Golf is a very tech heavy sport. It feels like nearly every aspect of the game is in some way affected by technological developments.
Perhaps the most popular bits of golf technology for the majority of golfer are distance measuring devices. These are designed to help significantly elevate your on-course golf game by providing accurate and precise distances and bits of information.
Golf distance measuring devices have developed considerably over recent years, with even more features and modes to help golfers get even more dialled.
These devices are designed with advanced technology to offer exceptional accuracy and ease of use, enabling you to make more informed decisions on the course.
So, whether you prefer the classic laser rangefinders or the latest GPS devices, this guide has the lot.
Here’s some of the best distance measuring devices, 2026 has to offer…
Best Distance Measuring Devices 2026
Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
The Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized is an impressive rangefinder that quickly stabilizes to lock onto targets, making shots more precise.
It features a lightweight, durable design with a 6x OLED magnification, a clear display, and a waterproof, fog-proof build for reliable performance in various conditions. Although priced higher, its advanced stabilization technology makes it a top consideration for serious golfers.
PROS
- Stabilising tech is very impressive
- Packed with tech
- Yardages are spot on and easy to read
CONS
- None
- RELATED: Read our full Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized Golf Rangefinder review here.
Shot Scope Pro L5 Rangefinder
The Shot Scope Pro L5 strips away the unnecessary bells and whistles and focuses on what matters most, fast, clear, and accurate distance readings.
With an OLED display, rapid-fire detection, and a built-in magnet for effortless accessibility, I think this device punches well above its price point.
Add in slope adjustment, app-based GPS maps, and a sleek design, and it’s easy to see why this is a five-star performer.
PROS
- Crisp, easy-to-read OLED display—even in bright sunlight
- Locks onto the flag quickly and accurately
- Great battery life
CONS
- No in-device GPS mapping
RRP: £219.00 / $229.99
For more information: Shot Scope UK / Shot Scope US
- RELATED: Read our full Shot Scope Pro L5 Golf Rangefinder review here.
Mileseey PF260 Tour Golf Rangefinder
I didn’t have any problems operating the device and was able to lock in on my targets without any fuss. As with any laser rangefinder, you just need to work out how to hold it in a way that is stable and doesn’t wobble. My preferred method is what I call the T-Rex – with my elbows pinned against my chest. I find that works in the same way as a tripod does.
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It’s hard not to be positive about a device that is less than half the price of the equivalent from the recognised brands in this sector.
But over several rounds, I can only confirm that it is easy to use and does what it needs to. I have no problem zapping my targets to measure distance with this device and I am confident in the yardages it is providing me with. I would say that makes it a winner at a price point like this.
PROS
- 6x magnifying lens to make it easier to spot the flag
- Rechargeable battery offers plug-in solution
- Incredibly attractive price tag
CONS
- Not a brand familiar to many golfers
- RELATED: Read our full Mileseey PF260 Tour Golf Rangefinder review here.
PeakPulse Golf Rangefinder
This Peak Pulse laser comes with a range of different modes including slope. I was really impressed with the slope setting which was easy to turn on and off.
When playing I did test the numbers this laser gave in comparison to my current Bushnell. I was impressed that each time they matched or within a yard.
This laser unlike most is chargeable. There is a battery life gauge to show you how much charge is left. I’ve used this laser for about 6 rounds so far and there is still a full battery showing.
Whilst it’s great that there’s 4 mode options, I think for a lot of golfer’s this isn’t necessary. I just stuck to mode 1 when I was playing and it worked perfectly fine. There is a slope option to be used in more casual rounds but generally mode 1 worked well.
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Overall, this is a great budget laser that gives you all the info that you need without spending the unnecessary pounds.
PROS
- Accurate numbers
- Lightweight
- Solid carry case
CONS
- A lot of modes not needed
- RELATED: Read our full PeakPulse Golf Rangefinder review here.
Canon Powershot Golf Rangefinder
This is a quality addition to the rangefinder market. Equipped with all the latest and best technology, it was really easy to dial in distances for an accurate yardage. I think the addition of a camera is a fun feature. It is especially useful to look back over shots you played and to capture the magic of different golf courses.
There is also no need to worry about it being overly complicated to use either. The menu button can seem a little fiddly at first but is very simple to get accustomed to. The only slight blemish is the lack of charging cable. They are sold separately and after two rounds you’ll need one.
PROS
- Camera is a cool addition
- Steady focus for image stabilisation
- Compact and easy to store
CONS
- Doesn’t come equipped with a charging cable
- RELATED: Read our full Canon Powershot Golf Rangefinder review here.
Cigman CT-1000 Golf Rangefinder
I think Bernhard Langer would approve of the CT-1000 because for every yardage up to 200 yards, the distance is given to 1/10th of a yard. But for me, whether the distance is 156.5 yards or 156.6 yards makes no difference.
There is a mode offering vertical and horizontal distance, which must be for other outdoor activities.
Lastly there is a speed measurement mode which I assume is for hunters, but of course, you could use it to quantify just how slowly that fourball in front is actually travelling.
The screen detailing is in black and initially it all feels rather busy, but as with most things, you get used to it quickly enough. The on/off slope function (I’m generally not a fan) works simply, giving both straight line and adjusted distance.
