What Simulation Software Works with the Most Popular Golf Launch Monitors?

You’re not crazy. This stuff really is confusing.

“Golf simulator software” sounds like one thing. But it isn’t. It’s a bunch of different experiences built by different companies that may or may not talk to your launch monitor, and they may or may not run on the phone, tablet, or computer you already own.

If you’ve tried to sort it out and felt like you were drowning in compatibility charts and acronyms, welcome. This is the quick, honest orientation I wish every shopper had before they started comparing logos.

This is an overview. It’s not a master list. When I mention specific brands or platforms, think examples, not an exhaustive roll call.

If you want the companion piece that explains what kind of computer you actually need, I’ve written that, too — these two articles go hand in hand.

What “Sim Software” Actually is (and Why it Trips People Up)

Your launch monitor measures what happened at impact. Simulator software turns that data into a golf experience. Anything from a realistic 18-hole round at a bucket-list course to arcade-style games for the kids.

Here’s the fork in the road that matters most: Some software is native (made by the same company that made your launch monitor), and some is third-party (made to work with lots of different launch monitors).

Native software usually feels plug-and-play. It’s designed for that device, it often comes bundled with the starter content, and it’s where a lot of people begin.

Third-party software is where you go when you want something different. Maybe that’s ultra-realism, or a giant course library, or online leagues, or family-friendly games.

Neither “native” nor “third party” is better. They’re just different ways to enjoy the same shot data.

Start with the Device You’ll Run the Software On

Before you ask, “Does platform X work with launch monitor Y?”, answer this instead: What do I want to run my sim on? A Windows PC? A Mac or iPad? Nothing at all — just the launch monitor itself? Your answer narrows the field in seconds.

• Windows PC is still the big tent. A lot of third-party platforms live here, especially the ones sim golfers use for league play and high-fidelity visuals.
• Mac and iPad are real options in some ecosystems, especially with native software. It’s not as wide-open as Windows, but if you’re committed to Apple, there are solid paths.
• Android exists in a few places but is more limited overall.
• Standalone is actually a thing now. The Garmin R50 can run its own sim directly on the launch monitor and even HDMI to a projector or TV. If you hate messing with computers, there you go.

If your dream is a Windows-only platform, you’re buying a PC-compatible launch monitor. If you know you want to keep it on an iPad or Mac, pick a launch monitor whose native software supports that, and don’t try to wedge something in that doesn’t.

So, that’s one way to decide on a launch monitor; by selecting the computing platform on which you prefer to run the sim software. It’s definitely not the only way to make that decision, but that one way of looking at it can help you narrow things down quickly.

The Quick Answer (Examples, Not a Master List)

Let’s answer the headline (What Simulation Software Works with the Most Popular Golf Launch Monitors?) and then get into the “why.” Just keep in mind that below are common examples. We’re not shooting for an exhaustive list. If you want to go real deep, check out our Mother of All Golf Launch Monitor Comparisons.

• GSPro (Windows-only) is the current “works-with-a-lot” third-party software champ. Many popular units connect natively or via open API. But you’ll need a gaming PC.
• E6 Connect would be the other somewhat universal third-party option. It’s compatible with just about everything and is even a mobile option. You’ll find E6 packages in a lot of launch monitor starter packs.
• Garmin: One path is ultra-simple native play right on a phone, tablet, or computer via Home Tee Hero native software unlocked by a Garmin Golf membership. If you want broader software, Garmin owners commonly run E6 Connect (PC/iOS), GSPro, and Awesome Golf.
• Rapsodo offers similar options as the Garmin route. Rapsodo Courses is their native software option to Home Tee Hero. From there, third-party software compatibility is similar.
• SkyTrak+: Native Course Play runs on Mac, iPad, Windows, and Android. Third-party on Windows is also available.
• Foresight/Bushnell: FSX (Windows; Pro also on iPad) is the native lane and a big reason people buy these. Some models include FSX/third-party access in the price; others require a subscription to unlock FSX and third-party. GSPro is a common third-party option. Running sim software with one of these launch monitors generally requires a robust gaming PC.
• FlightScope: Leans into third-party choice like GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf.. Models include an E6 bundle out of the box.
• Uneekor: Native Refine/Refine+/Gameday (Windows) gives you practice and course play in tiered bundles. Broad third-party compatibility.
• Square: Has its own pay-per-hole native sim inside the app (1,000 starter credits), and is also commonly used with E6, GSPro, and Awesome Golf.
• Swing Caddie SC4 Pro: Quick data on the device, richer visuals through the app, and sim via E6 Connect from a tablet or modest PC.

