92% of amateur golfers misjudge shot distance by over 10 yards, according to Golf Digest. Accurate, real-time feedback is essential if you’re serious about improving, but can it be achieved without the exorbiting price tag of professional systems?. That’s why we tested the Square Golf Launch Monitor.
We didn’t just unbox the unit—we hit balls indoors, outdoors, into nets, and in tight spaces. We even compared it to monitors five times the price to see if it truly delivers reliable data on swing speed, launch angle, ball speed, and carry distance.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Before testing performance or accuracy, it’s important to understand what you’re getting right out of the box.
What’s in the Box?
Opening the Square Golf Launch Monitor package feels intentional. Everything is secured neatly without excess. Inside, you’ll find:
- The Square Golf Launch Monitor
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick-start setup guide
- Warranty and support information
- Protective travel case (included with our unit)
No distractions, no extras. Just the essentials, clearly presented and ready to use.
Build Quality & Design
The device is compact and easy to carry. It fits inside a standard golf bag pocket and rests flat on most surfaces. The matte finish reduces glare in bright light.
It feels sturdy in hand. No loose parts, no plastic flex. The casing is solid, with just enough weight to keep it from tipping over during use. Buttons give clear feedback with each press.
We accidentally dropped the unit during setup. It took the hit without damage, continuing to function without issue. That moment proved this isn’t just built to look good—it’s built to last.
Setup and Ease of Use
The Square Launch Monitor connects quickly. We powered it on and opened the companion app, which immediately recognized the device via Bluetooth. There was no confusion or second guessing.
Installing the app took under two minutes. It’s available on both iOS and Android. Once paired, the firmware check kicked in. The update was automatic and completed without error.
Alignment markers in the app helped position the unit behind the ball. No external tools required. Setup to first swing took under five minutes—no tech support, no YouTube tutorials.
User Interface Experience
The dashboard shows your key stats in real time. Each metric has a clear label, and values update instantly after every shot. You can customize which data appears on-screen based on your focus—carry distance, launch angle, ball speed, and more.
Navigation inside the app is smooth. Swiping through shot history, tapping to zoom in on metrics or renaming a session takes seconds. Nothing is buried in menus.
First-time users will appreciate the guided walkthrough. It highlights each feature and includes voice prompts that confirm when the monitor is tracking correctly. More experienced users can skip it and jump right into hitting.
Performance Testing: On the Range and Indoors
We started on the range. The monitor tracked each swing without delay. Ball speed, launch angle and carry distance displayed within two seconds. The readings didn’t jump or lag.
We compared the results with our GCQuad. The carry distances were within 3% of each other. Clubhead speed and launch angle also aligned closely. The numbers weren’t just consistent—they were reliable.
Then we moved indoors, using a hitting net. The monitor adjusted with no manual changes. Readings remained stable under artificial lighting and tight space.
Key Metrics Tracked
The Square Golf Launch Monitor measures core stats that matter to most golfers. These include:
- Ball speed
- Clubhead speed
- Launch angle
- Carry distance
- Spin rate (depending on ball type and shot)
- Smash factor
Each stat is displayed clearly in the app after every swing. You can sort, filter and review your shots to spot trends over time.
Real-World Use Scenarios
We used the monitor in three common situations:
- Driving range — Set up took under a minute. Tracking was accurate, even with varying lighting and turf types.
- Indoor net — Readings remained accurate in tight space with low ceilings. The unit didn’t require extra lighting or positioning hacks.
- Simulator integration — The device synced with supported golf simulation software, providing full shot analysis and virtual play (We opted for GSPro).
Features and Customization
The monitor tracks and displays shot data in real time. Each swing is captured instantly, with key stats shown on your phone or tablet. No delay, no buffering. The numbers are there before you even finish your follow-through.
You can review every shot, sort by club or save sessions for later. The app stores each shot with its metrics, allowing for side-by-side comparisons. This is especially useful when testing swing changes or tracking progress over time.
The shot history feature creates a clear timeline of your performance. You can swipe through shots, tap to expand and spot patterns in distance or accuracy. Want to see how your 7-iron performed last week? Two taps. Done.
The multiplayer mode allows multiple users to track data in the same session. Each player gets their own profile, so stats stay separate. It’s great for group practice or lessons.
App Ecosystem and Software Updates
The Square Golf app launches fast and displays data without clutter. You can customize the interface, switch views and turn features on or off depending on what you’re focusing on.
Session data is stored in the cloud. You can access it later from another device. Updates are frequent and automatic. During our testing, two updates improved speed and added data export options.
These changes didn’t require user input. The app handled everything in the background. No extra steps. No interruptions mid-session.
Compatibility and Integration
The device works with popular golf simulation software, including GSPro, E6 Connect and The Golf Club. Once paired, the launch monitor feeds shot data directly into the simulator.
