We tried rangefinders from different price ranges in our 2024 rangefinder testing. Most of the best ones are in the $299-plus price range which puts them out of reach for some of us. Don’t despair! Here are some relatively inexpensive rangefinders that still give you some performance on the course.
Voice Caddie Laser FIT
The Voice Caddie Laser FIT is less than $200 and has slope integration and clear readings. One of our favorite features is the rechargeable battery. The battery lasts for eight hours.
This does not have a magnetic cart attachment. During our 2024 testing, the Laser FIT received a score of 9.2, which tied it with the Vortex Blade, Precision Pro NX10 and Precision Pro NX9.
For the price, the Voice Caddie Laser FIT has a lot to offer.
Shot Scope PRO L2
The Shot Scope PRO L2 finished just behind the Voice Caddie Laser Fit with a score of 9.1. However, it’s also about $70 cheaper. The Pro L2 offers a fast-speed vibration lock and very clear optics. However, it lacks some features of premium rangefinders. If you mostly care about the accuracy of the number (which you should), try the Shot Scope PRO L2.
Precision Pro NX9
The Precision Pro NX9 finished with a score of 9.2 in the 2024 test. It competed favorably with several models priced at $399. At $225, the Precision Pro NX9 is not exactly what we would call cheap but it does have quite a few features. It’s an ergonomic design that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. The Precision Pro NX9 includes the magnetic cart attachment. It also features slope and pulse vibration technology to improve confidence in the target you have locked into. If you like feature-rich golf rangefinders, you’ll enjoy what the Precision Pro NX9 has to offer.
CaddyTalk Minion
The CaddyTalk Minion ranked up there with other models like the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 GIII and the Cobalt Q6 Slope. The Minion weighs less than four ounces and is the size of a credit card. It’s small and easy to use but it still features a pin finder and an HD Laser System to help with stability. The Minion also has a water-resistant IP54 rating and USB Charging. It retails for $199.
REVARSI NK-1000
That leaves us with the cheapest rangefinder in the test: the REVARSI NK-1000. This model is less than $60 and has slope mode and pin lock vibration.Why wouldn’t everybody just play with this one?
It finished next to last in our test with a score of 8.3. Our testing is based on accuracy, speed, optics, display, and additional features. However, this is a lightweight and very affordable design if you are on a tight budget and still need yardage to the pin without pacing.
What to look for in a cheap rangefinder?
We had to get deep into our testing to find rangefinders priced under $230. The top model in our test was the Bushnell Pro X3+ at $599. Obviously, there are significant differences between a $599 rangefinder and one priced at $65. Here are a few things to know before buying a cheap rangefinder.
Accuracy is more important than features
It’s nice to have things like magnetic technology, a premium case, green contour data, etc. If you are on a budget, you may have to sacrifice some features for accuracy.
Watch out for slope mode technology
Some cheap rangefinders have slope technology but with no option to turn it off. If you play in tournaments requiring a legal rangefinder, you may find yourself pacing yardages again.
It’s not worth it. Skip it and buy a model without slope or find something for a few dollars more that offers the slope on/off switch.
Optics aren’t always great
More expensive rangefinders have better optics. This means that if you have trouble with vision and need more clarity when looking through the scope, you’ll need to be careful with cheap rangefinders. The Shot Scope PRO L2 had impressive optics for the price.
Speed matters
One ranking factor is speed. Although you may think all golf rangefinders produce a quick reading, this isn’t the case. When we did our 2024 testing, some models were so fast that the lag time was almost infinitesimal. However, in the budget category. It’s going to take a little longer to get your yardage and, sometimes, you’ll have to shoot the pin a few more times.
Cheap rangefinder or cheap GPS?
It’s no secret that you can get a GPS app for a very low (or free) price that gives you yardage to the front, center and back of the greens. So does it make sense to purchase the cheap rangefinder or just stick with a GPS? This decision comes down to the player’s preference and also what your goals are with the game. Golfers who like free or cheap GPS don’t mind taking their phones out during the round and keeping them charged as they play. Many players with rangefinders are interested in slope readings and want a more accurate and precise number for the pin.
Difference between cheap rangefinder and top rangefinder
The Bushnell Pro X3+ was the best overall rangefinder of 2024. It provided consistent and repeatable accuracy every single time we used it. In addition, it has a wide view with no haze so you can easily see your target. However, even expensive rangefinders have their downsides. The Bushnell is heavier and obviously more expensive than other models.
When lowering your rangefinder budget, you’ll mostly notice a decrease in accuracy (picking up things behind the hole, having to shoot the target more than once, etc.). In addition, the optics, features and speed may not be quite as good. In the end, it comes down to how often you play, your goals on the course and what is worth the money to you.
Click here to see the results of our 2024 Best Golf Rangefinder test.
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