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Garmin Approach R10 vs Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs Swing Caddie SC4 Comparison

We compare your 2024 options for golf launch monitor with simulation for under $1,000.

In 2024, it's no longer just the Garmin R10!

Two of the most exciting products to debut at the 2023 PGA Show are direct competitors with the Garmin Approach R10—and they are the Rapsodo MLM2PRO and the Swing Caddie SC4.

Not even a couple of decades ago, it would have cost you $50,000 to realize your home golf simulator dream. In the last several years, the price of this golf tech has come down to under $5,000. And then in 2021, the Garmin R10 turned the industry on its head, allowing you to purchase a golf launch monitor that offered simulation for under $1,000.

Not only did this move by Garmin blow open the possibility of just about any golfer getting a home golf setup, it caused other brands to throw their golf simulator hats into the ring.

So, now that the budget-conscious buyer has more options—how do you choose?

In this article, we're comparing the new Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs the new Swing Caddie SC4 vs the rebel Approach R10—so you can know what you're getting into with each one.

Don't miss these comparison reviews by our in-house golf reviewer, Marc!

Want even more launch monitor comparison?

Check out this Swing Caddie SC4 vs high-end golf launch monitors article.

Jump over to this Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs high-end devices post.

Our Partner, Gabe from Let's Play Thru Compares R10 vs MLM2PRO vs SC4! Time for a Showdown!


Golf Launch Monitors with Simulation Under $1,000 Quick Comparison

Rapsodo MLM2PRO Swing Caddie SC4 Garmin Approach R10

Price

$699.99

$549.99

$599.99

Release
Date

March 31, 2023

March 2023

July 2021

Metrics

  • Spin Rate
  • Spin Axis
  • Ball Speed
  • Club Speed
  • Launch Angle
  • Launch Direction
  • Carry Distance
  • Total Distance
  • Descent Angle
  • Apex
  • Shot Type
  • Side Carry
  • Smash Factor

 

  • Carry/Total Distance
  • Smash Factor
  • Launch Angle
  • Swing Speed
  • Apex (Max Height)
  • Ball Speed
  • Launch Direction
  • Spin Rate
  • Ball speed
  • Launch angle
  • Launch direction
  • Club head speed
  • Club path
  • Back swing and down
    swing times
  • Angle of attack
  • Club face angle
  • Spin rate
  • Spin axis
  • Observed ball
    flight range
  • Carry distance
  • Total distance
  • Smash factor
  • Swing tempo
  • Apex height

 

Simulation
(Subscription
may apply)

Driving Range
30K Courses
E6 Connect
Awesome Golf

Driving Range
E6 Connect

Driving Range
42K Courses
E6 Connect (5 free
courses)
Awesome Golf
TGC 2019
Home Tee Hero

PlayBetter
In-house
Reviews


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How Does the Rapsodo MLM2PRO Compare & Should You Buy It?

The new Rapsodo MLM2PRO is a feature-rich golf launch monitor. And when it comes to comparing it to the Garmin Approach R10 and Swing Caddie SC4 let's find out what makes this new Rapsodo launch monitor a worthy competitor.

Shared Features with Garmin R10 & Swing Caddie SC4

All of these portable launch monitors offer:

  • At least the biggies when it comes to metrics.
  • Golf simulation and compatibility with third-party software.
  • Very good golf app experiences that give you a variety of data visualization and video of your swing with overlay.
  • And although they all use Doppler radar-based technology, the 2023 Rapsodo is the only one that integrates two built-in, high-speed cameras to offer more swing analyzation. We also have to imagine this improves accuracy.
  • And now, like the SC4 and R10, the new MLM2PRO can be used with iOS and Android devices.
  • None of these golf devices support putting.

MLM2PRO Standout Features

  • High Speed Cameras + Doppler Radar offer unbeatable accuracy in this category.
  • The way you get to see and analyze your swing with this launch monitor is game-changing at this price range.
  • Impact Vision uses a high-speed camera that captures 240 frames per second for slow-motion view of your club path and contact point.
  • Shot Vision through the second camera allows you to see swing videos complete with shot-tracer for visualization of ball flight. Watch your swings in slow-motion replay and immediately pair the feeling of your swing with the outcome of your shot.
  • Get Dual Vision for down-the-line plus face-on swing replay when paired with your device.
  • Comes with 3 specially designed Callaway® RPT™ Chrome Soft X® golf balls.

Any Downsides?

