Golfing requires a particular set of skills that take years to master.
It’s all about your calculations and not everyone can do this on their own.
The complex nature of the game requires the use of various tools to ensure you’re always spot on.
Thanks to GPS and laser rangefinder technology no longer do golfers have to rely solely on their eyes to estimate the distance to the target.
Now instead of buying two separate devices, manufacturers have combined the two technologies and introduced golf GPS rangefinders.
These devices are easy to use and provide the most accurate measurements between you and the target.
With one of these in your hands, you are bound to improve your game and scores.
Join me in this golf GPS rangefinder reviews to find the right one for you!
GPS Rangefinder
Features
Price
5 best golf GPS rangefinders reviews in depth
- Range: 400 yards
- Magnification: 5x
- Weight: 6.1 oz
The Bushnell Hybrid GPS rangefinder lets you approach your shots with the utmost confidence.
Bushnell allows you to see distances like never before by bringing together laser and GPS technologies to give you one powerful machine.
It uses two power sources and takes the guesswork away from the game for improved accuracy and speed.
You would think that a machine that combines two of the most useful technologies in the game is going to cost a fortune.
However, we are pleased to tell you that you can get the Bushnell Hybrid at the same price as a top-notch laser rangefinder or a smart handheld GPS device.
This is why it tops our list as the best golf GPS rangefinder.
The body of the Bushnell Hybrid looks like a normal rangefinder, just a little wider but fits comfortably for one-handed use.
The textured body armor helps with gripping so it will not slip from hands.
This Hybrid rangefinder features an objective lens and a fast-focus eyepiece with the ability to range up to 400 yards with 5x magnification.
It even includes PinSeeker with JOLT technology that releases short vibrating bursts when the laser has locked on to a target.
On the side of the rangefinder, you will find an LCD display with five buttons to control the GPS functions of the Hybrid.
With over 36,0000 preloaded courses in over 30 countries, the display shows distance to the front, center, and back of the green.
It will even provide distances for up to four hazards.
Keeping the line with standalone GPS units, the Bushnell Hybrid comes with Auto Course Recognition and Auto Hole Advancement.
Furthermore, you get free access to the Bushnell Golf App upon purchase.
The App gives you 3D flyovers with distances, hole layouts with distance, and update courses wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection.
Read up more on other Bushnell rangefinders in this best bushnell rangefinders post.
- First ever integrated Laser/GPS display
- Dual battery source (CR2 for Laser and USB for GPS)
- PinSeeker with JOLT Technology
- Range: 350 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
Known for their golf watches and handheld devices, Garmin now gives you their first golf GPS rangefinder.
The Garmin Approach Z80 GPS rangefinder gives you an edge on the green by combining Laser and GPS technology.
What you get is a unit that provides incredible accuracy with a wide array of features.
The Z80 gives you accurate measurements up to 10” to the flag at 350 yards with up to 6x magnification.
It also gives you the distance to hazards at the same time thereby eliminating the need for ranging them separately and speeding up play.
With full-color 2D CourseView mapping overlaid on the viewfinder, you get a new perspective on more than 41,000 courses.
Meanwhile, the Green View feature gives the distance to the front and back of the green automatically.
If you are worried about calculating angles, the Approach Z80 comes with a PlaysLike Distance feature.
This feature adjusts readings based on inclines or declines in the course.
This is especially helpful since you’d be better able to know which club to use making those angle shots a whole lot easier.
What is more, is the PinPointer feature that helps with directions to the green on blind spots.
The PlaysLike Distance feature can be turned off which would make this rangefinder with GPS legal for tournament play.
The Laser Range Arc feature allows you to see everything that is in play at a distance by drawing an arc on the 2-D course view map at the distance you ranged
The Z80 comes with image stabilization that makes it easier to find and range the flag and not worry about shaky hands.
This rangefinder with GPS is small, lightweight, and easy to use after using it a few times.
Although it is a bit pricey, for all the features, it is well worth the price.
