Best launch monitor under $1,000 for simulator golf

Under $1,000 you have two credible options for a home simulator: the Garmin Approach R10 and the Rapsodo MLM2PRO. Both connect to the major sim platforms. The decision comes down to room depth and how you feel about subscriptions.

Room depth decides it

Radar units like the R10 need to watch the ball fly. Indoors that means roughly 15 ft from the unit to the screen plus space behind the ball. The MLM2PRO uses cameras to measure launch and can cope with about 13 ft.

Spin: estimated vs. measured

The R10 estimates spin from other values. The MLM2PRO measures it — but only with its marked Pro Ball. If you play mostly irons and wedges, measured spin matters.

Our pick

• Deep garage, no subscriptions: Garmin R10.
• Shorter room, want real spin: Rapsodo MLM2PRO.