The launch monitor gets the spotlight, but the software is what you actually play. Your choice of golf simulator software determines your course library, graphics quality, shot feedback, multiplayer options, and how much you enjoy the experience session after session. The good news: the top platforms have never been better, and each one has a distinct strength that suits different players.
This page compares the three software platforms worth your serious consideration — GSPro, E6 Connect, and TGC 2019 — plus a look at free and bundled options.
The Three Platforms Worth Your Time
GSPro — Largest Course Library
GSPro is built on community-designed courses — over 130,000 layouts are available, far more than any commercial platform. Pricing starts at $250/year. The graphics are good but not the sharpest, and the interface requires more setup than E6. Where GSPro wins decisively is course selection — if you want to play any specific course in the world, GSPro almost certainly has it. Pairs well with Garmin R10, Mevo+, SkyTrak+, and most major launch monitors.
★★★★½ 4.6/5 · From $250/year
E6 Connect — Best Graphics & Polish
E6 Connect is the visual benchmark — its course graphics are noticeably more polished than GSPro or TGC 2019, and the interface is the most user-friendly of the three. It’s bundled with SkyTrak+ at no extra cost, which is a significant value add. The course library is smaller (hundreds vs. thousands), but the quality is consistently high. Best choice for players who prioritise the visual experience and ease of use over maximum course selection.
★★★★★ 4.8/5 · From $200/year (free with SkyTrak+)
TGC 2019 — Best Real-World Courses
The Golf Club 2019 offers a deep library of real-world course reproductions — Augusta National, Pebble Beach, St Andrews — rendered with strong visual fidelity. Originally built for console gaming, it transitioned to simulator use and has a dedicated community. Pricing is competitive, and the course designs are arguably the most accurate representations of famous layouts available. Works with Mevo+, SkyTrak+, and several other major launch monitors.
★★★★☆ 4.4/5 · From $100/year
How to Choose Golf Simulator Software
Hardware Compatibility First
Not all software works with all launch monitors. Before choosing a platform, verify that your launch monitor is officially supported. SkyTrak+ has native integration with E6 Connect. Garmin R10 connects to E6 and GSPro. Mevo+ supports TGC 2019, E6, and GSPro. Foresight units work across most platforms. Check the software’s supported devices list before committing to a subscription.
Course Library vs. Course Quality
GSPro’s community library contains more courses than any other platform — but quality varies since courses are user-built. E6 has fewer courses but they’re professionally designed and visually consistent. TGC 2019 prioritises famous real-world layouts with high accuracy. If your goal is to play hundreds of different tracks, GSPro wins. If you want to play Augusta with tour-quality graphics, TGC 2019 or E6 is the better choice.
Multiplayer and Online Play
All three major platforms support online multiplayer, letting you play virtually against other simulator owners worldwide. GSPro has a large and active online community. E6 integrates with its own online league system. TGC 2019’s online infrastructure has declined somewhat from its console gaming era but remains functional. If online competition is a priority, GSPro currently has the most active player base.
Price and Subscription Model
All major simulator software runs on annual subscriptions. GSPro ranges from $250–$350/year depending on tier. E6 Connect starts around $200/year and is bundled free with SkyTrak+. TGC 2019 is typically $100–$150/year, making it the most affordable entry point. Factor in whether your launch monitor bundles any software — SkyTrak+’s E6 bundle alone represents $200+ in annual savings.
Free and Budget Software Options
Several launch monitors include free software tiers. The Garmin Golf app (included with R10) provides basic simulation and driving range functionality at no cost. Approach software from Garmin covers 10 data points without a subscription. FlightScope’s free tier provides data without simulation courses. These free options are useful for practice and data analysis but don’t replace a full simulation platform for course play.