SkyTrak+ gives you choices. Three clear membership plans: Free Basic, Essential and Course Play. Each tier unlocks a different level of features on the launch monitor subscription.
Many golfers wonder, does SkyTrak require a subscription? You can use SkyTrak without subscription access, but the experience is bare-bones. Most players find value in at least the Essential plan once they realize how much data and practice variety it delivers.
So if you’ve asked yourself about skytrak subscription cost, how to upgrade to premium or even how much does a SkyTrak golf simulator cost when factoring in memberships, this guide lays it out plain and simple. Expect a straight comparison of the membership plans and a breakdown of whether the free plan or the full upgrade makes sense for you.
Free Basic Plan
The Free Basic plan is simple. You get access to a driving range and a record of your shot history. Nothing fancy, just the essentials for practice. It’s the foundation that shows you what the launch monitor can do before spending a dime.
That said, the device doesn’t require a subscription for basic use. You can run SkyTrak without subscription add-ons and still see ball flight, distance and accuracy. For some, that’s enough. For others, the lack of deeper feedback makes it feel like playing golf with half the clubs in your bag.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The free plan works well if you want to keep the device without subscription costs. It’s also the right call if your goal is casual practice—maybe a few buckets at home without advanced data or fancy visuals. But once you start caring about fine-tuning distance control or testing gear setups, you’ll quickly see the limits.
So yes, this plan is free, but it also teases you. It gives you a taste of what the system can do without showing you the full picture. And that leaves one big question hanging in the air—how much more could your game improve with the next level of features?
Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is the most popular option for golfers who want more than just a driving range. It adds powerful tools that turn practice into measurable progress without jumping to full simulator play.
Cost and Core Features
Priced at $129.95 per year, the Essential Plan unlocks access to every driving range mode within SkyTrak+. You also gain valuable training tools such as the Skills Challenge and Bag Mapping, which help identify strengths and weaknesses across your game.
Beyond that, the plan supports equipment strategy and distance control practice, giving you data you can trust. All of this is tied together with progress tracking so you can see how your performance evolves over time.
Best Fit
This plan is best suited for golfers who want deeper analysis of their practice without stepping into full course simulation. If your focus is on improving technique, consistency and decision-making, the Essential Plan offers a strong balance of features at a fair price.
It’s built for players who want more than the basics but don’t yet need the full immersion of simulated rounds.
Course Play Plan
The Course Play Plan is the top tier in the SkyTrak membership plans. At $349.95 per year, it includes everything from the Essential package and adds full simulator course play. This means you can step onto a virtual Pebble Beach or other world-class layouts without leaving your garage.
Main Features
For the higher subscription cost, you gain access to SkyTrak’s library of simulator-ready courses. That turns practice sessions into full rounds, letting you test your skills in real playing conditions.
All the data tools from the Essential package—skills assessments, bag mapping and distance control—are still included, but now they’re paired with the experience of competing on famous fairways.
Best Fit
This plan is made for golfers who want both training and play. If you love the practice side of the essential plan but also crave the challenge of real course strategy, Course Play delivers.
It’s not just about grooving your swing; it’s about making decisions hole by hole, just as you would outdoors. And once you’ve tried a simulated round under pressure, you might never look at a simple range session the same way again.
Some golfers may run into occasional technical issues, such as missed swings. In that case, our guide on SkyTrak+ shot detection solutions covers troubleshooting steps to ensure accurate and consistent shot tracking.
SkyTrak+ Plan Comparison
When you line up the SkyTrak membership plans side by side, the differences stand out quickly. Here’s a chart that makes it easy to see what each plan includes.
| Feature | Free Basic Plan | Essential Plan | Course Play Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $129.95/year | $349.95/year |
| Driving Range | Basic range only | All range modes | All range modes |
| Shot History | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skills Challenge | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bag Mapping | No | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment Strategy & Distance Control | No | Yes | Yes |
| Progress Tracking | Limited | Full | Full |
| Course Library Access | No | No | Yes |
Value Considerations
The jump in subscription cost between tiers is noticeable, but so are the benefits. Essential strikes a balance for most players, as it’s not too steep yet adds real training depth. Course Play is pricier, but you’re paying for immersion, strategy and a taste of golf’s greatest courses, all from your setup at home.
How to Choose the Right SkyTrak+ Plan?
The choice depends on how you want to practice and how much you’re willing to spend. Think of it like picking clubs—you don’t need every option, just the right one for your game.
- If you’re starting out or want to keep costs low, the Free Basic plan makes sense. You’ll see your shots, track distance and get a feel for the system.
- When you’re ready to go deeper, the Essential plan is the natural upgrade. At $129.95 per year, it adds real training value. Reviews often highlight how bag mapping and progress tracking help spot weaknesses. If you want measurable improvement, this is the sweet spot.
- Course Play is for golfers who want the full ride. Yes, the price jumps to $349.95, but you unlock access to famous courses on top of the training tools.
- And if you’re wondering how to upgrade, it’s as simple as signing in and choosing your plan. The real challenge isn’t the process—it’s deciding how much you want your practice to feel like the real thing. So, which path will you take: the range, the data or the course itself?
Frequently Asked Questions About SkyTrak+ Subscriptions
Here are some common questions golfers ask before choosing or upgrading their SkyTrak+ plan. Our team provided clear answers to help you choose the best plan for your needs.
Can SkyTrak+ memberships be refunded after purchase?
No, memberships are non-refundable, so it’s best to be sure about the plan you want before buying.
Do SkyTrak+ memberships renew automatically?
They don’t renew on their own. You’ll need to log in and purchase a new plan when your current one ends.
What system requirements are needed to run SkyTrak+ with memberships?
A modern computer or mobile device with enough processing power is required. For smooth use, check that your PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device meets the published specs before activating your plan.
Are there third-party golf simulators compatible with SkyTrak+ besides Course Play?
Yes, software like E6 Connect and The Golf Club 2019 can be paired with SkyTrak, but they come with their own costs.
Can I switch between plans before my current membership expires?
No, you’ll need to wait until your plan runs out before changing tiers. Upgrades can be made at renewal.
Your practice data stays saved, but features tied to the higher plan will no longer be available until you upgrade again.
Does SkyTrak+ membership include any partner perks or discounts?
Yes, members often receive exclusive offers, like discounts on swing evaluations or partner products, depending on the plan.
Final Thoughts
SkyTrak+ makes it easy to tailor your practice. The Free plan offers a taste with a basic range and shot history. The Essential plan adds game-improvement tools that most golfers will find valuable. Course Play goes all in with data and simulator rounds that feel like the real thing.
For golfers still evaluating whether SkyTrak+ is the right choice, our SkyTrak Plus monitor review provides a detailed breakdown of accuracy, features, and real-world performance beyond the subscription plans.
What you choose depends on how you see your golf improving. Some players are happy with the basics, while others find the added features worth every penny once they experience them in action.
The real question isn’t about cost; it’s about value. How much do you want your practice sessions to resemble the challenges you face on the course? Whether you keep it simple or go all-in with the full package, the path you pick can shape the way you train, play and enjoy the game. The only thing left is deciding how far you want to take it.
