Indoor golf simulators are a fun, engaging experience for golfers at any and all ages and skill levels. They offer an in-depth analysis of your golf swing and ball flight to help you improve your game from the comfort and convenience of a temperature-controlled environment, such as a bar, gaming center, a golf course clubhouse or even your own home.
But with the dozens of golf simulator options available, it can be a challenge to know which system is right for you. Of course, what makes a golf simulator the best depends on a variety of factors. We’ve compiled a list of criteria to compare golf simulators, taking the guesswork out of making that next purchase.
We’ve compared the top commercial and home golf simulators, including our own, based on cost, number of golf courses, sensor type, software, hardware and more to provide an extensive look at the market so you can make an informed decision.
When we define “golf simulator” here, we are talking about permanent setups within your home, business or golf academy where you can enjoy the top hardware and software features. While some of these companies also offer build-your-own golf simulators by bundling a golf launch monitor, hitting net and practice mat, we’ve decided to exclude these for now.
Golfzon Virtual Golf Simulators vs. the Competition
For this comparison, we mainly used two of our three Golfzon simulator models: our premium golf simulator – TwoVision – and our Golfzon Driving Range (GDR) model. The competitors include:
- Full Swing
- aboutGOLF
- Foresight Sports
- TruGolf
- HD Golf
- Uneekor
Our criteria for comparison include:
- Number of models
- Base cost
- Number of golf courses
- Auto-tee
- Sensor type
- Hitting mat
- Short game
- Hydraulics
- Multi-sport
- Software
- Connectivity or network play
With all of these aspects in mind, we’ve broken down what to expect from the competition to see who stands out from the rest.
1. Number of Golf Simulator Models
Most brands offer a few different simulator models depending on specific consumer needs.
Golfzon
Golfzon offers four golf simulator models depending on needs and budget. These include the featured TwoVision, Vision Premium, Golfzon Driving Range Plus, and Vision Standard.
Full Swing
Full Swing has two models of virtual golf simulators: the Sport Series and Pro Series. Their Virtual Green model does not qualify for this comparison because it is a putting green, disallowing full rounds of golf and long game play like its competitors.
aboutGOLF
The team at aboutGOLF have created three models:
- aG Max
- aG Curve
- aG Flatscreen
Foresight Sports
Foresight Sports offers six ‘Simulator in a Box’ offerings that range from simple to extensive, but only two fall in a similar price range of our defined golf simulators for this piece:
- Sim in a Box: Eagle Plus
- Sim in a Box: Albatross
TruGolf
TruGolf is a brand that offers a large selection of simulators and bundles like Foresight, though only three qualify for this comparison:
- Signature
- Premium
- Horizon
HD Golf
HD Golf only has one simulator, and that’s the Standard model.
Uneekor
Uneekor has two golf simulator models to choose from:
- All-in Power QED Suite
- All-in Power EYE XO Suite
Winner: Golfzon, aboutGOLF and TruGolf tie in offering the most golf simulator models in the sense that they require a more permanent build. When you include the build-your-own simulator options, Foresight Sports offers the most variety. However most brands do offer consumers a few simulator options to choose from based on their budget and software needs.
2. Base Cost
Prices for golf simulators range greatly. Let’s explore what industry-leading simulator brands charge for their virtual simulators.
Golfzon
Across the four models, consumers looking for recreational or commercial golf simulators can expect a cost range from $20,000 to $72,500 (not including installation and buildout).
Full Swing
Consumers can expect to pay $44,900 to $54,900 for the golf simulators.
aboutGOLF
The varying models at aboutGOLF have prices that range from $46,500 to $69,500.
Foresight Sports
Foresight Sports offers a wide range of boxed simulator options, and their prices vary accordingly to fit into most budgets. You can buy a Sim in a Box with our defined requirements starting at $26,000, going all the way to $33,995. The more launch monitor-like bundles do have a lower price point like everyone else’s.
TruGolf
TruGolf simulator costs range from $33,950 to $73,950.
HD Golf
The HD Golf Standard simulator has a base cost of $30,000 with the option to pay up to $70,000 for additional features, installation and more.
