Golf simulator software
Simulator software is the video game part. It turns your launch monitor's numbers into a course. The right pick depends on your launch monitor, whether you have a Windows PC, and whether you want licensed real courses or the biggest library. Here's the whole field in one table.
Part of the home golf simulator guide.
The software, side by side
| Software | Runs on | Cost model | Works with | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSProGSPro (community) | Windows PC | Around $250 a year | Camera units direct; R10 and MLM2PRO via connectors | The best ball flight and course library for the money |
| E6 ConnectTruGolf | Windows, iPad | Subscription tiers and course packs | Most units, including R10, MLM2PRO, SkyTrak+, Launch Pro | Licensed real courses, iPad play |
| Awesome GolfAwesome Golf | Windows, iPad | Subscription | R10, MLM2PRO, Square, Launch Pro, Mevo Gen2 | Families, games, a lighter PC |
| FSX PlayForesight Sports | Windows PC | Included with GC3; courses sold separately | Launch Pro, GC3, GCQuad | Foresight owners who want Foresight’s own graphics |
| TGC 2019HB Studios | Windows PC | One-time license through ProTee and retailers | Most camera units and radars | A huge older course library, no yearly fee |
| Garmin GolfGarmin | Phone, tablet | Membership about $10 a month for courses | Garmin R10 | First simulator play on a phone |
| Rapsodo Range and CoursesRapsodo | Phone, tablet | Premium membership, yearly or lifetime | MLM2PRO | Combines, video, practice on a tablet |
| SkyTrak appSkyTrak | Windows, Mac, iPad | Game Improvement plan, yearly | SkyTrak+ | Mac and iPad owners |
| Full Swing GolfFull Swing | Windows PC | Separate purchase | Full Swing KIT | Full Swing bays |
| TrackMan Virtual GolfTrackMan | Windows PC | Yearly software fee | TrackMan | TrackMan bays |
How to choose
Got a Windows gaming PC (or planning to buy one) and a launch monitor from our main list? Read the GSPro guide and stop there. Its ball flight is the most believable at the price, and its courses are built by the people who play them.
Want to play on an iPad? Or want the real Pebble Beach instead of a very good copy? E6 Connect is your answer, and it's the one retailers usually bundle.
If the bay is for a family and the PC is modest, Awesome Golf runs lighter and leans into games. If you own a Foresight unit or a Launch Pro, FSX Play is included and looks the part.
The maker apps that come with the R10, the MLM2PRO and the SkyTrak+ are where you'll likely start. They're fine for the first winter. People move on because course play on each of them sits behind a membership (a monthly or yearly fee). The other options give you more for the same money.
Our R10 review and MLM2PRO review walk through those memberships line by line.
Two last tips. First, the PC: GSPro and E6 on Windows want a proper graphics card. The cost builder has a $900 to $2,000 range for that kind of PC.
Second, the screen. Every one of these looks far better on a short-throw projector and a real impact screen than on a TV. That's why the projector guide is your next stop.
Every guide in this section
Questions people ask
What is the best golf simulator software?
With a Windows PC and a launch monitor that connects to it, we’d pick GSPro. The ball flight looks right and the library of player-made courses is huge. Pick E6 Connect if you need iOS or want licensed real courses. The maker apps are fine to start with.
Is golf sim software free?
Every launch monitor comes with a free app that gives you a range and your numbers. Playing courses almost always costs money. That means a maker subscription, GSPro at around $250 a year, or E6 Connect tiers. Prices change, so check each maker’s current pricing.
Does golf simulator software run on a Mac or an iPad?
E6 Connect, Awesome Golf and the maker apps run on iPad. The SkyTrak app is the best-known Mac-friendly option. GSPro and FSX Play are Windows only, which is why serious bays usually end up with a gaming PC.