Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Matt
*Read our review guidelines.
Written by Matt
Let's be honest - not all of us can drop $500 on a rangefinder.
So I spent weeks testing 53 cheaper options that I bought online to find the best budget golf rangefinders.
I've narrowed it down to rangefinders that won't make your wallet cry but still give you accurate yardages. If you're like me and just want to know if you should hit a 7 or 8 iron without remortgaging your house, this guide is for you.
The best cheap golf rangefinders are the RedTiger C001 and the RedTiger Golfvue Series 2 rangefinders because they are accurate and fast while being cheap.
Best Budget Golf Rangefinder in 2025
- RedTiger C001 (Editor's choice - Best rangefinder for the money)
- RedTiger GolfVue Series 2 (Best premium option at budget price)
- Voicecaddie L6 (Best budget option of all time)
- Nikon Coolshot 20 GIII (Best optics for the money)
- Shotscope PRO L2 (Best rangefinder for shaky hands)
- Izzo Swami LZ-i (Best value budget rangefinder)
- VoiceCaddie Laser Fit (Most compact budget rangefinder)
- PIIDOT wit (Best rangefinder you've never heard of)
- Voicecaddie TL1 (Best rangefinder for big hands)
- HOTO (Sleekest design budget rangefinder)
RedTiger C001 rangefinder
The best rangefinder overall
Pros
Cons
The RedTiger C001 will suit everyone because of the solid construction and simple to use functions.
I like rangefinders to do only one thing but the RedTiger also features a speed measurement option which I will never use. Besides that, the construction feels solid and the readings of the RedTiger proved reliably accurate.
What I like about the RedTiger rangefinder:
- Very sturdy construction and ergonomically designed for your hands
- Rubberized parts placed in the correct positions and this rangefinder works for even large hands
- The bullseye works fine but it took us a couple shoots to lock onto the flag from over 160 yards
- External slope switches definitely win and the RedTiger's slope switch is on the left side of the unit
- The RedTiger is a USB charged rangefinder and they include a cable in the box
- You receive a magnetic belt clip so you can stick the RedTiger to you in between shots
- The protective case actually protects the rangefinder and feels very strong
The RedTiger provides accurate distances when compared to every rangefinder in the guide. It sets itself apart from the other rangefinders with the quality construction. The rangefinder just feels solid, like if you drop it, it's not going to break. The buttons and the magnifying twist-adjustor feel high quality. Rubberized parts on the rangefinder are placed in the perfect position.
The RedTiger is the best budget rangefinder for beginners because it's strong, simple and easy to use with no need to carry spare batteries because it's charge with a USB C cable.
RedTiger GolfVue Series 2
Best premium option at budget price
Pros
Cons
The RedTiger GolfVue Series 2 is a solid budget-friendly rangefinder that delivers quick and accurate readings without any unnecessary frills. I took it out for a few rounds, and honestly, I was impressed with how well it performed for the price. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has all the key features you’d want in a modern golf rangefinder.
My experience with the RedTiger GolfVue Series 2:
- Pin Seeker works well – The rangefinder locks onto flags quickly, and the vibration feedback lets you know when it’s found the target. Even from 250+ yards, it had no trouble picking up the pin.
- Slope function is a plus – It adjusts for elevation changes, which is helpful on hilly courses. You can turn it off for tournament play, which is a must.
- Rechargeable battery = no more CR2s – One charge lasted me multiple rounds, and I didn’t have to worry about replacing expensive batteries. Just plug it in when needed.
- Magnet and belt clip are handy – The built-in magnet stuck firmly to my golf cart, and the belt clip was a nice touch for quick access when walking.
- Compact and lightweight – It fits in my pocket comfortably, and I barely noticed the weight while carrying it around.
- Fast and consistent readings – No lag, no second-guessing. I compared it to a Bushnell, and it was always within a yard or two, which is more than good enough for me.
Final thoughts:
For the price, the GolfVue Series 2 punches above its weight. It’s accurate, quick, and easy to use—exactly what you need in a rangefinder. If you want premium performance without dropping a fortune, this is a great pick.
Voicecaddie L6 rangefinder
Best golf rangefinder for the money
Pros
Cons
The Voice Caddie L6 rangefinder is my rangefinder of choice and it is the best golf rangefinder for the money hands down.
There are many reasons I like this rangefinder but the number one reason is it reads distances faster than most rangefinders and from further away than any rangefinder on earth.
Voice Caddie have gone through iteration after iteration and the L6 improves on the prior L5 model in speed and optics. This is their most precise model so far. I have never been able to shoot distances from over 250 yards with Bushnells. The Voice Caddie is one of only two models I am able to get a flag from 300 yards away.
