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You don’t need $10,000 to hit balls into a simulator at home. A well-chosen budget setup can give you accurate ball data, simulated courses and year-round practice for a fraction of that.
Below are three sample build plans by budget. They are organized by what to buy and why, so you can match them to your own room.
Under $1,500: the practice setup
- Entry-level launch monitor: about $500 to $1,000. Radar or camera units that pair with a phone or tablet.
- Hitting net: about $150 to $400. Easier and cheaper than a full enclosure.
- Hitting mat: about $150 to $300. Don’t skip this.
- Display: the phone, tablet or TV you already own.
Best for: practicing with ball data in a garage or spare room. You won’t get a big projected image, but you get the core experience.
Under $3,000: the starter simulator
- Entry or upper-entry launch monitor: about $600 to $1,500.
- Impact screen with a basic frame, or a net with a screen insert: about $400 to $900.
- Better hitting mat: about $250 to $500.
- 1080p short-throw projector: about $600 to $1,000.
Best for: a projected, play-a-round experience on a budget. Check projector placement and throw ratio carefully, since a short-throw model has to fit your room depth.
Under $5,000: the solid all-rounder
- Mid-range launch monitor: about $1,500 to $3,000.
- Enclosure kit with impact screen: about $1,000 to $1,500.
- Quality hitting mat: about $400 to $700.
- Short-throw projector: about $800 to $1,200.
Best for: a dedicated bay that looks and feels like a real simulator, without premium pricing.
Research picks for these builds
These are products from established brands that fit the budget builds above. They’re research picks based on specs and buyer reviews, not our own testing.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO
Good for: an entry-level launch monitor that combines radar with dual cameras. It sits behind the ball, so plan for the extra room depth.
RPT golf balls are required for measured spin, and full features after the included trial need a paid membership.
GoSports 10 x 7 ft Golf Practice Net
Good for: a budget-friendly first net for a launch monitor setup. GoSports is a well-established sports brand, and this net has thousands of Amazon reviews.
A net can’t display a projected image. Pair it with a tablet, phone or TV.
GoSports Elite Golf Hitting Mat
Good for: budget and starter setups. A widely reviewed mat from an established brand, available in several sizes.
BenQ TH671ST
Good for: budget simulator builds that need a short-throw 1080p projector. It’s a 3,000-lumen model that shows up in many home golf sim builds.
Run your room through the room planner first to confirm the throw ratio you need.
Where to save and where not to
- Save: start with a net or DIY frame, use a display you already own, and add accessories later.
- Don’t save: on the hitting mat, on netting and padding to protect walls, or on making sure the room actually fits.
Make sure it fits first
Every budget build still needs enough ceiling height, width and depth. Run your measurements through the room planner before you order anything, then pick the build that matches your space.
Prices are typical planning ranges and change often. Check current prices before you buy, and confirm each product’s space and installation requirements with the manufacturer.