For golfers looking to improve their accuracy and confidence on the course, a cheap golf rangefinder is one of best steal of the season. These devices measure precise distances to the flag, bunkers, or hazards, helping players choose the right club and plan smarter shots.
But not every golfer wants to spend £250 on a premium model. In fact, many golfers now ask the same question:
– Are cheap golf rangefinders actually good enough to get the job done?
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at three popular budget-friendly laser rangefinders — the Budget Golf Laser Rangefinder (£23.99), the REVASRI Golf Rangefinder (£43.99), and the Mileseey PF210 (£53.99) — to see what they offer, how they perform, and where they fall short compared to the more expensive options from brands like Bushnell and Garmin.
This ultra-affordable entry-level rangefinder is aimed squarely at beginners and casual golfers. It’s basic but functional — providing direct line-of-sight distance readings to visible targets like flagsticks or hazards.
It’s simple, lightweight, and does what it says on the tin — point, press, and measure. While it lacks the advanced optics or speed of a Bushnell, it gives new players a taste of what using a rangefinder feels like without breaking the bank.
A step up from the ultra-budget tier, the REVASRI rangefinder offers a slightly better build and includes optional slope functionality, something rarely seen at this price point.
This model performs well for casual and intermediate players who want a little more tech — such as flag-lock vibration and slope-adjusted distances.
The Mileseey PF210 sits at the upper end of the affordable range but offers near-premium performance for under £60.
This rangefinder feels more robust, provides faster readings, and delivers consistent accuracy even in light wind or mist. For golfers who want premium-level readings at a fraction of the price, this model is often considered one of the best value buys on the market.
In short: almost — but not quite.
Expensive rangefinders like the Bushnell Tour V6 or Garmin Approach Z82 deliver military-grade precision, vibration lock, and advanced optics that work instantly every time. Cheap rangefinders, by contrast, usually fall within ±1–3 yards accuracy.
For most amateur golfers, this difference is negligible — being two yards off rarely affects your club choice unless you’re playing competitively.
However, where expensive rangefinders shine is in:
So while cheap rangefinders deliver usable distances, they may occasionally “hunt” for the flag or take slightly longer to lock on.
Reviews across Amazon, Golf Monthly, and golf forums paint a consistent picture: cheap rangefinders perform surprisingly well for the money, but expectations need to be realistic.
Positive Feedback
Common Weaknesses
In summary, reviews show that cheap rangefinders do their job effectively, but they lack the refinement, precision speed, and durability that justify the higher price of premium devices.
While expensive rangefinders have their place, there are several valid reasons to choose a cheaper model — especially if you’re new to the game.
✅ 1. Perfect for Beginners
If you’re still learning your distances or playing casually, you don’t need to spend £300 on advanced features. A £40 rangefinder teaches you how to gauge yardages and build course awareness without over investment.
✅ 2. Great for Practice and Range Sessions
You can use a cheap rangefinder on the driving range to track carry distances and test new clubs — no need for pinpoint accuracy here.
✅ 3. Easy to Replace
If it breaks or gets lost, a £30 model hurts far less than a £300 one. Many golfers keep cheap rangefinders as backups even after upgrading.
✅ 4. Legal in Competitions (Non-Slope)
Most budget models don’t include slope calculations, which makes them legal for competition use under R&A and USGA rules.
✅ 5. Excellent Entry into Tech-Assisted Golf
For golfers unfamiliar with rangefinder use, starting cheap helps you understand what features you actually value before upgrading.
| Feature | Cheap Rangefinders (e.g., Mileseey, REVASRI) | Premium Rangefinders (e.g., Bushnell, Nikon, Garmin) |
| Accuracy | ±1–3 yards | ±0.5 yard |
| Speed | Slight lag | Instant |
| Optics | Basic lens | HD coated optics |
| Durability | Plastic housing | Waterproof & shockproof |
| Slope Toggle | Limited models | Standard feature |
| Price Range | £25–£60 | £250–£500 |
| Best For | Beginners, casual players | Competitive and serious golfers |
Cheap golf rangefinders have improved dramatically over the past few years. Models like the REVASRI and Mileseey PF210 offer accurate readings, slope modes, and flag-lock functions once reserved for £300 devices.
While they may not offer instant readings or premium build quality, they perform more than well enough for everyday golfers.
If you’re just starting out or want a backup device, a sub-£50 or sub-£100 rangefinder is one of the smartest, most cost-effective purchases you can make.
After all, when your shot goes astray, it’s usually not the rangefinder’s fault — it’s the swing!
Alex Smith is the Head PGA Pro at Online Golf Shop. With over 20 years of experience in the golf industry, Alex has a passion for helping golfers improve their game. He shares trusted and authentic advice through tips, tricks, and thorough product reviews—always based on his own experiences and insights. Alex also helps shape our product selection, making sure it’s tailored to every golfer’s needs, helping you find the right equipment and strategies to play your best golf!
Frequently Asked Questions?
Yes, most cheap rangefinders are accurate to within 1–3 yards — perfectly acceptable for casual and mid-level golfers.
Yes, as long as they do not use slope or wind calculation modes. Non-slope models are competition-legal under R&A and USGA rules.
For professionals or serious golfers, yes. They offer faster readings, sharper optics, and stronger durability. For casual players, cheaper models offer excellent value.
Some models, like the REVASRI or Mileseey PF210, include slope adjustment with on/off toggles — a feature once limited to high-end devices.
Most budget models last 2–4 years with proper care. Keeping them dry and storing them safely will extend lifespan.
The REVASRI Golf Rangefinder offers a great balance of accuracy, slope mode, and affordability, making it one of the best options under £50.
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