- Most accurate laser distance measurements, within 10” to the flag, up to 350 yards/320 meters
- Full-color 2-D CourseView mapping is overlaid on the viewfinder for more than 41,000 courses...
- Image stabilization reduces shakiness and makes it easier to find and range the flag
- Range: 900 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 5 oz
Voice Caddie is another brand that you may have come across regularly in the golfing world.
They have an awesome line up of practice and play-assist tools.
The Voice Caddie GL 1 hybrid GPS/Laser rangefinder accurately measures distances with ViewFinder Target Integration.
It will help lower your score with unbeatable precision and accuracy due to the use of top-notch lenses and processors.
The GPS data gives you accurate measurements to the front of the green as well as the back with distances to the front of bunkers and hazards on each hole.
Further, the GPS Pin Assist filters out irrelevant objects behind the green to give you the distance to the pin with pinpoint accuracy.
This makes it easier to hone in on your target and when it does lock on to a target it vibrates to let you know.
It comes with 3 modes, Normal, Continuous, and Pin Mode.
Measure continuously by holding down the power button while in Normal mode for multiple targets.
Pin Mode provides slope adjustments from your current location to the pin so you can nail all those uphill and downhill shots.
The slope compensation feature that can be turned off by installing the prominent red removable clip that turns both the slope function and GPS off.
This signals to observers that these functions are off in the event you want to use this GPS rangefinder in a tournament.
If you like you should check out the Voice Caddy SL1 GPS rangefinder as well.
The SL 1 is very similar to the GL 1 except for being able to range up to 1000 yards and comes with Voice Caddy’s cutting-edge Green Undulation feature.
The Green Undulation feature helps you understand the green breaks such as green slope and height, hazards around the green, bunker location, and gradient.
Unfortunately, the SL 1 does not come with the ability to turn off the slope function to make it USGA compliant.
- True Hybrid GPS/Laser Rangefinder
- GPS Pin Assist: Utilizes GPS Data to Filter
- Bunker and Hazard Information
- Range: 950 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.58 oz
When you need more information than a laser rangefinder can provide, turn to the Callaway Rangefinder with GPS.
While they both have their pros and cons, can you imagine them combined?
The Callaway Hybrid GPS rangefinder is a small and compact 2-in 1 rangefinder that gives you accurate measurements like never before.
It uses 2 different power sources, a long-lasting battery for the rangefinder and a rechargeable lithium battery for the GPS that charges up with a USB cord.
This system is nice and the laser works even when the unit is not charged up which may cause you to forget to charge the GPS battery.
If that happens, chances are you won’t be able to use the GPS function when you need it most.
That being said, this is not a major downside since most users do remember to give it some charge.
The easy to read LCD display shows you everything you need to know before you swing.
You get accurate distances to the front, center, and back of the green as well as hazards or doglegs on the hole.
Moving on to features, the Callaway Hybrid rangefinder is not feature-packed but it is a great device to own.
It comes with Pin Acquisition technology which helps to lock pins up to 300 yards away with 6x magnification.
It whistles to inform you when it locks on to a target.
You can scan multiple targets and give you your reading in yards or meters.
The GPS function comes with over 38,000 local courses with no need to download or subscribe to anything.
- Range: 385 yards
- Magnification: N/A
- Weight: N/A
While it’s not technically a rangefinder or has all the features of a rangefinder, the GolfBuddy Voice 2 has GPS and is good for shot distance measurement.
It can calculate the distance to the target up to 385 yards.
Where it lacks the features of a true rangefinder it makes up for it by being a hands-free device.
You can either clip it to your golf bag or hat or as a golf watch with the extra purchase of a wristband.
This unit is preloaded with over 40,000 courses worldwide and supports up to 11 languages, 8 of which are preloaded.
It can read your measurements in both yards or meters with the choice of choosing either a male or female voice via the free GolfBuddy Manager Program.
