A rangefinder is an invaluable tool whether you are golfing or hunting.
If you don’t already have one in your golf or hunting bag, this is your sign to get one.
Rangefinders take all the guesswork when measuring the distance to a target.
They use laser technology and are pretty accurate not to mention fast.
If you are a first-time buyer or on a tight budget, you’ll be glad to know that you do not have to spend a ton to get the best rangefinder on the market.
In this best cheap rangefinder review, we will talk about some of the cheapest rangefinders available today.
In this instance, cheap doesn’t necessarily mean inferior as you’ll see as we get deeper into this article.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
- Range: 700 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.3 oz
- Range: 450 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
- Range: 650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.49 oz
Best cheap rangefinder review
Cheap hunting rangefinder
Simmons Hunting Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 625 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight: 4.7 oz
The Simmons hunting laser rangefinder is available in two models; Venture and Tilt.
They both can measure the distance to reflective targets, 625 yards away, trees, 480 yards away, and deer 250 yards away.
Both the Venture and Tilt come with 4x magnification which is not too little or too much since it can magnify the object well enough without significantly reducing the field of view.
These high precision rangefinders are sturdily built and rainproof with an IP rating of IPX4.
Lightweight and portable, these cheap rangefinders LCD is bright and clear which makes reading measurements in various lighting situations easy.
They both are powered by a 9v alkaline battery which is unlike most rangefinders that use a 3-v battery.
The only difference between the two models is that the Tilt version can calculate the true horizontal distance between you and the target while the Venture model cannot.
This is especially helpful when hunting in uneven terrain.
- Range: 700 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.3 oz
The Aofar HX-700N is a cheap hunting rangefinder that is compact and lightweight to be the perfect tool when hunting.
With a range to a reflective target of 700 yards, longer range shooting is now a breeze thanks to the PinSensor technology that makes it accurate to +- 1 yard.
The 25 mm lens offers a crystal clear view even when it magnifies the target up to 6x.
It uses a CR2 battery and comes with an auto turn-off feature that switches the rangefinder off after a certain period of inactivity to save battery life.
What is more, is that this rangefinder can also double as a golf rangefinder due to its four modes.
There is Range Mode for distance to the target, Scan Mode to measure multiple targets, Fog Mode for use in foggy conditions, and Speed Mode for quick precise measurements.
This makes the Aofar HX-700N even more valuable since you can have both hunting and rangefinding capabilities in one unit.
Halo Optics XL450 Rangefinder Hunting Laser RangeFinder
- Range: 450 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
The Halo XL450 hunting rangefinder is possibly the best cheap rangefinder out there.
Why do we make such a claim?
This rangefinder has multiple uses and is a great option when bow hunting, rifle shooting, and golfing.
To kick up a notch, the inexpensive rangefinder comes with angle compensation which you may find in rangefinders falling into the expensive rangefinder category.
The rangefinder also features a tough and rugged construction when combined with a continuous Dri Loc seal ensures that the rangefinder can stand up to the harsh hunting conditions.
With distance measurement in both yards and meters, the Halo XL450 can measure the distance to objects 450 yards away.
You get a clear natural view with 6x magnification to make sure you’ve honed in on your target.
It delivers readable results on an excellent LCD even in low light conditions.
This rangefinder uses a Class IIIA laser and is powered by a CR2 battery.
Battery life is prolonged due to the unit’s ability to shut off after 20 seconds of no use.
For more rangefinders, check out this best hunting rangefinder post.
Inexpensive rangefinder for golfing
WOSPORTS H-100AG Golf Rangefinder
- Range: 650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 10.4 oz
The Wosports H-100AG golf rangefinder is the perfect companion when golfing.
Not only can it assist golfers in identifying the flagstick faster with its flagpole lock and range modes but it also allows you to stay on budget.
With flag lock vibration, this unit comes with the ability to range from 5 to 650 yards with flag pole locking to 180 yards.
Couple that with 6x magnification power and angle compensation, you’ll be a force to reckon with on the course.
The angle compensation feature can be turned off which then makes it tournament legal to participate in competitions according to USGA rule.
You can even use the Wosports H-100AG golf rangefinder for hunting since it has Fog and Speed mode.
It features an innovative design that tackles one of the most problematic issues with rangefinders which is losing the battery compartment cover.
However, with this unit, the cover and rangefinder are inseparable so that is no longer an issue.
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- Range: 650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.49 oz
The Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Golf Rangefinder gives you the best value for money with unmatched precision.
It is available in 2 models with one having a switch to turn off the slop function to make the rangefinder legal for tournament use.
Get high precision distance measurements from 5 to 650 yards and 150 yards to flagpole only.
Accuracy is greatly improved with all the latest advanced functions like angle compensation, PinSeeker, and vibrating flag pole lock.
Measuring objects in the distance is clean and clear with fully multi-coated optics and 6x magnification.
The lens actively reduces reflection and increases the transmission of light for crisp and vivid images.
Additionally, the adjustable diopter allows you to bring the object into focus for a better and more precise view.
As if all of this wasn’t good enough, the Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Golf Rangefinder is backed by a 1-year warranty.
In the event of any quality, the company will send you a new unit or refund you your money.
Bozily Golf Rangefinder
- Range: 1000 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.5 oz
With an impressive range, the Bozily golf rangefinder can measure objects out to an impressive 1000 yards.