The new red display is different from the L5 and it is my favorite part of the rangefinder. It's so easy to see the numbers even in the bright of day or the early mornings with low light.
I prefer the way you can switch slope feature on and off with the L6. I just press the M button and it toggles on and off. I don't like decimal points when a rangefinder displays the number, and the L6 has decimal points only on slope mode. The decimal disappears on normal mode.
My experience with the Voice Caddy L6
I have tested the L6 against every rangefinder I use regularly including Bushnell, the industry standards.
- Every distance I measure with the Voice Caddie L6 is identical to the Bushnell.
- The Bushnells cannot pick up distances to pins from over 240 yards but the L6 can, and it does it within 1 or 2 attempts.
- The bullseye and crosshairs of the L6 are among the best I've seen in any rangefinder to pick up small targets.
- I picked up the distances extremely quickly - as quick as a Bushnell without a doubt.
- It's easy to carry the rangefinder in your pocket because it's compact enough.
Because I have used so many rangefinders, accurate numbers didn't surprise me but I was surprised how accurate AND FAST the rangefinder is. I didn't struggle to hit the target and rarely had to shoot a distance more than once. The vibration when you hit the target is pleasant without feeling like an earthquake is hitting you either. I like this model and it is my gamer.
The Voice Caddie L6 is compact and the build quality is top notch. There's a 30 day full refund guarantee if you don't like it. That's a winner. For $200, you will not find a better rangefinder in the world.
Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII
The best possible optics
Pros
Cons
I recently tried out the Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII rangefinder, and I have to say, I’m impressed with its performance, especially considering its size and price.
The rangefinder is super compact, which I really appreciate. It fits comfortably in my hand, and it’s light enough that I don’t even notice it in my pocket when I’m walking the course. On the range, it’s very easy to use. It gives me a reading quickly, and the 6x magnification ensures the target is clear. I tested it on a 200-yard shot to a flagstick, and it gave me an accurate reading within seconds.
One feature I really like is the ID (Incline/Decline) Technology. For example, when I was on a hole with a slight downhill slope, the rangefinder adjusted the distance for me. Instead of a 150-yard shot, it showed me a more accurate, adjusted distance that helped me choose the right club. This made a big difference on those uphill and downhill shots, where distance is harder to judge.
Another handy feature is the First Target Priority mode. I used it when trying to measure the distance to a flagstick surrounded by trees. The rangefinder locked onto the flag, not the trees behind it, which was a relief because I didn’t want any confusion with background objects.
It's also nice that the Coolshot 20i GIII is rainproof. I got caught in a light drizzle during a round, and I didn’t have to worry about the device getting damaged.
Overall, this rangefinder offers great value for golfers looking for accuracy and simplicity without breaking the bank
Shotscope PRO L2
Best rangefinder for shaky hands
Use code 'golfsidekick'
Pros
Cons
The Shot Scope PRO L2 Golf range finder is a medium-sized rangefinder with the external feeling of a very high-end model.
I used the Shotscope L2 Pro on a month-long trip to Scotland. My experience with it over 25 rounds of golf:
- Scanning mode where I held down the button was incredibly valuable to find distances as you move the view around the course
- The vibration when the rangefinder locks onto your target was one of the most reliable of the category
- In the windy conditions and with a lot of movement, the Pro L2 was able to pick up flags from inside 220 yards away.
- Slope function is reliable and gives consistent and accurate readings
- The case that you get with a Shotscope is excellent for travelling across the globe and my Pro L2 survived many flights
- Shotscopes styling is much better than the majority of budget rangefinder models
I got myself the grey model but there are more color options. i really like the blue trim. The fact that this rangefinder is so well made, and has slope functions, I cannot believe how low the price is.
The magnet on the side of the rangefinder is exceptionally strong. You could adhere the rangefinder to your wedges or the golf cart with no issue.
Overall, I would recommend the Shotscope L2 Pro to anyone upgrading from an off-brand rangefinder or anyone buying their first rangefinder. You will not go wrong.
IZZO Swami LZ-i
Best value golf rangefinder
Pros
Cons
I always liked the look of the IZZO Swami LZ-i and for the price, I had to buy one. This is hands-down the best value golf rangefinder on the market because I paid less than $100 for it but it feels like a $250 unit.
The feature that sets it apart from other rangefinders lies in the ability to suggest a club to you for the distance on screen. IZZO included the i-Caddie technology based on the 7 iron distance you select when you setup the rangefinder.
Other things I liked about the Swami LZ-i:
- A medium-small sized bullseye which means you can find targets from a longer distance
- Despite the low price, there is pin-lock technology to let you know that it found the pin
- The LCD light on the exterior makes it easy for your partners to see you're not using slope
- One of the best carry cases in the budget rangefinder category
- Bright colors so you will not forget it on the golf cart at the end of the round
The IZZO Swami LZ-i surprised us the most on the list. I were not expecting much but upon opening the box, I found the packaging and storage pouch different and classy. I liked that the Swami LZ-i can stand proudly on its own without trying to duplicate or replicate Bushnell in design.