Uneekor
Prices for Uneekor golf simulators start at $18,999 and go up to $22,000.
Winner: Uneekor offers the least expensive, lowest base option. However, Golfzon’s lowest-priced models can compete with many of the other options on the market, and our highest-priced simulator – the TwoVision – has the best value.
3. Number of Golf Courses
When you play on an indoor golf simulator, you can transport yourself anywhere. But what golf course options do the best indoor simulators offer?
Golfzon
In the top model, TwoVision, players can experience over 200 golf courses from around the world, providing unlimited game play opportunities with the most detailed mapping process and high-quality graphics. Our other models still offer 175 virtual golf courses.
Full Swing
There are 84 golf courses to choose from when using a Full Swing Pro Series or Sport Series indoor golf simulator.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOLF offers 70 high-resolution golf courses to practice your swing across their models.
Foresight Sports
Foresight Sports simulators are on the low end when it comes to different course options, with their boxed simulators only offering between 15 and 21 tracks.
TruGolf
Across all 10 of their simulators and bundles, TruGolf provides 27 golf courses to choose from.
HD Golf
HD Golf offers 150 virtual golf courses on their Standard model.
Uneekor
Uneekor simulators include over 100 different, interactive golf courses for players to explore.
Winner: Golfzon simulators offer the most comprehensive golf course offering across all models, including the likes of St Andrews and Pebble Beach. Check out how we make sure these golf courses are extremely realistic thanks to our golf course mapping process.
4. Auto-tee
Looking for advanced features to make setting up your next swing a breeze? Auto-tee is a unique tool that can get you set up faster, improving consistency and accuracy throughout your game while saving you back pain and the need to pick up golf balls afterwards.
Golfzon
Golfzon offers proprietary auto-tee capabilities across all of its simulator offerings.
Full Swing
Full Swing does not offer auto-tee capabilities within its simulators.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOLF doesn’t offer auto-tee capabilities.
Foresight Sports
Foresight Sports simulators don’t come equipped with auto-tee capabilities.
TruGolf
TruGolf simulators don’t offer auto-tee.
HD Golf
There is no auto-tee option in the HD Golf Standard simulator.
Uneekor
Uneekor simulators don’t include the auto-tee feature.
Winner: Golfzon is the only competitor with the intuitive, auto-tee capability that remains a fan favorite among golf simulator bar patrons.
5. Sensor Type
There are different ways these golf simulators use technology to record your swing and match the data points accordingly on the screen. Let’s break down the sensors for each competitor.
Golfzon
Golfzon uses two high-speed camera sensors to assess your swing and ball flight upon impact in all four models. The TwoVision golf simulator, specifically, uses a floor and mounted camera to collect data quickly and accurately.
Full Swing
Full Swing uses a number of different sensors to calculate ball flight. These include high-speed, hyperclear cameras, infrared tracking, line scan cameras and/or radar depending on the model.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOLF has high-speed cameras in place to bring your shot to the screen.
Foresight Sports
High-speed cameras are the sensor of choice for all Foresight Sports simulators.
TruGolf
TruGolf also utilizes high-speed cameras in its simulators.
HD Golf
Like its competitors, HD Golf uses high-speed camera technology to track where your ball will land on the virtual golf course.
Uneekor
High-speed cameras make up the sensor technology of Uneekor virtual simulators.
Winner: Golfzon’s sensors are known for providing the quickest shot-to-screen transition thanks to the high quality and positioning of the sensors, giving us the slight edge over other golf simulators that also use high-speed cameras.
6. Golf Hitting Mat
On a green-grass golf course, you can expect a wide variety of turf conditions, and your golf simulator should be able to offer those experiences to match. What types of golf hitting mats do leading simulators offer?
Golfzon
You can experience a variety of surfaces with Golfzon golf simulators, including fairway, rough and bunker. With the TwoVision, you can experience a first cut and second cut of rough as well as fairway and greenside bunkers. The fairway offering on all Golfzon simulators also serves as a putting green surface.
