5 Best Budget Golf Rangefinders under $100 (Cheap, but good)

Years ago, golfers could expect to spend hundreds of dollars on a golf rangefinder with no budget or cheap options on the market to choose from. However, now that this market has changed entirely and technology has improved, there are some excellent budget golf rangefinders available.

We have tested and reviewed the best budget golf rangefinders available in 2022. Whether you are a new player or have been playing the game for years, here are some of the top models to consider. 

Best Budget Golf Rangefinders: Our Top Picks

When golfers switch from the premium category rangefinders to the budget-friendly, the features will likely differ considerably. If you are serious about all the bells and whistles of a rangefinder, try to be reasonable as you search for cheaper models. However, the GS24 TL has almost everything you could want at a fair price. 

The GS24 from GoGoGo has slope functionality that can turn on and off, making this a perfect option for those who play in golf tournaments. In addition, there is a one-year warranty that comes with GoGoGo to help ensure you are satisfied with the product. 

Our favorite feature here is the flagpole locking technology. From less than 150 yards in, your rangefinder will lock in on the flag and ensure that you get the exact yardage you need. The adjustable diopter also helps to ensure that you can clearly see your target. With a range of up to 650 yards, this is the best rangefinder for the money. 

The Profey Golf Vpro X5 Rangefinder is the best runner-up in the cheap golf rangefinders category. One of the things that helps the Profey rangefinder stand out immediately is the speed at which you can get yardage. If you are still pacing off your yardages, you are costing yourself time, and the Profey rangefinder can help fix that. 

With the Profey Golf Vpro X5, you will have slope technology that helps you adjust for slope and change in elevation on the golf course. This small unit easily fits in your hand and allows you to get a quick and accurate measurement with just one hand. 

The accuracy on the Profey Golf Vpro X5 is plus or minus half a yard, and the total range on the unit is 800 yards. One of the things you often see with lower-priced rangefinders is a shorter range, but this is not something that typically impacts usability all that much. 

The Golf Buddy Laser Lite offers the best technology among the cheap golf rangefinders that we tried. Although this is not the cheapest on the list, it is undoubtedly priced better than something like a Bushnell and still falls in the budget rangefinder category. 

With the Golf Buddy Laser Lite, you will get a measurement within half a second, and there is jolt technology that vibrates the unit to let you know you have found your target. The Golf Buddy Laser Lite comes with three modes: standard, scan, and pin modes. Playing around with these modes and finding the best for your needs will certainly help when it comes to overall ease of use. 

The Golf Buddy Laser Lite is an excellent option for tournaments as the slope functionality can be turned on and off. Although we don’t recommend dropping your rangefinder, if you happen to, the Golf Buddy Laser Lite holds up quite well. 

Not all rangefinders are acceptable for tournament play. The PeakPulse does a great job of keeping the price down while still providing great technology for your next golf tournament. The slope functionality can turn on and off very quickly, and you will be ready to compete in an event or tournament. 

The PeakPulse has excellent technology for those with a hard time narrowing in on a target with a laser rangefinder. The vibration technology will cause the rangefinder to vibrate, letting you know that you have locked into your flag. 

The overall range on the PeakPulse is considerably shorter than other models, with just 500 yards. However, we found this to be one of the more accurate rangefinders in the shorter ranges. If you want to use your PeakPulse for hunting and other outdoor applications, it holds up quite well. 

Although all of the rangefinders on our list are in the budget category, the Bozily is the cheapest. One of the great things about this model is that with the rechargeable battery, you will never have to spend additional money on battery replacements. Overall the Bozily rechargeable has a clear display, good customer support, and a strong warranty. 

Many other rangefinders on our list will have maximum yardage reading in the 500-800 yards range. The Bozily goes out to 1200 yards. Some golfers will find this to be unnecessary, but others like to get a scan of the hole and use their rangefinder for things off the golf course. 

As great as the 1200-yard range can be, only expect to get an actual distance to the flag from 250 yards and in. The slope mode on the Bozily rechargeable will be easy to turn on and off and will allow this model to be used in a tournament. 

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Features to Consider When Choosing a Cheap Golf Rangefinder?

Now that you have a list of some of the best golf rangefinders on the market, it’s time to break down which one would be best for your needs. There are quite a few things to consider when choosing a laser rangefinder and you should go into this decision prepared. A rangefinder can last a long time if you get the right one. 

Range

A budget golf rangefinder range will vary from around 500 yards to more than 1000 yards. When a rangefinder has a longer range, it is often easier to visualize the hole you are about to play. 

However, with most cheap golf rangefinders, the yardage can still only be detected from about 250 yards and in. Most average golfers won’t have the ability to hit the ball much further than this and keep it accurate, so the range of the budget golf rangefinders is not the most critical feature to worry about. 