We tested it across two different software environments. The device stayed connected without drops or delays.
It also works across platforms. We switched between an iPhone and an Android tablet during testing. Both worked equally well. No extra drivers or downloads needed.
Battery Life and Portability
We tested the battery across full practice sessions with continuous shot tracking. The device lasted 7 hours and 15 minutes on a single charge, falling just short of the 8-hour claim. For most users, that covers multiple range sessions or a full day of lessons.
In standby mode, the battery held its charge well. After five days without use, the battery dropped only 4%, showing efficient power management when idle.
Charging from 0% to full took just under five hours with the included USB-C cable. There’s no fast charge option, but the time is manageable if you plan ahead.
Portability and Travel
The Square Golf Launch Monitor is smaller than a paperback and weighs under 1 pound. It fits easily into side pockets of a golf bag, backpack or carry-on.
Compared to similar units in the same price range, it’s lighter and more compact. We tested transport with and without the included case. With the case, it handled bumps and drops without issue. Without it, the matte finish still resisted scratches.
We packed it for a flight and passed it through TSA without needing to remove it from our bag. It required no special handling or travel setup.
But what surprised us most was how quickly it went from packed away to ready to track again—no long boot-up time, no fiddling with placement. Just place it down, open the app, and start swinging.
Pricing & Value for Money
The Square Golf Launch Monitor currently retails at under $700, depending on the vendor and ongoing promotions. That places it well below premium models like the Trackman or GCQuad, which cost over $20,000.
We compared it to other monitors in the $400–$800 range. Most in this bracket offer basic swing metrics but lack advanced features like spin rate, video integration or multiplayer tracking. Square Golf includes many of these.
There are no hidden hardware fees. However, some app features—such as video analysis or advanced shot breakdown—may sit behind a premium subscription. The base version still delivers key metrics without extra cost.
Features-to-Cost Analysis
For its price, Square Golf offers:
- Accurate swing data across multiple shot types
- Reliable performance indoors (or in a shaded outdoor location)
- A well-designed companion app with intuitive controls
- Ongoing software updates with new features
Compared to similarly priced models, Square Golf gives you more detailed feedback. The ability to save sessions, compare swings and track trends over time gives it a real edge.
It feels like a product made for users who want feedback that actually means something—and don’t want to dig through endless menus to get it.
Who It’s Best Suited For
- Casual golfers who want to stop guessing and start tracking
- Instructors or coaches looking for portable teaching tools
- Advanced players who want feedback without the price of tour-level gear
- Golfers in smaller spaces using nets or simulators at home
It’s also ideal for players who are just starting to take data seriously. The simple setup and easy-to-understand stats make it usable without a learning curve.
But its greatest strength? It makes serious feedback feel easy—and that’s something even the most expensive units don’t always deliver.
Where to Buy?
Getting the best deal on the Square Golf Launch Monitor depends on where you shop—and what you’re looking for in service and support.
We recommend getting the device from the following websites:
The standard warranty covers 12 months from purchase. Warranty registration is recommended and often required for service.
Return policies vary by seller; You usually get a 30-day return window, full refund if unused, but they may be subject to third-party seller rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to the most common questions about the Square Golf Launch Monitor—based on actual testing and real use by our team.
Is the Square Golf Launch Monitor accurate enough for serious players?
Yes. It tracks carry distance, swing speed and launch angle with 3–5% accuracy compared to premium models like Trackman. It’s reliable for most practice and training needs.
Can I use it indoors with a hitting net?
Yes. It performs well in small indoor setups as long as alignment is correct. You don’t need special balls or lighting for accurate readings, though marked balls ensure you get optimal spin readings.
Does it require a subscription to access advanced features?
The core features are free. A paid plan adds tools like video analysis and cloud backups, but basic metrics are fully accessible without it.
How does it compare to other monitors under $1,000?
The Square launch monitor stands out with quick setup, clean app design and consistent data tracking. Unlike many others in this range, it includes spin rate and session history.
Can coaches or instructors use it for teaching sessions?
Yes. The app supports player profiles, shot tracking and exportable data. It’s easy to use for back-to-back lessons or group practice.
Final Verdict
The Square Golf Launch Monitor delivers accurate feedback, simple setup and dependable performance—without the high price tag. After multiple test sessions, it proved consistent in tracking key metrics like carry distance, ball speed and launch angle.
Its app is fast, clean and easy to use. Features like multiplayer mode, shot history and session exports add real value for both casual players and instructors. It also travels well, holds a charge for long sessions and syncs quickly every time.
For golfers who want meaningful swing data without spending thousands, this device offers a clear path forward. It’s not just affordable—it’s actually useful.
But what makes it stand out most? It keeps things simple—and that makes it easy to come back to every time you practice.
