Square Golf Launch Monitor Review - is it the best cheap golf simulator?
Square Golf Launch Monitor Review - is it the best budget golf simulator?
The Square launch monitor is one of the most anticipated releases in the sub $1000 personal launch monitor category. Our staff was eager to try it out because it is the only launch monitor with a camera-based sensor below a $2000+ price point.
This makes the Square an enticing option for indoor use. Its competitors in this price category all use radar sensors to estimate ball flight and club metrics, which has its limitations indoors. In this article, we’ll explore Square's pros and cons and, most importantly, whether it is accurate.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
The value proposition of any launch monitor begins with how accurate it is. If you can’t get reliable measurements like spin metrics, you can’t expect reliable carry distance numbers or an accurate representation of the curvature and trajectory of your simulated ball flight. Every other feature takes a back seat. So we tested the Square Launch Monitor against units from industry leaders like Trackman and Foresight Sports that were over 10-30x the cost.
Here are some of our findings:
• It’s fast! You get simulated ball flight and metrics almost immediately.
• When it works, it works REALLY well. We saw comparable numbers (within 1-2%) on carry distance, launch angle, spin rate, ball speed, simulated ball flight, etc.
• You will occasionally get misreads, and the differences between SQUARE and Trackman/Foresight will become more noticeable.
Overall, we were very impressed. For a golfer with limited space who wants to keep the cost of their launch monitor under $1000, we believe this is the best option for indoor use. However, you can’t expect it to perform as well as an enterprise-level product, which is reasonable to expect, considering the Square is a fraction of the cost.
Every other product in the sub $1000 category uses radar to measure. If you primarily want to use a launch monitor outdoors, this is the superior option because the sensor will have more room to pick up the initial ball flight. However, for indoor use, radar can struggle. If you are looking for an indoor-only simulation option, Square is currently the best choice in this category.
Square Pros
Accuracy: Surprisingly reliable for the price point.
Value: Photometric technology at a radar-based price point.
No traditional subscription fees: Pay-as-you-go model instead
Putting capability: Rare at this price point
Quick setup: Minimal space requirements compared to radar-based units
Instant feedback: There is almost no delay between the shot and data display
Club data included: No extra cost for club metrics (unlike some competitors)
Square Cons
Indoor only: Cannot be used outdoors due to camera sensitivity
Special balls recommended: Best results require Square Golf's marked balls
Limited hitting area: Requires precise ball placement
No shot history storage: Cannot save sessions or track progress over time
No dispersion charts: Limited data visualization options
Credit system: While not a traditional subscription, additional costs for continued simulator play
Missing metrics: No clubhead speed or smash factor data
Square Golf Launch Monitor Setup Review
The UK-based company behind Square made the setup process relatively easy. Depending on whether you are using a PC, iOS, or Android device, you can expect to get up and running within 5-15 minutes. The device connects seamlessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone, tablet, or PC, and its intuitive menus make navigation straightforward. It also has a rechargeable (and removable) battery lasting nearly eight hours.
Once you’re set-up, you’ll want to ensure the settings are correct. Our device came preset to meters, so you’ll want to change to yards if that is your preference. Registering shots is pretty straightforward. The ball must be placed about 5 inches from the launch monitor and 8 inches behind it. However, similar to a Foresight GCQuad, you’ll receive visual feedback (a small red light will appear) if the ball is outside the tracking zone.
You’ll want to use the marked balls with the Square for enhanced accuracy. They are also starting to integrate balls from other OEMs, like TaylorMade. Another nice feature is that you can use a provided alignment stick to ensure you are aimed correctly at your virtual target, another feature on par with more premium launch monitors.
Overall, Square has done a nice job guiding the user through the setup process.
Square Golf Launch Monitor Software Review
The included software package for Square Golf Launch Monitor provides a lot of value for the price point. You’ll get the following features in practice mode:
• Driving Range : Choose between two visual environments with options for shot tracers
• Data Mode : Detailed statistical breakdown of ball and club data
• Ball Data Tracked : ball speed, launch angle, launch direction back spin, side spin, apex, carry distance, total distance
• Club Data Tracked : you can attach a stick to the shaft of your clubs to track the following: club path, angle of attack, dynamic loft, face-to-target
• Closest to Pin : Target practice with adjustable distances
• Putting Practice : Adjustable distances and green speeds
The graphics are very good, but less sharp than the top-end options. Square also allows you to play simulated rounds on their 10 golf courses (not real courses). You can play with up to four players and select different tees and pin positions.
Additionally, they use a pay-as-you-go model instead of a monthly subscription. With your purchase, you’ll get 1,000 credits, which allows you to play about 55 rounds. And then, you have the option to purchase more rounds. Right now, you’ll pay about $25 for increments of 55 rounds. We liked this option for players who don’t want to commit to a monthly subscription.
Square Golf & 3rd Party Software
If you want the best experience, SQUARE integrates with GSPRO and E6 software. Not all products have this ability at launch, making it an even more enticing option for golfers who want to build their simulator on a budget.
So, if you want better graphics, practice environments, online tournaments, and way more courses, you’ll have that ability.
Square Golf Swing Stick - For on the Go Practice
The company behind Square also manufactures the ExPutt simulator. If you want to practice your putting indoors, we found it to perform really well and is another bonus that its competitors don’t have.
Additionally, the Square does come with a shorter swing stick. This allows users to simulate golf swings without hitting balls. To be honest, this isn’t an enticing option for more serious players. But if you wanted to get children and non-golfers involved it does have some merits.
Square Specifications & Included Items
Key Specifications
Price : $699.99
Technology : Photometric (camera-based) with infrared sensors
Usage : Indoor only
Dimensions : 7.5" × 2.75" × 2.75"
Weight : 1 pound
Battery Life : Up to 8 hours (removable battery)
Connectivity : iOS, Android, and PC compatible
Ball Data : Ball speed, launch direction, launch angle, backspin, sidespin, apex, carry distance, run out, total distance.
Club Data : Path, angle of attack, dynamic loft, face to target (requires reflective stickers on club shafts)
What's Included
Swing Stick
Charging cable
Remote control (with batteries)
Three marked golf balls
Club shaft reflective stickers
1,000-credit code for simulator golf
Instruction manual
Removable lithium-ion battery
Manuals & Guides
Square Golf Indoor Launch Monitor User Manual
Square Golf Launch Monitor GSPRO Integration
Square Golf Launch Monitor Unboxing and Usage
Comparing The Square Golf Launch Monitor and Foresight GC3
PC Requirements:
If you’re using a PC or laptop, you’ll need Windows 11 or Windows 10 (Version 2004, OS Build 19041 or later) to run the Square Golf software. For those using a mobile device or tablet, the requirements are Android 10 or later for Android users, and iOS 13 or later for iPads and iPhones users.