PROS
- X 7 magnification
- Smart, ergonomic design
- Rechargeable battery
- Excellent value
- NCG 15% discount – NCG15
CONS
- Not all modes are golf specific
Garmin Approach Z30 Golf Laser Rangefinder
As a standalone rangefinder, the Z30 is as good a device as you could hope for. It is simple to use, locks onto a target quickly and accurately, and offers crystal clear distances which are displayed in red. If you use the slope function, the adjusted yardage is shown, allowing for the elevation change. It’s all very clear and simple. I’m not generally a fan of ‘slope’ mode on rangefinders but the simplicity of this device works well.
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But the Approach Z30 is so much more than a standalone rangefinder. The real beauty of this device is pairing it (via Bluetooth) with your Garmin Golf smartphone app or, as I did, with a compatible smartwatch or handheld. I used the Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf watch. When these devices are used together, you get so much more information. When a flagstick has been ‘pinged’, on the left side of the rangefinder screen, distances from the pin to the front and back of the green are displayed. Similarly, if you ‘laser’ a hazard such as a bunker, the watch will display everything in play around that distance.
Historically I’ve always favoured a rangefinder over a GPS watch. More recently I have enjoyed the simplicity and speed of a watch. I have to say that using the Approach Z30 paired with a Garmin Smartwatch really is the best of both worlds and I think this represents the future of distance measuring devices.
PROS
- Crystal clear display
- Intuitive to use
- Clever integration with compatible Garmin Smartwatch
CONS
- Expensive
RELATED: Read our full Garmin Approach Z30 Golf Laser Rangefinder review here.
Bushnell A1-Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder
This is a rechargeable rangefinder and a full charge lasts for 50+ rounds or 3000+ target acquisitions. It did not come close to running out of battery during testing. In the past I would perhaps have avoided something rechargeable in case it was dead when I went out to play.
One of the great features of the A1-slope being so small is that it is not too obtrusive if you put it in your pocket. The BITE magnetic skin is a clever addition. It is a silicon sleeve that incorporates a very strong magnet to attach to a cart should you so wish.
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This is one of my favourite pieces of kit I have tested. It has all the functionality of a full-size rangefinder. The question is not so much why did Bushnell make this smaller but why are rangefinders usually the size they are? Its small dimensions did not make it any more fiddly in my opinion. Bushnell have created an absolute winner with the A1-Slope.
PROS
- Build quality
- Easy to use
- Decent accessories
- Size
CONS
- None, I absolutely love it!
- RELATED: Read our full Bushnell A1-Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder review here.
Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch
This is a premium GPS golf watch. I haven’t yet tested a watch that offers all the important information with such clarity and simplicity. The battery life is also outstanding with up to 21 days in smartwatch mode, and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. I certainly had over 60% of juice left after 36 holes in a day on a recent trip to Devon.
This is a watch that I can wholeheartedly recommend, and it works well as a standalone distance measuring device. To make the best use of the watch, you will probably want to use some of the extra features, such as health monitoring and other activities, as the retail price is a fairly hefty at £599.
It also pairs seamlessly with the Garmin Approach Z30 rangefinder, and I do rather love that combination of watch and rangefinder.
Prior to reviewing this watch, I’d known a bit about Garmin but I hadn’t realised that you could spend anything from £180 to over ten times that figure for a Garmin golf watch.
So, you’re sure to find something in your price bracket, secure in the knowledge that your device is designed with the most advanced and up to date technology.
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PROS
- Crystal clear display.
- Long battery life.
- Packed full of features.
CONS
- Not cheap
- RELATED: Read our full Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch review here.
Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch
On the course, I was really impressed with how it performed. From the tee, you can easily check yardages to bunkers or other hazards, then the approach shot gives you clear yardages to front-middle-back. It was easy to load the course you are playing – the GPS signal picked up the location straight away.
Outside of golf, this watch is superb for everyday wear. It offers a comprehensive range of health features, including heart health monitoring via HRV, blood oxygen levels with the Pulse OX sensor, detailed sleep tracking, and overall activity monitoring. This kind of information takes this watch beyond merely a golf watch but if you do not require such info then the S44 might be a more suitable option.
So here we have a golf watch that offers all the important features you need on the course. The battery life is also outstanding with up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, and up to 15 hours in GPS mode. So that should be plenty for 36 holes in a day.
Overall this is a superb bit of kit and something I now wear everyday as is way more than just a golf features watch. Need to work on my sleep score though….
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Packed with tech that is of use on and off the golf course
- Yardages are spot on and easy to read
CONS
- None
- RELATED: Read our full Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch review here.
Shot Scope V5 GPS Watch
Aesthetically, this Shot Scope watch is definitely something you can wear on and off the golf course, especially with the new options on watch faces so you can give this an individual feel. I would say if I were to wear this off the course all the time, I would probably want some extra functionality that you tend to see in other health and fitness watches. For now I think I will just wear this on the golf course.
Overall this is an impressive piece of kit that will undoubtedly help anyone’s golf game. Shot Scope are continuously updating the watch firmware and the app software so the data you are collecting and the GPS data you see on the course is only getting better.
PROS
- Really clear GPS data
- Excellent shot tracking and statistics
- No annual fees
- Tracks your steps
CONS
- None
- RELATED: Read our full Shot Scope V5 GPS watch review here.
Best Distance Measuring Devices 2026
In conclusion, there are plenty of stand out options with the market flooded with top distance measuring devices for 2026.
Each device offers unique features and functionalities that will aid in improving your golf performance by providing reliable and precise distance measurements.
Your selection from these options depends on your personal preferences, whether you value the immediate accuracy of a laser rangefinder or the course-wide data offered by a GPS device.
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