8 Best Golf Gloves of 2026

Bold innovation meets the fairway with the Blue Tees Golf Player+, a game-changer that blends a high-performance GPS rangefinder with a premium audio experience. This isn’t just a golf gadget—it’s a social-first smart companion that delivers visual and audible distances to the front, center, and back of the green while doubling as a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with deep bass. With access to over 40,000 courses, dynamic hazard alerts, and a magnetic strip for instant cart mounting, it solves the golfer’s eternal struggle: staying connected, informed, and entertained without juggling multiple devices.

In real-world testing, the 10+ hour battery life easily outlasts back-to-back rounds, and the IPX7 waterproof rating means it shrugs off rain delays and water hazards with confidence. The 100-foot Bluetooth range keeps your music or voice prompts stable even when the device is clipped to your cart and you’re walking ahead. On the GPS side, the touchscreen delivers fast hole recognition and accurate yardages, though it lacks slope adjustment—making it best suited for casual or practice rounds rather than tournament play. The power bank feature is a standout, letting you juice up your phone mid-round, a rare and appreciated perk.

Compared to the GOLFBUDDY Voice 2S+, the Player+ trades compactness for functionality, offering a richer interface and audio experience at a higher price point. While the Voice 2S+ wins on portability and battery efficiency, the Blue Tees unit is ideal for golfers who value multifunctionality and social connectivity—think weekend warriors who walk with friends and want music, scorekeeping, and GPS in one. It doesn’t replace a laser rangefinder for precision, but as an all-in-one entertainment and navigation hub, it delivers unmatched versatility on the course.

The Garmin Approach S12 redefines effortless golf intelligence with a sleek, watch-first design that puts course navigation and scoring at your fingertips—literally. Boasting a sunlight-readable display and preloaded access to over 42,000 courses worldwide, this GPS watch delivers front, center, and back-of-green yardages with pinpoint accuracy, plus hazard and dogleg distances to sharpen your strategy. Its standout feature? Scorekeeping with automatic upload to the Garmin Golf app, turning every round into a data-rich session without touching your phone.

During on-course testing, the S12 proved remarkably intuitive—hole transitions are automatic, and the interface responds quickly, even with gloves on. The 30-hour GPS battery life is a major win, easily covering multiple rounds on a single charge, though it falls short of some handhelds. It handles tree-heavy courses well, but without built-in club tracking (requires separate CT10 sensors), you’ll miss automatic shot tracking unless you upgrade. The lack of a launch monitor or slope adjustment keeps it from being a full analytics powerhouse, but for pure GPS functionality in a minimalist wearable form, it’s hard to beat.

Pitted against the Garmin G80, the S12 sacrifices advanced metrics for comfort and convenience. The G80 offers radar-based swing analysis, but the S12 wins for golfers who want lightweight, no-fuss performance without the bulk. It’s the ideal choice for players who prioritize wearable simplicity and seamless integration with their smartphone ecosystem. While it doesn’t offer the depth of Arccos sensors, it delivers reliable GPS and scoring at a more accessible entry point.

Power meets precision in the Garmin Approach G80, a premium handheld that doubles as a full-featured launch monitor—making it the most technically capable golf GPS in Garmin’s lineup. With a 3.5-inch touchscreen, preloaded maps for over 41,000 courses, and integrated radar that tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, and swing tempo, this device is a data-driven golfer’s dream. Whether you’re dialing in distances on the range or strategizing on the course, the G80 delivers PGA-level insights in a rugged, pocketable design.

In real-world use, the G80 shines brightest in practice mode, where its launch monitor accuracy rivals dedicated swing analyzers. Yardages to hazards, doglegs, and green sections are consistently reliable, and the GPS locks on quickly. The 15-hour battery life is solid, though heavy radar use will drain it faster. While the touchscreen is responsive, it can struggle in heavy rain or with wet gloves—though the device itself is water-resistant. It doesn’t support slope adjustment in tournament mode, but its real-time swing metrics make it invaluable for players serious about improvement.

Compared to the Arccos Smart Sensors, the G80 offers instant feedback without requiring sensor installation on clubs, giving it an edge for immediate usability. While Arccos delivers deeper long-term analytics via AI, the G80 wins for on-demand, real-time swing data. It’s the best choice for serious amateurs and coaches who want a single device for both course navigation and performance tracking. Though pricier than most handhelds, its dual-role functionality justifies the investment for players committed to lowering their handicap.

Laser-sharp accuracy defines the REDTIGER Golf Rangefinder, a high-performance optical tool that locks onto flags from up to 1,200 yards with ±0.5-yard precision—making it a top contender for players who demand tournament-grade distance clarity. Equipped with a slope switch, it seamlessly toggles between competition-legal mode and slope-adjusted readings for practice, giving golfers the best of both worlds. The 7x magnification and transflective LCD deliver crisp visuals even in harsh sunlight, while vibration feedback confirms successful flag-lock acquisition, a small but satisfying touch.

On the course, the REDTIGER proves fast and reliable, acquiring targets in under a second, even on hazy days. The continuous scan mode is excellent for scanning terrain, and horizontal distance correction accounts for elevation—critical on undulating courses. The IP54 water resistance handles light rain, though it’s not as rugged as IPX7-rated devices. While the build feels solid, the lack of Bluetooth or course mapping means it doesn’t auto-advance holes or store round data, requiring manual operation throughout.

