10 Best Golf Apps in 2025 (Free & GPS Picks for iPhone, Android, Samsung & Apple Watch)
Let’s face it, golf has evolved beyond just the clubs and the swing. Nowadays, your smartphone or smartwatch can play a crucial role in your game. Golf apps have become essential tools for players, helping them track performance, analyze their swings, measure distances accurately, and even receive coaching tips. Whether you’re a casual weekend golfer or someone looking to improve your handicap, these apps can significantly enhance your experience on the course.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 best golf apps for 2025. We’ll discuss what each app excels at, whether they’re free or paid, and which devices they are compatible with, including iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, and Samsung Watch. So, if you’re curious about which golf app to download this year, you’re in the right spot.
Best Golf Apps in 2025 – Ranked & Reviewed
1. Golfshot: Golf GPS + Caddie
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Wear OS
- Features: Real-time GPS, club recommendations, AR view, scoring
- Free/Paid: Free with optional Pro subscription
- Best For: All-around performance and features
Golfshot is like having a caddie in your pocket. It provides accurate GPS yardages, club suggestions, and even offers an augmented reality view of the course. The score tracking feature is straightforward and user-friendly, and the app runs smoothly on both phones and smartwatches.
If you upgrade to the Pro version, you get access to even more features, such as 3D flyovers and advanced statistics. Overall, if you’re looking for an all-in-one golf app, Golfshot is definitely worth considering.
2. Hole19 Golf GPS & Scorecard
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Samsung Watch
- Features: GPS rangefinder, scoring, performance stats
- Free/Paid: Free with Premium upgrade
- Best For: Simplicity and smartwatch support
Hole19 stands out for its clean interface and smooth experience. It gives accurate GPS distances, easy score tracking, and supports both Apple and Samsung watches, which is a big plus. The free version covers the basics, and the premium plan adds advanced stats and features like shot tracking. It’s perfect for golfers who want solid tools without the clutter.
3. 18Birdies: Golf GPS & Scorecard
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Features: GPS, strokes gained analysis, AI caddie
- Free/Paid: Free with premium plan
- Best For: AI insights and game improvement
18Birdies is more than just a GPS app. It’s like your personal golf coach. With AI-powered features like strokes gained analysis and smart club suggestions, it helps you play smarter, not just harder. The app also has a fun, social vibe with challenges and leaderboards. It’s great if you’re serious about improving your game and want detailed feedback.
4. TheGrint: Golf GPS & Handicap Tracker
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Features: USGA-compliant handicap, GPS, live scoring
- Free/Paid: Mostly free with some premium tools
- Best For: Handicap tracking and stat lovers
If keeping track of your official handicap is important, TheGrint is your go-to app. It’s one of the few that offers USGA-compliant handicap tracking. Add to that solid GPS features, live scoring, and deep stat tracking, and you’ve got a complete golf companion. Most of its tools are free, making it a great value.
5. Arccos Caddie
- Platforms: iOS, Android (requires sensors)
- Features: AI caddie, smart distance club tracking, GPS
- Free/Paid: Paid (hardware required)
- Best For: Pro-level analysis and smart sensors
Arccos Caddie takes things to the next level with smart sensors that track every shot. It uses AI to give you club suggestions based on your data and even adjusts yardages for wind and elevation. While it requires buying hardware, serious golfers will love the data-driven insights. It’s like turning your golf game into a science project, in the best way.
6. GolfLogix GPS + Putt Line
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Features: 3D greens maps, GPS, stats, scorecards
- Free/Paid: Free with premium plan
- Best For: Putting and green mapping
GolfLogix shines when it comes to putting. It offers detailed 3D maps of greens, helping you read breaks like a pro. On top of that, it gives accurate GPS info and lets you keep score and track stats. The app is easy to use and adds a new level of confidence when you’re on the green.
7. Garmin Golf App
- Platforms: iOS, Android, works with Garmin devices
- Features: Club performance, score tracking, GPS data
- Free/Paid: Free with Garmin watch or device
- Best For: Garmin smartwatch users
If you use a Garmin golf watch or rangefinder, this app is a must. It syncs perfectly with your Garmin device to show distances, track scores, and analyze club performance. The interface is simple but powerful, making it a great companion for tech-savvy golfers.
8. SwingU Golf GPS & Scorecard
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Features: GPS, score tracking, tips from instructors
- Free/Paid: Free with Pro features available
- Best For: Golfers wanting lessons + GPS
SwingU combines a solid GPS rangefinder with coaching features. You get real-time yardages, score tracking, and, if you go Pro lessons and tips from real instructors. It’s a great blend of tech and teaching, especially if you’re working on improving your swing.
9. TAG Heuer Golf App
- Platforms: iOS, Android, TAG Heuer smartwatch
- Features: 3D maps, real-time stats, GPS tracking
- Free/Paid: Paid (premium experience)
- Best For: Luxury smartwatch users
For those who love both style and function, TAG Heuer’s golf app brings premium features with a luxury feel. It offers stunning 3D maps, shot tracking, and advanced GPS tools — all designed to pair beautifully with TAG Heuer watches. It’s not cheap, but it definitely feels high-end.
10. Zepp Golf
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Features: Swing tracking, scorecards, video analysis
- Free/Paid: Free with optional sensor integration
- Best For: Swing analysis and improvement
Zepp Golf is ideal if you’re focused on your swing. It lets you record and analyze your swing with video, and if you use their sensor, you get even more detailed feedback. It’s easy to use and great for visual learners who want to see what’s working and what’s not.
Best Free Golf GPS Apps for iPhone & Android
If you’re looking for awesome golf apps without spending a dime, here are the top 3 picks you can count on:
- Hole19: Great for accurate GPS and smartwatch compatibility. Works well on both iOS and Android.
- 18Birdies: Packed with features even in the free version, including GPS and game insights.
- TheGrint: One of the only free apps that supports USGA handicap tracking. Plus, it’s feature-rich.
Best Golf Apps for Apple Watch & Samsung Watch
Many golfers love the convenience of smartwatch support. Here are the top apps that work seamlessly with your watch:
Apple Watch Compatible Apps:
- Golfshot
- Hole19
- 18Birdies
Samsung Watch Compatible Apps:
- Hole19
- Golfshot
- Garmin Golf
These apps let you check distances, track scores, and stay updated, all from your wrist.
Final Thoughts
No matter your skill level or the device you use, there’s a golf app that can suit your game. If you’re looking to improve your performance, apps like 18Birdies and Arccos Caddie provide helpful insights. For something simpler and free, you might want to check out Hole19 and TheGrint. If you have a smartwatch, Golfshot and Garmin Golf offer great convenience.
Take some time to try a few and see which one feels right for you. The best part is that many of these apps are free to get started with, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain on the course. Happy golfing!
