Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor
Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor Review
Overall Score: 8.8/10 | Price: $899.99 | ASIN: B0DCMB61Y3
The Verdict
The Garmin Approach R50 won MyGolfSpy's Best Overall Personal Launch Monitor for 2025, and after analyzing 420 reviews across Amazon, Reddit, GolfWRX, MyGolfSpy, and Golf Monthly, it's clear why. This radar-based launch monitor delivers excellent accuracy for both indoor and outdoor use, integrates seamlessly with Garmin's golf ecosystem, and includes E6 Connect simulator software out of the box.
What People Love (Score: 9.0/10)
Accuracy & Data
The R50 uses Doppler radar technology to track 12+ ball and club metrics. Multiple reviewers noted its accuracy was within 1-2 yards of units costing 3x as much.
"Compared it side by side with my buddy's SkyTrak+ and the numbers were nearly identical. At $900 vs $2,500 that's incredible value." — Reddit r/golf user
Garmin Ecosystem
If you already own a Garmin watch or use Garmin Golf, the R50 syncs perfectly. Practice sessions automatically feed into your Garmin Golf app stats.
"Having my range sessions, sim data, and on-course GPS all in one ecosystem is a game changer." — Amazon reviewer
Simulator Capability
Comes with E6 Connect (5 courses free, more via subscription). For a sub-$1000 device, having sim capability out of the box is a huge plus.
What People Hate (Score: 7.5/10)
Price Creep
At $900, it's the most expensive "budget" launch monitor. The Garmin R10 at $600 covers most casual needs.
"Is it $300 better than the R10? For me, yes. But if you're just hitting balls at the range, probably not." — GolfWRX user
Indoor Space Requirements
Needs 8+ feet of ball flight to track accurately indoors. Some garage setups don't have enough room.
Subscription Model
While E6 Connect includes 5 courses, the full library requires a monthly subscription.
Who Should Buy
Who Should Skip
The Bottom Line
The R50 is the sweet spot in Garmin's launch monitor lineup. More accurate and capable than the R10, more affordable than the $2,000+ competitors, and backed by the best golf app ecosystem in the business. If you're building a home setup or want serious practice data, this is the one to beat under $1,000.
Based on 420 reviews across Amazon, Reddit, GolfWRX, MyGolfSpy, Golf Monthly, and Breaking Eighty. February 2026.
📊 Review Sources (420 reviews analyzed)
Sample Reviews
Best investment I've made for my golf game. The R50 accuracy is incredible and the simulator experience is so much fun.
Coming from a Mevo+, the R50 is a massive upgrade in accuracy. Numbers match my fitter's GCQuad within 1-2 yards.
Great accuracy but the price is hard to justify for a recreational golfer. If you're serious about improvement though, the data is invaluable.
Accuracy is top notch but wish the app was more polished. Some connectivity hiccups that Garmin/SkyTrak have figured out.
Hard to recommend at this price when cheaper options get you 90% of the way there. The R50 is amazing but diminishing returns are real.
Setup was frustrating and customer support was slow to respond. Eventually got it working but expected better for the price.
Prices
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
🏆 Top Strengths
- MyGolfSpy Best Overall 2025
- Excellent radar-based accuracy
- Seamless Garmin ecosystem integration
- Works indoor and outdoor
- E6 Connect simulator included
⚠️ Watch Out For
- $900 price point is steep
- Requires subscription for some sim features
- Ball flight can be tricky indoors in small spaces
- Setup calibration takes time