True Cost Calculator

Hardware is a one-time cost; subscriptions add up every year. Set how long you'll own your launch monitor and the table below re-ranks every unit by its true total cost of ownership: watch how the cheap-sticker units with required subscriptions climb the list.

Hardware from our current pricing; subscription figures from our subscription guide. Plans and prices change: check the linked guides for the latest, and pick the tier that matches how you'll use it.

Why "true cost" matters

Two launch monitors with the same sticker price can cost hundreds of dollars apart over a few years. The Rapsodo MLM2Pro looks cheap at $699, but its required $199/yr Premium plan pushes the 3-year cost near $1,300. Meanwhile the Square Golf Omni includes its simulator software with no fee. If you plan to keep your unit for years, the subscription math often matters more than the sticker, which is exactly what this calculator makes visible.

FAQ

Some do, some don't. Units like the Swing Caddie SC4 and Square Golf Omni have no subscription. Others require one for full features: the Rapsodo MLM2Pro needs Premium ($199/yr) for simulator play, and SkyTrak+ charges $99-199/yr. The Garmin R10 works on a free tier, with an optional $100/yr plan for more courses.
The Swing Caddie SC4 and Square Golf Omni include everything with no recurring fee. The Garmin R10 and FlightScope Mevo+ are usable on a free tier (subscriptions are optional). Bushnell Launch Pro uses a one-time software unlock rather than an annual fee.
Rapsodo Premium is about $199/year and is required to unlock simulator play and full shot data. That makes the MLM2Pro's true 3-year cost roughly $1,296: far above its $699 sticker.
No recurring fee: Bushnell uses a one-time FSX software unlock (about $1,000 for FSX Play). You pay once, not annually, so its cost is flat after the initial purchase.

Keep Reading

Launch Monitor Price GuideCurrent buying options for every model
Subscription Costs ExplainedEvery plan, what it unlocks
Best No-Subscription MonitorsZero recurring fees
Rapsodo MLM2Pro ReviewCheap unit, required subscription