Best Budget Launch Monitor 2025: Can the Square Under $1,000 Match High-End Models?
Square Golf Launch Monitor Review – Affordable golf tech is making a big splash in 2025. Many golfers want tools that are both cheap and accurate. Now, a new camera-based launch monitor from Square, costing less than $1,000, has caught attention. Can it really rival big-name units costing over ten times more? That’s what I set out to find.
For over a decade, I’ve tested launch monitors, from top brands like Foresight and Trackman, to budget options. The question is: Does the Square launch monitor deliver enough to make indoor golf more accessible? Let’s break down what it offers and if it’s worth your investment.
Understanding Launch Monitors: Radar vs. Camera-Based Technology
What Are Launch Monitors? An Overview
Launch monitors track your golf ball’s flight after hitting. They give data like speed, spin, launch angle, and total distance. This info helps players improve and even build indoor simulators. High-end models like Trackman or Foresight use advanced sensors and cost over $20,000. Personal or portable units are usually cheaper but often less precise.
Radar-Based Launch Monitors: Pros and Cons
Radar tech works by bouncing radio waves off the ball. It’s great outdoors, where there’s plenty of space for the ball to fly. But indoors, limits show up. Small rooms cause the radar to struggle with picking up spin, ball path, and distance. They can be inconsistent, especially with short shots or when the ball isn’t perfectly aligned.
Camera-Based Launch Monitors: Advantages for Indoor Use
Camera systems use video to track the ball and the club. They excel in confined spaces and can measure the spin and ball flight more precisely. Because they don’t rely on radar, they’re less affected by room size. That makes them ideal for indoor golf, practice setups, or even small garage bays.
The Rise of Budget-Friendly Launch Monitors
Market Trends and Consumer Demand
Golfers want tech that doesn’t break the bank. During the pandemic, indoor golf grew fast. People sought ways to practice at home without expensive equipment. Now, many are looking for affordable launch monitors that still deliver solid data.
Previous Options in the Under $1,000 Category
Before Square, brands like Foresight and Uneekor offered camera-based devices, but mostly at higher prices. Some options worked well but lacked full features, or they were hard to find in this price range. The space was missing a truly budget-friendly, accurate, camera-based launch monitor—until now.
Deep Dive: The Square Launch Monitor
Product Overview and Key Features
The Square launch monitor costs less than $700 and uses a camera to track your shots. It’s compatible with popular simulation software like GS Pro, making it perfect for indoor setups. The kit includes marked golf balls designed to give better spin data, which greatly improves accuracy. Setup takes minutes—just align the monitor, switch on, and start swinging.
Initial Impressions and Performance Testing
When I first tested the Square, I was surprised by how fast it processed data. Feedback was nearly instant, even faster than my high-end Foresight GC3. The ball flight shown on my phone closely matched my outdoor shots. For the first 20 shots, it was spot on, producing a tight draw that many budget units miss.
One thing to note—my initial distance readings were off by roughly six to eight yards. I realized I hadn’t changed the default setting from meters to yards. After switching it over, the distances lined up within just a few yards of my GC3. The spin measurements were also within a close range, especially for well-hit shots.
Strengths and Limitations
This device shines with quick results and reliable ball flight data for solid hits. It’s quite close to the more expensive units in terms of spin and distance measurement. However, it struggled more with weak or poorly struck shots, such as hooks or fades. The sensor relies on the quality of contact, so if your swing is inconsistent, expect some discrepancies.
Compared to models like Trackman, the Square isn’t as precise with every shot but offers excellent value for the price. It’s a smart choice for those focused on indoor practice, swing analysis, or just having fun hitting balls at home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accuracy: Surprisingly reliable for the price point. | Indoor only: Cannot be used outdoors due to camera sensitivity |
| Value: Photometric technology at a radar-based price point. | Special balls recommended: Best results require Square Golf’s marked balls |
| No traditional subscription fees:Â Pay-as-you-go model instead | Limited hitting area: Requires precise ball placement |
| Putting capability:Â Rare at this price point | No shot history storage: Cannot save sessions or track progress over time |
| Quick setup:Â Minimal space requirements compared to radar-based units | No dispersion charts: Limited data visualization options |
| Instant feedback:Â There is almost no delay between the shot and the data display | Credit system: While not a traditional subscription, additional costs for continued simulator play |
| E6 and GSPro integration: No additional fees for third-party connectivity | Missing metrics: No clubhead speed or smash factor data |
| Club data included:Â No extra cost for club metrics (unlike some competitors) |
Practical Insights and Tips for Using the Square Launch Monitor
Optimizing Setup for Best Results
- Always change units from meters to yards if you’re in the US.
- Use the provided marked golf balls because they help the monitor read spin better.
- Place the device at the right height and angle, following the setup instructions, for consistent results.
Best Use Cases
- Indoor golf simulations with compatible software.
- Practicing swings at home or in a club setting.
- Collecting data on your shots to spot areas for improvement.
Note: This isn’t the best option if you need perfect spin or high-level data. It’s aimed at recreational players and everyday practice.
Actionable Tips for Golfers
- Rotate your shots to see how the monitor reads different swings.
- Keep calibration up to date and update firmware regularly.
- Don’t expect perfection—use this as a guide, not the gospel.
Future Outlook and Final Thoughts
Potential for Growth in the Budget Launch Monitor Market
Square’s camera system sets a new standard in affordable golf tech. As a result, more brands may follow with better and cheaper options. Software updates will likely improve data accuracy and reliability over time.
Is the Square Launch Monitor Worth It?
At under $1,000, this device provides impressive speed and accuracy, especially for well-struck shots. If you’re into indoor golf, want quick feedback, or are building a home simulator, it’s a smart buy.
Final Verdict
Square Golf Launch Monitor Review – While it’s not fancy enough for pro-level analysis, the Square launch monitor offers great value for everyday golfers. It bridges the gap between cheap, unreliable units and expensive high-end systems. For most amateurs, this is a solid step into more serious indoor training.
Conclusion of Square Golf Launch Monitor Review
The Square launch monitor proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune for decent golf data. It’s fast, easy to use, and close in accuracy for typical shots. If you want to improve indoors without breaking the bank, give this a serious look. It might just be the best budget launch monitor you’ll find in 2025.