  • Most expensive of the 3 launch monitors in this category—but that's if we're splitting hairs.
  • Requires premium membership for most features beyond basic metrics. First year is free, but after that it will cost you $200/year to get features like spin metrics, Dual Camera, Impact Vision, cloud video storage, slow motion replay, spin metrics, and Rapsodo driving range and courses. That's most of the features, so you'll have to be cool with the yearly subscription.
  • Must use the RCT balls for spin metrics—for indoor use only.
  • No built-in display.

MLM2PRO Price: $699.99


The New Swing Caddie SC4—Most Affordable in This Category!

The wow-factor with the 2023 Swing Caddie SC4 is that for only $50 more, Voice Caddie took the highly accurate SC300i, gave it a sleek redesign and added golf simulation and two more metrics. To top it off, it even beat Garmin in the price category. Let's see what you can expect from this golf launch monitor newcomer.

Shared Features with Garmin R10 & MLM2PRO

All of these portable launch monitors offer:

  • All the biggies when it comes to metrics.
  • Golf simulation and compatibility with third-party software.
  • Very good golf app experiences that give you various data visualization and video of your swing with that data.
  • Doppler radar-based technology.
  • Compatibility with iOS and Android devices.
  • None of these golf devices support putting.

SC4 Standout Features

  • The only launch monitor in this category that has a display to show your stats and that can be used without the golf app.
  • The SC4 has a handy remote control.
  • Comes with a free simulator driving range demo.
  • Voice output for distance (speaker on-unit).
  • It's the most affordable in this category.
  • The app is free.
  • No annual subscription for Swing Caddie features.
  • Do not need RCT balls!

Any Downsides?

  • Currently, the thrid-party simulation may be limited to the MySwingCaddie app and E6 Connect. But like the Garmin R10, it's likely that more will be added.
  • No built-in camera.
  • Spin metrics aren't the most accurate.

Swing Caddie SC4 Price: $549.99


The Garmin R10 — the Best Golf Launch Monitor & Simulator Under $1,000?

Since mid-2021, Garmin has been adding awesomeness to this super-portable golf launch monitor. As far as simulation goes, they've tacked on compatibility with Awesome Golf and TGC 2019 software. You get a free 5-pack bundle of E6 Connect courses, and while it does have a very affordable premium membership, you get quite a bit out of the free Garmin Golf app.

Shared Features with Swing Caddie SC4 & MLM2PRO

All of these portable launch monitors offer:

  • All the biggies when it comes to metrics.
  • Golf simulation and compatibility with third-party software.
  • Very good golf app experiences that give you various data visualization and video of your swing with that data.
  • Doppler radar-based technology
  • Compatibility with iOS and Android devices.
  • None of these golf devices support putting.

Approach R10 Standout Features

  • Offers the most data points of the three, including Club Path metrics and spin.
  • Offers the most third-party simulation software compatibility (E6 Connect, Awesome Golf, TGC 2019).
  • Pinseeker app compatible.
  • Compatible with Titleist golf balls with Radar Capture Technology.
  • Only $99/year or $9.99/month for the Garmin Golf app premium membership that gives you Home Tee Hero (Garmin's simulation on 42K+ golf courses), Green Contours data, and video storage.
  • But here's what you get free with the app:
    • Upload scorecards from a compatible device
    • Review shot history from a compatible device
    • Review performance stats
    • Participate in weekly leaderboards
    • Create tournaments
    • Save driving range sessions from a compatible device
    • 30-day Garmin Golf membership trial
    • Plus all the R10 data points
  • Garmin is constantly updating for this device.

Any Downsides?

  • It does still have a membership for premium golf simulation.
  • No display or built-in camera.
  • Must have the app to use it.

Garmin Approach R10 Price: $599.99


Which Budget Golf Launch Monitor/Simulator Should You Buy?

Now that we've covered what's the same, what's different, and what's special about these golf launch monitors/simlators for under $1,000—we hope you have a better understanding of which one would best suit your home golf setup.

Some things to keep in mind are:

  • All of these GLMs are radar-based, which for indoor golf, tend to be just slightly less accurate than the more expensive camera-based options like the SkyTrak+ and the Bushnell Launch Pro. But that it the minor trade-off for making these golf devices more affordable and accessible to everyone.
  • It is possible that more third-party simulation software compatibility will be added to any of these devices.
  • Check out the individual reviews and review comparisons for these affordable GLMs, as our reviewer Marc gives loads of detail about what it's like to use each of these affordable home golf launch monitors and simulators!

Rapsodo MLM2PRO Review

Swing Caddie SC4 Review

Garmin Approach R10 Review

Garmin R10 vs Rapsodo MLM2PRO

Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs Swing Caddie SC4

Swing Caddie SC4 vs Approach R10

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