Pin Lock Features

If you are switching from a GPS unit that gives you measurements for the front, middle, and back of a green, you may worry about your ability to lock your rangefinder in on your target. However, pin lock features can make a big difference. 

With pin lock, you will find the flag easier and know that you are locked in on the right target. Sometimes if a tree branch or flagpole is near the golf hole, you can struggle with narrowing in on the proper target. Pin lock features, with added vibration, make this considerably easier. 

Case

All budget golf rangefinders typically come with a case. The case is used to protect the rangefinder when you are not using it and to help you store it in your golf bag. Some budget golf rangefinders come with a magnetic case that can be attached to the side of the golf cart. This helps ensure that you have your rangefinder within arm’s reach at all times. 

Taking care of the rangefinder does not have to be difficult, but you must do it to ensure that you will keep this model for years to come. 

Slope 

Slope functionality on a golf rangefinder is a crucial feature. Years ago, you would not be able to have a slope on your rangefinder for less than $300. Today, slope technology has evolved, and now golfers can get this technology in the budget category. 

The slope helps you predict proper yardages when there is an elevation change. This can be very helpful for golfers, but it is illegal to use in a golf tournament. Some budget rangefinders will have slope, but they will not allow you to turn slope off. 

If you choose a budget rangefinder with slope, always ensure that you can turn it on and off easily. 

Warranty

Most golf rangefinders come with a warranty. The warranty is helpful should you experience any issues in your first year or two of ownership. Most of the time, if you take care of your rangefinder and you don’t drop it, you should be able to get 5-10 years out of a rangefinder without having to replace it. 

Look for a one to two-year warranty; the more extended warranties are typically reserved for the most expensive rangefinders.  

Battery 

A budget golf rangefinder can have replaceable batteries or rechargeable batteries. The good news is that most of the time, a charge on a rangefinder will last a long time. So you can play dozens of rounds of golf before needing to find a replacement for your batteries. 

The rechargeable battery is a nice feature, but you must remember to charge it from time to time if you expect to use it on the golf course. 

Accuracy 

The accuracy of the budget golf rangefinders is typically not quite as good as the premium golf rangefinders. However, if a budget golf rangefinder is accurate to within a half a yard or even one yard, it is typically accurate enough for an average golfer. 

Accuracy is essential, but it is also only as good as your golf game is. If you can’t hit the ball to within a half a yard, does it really matter if the accuracy is off by a few feet? The best players in the world need a premium golf rangefinder that will give them incredibly accurate yardages and allow for more precision. 

Related: The 9 Best Golf Rangefinders in 2022

FAQs about Budget Golf Rangefinders

Some laser rangefinders will last for five to ten years. Ask the questions before you purchase so that you end up with a solution for your game. Here are a few of the questions that we are most commonly asked about the best budget golf rangefinders. Most golfers are concerned about sacrificing accuracy in a cheap rangefinder, but that doesn’t have to be an issue.

What is a good cheap golf rangefinder?

A good cheap rangefinder is the GoGoGo Sport Vpro GS24. This rangefinder does a tremendous job of giving golfers accurate measurements, slope functionality, excellent durability, and quick readings. For the GoGoGo Sport Vpro GS24’s price, you will have a hard time finding comparable technology for less. 

Does a beginner golfer need a rangefinder?

Beginner golfers need a rangefinder, perhaps more than the accomplished golfer. For beginners, it is tough to know how far you hit the golf ball. With a rangefinder, golfers can learn exactly how far they hit the ball and then can use those measurements to start to develop their game. Knowing how far you hit the ball is incredibly important, and golfers need to learn this as soon as possible; a laser rangefinder is a great tool to use. 

Is a rangefinder worth it for golf?

A rangefinder is worth it for golf because it will help to speed up play and make you a more accurate golfer. Without a rangefinder, you can expect to get yardages to a pin that could be off by 5 to 8 yards. Rangefinders help you see how far you are really hitting the ball. They also make it easier to know what to work on. Some golfers should work on accuracy, and others need to consider distance control. However, having an exact number to the flag is extremely helpful.

How much do rangefinders cost?

A golf rangefinder can cost anywhere from $60 to $500. The higher-end rangefinders have advanced technology that makes it easier to get accurate distances from very far away. Rangefinders that are cheaper tend to have reduced ranges and will sometimes not have slope mode. One of the most important features to look for in a rangefinder is the ability to turn slope mode off. Not being able to turn slope mode off will impact the ability to use the rangefinder in a tournament situation. 

Conclusion

A golf rangefinder can help you get accurate measurements and make your round of golf a much better one. The best budget golf rangefinder on the market is the GoGoGo Vpro GS24. Although this rangefinder falls in the budget category, it is very similar to something you would find in the more premium category of rangefinders.

Whether you are a high or low handicap player, the functionality of this rangefinder will help you become a better player with more awareness of the golf course.