What is the difference between radar and camera launch monitors?

Radar units usually sit behind the ball and need enough tracked flight. Camera systems sit beside the hitting area and use a smaller depth footprint. Some current models combine radar and cameras, so use the exact setup instructions for the model rather than the category alone.

Can I use a launch monitor indoors?

Yes, if the room meets the model's placement, ball-flight, lighting, device, and safety requirements. Measure the full hitting area before buying.

Do I need a subscription for launch monitor software?

It depends on the model and feature. Garmin charges for Home Tee Hero, Rapsodo gates several advanced metrics and courses behind Premium, and SKYTRAK charges for advanced practice and course packages. FlightScope includes its core data and firmware without a subscription, while third-party simulation can cost extra.

Best Launch Monitors for Home Golf Practice Setups

Product	Best for	Action
Garmin Approach R10Lower-cost radar setup	Lower-cost radar setup	Check listing
Rapsodo MLM2PRORadar, video, and impact view	Radar, video, and impact view	Check listing
FlightScope Mevo Gen2Portable indoor and outdoor use	Portable indoor and outdoor use	N/A
SKYTRAK ST MAXDedicated indoor setup	Dedicated indoor setup	N/A

A launch monitor comes after the room, net, and mat. If the hitting area is unsafe or too short, better data will not fix it.

Fit the room first

Garmin calls for 6 to 8 feet from the R10 to the ball and at least 8 feet from the ball to the net. FlightScope gives similar guidance for Mevo Gen2. The side-mounted SKYTRAK ST MAX needs less depth, but SKYTRAK still specifies a clear 10-by-10-foot floor area.

Measure every likely miss, including shots that do not go straight. Then check lighting, power, and device compatibility.

Why these four

Garmin Approach R10 is the lower-cost radar choice. Some displayed values are calculated, and simulator features can add subscription costs.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO adds swing video and impact views. Several metrics and courses require Premium, and indoor use still needs substantial depth.
FlightScope Mevo Gen2 works at the range and indoors. Advanced club data costs extra, and limited-flight spin needs metallic stickers or Titleist RCT balls.
SKYTRAK ST MAX sits beside the ball, which helps in a shorter room. Its higher cost and six-month or 25,000-shot warranty deserve a careful look.

Before you buy

Follow the exact placement diagram for the model.
Check which values are measured and which are calculated indoors.
Add software, courses, special balls, and data packages to the hardware price.

Where to start

Start with the Garmin R10 if the room is deep enough and cost matters. Choose MLM2PRO for video, Mevo Gen2 for range and home use, or ST MAX for a tighter permanent bay.

Sources

We used current documentation from Garmin, Rapsodo, FlightScope, and SKYTRAK, plus MyGolfSpy's 2025 comparison. We did not test these launch monitors ourselves.