A good rangefinder eliminates doubts and provides confidence. I’ve tested the most popular options, and here are my top picks along with hands-on reviews.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. Vortex Optics Ranger - 1800 Yards Laser Rangefinders
Top-rated: 2,413 ratings | 150 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Easy to use; features a clean, illuminated display and highly intuitive menu.
Helpful review: "Very pleased with this rangefinder so far. Clear glass, easy to adjust diopter, quick results, compact, and lightweight. Highly recommend!
I waited to review this as I put it through the ringer this season. I'm VERY happy with this purchase. Super simple, one hand operation allows you you to quickly and accurately range your targets. Bright red readout works great in the low light environment, allowing you to range multiple objects before the sun comes up so you can be ready! Had some heavy fog on one of my hunts this year and I was impressed with the accuracy of the unit given that fog can be really difficult on rangefinders. Both of the hunters I was with couldn't get accurate readings using a different brand, and one of them actually borrowed my Ranger for a day and a half so he could hunt with confidence!
I like the case that it comes with, I use the belt loop to secure the case to my bino harness. The Ranger easily slips in and out of the case (I removed the metal clip and attached a retractable tether instead) and I always know where it is.
My only complaint would be the startup. I know the 1500 is supposed to be a '2-click' upgrade from the '3-click' 1000, but I still have to hit the range button rapidly 3 times to get my first reading. OR click once, wait, click twice and sometimes it will range. This is minor as most of the time I'll just keep clicking anyways until I get a reading, but just my $.02.
Another upgrade could be a lockout feature; one that would allow the user to shut the unit off, say 5 quick clicks, when not in-use. Then 5 quick clicks unlocks it for use, saving the battery. I did have a dead battery that I attribute to having a button pressed when my gear was stashed. I have the lockout feature on my headlamps and I use it all the time, so this could be a minor improvement!
Overall I highly recommend purchasing this Ranger if you are on the fence. Good luck and shoot true!" — Kaiden Tolev
Get it from Amazon now: $499.00 & FREE Returns
2. TecTecTec VPRO500 - High Precision Golf Rangefinder
Top-rated: 7,903 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Easy-Read, Through-The-Lens display.
Helpful review: "This is the first rangefinder I've ever owned. After researching different rangefinders I decided on the TecTecTec VPRO500 (1) because of the reviews and (2) because the price is closer to what I wanted to spend. I came very close to spending more just because of a brand name. Glad I didn't. I received this on Aug 22nd. I noticed how comfortable it was to fit in the palm of my hand and how easy it was to locate each button (2 of them) on top of the rangefinder. Seems to be well built and sturdy. Came with a nice case that seems durable and a lens cloth to clean the glass. I received an email from TecTecTec before receiving this, thanking me for the order, and with tips on how to use once I do receive. This was very helpful. Am very impressed with the customer service.
First thing I wanted to do after receiving was test this out by marking off 5 yard increments up to 50 yards. The VPRO500 was spot on at each distance. Once on the range I tested the pin seeker. Was very easy to pin the flag and get the distance. I tend to have a steady hand so for me it is very easy for me to get a quick reading. The scan mode is also easy to use. Just point and press. Results was the same on the course. Yardage to the flag was spot on and easy to switch to the scan mode all in one motion to get reading to front of the green.
This sure made selecting the correct club easy. Also comes in handy on the tee box to get distance to fairway bunkers or other hazards. During the Labor day weekend I played a round with a friend who had a Bushnell rangefinder that had the jolt feature. He told me his Bushnell cost $369.00. Side by side, both the VPRO500 and the Bushnell were accurate to the yard on every par 3. I even tried the Bushnell and can say that except for the jolt I could see no difference. I personally thought the VPRO500 was more comfortable. Both performed with accurate readings.
