded courses
- Doubles as a smartwatch
- Pricier than most rangefinders
- Green-center yardage unless pin position is set
2. Bushnell Tour V6 Shift (laser)
Who it suits: Players who want exact flagstick distances with slope
- Laser distance to the pin
- Slope can be switched off for competition
- Needs line of sight; no help on blind shots
3. Callaway 300 Pro (laser)
Who it suits: Budget-minded golfers wanting a laser with slope
- Lower price than premium lasers
- Slope function
- Fewer premium features
4. Garmin Approach Z30 (laser + GPS)
Who it suits: Golfers who want laser and GPS in one device
- Laser pin distance plus GPS green data
- One device for both jobs
- Higher price than single-purpose lasers
Which should you buy?
- Walker or beginner: a GPS watch, for speed and course layout. See bags for walking.
- Mid-to-low handicap: a laser, for exact pin yardage, ideally alongside a forgiving driver off the tee.
- Budget: a value laser; see our best rangefinders under $300.
New to buying gear? Start with how to choose golf clubs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a GPS watch as accurate as a rangefinder?
For green front/middle/back distances, GPS is usually close enough; a laser is more precise to the exact flagstick.
Can you use a rangefinder with slope in tournaments?
Only with the slope function turned off and if the competition permits distance-measuring devices.
Do golf GPS watches need a subscription?
Many include preloaded course maps without a subscription; check the specific model.