The IZZO Swami LZ-i is the vest value yard per dollar golf rangefinder you can find currently.
Voice Caddie Laserfit
Most compact rangefinder
Pros
Cons
The Voice Caddie LaserFIT is the best compact budget golf rangefinder because it fits easily into the smallest hands, and it’s so small you could place it in your pocket and not even notice the weight. Weighing just 4 oz, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable, which is perfect for those who want to travel light without sacrificing functionality.
My experience with the Voice Caddie LaserFIT:
- The LaserFIT is the smallest rangefinder I've ever used, and its design makes it easy to carry around all day without feeling bulky. It’s the perfect size for slipping right into your pocket.
- The readings are accurate and, more importantly, consistent. Whether you're using it in Ball to Pin mode or Spot Measure mode, it provides reliable results. It also comes with Pin Tracer™, which ensures quick and precise pin measurements.
- The rangefinder is small, so you might experience a little shakiness from long distances, but it still locks onto targets with impressive precision, thanks to the 6x magnification and dual display for easy viewing in all lighting conditions.
- There’s a Slope Integration mode for adjusting distances based on elevation, plus a Tournament Mode that allows you to disable slope readings when needed. The accuracy and ease of switching between modes are fantastic.
- This little model fits in my pocket easily and comfortably, which is by far my favorite part. Its portability is unmatched, and it doesn't get in the way during play, making it one of the most convenient rangefinders I’ve ever used.
In short, the Voice Caddie LaserFIT is a high-quality, budget-friendly rangefinder that offers incredible value in a small, easy-to-carry design.
PIIDOTwit
Best cheap accurate rangefinder
Pros
Cons
The PIIDOTwit wins as the most accurate and quick rangefinder at the price point with one of the nicest exterior constructions in the category. Please note that you must use the cable PIIDOTwit provide you to charge the rangefinder on the first charge. I tried another USB C first but it did not charge, until I changed to the cable that was in the PIIDOT box.
What I like about the PIIDOTwit rangefinder:
- The bullseye makes it easy to find targets up to 200 yards.
- You change the slope function next to the viewfinder instead of holding down buttons which makes life easy.
- The Mode button on the top is exclusively to change between meters and yards and only with a click - no need to hold it down.
- You charge the rangefinder with USB so you don't need to replace CR2 batteries and the charge holds for a very long time.
- I like the sleek design with clean lines and smooth edges so dirt does not get trapped in the corners,
- The eye piece adjusts easily and feels like a high-end monocle.
- It is water and fog proof.
The PIIDOT remains one of the big surprises in the list. You immediately notice the attention to detail on the packaging and when you use the rangefinder, you notice how intuitive it is. A lot of budget rangefinders try add too many features but the PIIDOTwit is easy to change bwteen yards and meters, easy to switch slope on and off, and it tells you a distance.
I like products that perform a single function and this is one of the best for budget golfers. I would recommend a new case, because the case included is not very protective.
Voicecaddie TL1
Best budget rangefinder for big hands
Pros
Cons
The Voice Caddie TL1 is one of the fastest and most reliable rangefinders I’ve ever used. Right out of the box, it feels premium, with a matte finish that gives it a sleek, high-end look. The first thing I noticed was how quickly it locks onto targets—within a fraction of a second, I had my distance readings, making it one of the quickest rangefinders I’ve tested.
My experience with the Voice Caddie TL1:
- The dual-color OLED display is a game-changer. Playing an early morning round with low light, I could still see the numbers clearly because the display automatically adjusted brightness based on my surroundings.
- The built-in magnet is super convenient. I stuck it onto the golf cart, and it stayed secure the entire round. No fumbling around in my bag for it between shots.
- Holding the TL1 feels comfortable, even during longer rounds. It’s not too big, not too small—just the right size for a solid grip. The silicone cover adds extra grip, which came in handy when my hands got a little sweaty in the afternoon heat.
- Accuracy is spot on. I compared readings with a Bushnell model, and the TL1 was consistently within a yard of it. When I played a hilly course, the slope function adjusted distances perfectly, helping me pick the right club without second-guessing.
- The speed of measurement is impressive. I’d barely pressed the button before I had a reading. No lag, no hesitation—just instant feedback.
- Tournament mode is easy to toggle, so I didn’t have to worry about slope readings when playing in competition settings.
The TL1 is an all-around fantastic rangefinder, especially if you value speed, clarity, and convenience. It’s a solid investment for golfers who want a tour-level device without unnecessary complications.