After the round my friend was very impressed with the VPRO500 and said that if to do over again and what he knows now he would choose the VPRO500. I have now played 5 rounds and the VPRO500 has performed as advertised each time. It si very easy to use and I would not hesitate to recommend to a friend. I'm very glad I purchased the TecTecTec VPRO500." — Jack Jenkins
Get it from Amazon now: $146.64 & FREE Returns
3. WOSPORTS H111 Pro - 800 Yards Rechargeable Laser Rangefinder
Top-rated: 2,639 ratings | 59 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Easy to read yardage and flag lock display.
Helpful review: "I was trying to choose between Bushnell Tour V4 (basic expensive model) or some less costly model (with more features like decent user interface, slope and scan modes). Based on on-line reviews of many rangefinders and particularly one on youtube by Mike Sullivan, I went with WOSports 650 with slope feature. One thing that I was concerned about (with my shaky hands) was whether I needed the best optics (like a Nikon). I wanted one that could give me yardage to bunkers and other hazards rather than just the pin - all the reviews and product sheets were not clear about this. I also had a chance to try a Bushnell (a xmas gift that I returned).
Seeing how quickly the WOSport was used on YouTube in the Mike Sullivan review dispelled many concerns. He was quick using it and he was faster than Bushnell.
So anyway, I bought WOSport 650 form Amazon, and I discovered that having a shaky hand is actually good and useful as the pin identification algorithm does a search and reports the nearest target and the shakiness actually creates a variety of targets to search.
I also found it to be much faster/better than the Bushnell Tour V4 in locking and jolting in pinseeker mode. The Bushnell had only had pin mode but could give me distances to things other than the pin if I push the button every time. But the WOSport had continuous scan mode which is quicker to use for finding other targets than just the pin.
In terms of user interface, I like the separate mode button that switches from:
(i) slope-distance/angle mode with continuous scan (I think I will use the most, it finds the pin but without the old),
(ii) pin seeker mode, distance to hazard (non pins) - the only Tour V4 mode,
(iii) slope mode,
(iv) speed mode - used for hunting.
This simplifies the interface greatly as you don't have to hold one button down for less than 2 or more than 2 seconds to switch modes/functions - too much skill required. But one thing to note is the cost of CR2 batteries (Duracell):12$ each. So, a rechargeable rangefinder or rechargeable batteries might be a considerable here. I see WOSPorts has a rechargeable one - but I am good with buying/carrying batteries rather than remember to plugin before playing.
In terms of accuracy, it is not a concern in my opinion. As an engineer, I know that this is a simple measurement to make - speed of light is always the same, and GPS timing is the same for everyone. Besides, consistency is more important as you will use the same rangefinder for distance to target and for distance that you a club AND (unless the optics are constantly mis-aligning then this will be consistent).
Anyway, it's simple and fast to use. I would have paid more for the Bushnell if I thought it was better." — Paul Parker
Get it from Amazon now: $159.99 & FREE Returns
4. Gogogo Sport Vpro - 1000 Yards Laser Rangefinder
Top-rated: 8,499 ratings | 127 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Continuous range readings, ARC (angle range compensation), and Speed Measuring.
Helpful review: "Very accurate when measuring golf distances. Fits like a glove in my palm. Quick and easy to use! High quality magnification and view! Durable! Great magnet! Awesome case! I noticed another review regarding holding the button down once activating on the 1st button push. It works much better by holding button down then rangefinder vibrates once flag or target found. Also, pay attention to the model you buy. MTL model has a magnet while others do not. Unit is accurate compared to my Garmin GPS watch." — Ben O. Perry
Trending review: "I bought this for my husband to use for golfing and hunting. He loves it. I think he needs two. One for the hunting gear and one for the golf bag. Great product and would highly recommend." — Tammy K. Fields
Reassuring review: "I am not sure how I have bow-hunted for years and not used one of these. Instead of just guessing, "Yeah, that is about 30 yards." It works great and the price is right. I wasn't sure that I actually "needed" a range finder. Now that I have one I will never not have one. Specifically this version works amazingly and looks like it can take some abuse. Would recommend to anyone looking for an affordable range finder." — Chris Salvatore
Most-discussed review: "I really like that this model uses standard double A batteries. Makes for super easy replacement in the field if necessary. It is light weight. You can hardly tell its in your pack. Overall, very pleased." — Scott Crawford
Favorite review: "Highly recommend for golf course and in the woods hunting. Used mine for both all last summer and this hunting season and improved my game on the course. I also tagged a nice buck with a 50yd bow shot." — Marsha Trenton
Updated review: "This little gem has a lot to offer for golfing or hunting. Simple to use and very light weight. I would estimate the error in distance less than 1% when used for golf. Bought this as a present for my father-in-law but now considering purchasing one for myself." — Lucia M. Klier
Get it from Amazon now: $119.99 & FREE Returns
5. AOFAR HX-700N - 700 Yards Hunting Range Finder
Top-rated: 8,270 ratings | 83 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Easily identifies target with continuous scan.
