Best Golf Rangefinders 2024: Buyers Guide and things you need to know

A good laser rangefinder won't guarantee you play better golf, but it will dramatically increase your chances.

The days of having to figure out your distance to the pin from a 150 marker in the middle of the fairway are long behind us thanks to an array of modern rangefinders designed to make navigating the course considerably easier.

Rangefinders have advanced greatly in recent years. The most basic models offer a simple shoot-and-point system, while others are packed full of features, including slope adjustment, pin placement, and environmental factors.

The best golf laser rangefinders are designed to be durable, easy to use and reliable, so we've tested a whole host of offerings from different brands at different price point to help you figure out which would best suit you.

Reviews Editor Johnny Percival and Equipment Editor Alex Lodge have played numerous rounds with all of the models on this list and narrowed down the available options in 2024 to bring you the best of the bunch.

Some range finders are packed with tech, some are incredibly durable, while others both look and feel fantastic.

But only a small selection have it all.

Best Golf Rangefinders 2024

Let’s take a look at what we consider to be the very best golf laser rangefinder in 2024, starting with our favourite of the lot:

Garmin Approach Z30

Price: £389

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Key Features:

• Range Relay: sends ranged distances to a compatible Garmin smartwatch or the Garmin Golf smartphone app
• 366-metre range: six times magnification through the viewfinder and vibrates once it locks in on the pin
• Plays Like Distance: considers slope to adjust distance based on elevation

Pros:

• Quick and accurate yardages are presented on a crisp viewfinder
• when paired with a Garmin device or app, it becomes one of the best game management tools on the market
• The new case is much improved from previous generations

Cons:

• Slight shame you need an extra device to make the most out of all of the functions

Our favourite rangefinder of 2024, The Garmin Z30 is a fantastic tool that will shave shots off your score in an instant.

Offering a 360 metre range, plays like distance and handy pin vibrations when you lock on, this rangefinder may seem simple at first sight, but a whole range of fantastic features can be unlocked when paired with the Garmin golf app.

Possibly our favourite feature is that this rangefinder can tell you how many yards the pin is from the front and back of the green.

This added detail gives you such a big advantage when attacking pins, especially when you can't see the whole green.

Ergonomically, the design fits comfortably in hand, and the simple two button operating system is very easy to use.

Another big plus for this rangefinder is that Garmin did away with the annoying half hard shell half fabric case that they used to use and have now opted for a straightforward zip up hard shell which is durable and very easy to open and close.

READ OUR FULL GARMIN APPROACH Z30 RANGEFINDER REVIEW HERE

Shot Scope Pro ZR

Price: £299

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Key Features:

• Durashield Hardshell: robust outer layer designed to tackle even the harshest conditions
• Enhanced target lock: allows you to lock on to your target in seconds, giving accurate yardages to pins and targets
• Built-in cart magnet: allows the rangefinder to be securely attached to a cart or trolley for easy access
• On / off slope: allows you to enable slope detection or turn it off if playing in tournaments
• 1,500-yard range

Pros:

• Very sturdy construction
• Clear LCD is very simple to use and understand
• Grey and blue design looks fantastic

Cons:

• No notable cons

Sturdy, easy to use and lovely to look at, the Shot Scope Pro ZR is an excellent all around rangefinder that delivers everything you need out on the course.

While the Pro ZR perhaps lacks the added details that the Garmin offers, it's superb at what it does, and the simple aim point mechanics are very fast and straightforward to use.

The Durashield hardshell not only looks great and fits comfortably in hand, but it also makes this rangefinder very hard wearing. We've dropped ours a few times out of buggies and when popping it down to hit a shot and it's shown absolutely no sign of wear.

The laser is also very quick to pick up targets and the viewfinder is very clear, making analysing your true yardage very straightforward.

The laser also has tournament mode, which can quickly be changed into using the simple sliding button on the side.

All in all the Pro ZR is a very easy to use rangefinder that performs well and looks great.

READ OUR FULL SHOT SCOPE PRO ZR RANGEFINDER REVIEW

GolfBuddy Aim L12

Price: £299.99

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Key Features:

• Zero Second Technology to pick up accurate readings in 0.15 seconds.
• Pin finder mode with vibration alert.
• 6x magnification lens.
• Ergonomic grip.
• Slope ON/OFF mode providing slope-adjusted distances for elevation.
• USGA/R&A legal for handicap and tournament play.
• Comes with a luxurious leather hard case with a magnetic clasp.

Pros:

• Three modes to dial-in yardages
• Simple to operate
• Comes with a leather case with a magnetic clasp.

Cons:

• Doesn’t include GolfBuddy’s 7x magnification lens
• Towards the top end for price in the laser market

The GolfBuddy aim L12 Rangefinder is a marked improvement over its predecessor, the aim Quantum, which remains one of the top rangefinders available.

With a sleek, ergonomic design, the aim L12 offers better grip and stability when locating the flag. Priced at £300, it includes high-end features such as scan and pin modes, 6x magnification, and slope compensation, providing accurate yardages for improved course management.

One of the standout features is the ‘Zero Second Technology,’ offering readings in just 0.15 seconds—faster than any other rangefinder tested.

The ON/OFF slope function, easily toggled via a side button, adds slope-adjusted distance calculations, akin to having a personal caddie. However, the slope feature must be turned off to comply with USGA/R&A regulations during official play, indicated by a helpful red/green light.

Despite its slightly lower magnification (6x vs. Quantum's 7x), the aim L12 delivers exceptional clarity and performance. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use, with minimal setup required.

