GPS vs Laser Rangefinders: What's the General Difference?
Both formats aim to solve the same problem — knowing your distance — but they work quite differently. Here's a general, educational breakdown.
How each measures distance
GPS rangefinders use satellite positioning against a preloaded course map; laser rangefinders send a laser pulse to a specific point you aim at and measure the time it takes to bounce back.
Speed and ease of use
GPS units generally give you front/center/back distances automatically without needing to aim at anything specific, which some golfers find faster for routine yardages.
Precision to a specific target
A laser rangefinder can generally give a precise distance to a specific point (like the flag itself, or a tree), which a GPS unit's mapped distances can't replicate as precisely.
Course coverage
GPS units depend on having your specific course loaded in their map database; a laser rangefinder works anywhere, since it doesn't rely on preloaded course data at all.
Some golfers use both, depending on the shot — GPS for quick general yardages, laser for precision on approach shots. This is general background, not a recommendation of any specific model.