Helpful review: "I needed a range finder for hunting and I found this for a good price. It has done everything I could ask for. It works great and easy to use. It is also easy to carry around where I go. Also AOFAR is a first class company that really cares about their customers. I ended up losing a battery cap and I contacted them. Long story short, they sent me a brand new rangefinder free of charge so I would have it for hunting season. So if you are looking for a great rangefinder and great company really looking out for the customer, look no further!" — Jared Osteen
Trending review: "My wife bought this for me for my birthday and I have been using it for a few months every week while deer hunting. It is accurate and easy to use. I can put it on my belt and it came with a lanyard that I use to hang it in my hunting blind. No more taking the tape measure out to measure the distances before the season I can just measure as I sit in my blind, or while I am at the range." — John Moore
Reassuring review: "I can tell you this - I have had this finder for a year and a half and used it often for hunting and golf. It malfunctioned, so I reached out to AOFAR and asked for assistance. They were not only professional but also timely in their responses. They were really amazing with their support. Highly recommended this brand." — Roby Pfeffer
Most-discussed review: "Needed a rangefinder for hunting and target shooting applications. This was by far the most economical option and I was skeptical but was cheap enough for an impulse buy. I was pleasantly surprised with how easy to use and accurate it was. Very happy with the purchase." — Adam Kilian
Favorite review: "I use this for air rifle hunting, great value, works well and is accurate. If you need a range finder and don't want to pay a fortune, I'd recommend this one. It does calculation in yards and meters, and is simple to use. Great to scan the area when hunting even when off (saves looking through the rifle scope)." — Ally Eatherton
Updated review: "My Hawke stopped working after 10 years of use and needed a new range finder for Airgun hunting. This is very similar to use and is accurate when compared to my gun mounted range finder used for hunting at night with NV. Good quality and good value for money. Comes with a battery, lanyard and D clip." — Ahron Scold
Get it from Amazon now: $89.99 & FREE Returns
6. TecTecTec ProWild - 540 Yards Hunting Rangefinder
Top-rated: 2,460 ratings | 100 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Complete hunting package for a quick setup.