HOTO rangefinder
Sleekest design budget rangefinder
Pros
Cons
HOTO is a precision tool company that specializes in Xiaomi style, minimalist-design products. The HOTO rangefinder is a no frills, well constructed rangefinder that I would recommend to anyone who doesn't want to change batteries because you charge it with USB cables.
I own a HOTO and used it in this video for 9 holes:
My experience with the HOTO:
- Construction and materials are very solid with no rattling or loose pieces inside
- The eye relief is excellent even for myself who wears sunglasses to play
- There is a slider on top of the eyepiece which you can adjust the focus with and that is something I've not seen before
- There's a magnet on the side to stick it to the cart or to your wedge as you play for easy access
- Compact design means I can put the rangefinder in my pocket
- Where this rangefinder shines is that it can pick up small targets from over 200 yards away
Conclusion
Happy golfing and remember, a rangefinder is definitely worth the investment.
There's no need to go for the very expensive rangefinders when any of the above best budget golf rangefinders will do.
Avoid getting caught up in the Fear Of Missing Out wondering if you should get the fancy or the budget models.
At the end of the day, you need a rangefinder for one simple purpose and that is to provide a distance from where you stand, the the flag.
I own and have used every single rangefinder in this review and I excluded 30 unacceptable rangefinders as part of our quality control.
Which budget golf rangefinders you should avoid
DO NOT purchase Milessey or TecTecTec products because I have used 3 models of each and every model has had one of the following problems:
- Low visibility in the viewfinder with poor lighting in the optics.
- Bullseye is too feint to see on the screen.
- Inaccurate readings compared to reliable rangefinders, often 10 yards incorrect.
- Switching off and not switching on erratically.
Understanding Budget Golf Rangefinders
When I first started looking into rangefinders, I was shocked at how expensive some models were. After months of research and testing different budget options, I've learned quite a bit about what matters and what doesn't when you're not willing to spend premium prices.
What Makes a Rangefinder "Budget"?
Generally, budget rangefinders fall in the $80-200 range, compared to premium models that can cost $300-500+. The price difference comes down to several factors:
Most budget rangefinders offer core distance measurement with accuracy within 1-2 yards. What you're typically sacrificing at lower price points are advanced features like slope compensation, magnetic cart attachment, and premium build materials.
Key Technologies in Affordable Rangefinders
The technology in budget rangefinders has improved dramatically in recent years. Many now use the same basic laser technology as premium models but make strategic compromises:
- First Target Priority - Most affordable rangefinders can distinguish between foreground targets (like flagsticks) and background objects (like trees)
- Maximum Range - Budget models typically offer 600-800 yard range versus 1000+ yards in premium devices
- Magnification - Most offer 6x magnification, which is perfectly adequate for most golfers
- Water Resistance - Many budget options are water-resistant, though full waterproofing is less common
What to Look For in a Budget Rangefinder
- Accuracy - Even budget rangefinders should be accurate within 1-2 yards
- Battery Life - Look for devices that can last at least 15-20 rounds on a single battery
- Display Quality - LCD displays should be clear in various lighting conditions
- Build Quality - Even at lower price points, the unit should feel solid in your hand
- Warranty - A 1-2 year warranty offers important protection for your investment
Slope vs. Non-Slope Models
One significant feature dividing rangefinders is slope compensation technology, which accounts for elevation changes when calculating distances. Here's what you should know:
Budget slope-enabled rangefinders usually start around $130-150, while non-slope models can be found for under $100. If you're playing casual rounds, non-slope might be perfectly adequate. For more competitive players, the slope function provides valuable information about how elevation affects your shot selection.
Remember that slope functionality must be disabled for tournament play under USGA rules. Most modern budget slope rangefinders now include a tournament legal mode that can be easily switched on and off.
Common Limitations of Budget Models
Being realistic about limitations helps set proper expectations:
- Slower Target Acquisition - Budget units might take an extra second to lock onto targets
- Less Stable Images - Without premium stabilization technology, you'll need a steadier hand
- Limited Low-Light Performance - Budget optics typically struggle more in dim conditions
- Shorter Lifespan - Expect 2-3 years of regular use versus 5+ years for premium models
Are Budget Rangefinders Worth It?
For most recreational golfers, the answer is absolutely yes. The core function—accurate distance measurement—is handled well by most budget options. The difference between getting a measurement in 1 second versus 0.5 seconds, or having a slightly dimmer display, simply doesn't affect most players' games enough to justify spending hundreds more.
The technology has advanced to the point where budget rangefinders can deliver 90% of the performance of premium models at 40-50% of the cost. For weekend golfers or those new to the game, starting with a budget model makes perfect sense. You can always upgrade later if you find yourself needing more advanced features.