The package includes a durable leather case, carabiner clip, and a charging cable, emphasising GolfBuddy’s commitment to convenience.

Overall, the GolfBuddy aim L12 is a top contender for the best rangefinder in 2024, combining quick, precise functionality with superior design.

READ OUR FULL GOLFBUDDY AIM L12 REVIEW HERE

Gogogo Sport VPro

Price: £80

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Key Features:

• High-precision distance measurement with functions such as continuous range readings, ARC (angle range compensation), pin seeker and flag-lock vibration
• Measuring range from 5 to 650 yards with +/- 1m high accuracy and 6x magnification
• Fully multi-coated optics lens effectively reduces reflected light

Pros:

• Fantastic value for money
• Lovely ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold
• Quick and easy to use

Cons:

• There are better overall performing rangefinders, but they will come at a price

The Gogogo Sport VPro is an excellent budget-friendly option for golfers seeking a reliable laser rangefinder under £100. Compact, comfortable, and easy to use, the VPro quickly delivers accurate yardages, making it ideal for players looking to improve their game without breaking the bank.

One of its standout features is the pin-seeking, flag-lock vibration, which helps avoid targeting background objects like trees. It also includes ARC (Angle Range Compensation), ensuring accurate yardage regardless of terrain.

For those who play on varied courses, the VPro is available with either a 650-yard or 1200-yard slope switch, although the slope function is not tournament-legal.

With 6x magnification and a range of up to 650 yards with +/- 1m accuracy, the VPro performs solidly, even if it’s not the strongest on the market. Its fully multi-coated optics lens reduces glare, providing a clear view.

The ergonomic, compact design makes it comfortable to hold and easy to store in your bag, with a convenient pouch that ties to your gear.

Overall, while more advanced rangefinders like the Shot Scope Pro ZR may offer better performance, the Gogogo Sport VPro delivers great value at a fraction of the cost. It's a solid choice for golfers wanting a dependable rangefinder without the high price tag.

READ OUR FULL GOGOGO SPORT VPRO RANGEFINDER REVIEW

Zoom OLED Pro

Price: £299

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Key Features:

• SharpVue OLED Display
• 6x Magnification
• Flag Lock with Vibration & Slope Function
• Magnetic Lock System & USB Charging

Pros:

• Compact and sleek design
• Crystal clear OLED display
• Lightweight and easy to operate

Cons:

• We typically prefer a battery powered rangefinder

While perhaps still somewhat of an unknown brand in the laser rangefinder world, Zoom has produced some fantastic lasers over the years, and the OLED Pro is an excellent addition to the brands range.

the compact and sleek design is simple to use and it's very easy to switch from metres to yards with the switch of a button.

It's also very easy to switch the functionality of the rangefinder between 'Flagpole scanning' and free scan, which can again be changed with a simple click of a button.

Focus can also easily be altered by twisting the lens, so you can be sure you always have a crisp picture of the flag or target.

This rangefinder is chargeable so you will need to make sure you utilise the USB port before your round to ensure you have enough battery to make it through 18 holes.

The accuracy and speed of this rangefinder is top notch and the tactile vibration feedback you get when locked on is also an excellent additional feature.

All in all the Zoom Oled Pro is an excellent rangefinder, and if you haven't heard of the brand before we highly recommend checking it out. 

How do we test golf rangefinders?

We’ve been reviewing golf rangefinders since 2008 and know that the best way to test the performance is to use them over a number of rounds on the golf course.

GolfMagic Equipment Editor Alex Lodge leads the testing and puts each golf rangefinder through its paces in a number of different situations and in varied conditions.

Weather can affect the performance of a rangefinder and we had the benefit of testing each one in a range of weather conditions. Changing light or wet weather are just some variables that lasers need to adapt to.

We don’t just aim for flags. We use the golf rangefinders to pick up hazards, bunkers and lay-up points and manually measured the distances. By doing this, we discovered the accuracy of the products against a whole range of scenarios as opposed to just finding the pin.

Aside from accuracy, we assess ease of use, build quality, battery life, features, smartphone compatibility and price.

After testing each product, we compare them to find which rangefinder laser is best depending on your needs. One golf rangefinder could have the same strengths as another, but it could cost you another £50 or so. Value and price are important points that we also discuss in each product description below.

Key Features to look for when it comes to Golf Rangefinders

Before looking in more detail at each product, it is worth understanding important rangefinder features so you know what we mean in our golf rangefinder reviews.

Magnification

Magnification refers to how much a rangefinder laser can zoom into a target. Rangefinders can zoom into a pin, a bunker or a hazard and the more they can zoom in, the more likely they are to receive an accurate reading.

Water resistance

To golf clothing and golf bags, weatherproofing is very important. This applies to golf rangefinders too. If your rangefinder laser can perform in harsh conditions, this will help you pick up shots against your competition and help lower your golf handicap.

Distance range

The distance that a rangefinder can reach is another key feature. For example, the Garmin Approach Z30 laser can reach targets up to 400 yards away. That high distance range is a key selling point for brands like Bushnell.

To tie in with distance range, many rangefinders have jolt vibration which confirms the distance to the target that you’ve picked up. This feature ensures that you pick up the correct target rather than the landscape in the background.

Slope technology

Slope technology is a helpful feature but one you should be aware of has a bearing on the rules of golf. In 2021, professional golfer Brett White was disqualified from a tournament for accidentally using slope mode on his golf rangefinder.

Rangefinder lasers should let you turn off the slope mode easily. But for non-competitive rounds, rangefinder lasers use slope tech to adapt the yardages they give you by analysing slopes and changes in gradients.