Again, those are examples. The real key is understanding how things connect and what they require.

What “Works With” Really Means (and Why Wording Matters)

When a page says a launch monitor “works with” a given platform, that can mean three very different things:

1. Native integration — direct, official support inside the sim. This is plug-and-play and usually the smoothest.
2. Official but requires a plan — the connection is real, but you must maintain the launch monitor brand’s subscription to turn on sim/third-party access.
3. Open-API or community connector — totally viable, and common with GSPro, but you’ll follow a short bridge setup. It’s not janky; it’s just a couple extra clicks.

You don’t have to be a developer. You do need to read the setup page once and follow directions exactly.

Pick Your Path: Find the Right Combo in 5 Simple Steps

1. Pick your must-have device (Windows PC, Mac, iPad, or “no computer”).

If it’s no computer, the Garmin R50 is the standout. If it’s Mac/iPad, look closely at native lanes like SkyTrak+ Course Play. If it’s Windows, everything’s on the table.

2. Decide the experience you care about most.

Realism and online leagues? GSPro. Big licensed library and easy access? E6 Connect. If you’re already in the Foresight or Bushnell camp, it’s FSX all day. Family fun and skill games? Awesome Golf really is awesome. Play-as-you-go native? Square.

3. Check the launch monitor plan.

Do you need an annual plan to unlock sim/third-party? Some options like Garmin, FlightScope, and Square don’t add a connector fee.

4. Match the computer.

GSPro and FSX Play expect a gaming-capable Windows PC. E6 Connect can run on iPad or PC. If you hate PCs, pick an ecosystem that doesn’t force one.

5. Reality-check the space.

Radar behind the ball eats more room; cameras beside/overhead can save depth. If you’re space-tight or in a garage with interference, camera-based can be easier.

Your Sim-Software Shortcut

You don’t need a matrix to answer, “What software works with the most popular launch monitors?” You need a framework.

• Pick your device lane (Windows, Mac/iPad, or no computer).
• Choose the experience (realism/library/leagues vs native simplicity vs family fun).
• Confirm any brand plan you’ll need to unlock sim/third-party.
• Match the computer requirements (or enjoy a true standalone path).

From there, the examples fall into place.

GSPro and E6 Connect cover a ton of ground.

SkyTrak+ Course Play is a strong native option across Mac/iPad/PC/Android.

FSX is the crown jewel if you're in the Foresight/Bushnell world.

FlightScope, Rapsodo, Uneekor… They’re all quite flexible and all but FlightScope include their own native solutions.

Square keeps things affordable and open.

And Garmin gives you the only truly standalone sim experience at the moment, with room to expand into the broader ecosystem when you want it.

Still confused? Call PlayBetter! They’ve got the staff who knows and cares and can help you chase down the answers to whatever questions you’ve got.

Or for a more self-guided tour, make sure you check out our in-depth golf launch monitor reviews, our specific launch monitor/sim software combination articles, our GSPro-specific piece, and the companion piece to this, our ultimate golf launch monitor system requirements post.

And if you really want to go all the way, there’s only one place on the internet where everything you could possibly want to know is available at one single hub. You’ve got to check out our Mother of All Golf Launch Monitor Comparisons table!

At the end of the day, the “best” software is just what works with your setup, delivers the experience you want, and doesn’t make you pull your hair out. The good news is that there’s a clear path for every type of golfer.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.