Best 9 Golf Apps in 2026: Feature Comparison

Golfshot is the best golf app overall, since it puts GPS distances, scoring and tee time booking in one place. This list covers nine golf apps, from GPS and scorecard tools to handicap, shot-tracking and booking apps. Picks are based on store listings and official descriptions, not hands-on testing.

Quick comparison table

Pricing isn't verified here, so it's marked "Unknown" throughout. Check each store listing for current costs.

• GPS-first: Golfshot, SwingU, GolfLogix, 18Birdies, Hole19.
• Specialists: Arccos (shot tracking), GolfNow (booking), The Grint (handicap).
• Duplicate-looking listing: TheGrint Golf GPS Rangefinder, which appears related to The Grint.

1. Golfshot: Golf GPS + Tee Times

Best for: golfers who want GPS, scoring and tee times in one app.

Golfshot shows distances to greens, hazards and targets. It also has a scorecard and tee time booking. Search sources say it has millions of members, but that's a description, not something we tested.

Standout feature: GPS and tee time booking together.

2. SwingU Golf GPS App & Scorecard

Best for: golfers who want a straightforward GPS rangefinder and scorecard.

SwingU pairs a rangefinder with a scorecard and covers many courses. Search sources describe it as trusted by millions of golfers. It's a familiar name on both iPhone and Android.

Standout feature: broad course coverage in a simple GPS and scorecard app.

3. GolfLogix Golf GPS + Putt Break

Best for: golfers who struggle on the greens.

GolfLogix gives course distances plus green-reading and putt break features. Its listing says it aims to help golfers lower their scores. No app can promise that, so treat it as a goal, not a guarantee.

Standout feature: putt break help.

4. 18Birdies Golf GPS Tracker

Best for: golfers who play with friends and like comparing rounds.

18Birdies covers GPS, a scorecard and stat tracking. The social features are the draw. You can play alongside friends and keep your rounds in one shared place.

Standout feature: social play on top of GPS and stats.

5. The Grint: Golf Handicap & GPS

Best for: golfers who need official handicap tracking.

The Grint combines GPS, scoring and handicap tracking, so the rounds you score feed into your handicap. That suits league and regular players who need a number they can actually use.

Standout feature: official handicap tracking.

6. Hole19 Golf GPS Rangefinder

Best for: golfers who want course maps and stats without extra gear.

Hole19 puts a GPS rangefinder, a scorecard and course maps on your phone. It also tracks stats for your rounds, which gives you a useful overview without buying hardware.

Standout feature: course maps with a rangefinder.

7. Arccos Golf

Best for: data-minded golfers who want every shot tracked automatically.

Arccos works with sensors, so the app alone isn't the full setup. Once the sensors are installed, it tracks your shots automatically and offers strategy suggestions and stats.

Standout feature: automatic shot tracking.

8. GolfNow

Best for: golfers who just need to book a tee time.

GolfNow is a tee time booking app, not a GPS or scoring tool. Pair it with one of the GPS apps above for the course itself.

Standout feature: tee time booking.

9. TheGrint Golf GPS Rangefinder

Best for: golfers who want a GPS rangefinder, going by the listing name.

This listing appears related to The Grint (entry 5), and details are limited. We can't say how it differs or what features it has. Check the store listing and compare it with entry 5 before you install it.

Standout feature: GPS rangefinder, as named in the listing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best golf app?

Golfshot is the best overall pick because it combines GPS, scoring and tee times. For specific needs, Arccos suits shot tracking and The Grint suits handicaps.

Is there a free golf GPS app?

Check each store listing for current pricing and subscription tiers. Pricing isn't verified here, so we can't say which apps are free.

Which app tracks my handicap?

The Grint is the pick for handicap tracking. Its listing highlights official handicap support alongside GPS and scoring.

Do I need a sensor to track shots?

For automatic tracking with Arccos, yes. It works with sensors, so the app alone isn't the full setup.

Can I book tee times in the app?

Yes, in Golfshot and GolfNow. Golfshot bundles booking with GPS and scoring, while GolfNow does booking only.

The verdict

Golfshot is the strongest overall golf app because it combines GPS, scoring and tee times. Arccos is the runner-up for automatic shot tracking with sensors, and The Grint is the runner-up for official handicap tracking. GolfNow works as a booking-only add-on. These picks come from listings and descriptions, not hands-on testing.