Full Swing
Experience a fairway lie from Full Swing’s two golf simulators.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOLF simulators offer a fairway and rough.
Foresight Sports
Foresight Sports simulators come equipped with a fairway hitting mat.
TruGolf
Golfers can expect a simple fairway hitting mat with TruGolf simulators.
HD Golf
The Standard HD Golf simulator comes with a fairway hitting mat.
Uneekor
Uneekor offers a fairway option when it comes to hitting mat turf.
Winner: Thanks to the multiple surface options available with the golf hitting mat, Golfzon stands out from the competition.
7. Short Game
Looking to improve your short game? An indoor golf simulator can make chipping and putting practice fun in no time.
Golfzon
All of Golfzon’s virtual simulators offer a full short game offering and a 0-concede option to help you perfect your skills. In fact, Golfzon is one of the only golf simulators on the market that accurately tracks putts and makes it easy for you to read the greens.
Full Swing
Both simulator models at Full Swing offer full and 0-concede short game options.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOLF does not offer short game options.
Foresight Sports
All of the Foresight Sports golf simulators offer a full and 0-concede short game offering.
TruGolf
TruGolf does not offer short game options.
HD Golf
HD Golf offers a full and 0-concede short game option with its Standard simulator.
Uneekor
Both Uneekor golf simulators offer a full and 0-concede short game offering.
Winner: While Golfzon, Foresight Sports and HD Golf all include short game options with their simulators, showing their expertise and dedication to advancing the game of golf, Golfzon is the only option that allows true and accurate putting to take place.
8. Hydraulics
Did you know that some golf simulators also offer moving platforms? This can help you replicate a shot you would have on the green-grass version of the golf course, helping you get a more immersive, real-life experience.
Golfzon
Golfzon offers a hydraulic, moving platform in its TwoVision. The TwoVision simulator moves into 24 different positions, truly replicating golf course contours – especially with its multi-surface hitting mat.
Full Swing
The only Full Swing option that offers a moving platform is the Virtual Green – the other two simulators that qualify for this comparison do not have moving platforms.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOlf does not have a moving platform.
Foresight Sports
Foresight Sports does not have a moving platform.
TruGolf
TruGolf does not have a moving platform.
HD Golf
HD Golf does not have a moving platform.
Uneekor
Uneekor simulators don’t include hydraulics.
Winner: Golfzon is the clear winner, with its top golf simulator model offering a hydraulic, moving platform to give you a more immersive golf experience and practice opportunities.
9. Multi-sport
Indoor golf simulators are a great tool for improving your game, but some brands also offer multi-sport offerings to let players try out a variety of sports and games to pass the time.
Golfzon
While Golfzon golf simulators are for golf only, the software does include arcade games you can play by hitting golf shots, like darts and building blocks.
Full Swing
The Pro Series and the Sport Series simulators offer a multi-sport mode for players.
aboutGOLF
There is only golf gameplay with the aboutGOLF indoor simulators.
Foresight Sports
There are many multi-sport options available when you choose a Foresight Sports golf simulator.
TruGolf
Experience a variety of games and sports when you choose a TruGolf virtual simulator.
HD Golf
The HD Golf Standard simulator comes equipped with multi-sport mode.
Uneekor
There are no multi-sport options available with Uneekor simulators.
Winner: Full Swing is the winner in this category if you’re looking for a system that allows for a variety of sports.
10. Software
When it comes to software, all brands have their own proprietary versions, each offering a unique spin on virtual golf simulator play.
Golfzon
Golfzon simulators come equipped with software for different models. All Golfzon software is specially-created to provide an immersive, accurate experience for golfers – whether practicing on our virtual driving range or playing 18 holes on one of our 200 carefully-mapped courses.
With the different software options – from TwoVision Plus to GDR Plus – you can experience quick, accurate play and extensive shot data feedback. Additionally, the TwoVision Plus software offers graphics that are 130% sharper than its already impressive predecessor.
A huge advantage with Golfzon is the regular software updates to ensure you are getting the latest golf courses and features; our customer service team is always on call to answer any questions about implementing the updates for your home or indoor golf simulator business.
