Which golf simulator software should you choose?

What simulator software does

A launch monitor measures your shot: ball speed, launch angle, spin and, on better units, club data. On its own it gives you numbers. The software takes those numbers and draws the shot on screen, on a driving range or a virtual golf course, keeps score, and runs practice games and challenges.

So the software is what makes a launch monitor feel like a simulator. It also affects what computer you need, what you pay each year, and how good the picture looks.

Your launch monitor decides your options

Software is not universal. Each program supports a list of launch monitors, and some monitors need an extra subscription or a particular package before they can connect.

GSPro’s own site is a good example: it lists 31 officially supported devices across many brands, but notes that some need a specific software level or a paid membership from the monitor maker first. TruGolf says its E6 Connect works with more than 18 launch monitors.

Before buying either the monitor or the software, check:

• that the software lists your exact monitor model;
• whether the monitor needs its own subscription to connect;
• which features (club data, putting, courses) are unlocked at each level.

Many monitor makers also have their own software, sometimes with a first-year subscription in the box. Tekden, for example, lists one premium monitor bundle that includes a first-year subscription.

The main types of software

Course and range simulators

These are the full experience: real or fictional courses, a driving range, multiplayer and game modes. GSPro and E6 Connect are two widely used examples. E6 Connect’s home version includes 27 courses and up to 8 players, according to TruGolf, and runs on PC and iOS. GSPro ships with a driving range and a course server, and its community server gives access to over 2,500 player-made courses.

Manufacturer software

Most launch monitor brands offer their own range and practice software, sometimes with courses. It is designed for that hardware and may be the simplest place to start.

Practice and coaching apps

Some software focuses on practice: shot data, dispersion, gapping and drills. Useful if improving matters more to you than playing virtual rounds.

Do you need a PC?

Often, yes. Some software runs on a tablet or phone, but many course simulators need a Windows computer with a good graphics card. GSPro states that it needs Windows 10 or 11 and is not available for Mac or iOS. Its published requirements are:

Trackman also notes that 4K setups put more demand on the graphics card. If you plan a 4K projector, budget for the computer to match. Tekden lists gaming PCs for simulators from about £1,110. Our projector guide covers the 1080p or 4K choice.

What golf simulator software costs

Most simulator software is now sold as a yearly subscription. Figures read 26 October 2026, a guide, not a quote:

Tekden lists GSPro as a one-off purchase, but GSPro’s own site now shows a yearly subscription and says its lifetime option is no longer sold, so check the maker’s page before you buy. TruGolf does not publish E6 Connect prices without logging in.

Over five years, a £200 to £300 subscription adds £1,000 to £1,500 to the cost of a simulator, so include it when you compare quotes. The cost calculator shows software as a yearly figure.

Home versus commercial software

Venues, golf clubs and bars need commercial licences. These add features such as leagues, tournaments and member management. TruGolf sells a separate commercial suite of E6 Connect, and Kandoo puts commercial software at about £600 to £2,000 a year. See our page on commercial golf simulators.

Questions to ask before you choose

• Does it support my launch monitor, and at what subscription level?
• Is it a yearly subscription or a one-off purchase, and what happens if I stop paying?
• Does it run on my computer, tablet or console, and at what resolution?
• How many courses are included, and are more extra?
• Does it support putting, club data and multiplayer?

Let the installer set it up

If you are having a simulator installed, the installer will normally set up the software you choose, link it to the launch monitor and calibrate it with the projector. Agree in writing which software and subscription the quote includes, and for how long. See golf simulator installation, or our step-by-step guide to golf simulator setup.