Helpful review: "This rangefinder is an excellent and affordable rangefinder. I use mine for ranging established points in the vicinity of my hunting blind. So if game comes in, when they are near the places I have already pre-ranged, I know the range of the game without having to do additional movements to range the animal itself. I also use this rangefinder when setting up my targets for practice." — Jon Clay
Trending review: "I have been shopping for a hunting rangefinder for awhile now and was thoroughly confused by the vast array of choices in the $100-$150 range. The ProWild Hunting rangefinder is in my opinion, the perfect choice. Operation can't be simpler, the 6x magnification view is crystal clear, and the yardage readings are virtually instantaneous. Match all that with a 30 second auto-shutoff and this is a great piece of kit for anyone." — Vince Eady
Reassuring review: "I bought this rangefinder with the intent on using it Bow hunting for Whitetails. I have started practicing with my bow again since the season is just around the corner and this little rangefinder has impressed me so far. I really like the set up, ease of use, and how I can actually see the aiming mark and lines in low light (something I wasn't able to do with my other rangefinder). I really don't see a whole lot of use for the speed calculator however I haven't been able to test it in the field yet. I will update this post if this unit doesn't perform as expected in the hunting woods in a couple weeks. Otherwise, seems like a great unit. Built of quality and a good carrying case with it. Great bang for the buck." — Woody Edwards
Most-discussed review: "Bow hunters dream. Given the range finders I have used in the past and the cost I was skeptical on this purchase not believing a good ranger finder could be purchased at such a good price. I have compare this range finder to other I have that were far more expensive and truly cannot tell the difference. I bow hunt as well as my family and this is a mainstay in everyone's pack. Would highly recommend anyone who is looking to purchase a great range finder at a reasonable price." — Mike Krous
Favorite review: "Just used this rangefinder on a two week archery hunt, for rangefinding and scoping. Mostly used at short ranges, but even found it to work well scoping and ranging out to 600+yards. I am very pleased with performance, and durability appears good. The carrying case to mount on your belt is easy to slip the unit in and out of, with a secure flap that doesn't make much noise." — Lee Edmed
Updated review: "It's light and accurate. With all of the gear (gotta have water and lunch) in my backpack for an all day hunting trip, it is really important to have something light when your stand is a half mile walk and accurate. When facing an open field, ranging for distance is VERY important especially when that 10 point buck is coming across the field broad side. This range finder will put you on the mark every time." — Harry Thomas
Get it from Amazon now: $129.99 & FREE Returns
7. TideWe - 1000 Yards Rangefinder with Rechargeable Battery
Top-rated: 5,853 ratings | 63 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Displays a straight-line vertical distance, horizontal distance, and speed to your target.
Helpful review: "So far I'm very happy with this purchase. Tested it against another range finder and it’s been dialed in. It’s very easy to use and I was happily surprised with how lightweight and compact it is. Makes it very easy to connect it your bino harness for bow hunting, etc. After a few weeks I still haven’t had to charge it. The case it comes with is magnetic closure, and it’s good, but I still upgraded to a Multicam Marsupial Rangefinder Holder and it fits perfectly. Overall very happy with this purchase!" — Dalton Stawicki
Trending review: "I bought this for my son since he felt the need to take mine every time we went hunting leaving me guessing on my yardage. After receiving the product and using it the first time I was completely satisfied with it, especially for the price. I was really impressed with the features and ease of use while comparing it to my Bushnell that cost 3 times as much. I would definitely recommend this product for someone who wants to take the guesswork out of their yardage for a reasonable price." — Michael Brooks
Reassuring review: "Excellent product at a great price point. As someone who is just getting into bow hunting, this is exactly what I was looking for. I haven’t taken it hunting yet, but from range practice in my back yard it seems super accurate. I have highly recommended this to my hunting buddies. Seems durable and (again) very accurate. The slope adjustment feature is also great to take into account the change in distance from a tree stand" — Mike Russell
Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns
8. Gogogo Sport Vpro - Laser Golf and Hunting Rangefinder
Top-rated: 5,837 ratings | 136 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Slope Switch and Internal Magnets.