It is equipped with the latest technology to offer accurate distance measurement within ±1 yard.
With this unit, you can also find the distance to flags, trees, or hazards which makes certain you are always on top of your game in every round.
The other features that stand out are the angle and slope-adjusted distance which shows you the calculated distance between golfer and flag.
This feature can be turned off in case you need to use it in a competition.
Angle compensated rangefinders are only allowed to be used in tournaments if the feature is turned off according to the USGA.
Meanwhile, the adjustable diopter and 6x magnification offer a clear view no matter if you’re near or far-sighted.
The compact and lightweight, the Bozily golf rangefinder looks quite sleek in hand with its two-color design and black rubber grips.
Throw this little unit that won’t break the bank into your golf bag and get ready to crush the course.
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For more golf rangefinders, read the best golf rangefinder post.
Why should I buy the best value rangefinder?
Buying the best value rangefinder gives you more for your money.
We all love a good bargain and that is why we urge you to check out this article and choose for yourself one of the best cheap rangefinders out there.
These units all come fully loaded with some pretty advanced features at a price that will have you smiling and not have you breaking the bank.
Futhermore, if you are a beginner at golfing or hunting and do not want to go invest in something you’re not sure about, it’s best to go with an affordable option.
This gives you a chance to play around and get familiar with the functions and features of a rangefinder.
If you find that you are constantly reaching for your cheap rangefinder and it is performing well, then you can think about investing in an expensive model if you need additional features.
However, not because a rangefinder is cheap means that it does not perform well or come with some great features.
It is actually the opposite of that as you can see in the rangefinders we mentioned earlier so if you have a tight budget, then these options are your best bet.
Buying a cheap rangefinder also leaves more room to buy the more expensive things like a new bow, rifle or club to further elevate your success in the field.
What to look for when purchasing the best budget rangefinder
To make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Below is a list of some things to look for when purchasing the best budget rangefinder.
Price and quality
We all feel that cheap means that a product is no good and that we are more than likely going to need to replace the product after a few uses.
But, in the case of rangefinders, you will find some impressive rangefinders for a reasonable price.
The quality is on point as well as it functions.
Some of these cheap models feature industrial strength housing that makes them waterproof and dustproof which keeps them safe.
There is no doubt that as the price goes up, the quality does also but if you are using your rangefinder in mild weather conditions then it does not need to be waterproof.
Before settling on a rangefinder, scour the internet, do a bit of research and then set your budget.
If you can afford to go a bit beyond your budget, do so but if you can’t, no worries, an inexpensive rangefinder can do the work.
Ranging distance
No matter which activating you need a rangefinder for, you need to pay attention to the maximum ranging distance.
Most rangefinders’ maximum range distance is when measuring reflective targets.
So pay very close attention to this because a rangefinder that measures objects to 1000 yards does not mean everything that is 1000 yard is going to get measured.
It is always advised to go with a rangefinder that has a longer distance rather than a short one.
This way your rangefinder has the ability to calculate measurements to those long range objects in the event you need it.
It also comes in handy if you play on multiple courses or hunt in different areas caz the distances are not the same.
Also keep in mind that the distances mentioned in the manufacturer’s specification is under ideal weather conditions.
Physical features
These include the lens, laser used, LCD and design.
Multi Coated lenses and the size of the lens as well will reduce reflection so that the image you see is clean and clear.
A good LCD would be one where you can easily read your distance measurements even if the lighting situation is bad.
As for design, ensure that it is sturdily built and can survive at least being dropped since chances of dropping your rangefinder at some point is inevitable.
All in all, ensure all the physical attributes of the rangefinder are to your liking and performs well under the weather and lighting conditions that you frequently play or hunt in
Advanced Features
If you play on a course that is hilly or hunt in uneven terrain, then a feature to look for in a cheap rangefinder is angle compensation.
This feature calculates and adjusts the distance measurement by factoring in any incline or decline in the landscape.
This beats doing this calculation by hand and is far more accurate also.
Angle compensation has many benefits like the ability to help you decide which club to use when playing golf.
Other features that can be beneficial are Fog Mode, Speed Mode, Continuous Scan Mode and much more.
The more features the rangefinder has, the more expensive it is going to be but some inexpensive rangefinders come with all these functions too.
That is why it is very important to do your research.
Size
Your rifle, bow and golf clubs are already heavy so you do not need another bulky or heavy tool when heading out into the field.
You want a rangefinder that is compact and lightweight so that carrying it around is not a hassle.
While you want your rangefinder to be small, a rangefinder that is too small will be hard to steady in your hand.
On the other hand, a rangefinder that is too big will be hard to grip and too bulky to be portable.
Choose a rangefinder that sits comfortably in your hand and allows you to grip it well.
Ease of use
Truth be told, no one likes a device that is complicated.
Most times whether you’re hunting or golfing you’ll want your distance measurement as fast as possible.
Can you imagine trying to get your reading but you just can’t figure out how to use your device?
To eliminate this problem, choose a rangefinder that is user friendly.
Some features just 2 buttons to navigate all its functions with some activating at just the touch of a single button.
This guarantees accurate reading and speed so that there is no room for error.
View these rangefinders in this best rangefinders under $100 post for some other cheap options.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
- Range: 700 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.3 oz
- Range: 450 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
- Range: 650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.49 oz