Full Swing
Both the Pro Series and the Sport Series simulators come equipped with proprietary Full Swing software. This software offers realistic imagery, with advanced challenges, practice offerings and virtual golf courses.
aboutGOLF
All aboutGOLF simulator models come with aboutGOLF software that keeps all lines up-to-date with updates and innovations. Enjoy a variety of courses, multiple sports, mini games and a clubhouse.
Foresight Sports
Players using Foresight Sports simulators will experience FSX 2019 and FSX 2020 software to practice their long and short game on PC devices.
Golfers can utilize three modes: play, compete and practice. However, graphics are noticeably worse than other options.
TruGolf
TruGolf offers E6 software as an additional subscription. Players can connect with mini games, play across a myriad of courses and customize their own experiences with high-resolution graphics that are 4k-compatible.
HD Golf
At its core, HD Golf is obsessed with software engineering, so it’s committed to creating software programs that bring the game on the screen to life. With HD Golf Software, players can expect seamless game play.
Uneekor
Uneekor utilizes Refine as their software, a comprehensive system that provides multiple gameplay modes and challenges on real-life courses.
Winner: Golfzon provides up-to-date, cutting-edge software to create a real-life golf experience. Our software is the foundation of these golf simulators, providing targeted support for a variety of in-game events and instances, with TruGolf coming in as a close second thanks to its graphics.
11. Connectivity or Network Play
The best part about an indoor golf simulator? You can play with golfers across the world. Many brands offer network play to connect you with players a town, state or even country over.
Golfzon
Golfzon golf simulators include free network play (multiplayer) functionality on all simulators with Golfzon Live Festival mode capabilities. with the TwoVision’s app requiring a subscription. Use this software to play against your friends or as a business owner to host virtual golf tournaments.
Full Swing
Full Swing offers free, app-based connectivity to make it simple and easy to squeeze in 18 holes with a friend.
aboutGOLF
aboutGOLF offers an app with a subscription model to engage with other players over the internet.
Foresight Sports
Players should expect a local experience when using Foresight Sports simulators, as the team doesn’t offer online game play with others.
TruGolf
TruGolf offers a multiplayer online option via a paid subscription.
HD Golf
Like many of its competitors, HD Golf offers a multiplayer paid online subscription to access online gaming.
Uneekor
There are no online, multiplayer capabilities available with Uneekor simulators.
Winner: Golfzon offers several ways for players to improve their game play with golfers across the world, including free connectivity, app-based gaming and an additional online subscription which connects players with virtual tournaments held nationally and internationally.
Why Golfzon Simulators are Right for You
In the end, Golfzon stood out as a leader, winning or tying for the lead in 9 out of the 11 categories thanks to its innovative technology, impressive software and all-encompassing simulator offerings that immerse players immediately into the game.
Brands like TruGolf and Uneekor are a close second, with cutting-edge software and plenty of pricing options to provide affordable simulators that get the job done, but don’t have as many bells and whistles.
There are plenty of top-tier golf simulators for sale on the market today, and industry leaders continue to revolutionize how people can learn to play and develop their game thanks to powerful innovations and advancements. There are a number of great simulators to choose from.
However, Golfzon golf simulators continue to blow the competition out of the water, and leaders in the industry like Golf Digest and Golf Magazine Inc. are taking notice.
Thanks to a variety of criteria, including the extensive number of golf course options, the number of models, the sensors, moving platforms and more, Golfzon’s selection provides users with the most extensive offering. These technological advancements and intuitive simulator innovations explain the price difference compared to competitors. And our partners can’t get enough.
According to Ho Sung Shin, President of Hook & Fade in Madison, Wisconsin, Golfzon’s simulators are ‘the real deal.’
“We considered six different manufacturers and we landed on Golfzon due to its immersive experience. It really surprises even the avid golfers how accurate the simulator is, as well as the 200 courses that are available.”
If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in a game without ever feeling the need to step foot onto a green-grass golf course, Golfzon simulators are the systems for you. We have home and commercial golf simulators that can meet your needs, helping you drive business, boost your own golf game or simply have fun.