Updated on November 8, 2026
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What is the best golf GPS watch in 2026? The Garmin Approach S70 has been voted the best golf watch by the three major publications that publish rankings (MyGolfSpy, Golf Monthly, and Today’s Golfer). The Garmin Approach S44 is the best cheaper alternative, and the Shot Scope G6 the best value. Here's our roundup of the 12 best golf GPS watches for 2026, which you can filter by type and price.
Top photo: a golf watch that displays distances to the green. Pebble Technology, CC BY-SA 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The 12 Best Golf GPS Watches of 2026
12 models shown.
| Rank | Model | Type | Course | Battery (golf mode) | Shot tracking | Price seen | Cited by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garmin Approach S70 | Golf watch | 43,000 | 15 to 20 hours | Yes (optional sensors) | 699,99 $ | 3 out of 3 Best Overall (3 sources) |
| 2 | Garmin Approach S44 | Golf watch | 43,000 | 15 hours | Yes | 299,99 $ | 3 out of 3 |
| 3 | Bushnell iON Elite | Golf watch | 38,000 | 12+ hours | Not verified | £139 | 2 out of 3 |
| 4 | Shot Scope G6 | Golf watch | 36,000 | 2+ rounds | No | 149,99 $ | 2 out of 3 Best Value (MyGolfSpy, Golf Monthly) |
| 5 | Garmin Approach S12 | Golf watch | 44,000 | 30 hours | No | £118 | 1 out of 3 Best Value (Today’s Golfer) |
| 6 | Shot Scope X5 | Golf watch | 36,000 | 2+ rounds | Yes | £279,99 | 1 out of 3 |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Smartwatch + app | Depends on the app | Up to 48 hours in GPS mode | Depends on the app | £329,88 | 1 out of 3 |
| 8 | Garmin fēnix 8 Solar | Multisport watch | 44,000 | Not stated | Not verified | £830 | 1 out of 3 |
| 9 | Garmin Approach S50 | Golf watch | 43,000 | 15 hours | Not verified | — | 1 out of 3 |
| 10 | SkyCaddie LX5 | Golf watch | 35,000 | Up to 2 rounds | Not verified | — | 1 out of 3 |
| 11 | Voice Caddie T11 Pro | Golf watch | 40,000 | 27 holes | Partly | — | 1 out of 3 |
| 12 | Apple Watch Series 10 + Golf App | Smartwatch + app | Depends on the app | Up to 18 hours | Depends on the app | — | 1 out of 3 |
Rank: our synthesis of three 2026 buying guides. Courses: number of preloaded courses claimed by the brand. Battery: in golf mode, according to the sources. Price: public price seen on November 8, 2026, in dollars or pounds depending on the source; the filter's price bands apply to the figure shown, with no currency conversion.
Our Method
We cross-checked the 2026 buying guides from MyGolfSpy, Golf Monthly and Today's Golfer. Each model receives one point for each guide that recommends it, plus one point if it is named the overall best; in the event of a tie, the less expensive model ranks higher. Golf Digest and GOLF did not publish a ranking of golf watches for 2025–2026. We never make up prices: “—” means that the source does not provide one. This ranking is reviewed annually.
A golf watch or a smartwatch?
A golf watch (Garmin Approach, Shot Scope, Bushnell) comes with preloaded course maps: it displays the distances to the front, middle, and back of the green without a subscription. A smartwatch (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch) requires a golf app—which often involves a subscription fee—but can also be used for everyday purposes. Multisport watches (Garmin fēnix) do both, though at a higher price.
Buying Guide
Consider the screen’s readability in direct sunlight, battery life on a round (at least 18 holes with some to spare), the number of preloaded courses, and shot tracking if you want your stats. In competition, a GPS watch functions as a distance-measuring device, just like a rangefinder: it is permitted by default, unless local rules specify otherwise, and it does not include slope functions or club recommendations. The details of the rules are in The Best Golf Rangefinders.
Fred’s Take
For most golfers, a simple golf watch is enough: a quick glance at your wrist shows you the center of the green, without having to pull out a device. The Garmin S44 is an excellent choice, or the S70 if you want the best screen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf GPS Watches
What is the best golf GPS watch in 2026?
The Garmin Approach S70, named the best golf watch by MyGolfSpy, Golf Monthly, and Today’s Golfer.
Which golf watch is best for a tight budget?
The Shot Scope G6, named Best Value by MyGolfSpy and Golf Monthly, the Garmin Approach S12, and the Bushnell iON Elite.
Do you need a subscription for a golf watch?
No, not for golf watches like the Garmin Approach or Shot Scope, which come with preloaded maps. An Apple Watch or a Samsung Galaxy Watch requires a golf app, which often requires a paid subscription.
Are GPS watches allowed in competitions?
Yes, as with any distance-measuring device, unless the committee prohibits it through a local rule; the slope and club advice functions must be turned off.