Helpful review: "I play golf quite a bit and have always hated the range finder! I also use a rangefinder for hunting and it is much easier to range a large animal than to catch the flag on the green. I am working on some new swing changes so I needed to range my irons for consistency and decided to try a range finder, assuming I would put it away in a few weeks and never use it again! I bought this one and have fallen in love with it! It's so easy to use, I get quick data, and the flag seek function works better than any other I have used before. I am impressed at how well this works, for this price, I would have been satisfied with far less performance! So far I have used it for 4 rounds of golf and the batteries have held up. I do not know how long the AAA batteries will hold up, but they are much easier and cheaper than the normal CR batteries found in other rangefinders. If you are on the fence for a range finder, jump in the pool!" — Jared Gray
Trending review: "I have a significantly nicer Bushnell Rangefinder, but I wanted something to use as a backup to bring on hunting trips in case something happened to the Bushnell. Out to 400y this thing is great +-3y compared to the much more expensive model used as correct distance. 400-500y this raised to +-7y which is still fantastic. Past 500 I had a hard time getting a consistent reading from this, but for the price of this item I am very impressed. In low light conditions, this glass struggles, but that's to be expected from a cheaper glass. 10/10 from me. It's what you get for your money!" — Dustin McLean
Reassuring review: "Have used this rangefinder for golf, hunting, and practice at the shooting range. Appears to be fairly accurate. Handheld, so it's a bit wobbly when ranging a target. But with practice you can hold on to target mark for an accurate reading. Lightweight and easy to stick in my golf bag, range bag, or afield while hunting. Now, listen, I've used a Garmin Golf Watch for years. Getting the distance from my watch always seemed "close enough." Then, I played a course and overshot two holes by at least 10 yards. The distance logged on the watch was the distance I chose to hit, but once I ended in a sandtrap over the green, the next time--in the woods. I bought this range finder the next day, and it was delivered that afternoon. On Sunday I played the same course, and Garmin did indeed have the distances wrong. If you're good enough to want to know distances down to the yard, this cheap rangefinder does the trick. I can't imagine why you'd pay more. This one works. So far, so great. I shot an 89 without the range finder and an 81 with it. That's all the proof I needed." — Christopher Klein
Get it from Amazon now: $129.89 & FREE Returns
9. Bushnell 4x21 - 600 Yards Hunting Laser Rangefinder
Top-rated: 2,213 ratings | 101 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Realtree Xtra camo pattern.
Helpful review: "It is a good rangefinder. It is light, comfortable to hold, and accurate. While antelope hunting this year, I tested it out to about 500 yrds on a structure. My brother and I were successful this year with muzzleloader buck antelope, and this rangefinder was definitely a big help with that. Just a note - to prevent battery leakage, I would not leave the battery connected off season." — Hunting Todd
Trending review: "I checked out the reviews for rangefinders and found this on the list of top 5. I just had to get it for my husband for his birthday for this fall's hunting deer season. It has been on his 'I really need it list'. It was a great price, and worth the smile on his face." — Jarome Kay
Reassuring Review: "Great little range finder and a real bargain. But, before you buy be sure you understand what it's intended for. I see where some reviewers complain that it didn't work at 350 yards on a Antelope or a bull elk 850 yards away. This is a 200 yard max range finder for deer and larger game animals. You can certainly range on other objects (trees, large rocks, buildings, signs, etc.) to get a good idea how far out your target is, but you're still looking at 600 yards max. I hunt Whitetail with archery and a 30-30 in Northeastern Oklahoma where most deer are taken between 50 and 150 yards. I believe that's the sweet spot for this product. If you need more, if you expect more, plan to pay more." — Ken Andrews
Most-discussed review: "Purchased this last month and took it turkey archery hunting this spring. It was right on for yardage. Feels like it is a great value for a range finder in this price range. Very easy to carry around while stalking or in a blind." — David Roberts
Get it from Amazon now: $179.99 & FREE Returns
10. AOFAR HX-1200T - 1200 Yards Hunting Rangefinder
Top-rated: 2,547 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Adopts the latest Al technology to supports bow and range two modes.
Helpful review: "Bought and used this season for archery deer and rifle elk hunting. I've used real expensive range finders and this works just as good. Not the best in low light, because it will range just fine but you can't read the numbers on the screen unless you put a piece of white paper in front of the lens. Ranged out to 800 yards. Was not reading good past that (might be the background I was using). Lightweight and the size is no issue. Fights nice in my hand. Controls and zoom adjustment are easy to set and use. The case is nice, but not easy to use in the field, so I used another case that clipped onto my binocular harnesses. Would definitely purchase again if needed." — Anne Radcliffe
Trending review: "I did side by side test with Sig Kilo2200 and Nikon 4K. Maximum reliable measurement distance to trees for this AOFAR was 600yard, for Sig 2200 was 700yard, and for Nikon 4K was 800yard. I’m sure they all can preform better if the target is a wall or some better reflective surface. I’m a hunter and I mostly hunt in east coast woods. The longest distance shot I did is 425 yard for a Montana elk. So this unit is plenty for my hunting needs. And it’s half the price of the sig 2200 and less than half of the Nikon 4K, it’s a good value." — Amy & Nick Books
Reassuring review: "These may be the best range finder for the value. Great for hunting in Florida. Fantastic in low light. If you are hunting on the plains these won't range far enough, but point targets at a few hundred yards, these are spot on." — Hensley Rivera
Most-discussed review: "I replaced a very expensive Bushnell with this unit. Bushnell died two weeks after the warranty was up and right before a coveted draw Elk hunt. Bushnell said the warranty was up and they would do nothing for me. I literally used that range finder twice. I will never buy another Bushnell product again as long as I live. The AOFAR is still going strong several years later at a fraction of the price of most big name brands and is as accurate as I need it to be. No issues at all." — Canada Mike
Get it from Amazon now: $169.66 & FREE Returns
11. WOSPORTS H111 - 800 Yards Bow Hunting Rangefinder
Top-rated: 2,084 ratings | 51 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Upgraded bow hunting mode M2.