This golf GPS rangefinder has both GPS and QZSS connectivity for your other golfing equipment.
The GolfBuddy Voice 2 comes with Green View technology and has an automatic course and hole recognition.
- Automatic course and hole recognition (Pre-loaded with 38,000+ global courses)
- Dynamic Green View technology with distance readings from the golfer’s perspective
- Distances to front/center/back of the green, as well as shot distance measurement
What are the benefits of a golf GPS rangefinder?
Now that you know about hybrid golf rangefinders with GPS, are they really worth it?
If they are good on their own, can you imagine how they are when combined?
Maybe you don’t need GPS, if that is the case check out our best golf rangefinder reviews.
Let us look at how these two technologies together in one device benefit you.
The benefits are numerous no matter if you go with the cheapest or most expensive model.
Benefits include:
- Easy to use
- Compact for easy packing
- No relying on markers
- Faster readings to speed up the game
- Lightweight enough to take everywhere
- No consulting a yardage book
- You get out of blind spots with ease
- Accurate calculation lets you avoid hazards
- Always gives you the accurate distance to the target
- Attain the best trajectory by knowing which club to use
How to choose the best GPS golf rangefinder
Technology has come a long way so it not only makes playing the game easier but much more enjoyable.
Before you jump on the bandwagon and invest in the best GPS golf rangefinder, ask yourself what it is you want from your rangefinder.
Do you want laser or GPS functions or both?
Note that not all rangefinders with GPS are created equal and some may not have the features you are looking for.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a GPS golf rangefinder.
Price
You can find rangefinders and GPS units with varying price ranges.
However, rangefinders with GPS brings together two of the best technologies available to help you at the game.
For this reason, they come at what some may consider a steep price.
On the other hand, others say that these devices are worth it since they come with some advanced features and combine both the benefits of laser and GPS technology.
Many have stated that GPS rangefinders have helped them improve their game overall.
If you think you won’t be able to afford a GPS rangefinder, then be sure to check here for the best rangefinder under 200.
Brand
These devices don’t come cheap so choose a well-known brand.
In this golf GPS rangefinder reviews, we see some of the biggest names in the golfing industry.
They are known for integrating the best materials and technologies into their products.
Additionally, they all offer a warranty on their products or free access to their app and come pre-loaded with a huge number of courses or the ability to update courses.
You won’t have to sign up or subscribe and pay anything which gives you more value for money.
Size and Shape
Golfing equipment is already bulky and heavy as it is so you don’t need another tool that is going to add bulk to your bag.
These rangefinders with GPS are shaped like regular rangefinders but are slightly wider.
Nonetheless, they still fit comfortably in your hand.
Magnification
Magnification helps when your eyesight is less than ideal.
You can choose from magnification powers of x 4 to 6.
This allows you to see your target clearly even if you are far away.
Ranging Distance
Hardly when golfing you will need to range beyond 450 yards but in some instances, you may need to do so.
Together GPS and laser give you the most accurate reading ever whether you are ranging short or long distance.
Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the maximum distance of your rangefinder with GPS.
Advanced features
If you constantly golf on a course with lots of incline and decline then you’ll need a rangefinder with Slope functions.
The Slope function calculates the distance to the target taking into account the angles on the course.
Although this is not legal for tournaments, it is useful if you play for fun or practice.
Most come with an option to turn off the slope functions to make it USGA compliant.
Moreover, features like Pin Acquisition Technology helps lock on to a target and chirps or vibrates to alert you.
Other features you can look to get are image stabilization, GPS Pin Assist, bunk/hazard information, built-in maps, and a few others.
You may not need all these features so choose a rangefinder with GPS based on your needs.
Battery Life
A Gps rangefinder usually comes with 2 power sources, one powering the rangefinder and the other for the GPS.
The battery for the rangefinder is non-rechargeable and is pretty long-lasting while the battery for the GPS is rechargeable.
With this dual system, it is convenient since each system has its own power source to ensure they are both working and ready to go when you need them most.