When stacked against the Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope, the REDTIGER matches it in slope functionality but lacks the auto-hole recognition and touchscreen interface that streamline navigation. However, its lower price and USB-C charging make it a smarter pick for budget-conscious players who still want pro-level optics. It’s ideal for scoring-focused golfers who prioritize raw distance accuracy over smart features. For the price, it offers exceptional optical performance and versatility, especially for those who play in varied terrain.

The Izzo Golf Swami Ace delivers no-nonsense GPS performance at a price that shocks the system—just $72 for a device that comes packed with over 38,000 preloaded courses and accurate front, center, and back-of-green distances. What sets it apart is its removable magnetic case, which doubles as a protective cover and cart mount, letting you flip the unit closed when not in use. With auto-hole advance and a digital scorecard, it streamlines your round without requiring a phone connection or subscription.

In testing, the Swami Ace proved surprisingly responsive, locking onto courses quickly and maintaining stable GPS throughout 18 holes. The 16-hour battery life comfortably covers three to four rounds on a single charge, and the micro-USB charging—while outdated—is widely accessible. The display is clear, though not backlit, making it harder to read in low light. It doesn’t offer slope adjustment or launch data, but for pure GPS navigation, it’s remarkably accurate and reliable, even on lesser-known municipal courses.

Compared to the GOLFBUDDY Voice 2S+, the Swami Ace lacks audio feedback but wins with a brighter screen and more durable build. While the Voice 2S+ offers hands-free hat-clip convenience, the Swami Ace is better suited for cart players who want a set-and-forget GPS on their bag or cart. It’s the ultimate value play for golfers who want core GPS functionality without frills. You won’t get AI caddie advice or swing tracking, but for straightforward, affordable yardage, it’s unbeatable.

Slope intelligence meets simplicity in the Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope, a handheld GPS that delivers slope-adjusted distances at a touch—a rare and valuable feature for players looking to refine club selection based on elevation. With over 38,000 courses preloaded, auto hole and course recognition, and a responsive touchscreen, it eliminates manual setup and keeps you focused on your shot. The strong magnetic cart mount ensures it stays put, even on bumpy terrain, while the intuitive UI makes navigation effortless.

In real-world use, the Phantom 3 locks onto courses instantly and provides front, center, and back yardages with excellent accuracy. The slope compensation is smooth and customizable, offering corrected distances that reflect uphill and downhill lies—ideal for mountain courses or hilly layouts. Battery life is solid, though not class-leading, and the device lacks Bluetooth connectivity or smart features like score uploads. It also doesn’t include a power bank or audio guidance, keeping it focused purely on distance delivery.

When compared to the Blue Tees Player+, the Phantom 3 trades multimedia features for laser-focused golf utility. While the Player+ offers music and voice prompts, the Phantom 3 excels in precision and legality, with a slope switch that complies with tournament rules when disabled. It’s the best pick for serious players who want slope tech without complexity. Though not as flashy as some rivals, its reliability and ease of use make it a standout in the handheld GPS category.

The GOLFBUDDY Voice 2S+ is a pocket-sized powerhouse that delivers hands-free convenience with one-button operation and talking GPS feedback—perfect for golfers who want distance updates without looking down. Preloaded with 40,000 courses, it provides front, center, and back yardages audibly and on-screen, with adjustable volume levels so you can hear it clearly even in wind. Weighing just 1.1 oz, it clips effortlessly to a hat or belt, offering true freedom of movement during your swing.

In testing, the 18-hour battery life outperformed most competitors, lasting well over three rounds on a single charge. The QZSS satellite system ensured fast GPS acquisition and strong signal retention, even under tree cover. The IPX3 waterproofing handles light rain, though it’s not built for submersion. While the screen is small, it’s legible, and the auto-hole recognition works reliably. However, it lacks slope adjustment and doesn’t support club tracking or advanced analytics.

Against the Izzo Swami Ace, the Voice 2S+ wins on portability and audio functionality, but loses on screen size and mounting options. It’s ideal for walkers and minimalist players who prioritize lightweight design and voice guidance. While it doesn’t offer the data depth of Arccos or Garmin, it delivers essential GPS with zero clutter. For budget-focused golfers who want clear, spoken distances, it’s the most efficient solution on the market.

Revolutionary AI-driven tracking defines the Arccos Smart Sensors, a club-level game analyzer that automatically records every shot, putt, and approach—no button presses required. With 15 ultra-light sensors that screw into your grips, it captures real-time data on club distances, shot accuracy, and strokes gained, feeding it into an A.I. Caddie that offers strategic advice on every hole. The system includes free first-year membership, unlocking advanced analytics that rival PGA Tour-level insights.

In real-world use, Arccos excels at long-term game improvement, identifying patterns in your performance across hundreds of shots. The A.I. GPS Rangefinder adjusts distances for wind, elevation, and temperature, delivering ultra-precise yardages. Pairing with your phone is seamless, and the app’s strokes gained breakdown helps pinpoint weaknesses—like chipping or driving accuracy—with surgical precision. However, performance depends on phone connectivity, and sensors require replacement every few years.

Compared to the Garmin G80, Arccos offers deeper analytics and continuous tracking, while the G80 provides instant swing data without phone dependency. Arccos is best for dedicated players committed to data-driven growth, while G80 suits those who want on-demand feedback. Though it requires a subscription after year one, the first-year value is unmatched. For golfers serious about lowering scores through insight, Arccos is the most intelligent system available.