Helpful review: "While the item is advertised for golfing, I purchased this item for use with my archery and gun target practice. I used to have to manually range my targets out using a laser tape measure and would be limited by the feasible distance using this method. This rangefinder has simplified that process immensely, and has allowed me to precisely measure the target distances, and to put targets at distances. Using previously measured distances, I found this rangefinder to be accurate within 0.5 meters, and this was tested at 25 meter, 50 meter, and 100 meter ranged targets. The operation of the rangefinder is very simple, and the 6x magnification works great for seeing at the full 650 yards. The rangefinder also has a speed mode which will be very useful on my next hunt. In terms of build quality, the rangefinder has a nice soft rubberized plastic feel and feels durable enough that it should survive a fall without damage. The carrying case has a magnetic cover, and a belt clip for easy transportation. The included battery is a CR2 style cell and replacements can be purchased at any big box store." — Robin Jay
Trending review: "After a recent corporate golf outing, one of the members of our group had a golf rangefinder. I knew about them, but never got to try one until then. Well, I was so impressed with it, I wanted one for myself! After looking at the prices in the local Golf specialty shops I was a bit discouraged that most of them started at $300!!! So I looked on Amazon and saw many options for much less. I liked the look of this one, and the price seemed decent, so I thought I would give it a shot. It arrived nicely packaged, along with a case, instructions, and even a battery. I was so excited, I went golfing the next day. It felt very solidly-constructed and performed very well. Measurements were spot-on. 4 modes to choose from (instructions quite clear on how / which one to use). With only two buttons, very easy to use. I really liked the flag lock feature, it will vibrate slightly when you lock onto the flag! Before I took it out to the golf course I played around with it indoors and outside in my backyard. I also plan to use it hunting this year, I'm sure it will come in quite useful! Very happy with it. Works just as well as some name branded versions, but priced much better!" — Andrew Young
Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns
12. BIJIA - 650 Yards Laser Hunting Rangefinder
Top-rated: 2,035 ratings | 42 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: 2 year warranty.
Helpful review: "Out of the box they feel a bit light and hollow, but they are not overly large as some of the less expensive units I have tried. They came camo, but came with a very bright silver carry case. Readings are to the tenth of a yard, and agree with my old Bushnell rangefinder. I expected to use this rangefinder to get accurate slope readings for archery. In archery, shooting uphill or downhill both result in using a shorter distance for aiming (gravity is acting on the arrow for a shorter distance). This rangefinder may be great for golf, but the slope distance is only for golf. Uphill shots will add distance while downhill shots subtract distance.
As an example, it showed a spot 47 yards away, and 11 degrees downhill. As an archer the actual calculation I should set my sight on is 46.1 yards. This rangefinder says I should use 37.2 yards. This is enough to completely miss a 3D target. The weird thing is this H1000 I have is camo, as though it is for hunting. It works great as a standard distance measurement device, and the optics are on par with my old Bushnell. Just know what you are getting. On a side note, the Bijia company representative has been very helpful with my questions. Customer service takes this from 4 to 5 stars." — Theo Campbell
Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns