Square Golf vs Skytrak Plus and Skytrak ST Max: What Matters Most

Square Golf and SkyTrak comparisons are appearing more and more on simulator forums. 

At first glance, it might seem like a simple decision. The SkyTrak Plus and SkyTrak ST Max are the ‘serious’ options with a big reputation. But here’s the thing…

We tested them in real-world setups, and the results are close. 

Square Golf might not have the same brand weight, but in the right space and for the right golfer, it punches way above its weight and even outperforms its pricier rivals in some key areas.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how these units differ in setup, accuracy, virtual courses, subscriptions, and who they’re actually best for.

Let’s dive in.

SkyTrak ST Max vs SkyTrak Plus Differences

The SkyTrak ST Max and SkyTrak Plus are nearly identical units, so the gap between them is smaller than expected.

Max adds speed training, dual USB ports, and slightly faster shot-to-screen time.
Those are the only real changes. 

Those and the different device colours. 

Everything else, from the core ball data to the way they connect and set up, is the same on both models.

So think of the ST Max as the Plus with a couple of handy upgrades rather than a different launch monitor altogether.

Our Review Video

Set-Up Square Golf vs Skytrak Plus and Skytrak ST Max

We tested both units side by side, and they’re very easy to live with in a small room.

Both sit beside the ball, so you only need around 10 feet of total length in your space. That’s a big win if your room is tight.

If you have left and right-handed players, you’ll need to move the device across your mat.

Neither unit lets you simply switch sides in software, so you’re doing a little shuffling between golfers.

Radar units like Mevo Plus or MLM2Pro will suit you better if you have a mix of lefties and righties, as they don’t require switching.

SkyTrak’s hitting zone is tiny, roughly 2 by 2 inches, so you’re dropping the ball on the red dot it displays over and over.

Square gives you a much bigger 5.9 by 5.9-inch zone, and from testing side by side, it definitely saves a bit of faffing around.

There is one real setup difference that matters.

Square needs club stickers and special marked balls to read club and spin data accurately.

You get three dotted balls in the box, and TP5s will work, but it’s still extra steps every session.

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max work with any normal golf ball without stickers, which makes them feel more plug-and-play.

Set Up Winner

SkyTrak Plus and SkyTrak ST Max win setup because you avoid the stickers and marked balls, which get tiresome and expensive after a while.

Virtual Courses Comparison

SkyTrak has a stronger virtual course library.

They’ve partnered with Foresight and TrackMan, so you’re getting the same high-end course designs those companies are known for.

On SkyTrak Plus or ST Max you get 70 plus courses, and they keep adding new ones every month.

Square gives you 16 courses right now, with more on the way.

That gap is expected at this price, although SkyTrak does lock the courses behind a subscription.

You pay $299 per year for 36 courses, or $599 per year for the full TrackMan package.

It adds up fast if you want everything.

Square uses a credit system instead, which we will go into during the Pricing section below. 

It’s a lighter hit on the wallet, and you can top up as you go.

Graphics are strong on both.

SkyTrak looks a bit more realistic, and the ball physics feel cleaner to us.

Square is still surprisingly polished for the price, so you are not stepping into budget-sim territory.

One thing we really like about SkyTrak is that the courses run on an iPad.

You do not need a gaming PC, which keeps the whole setup simple.

For anyone who hates dragging a desktop into the garage, this feels like a relief.

Both units can run GSPro as well.

Square has official integration.

SkyTrak needs a small workaround, although it runs fine once it is linked.

And the good news is that neither company charges connector fees to use GSPro.

Virtual Courses Winner

SkyTrak takes it for course variety and gameplay, although Square keeps it closer than you might expect

Game Improvement Features Comparison

This is the part where the price gap starts to show.

Square keeps things simple.

You get a basic range, Closest to the Pin, putting mode, and swing speed training.

The putting mode is the highlight for a budget unit.

You can tweak green speed, watch your roll pace, and actually see the start line clearly.

It feels genuinely useful rather than a gimmick.

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max go much deeper.

They pack in tools that most launch monitors at this price bracket still skip.

You get:

• Bag mapping to check real yardage gapping.
  
• A practice randomizer that throws different targets and green shapes at you every swing.
  
• Skills assessment for structured practice.
  
• A wedge matrix to dial in partial shots.
  
• Clear on-screen tools like Shot Optimizer, with colour-coded feedback that shows how your launch conditions compare to optimal.
  
• Speed training, is only available on the SkyTrak ST Max.
  

From using these features across multiple sessions, SkyTrak feels like a full training system rather than a range app.

Data Metrics Comparison

Both units give you their full data sets without subscriptions, which is a nice change from the monitors that nickel and dime you for basics.

The problem is that neither one covers everything, so you are choosing which gap bothers you less.

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max skip angle of attack and dynamic loft.

Angle of attack is the one SkyTrak owners have been asking for forever.

It shows whether you hit up or down on the ball, and it makes wedge and driver work a lot easier to dial in.

Square does include angle of attack and dynamic loft, so you get clearer club delivery info.

The downside is that Square does not read clubhead speed, which means no smash factor either.

From our point of view, losing clubhead speed hurts more.

Smash factor is such a core number for tracking strike quality, and it is one we look at constantly during practice.

Data Metrics Winner

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max edge it, because missing clubhead speed and smash factor is a bigger tradeoff for us.

Pricing, Square Golf vs SkyTrak Plus and ST Max Comparison

Square Golf comes in at $699, which is honestly a steal for what you get.

Their pricing model is different, too.

You start with 1,000 credits included.

That covers roughly 55 full 18-hole rounds.

Driving range and Closest to the Pin are totally free, so you never burn credits for practice.

Extra credits cost about $20 for another 1,000.

GSPro integration is also free, which we love.

SkyTrak Plus costs $1,995, and the SkyTrak ST Max is $2,995.

SkyTrak uses a traditional subscription structure.

Without a plan, you only get the virtual range and the on-screen tools like Shot Optimiser.

Everything else lives behind yearly fees.

The $99 tier unlocks game improvement tools like bag mapping, skills testing, and target practice.

The higher tiers add virtual courses.

You can get either the Trackman or Foresight courses for $299 each year, and if you want both packages that’s a hefty $599 per year.

Here is the part we always compare.

GSPro is $250 a year for a huge course library.

So you really have to ask yourself whether the premium SkyTrak course packs are worth paying for on top of that.

For us, the flexibility of Square’s pay as you play model is the better value.

It keeps the cost in your control, and you are not tied into a subscription ladder.

Pricing Winner

Square Golf wins on pricing, both upfront and long term.

Accuracy Comparison

Accuracy is always tricky to compare across units, but we were impressed with both systems for different reasons.

Square gave us very solid ball data.

Ball speed, shot shape, and launch direction lined up with real shots we were hitting.

Because it only needs limited ball flight, the cameras pick up the early movement cleanly.

Shot shape was bang on.

Short game spin and rollout looked more realistic than we expected at this price.

We did see the odd no read on thin strikes.

For a sub $1,000 monitor, though, the accuracy sits closer to mid-range units than entry-level ones.

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max also use high-speed cameras, and we were comfortable with their ball data right away.

Carry distance, launch direction, and curvature matched what we saw outdoors.

Club data was also more consistent than Square in our side-by-side checks.

We even matched real ball flight on the range with the 3D ball flight in the app, and it lined up every time.

SkyTrak Plus feels more settled and predictable, which is what we expect from a more established model.

Accuracy Winner

SkyTrak Plus and SkyTrak ST Max improve accuracy because the readings are slightly more consistent across the bag.

Indoor Play

If we put everything together for indoor use, SkyTrak Plus comes out ahead.

You get the bigger game improvement suite, a cleaner interface, very stable accuracy, and the same simple side-on setup as Square.

The price gap explains why SkyTrak does more here, and Square could get closer over time, but right now SkyTrak Plus and ST Max are the better all-around indoor pick.

Outdoor Play

This one is straightforward.

Square cannot be used outdoors, so it is out of the running.

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max both work outside, although they only read shots from tees or mats, not from grass.

So you can use them on the range, but not on the course.

Who the SkyTrak Plus Is For

• Golfers who want accurate indoor practice with deep game-improvement tools.
  
• Players who love structured sessions like bag mapping, skills tests, and wedge matrix.
  
• Anyone who wants strong virtual courses without needing a gaming PC.
  
• Golfers who prefer plug and play setups with normal golf balls.
  
• Players who value consistent accuracy across the bag.
  

Who the SkyTrak ST Max Is For

• Golfers who want everything in the Plus plus the speed-training tools.
  
• Players who want the fastest shot-to-screen experience in the SkyTrak lineup.
  
• Sim owners who want dual USB ports for easier cable management.
  
• Golfers training for club speed gains or looking to track speed progress properly.
  
• Anyone willing to pay more for the premium SkyTrak experience without changing workflows.

Who The Square Golf Launch Moniotor Is For

• Golfers who want a sub $1,000 launch monitor that punches way above its price.
  
• Players who prefer simple, quick practice without subscription chains.
  
• Beginners or casual golfers who want strong ball data, solid shot shape, and easy setup.
  
• Users who like the pay as you play virtual course model instead of yearly fees.
  
• Anyone who wants the cheapest and cleanest way to play GSPro, with zero connector fees.
  
• Anyone who wants angle of attack and dynamic loft on a budget.

The Bottom Line

After putting all three units through real setups, it’s clear there isn’t a single “winner” for everyone.

Each one fits a very different type of golfer.

SkyTrak Plus and ST Max give you a fuller system.

You get deeper practice tools, stronger indoor performance, and a bigger course library.

You also pay for it, so the value only makes sense if you’ll actually use everything they unlock.

Square Golf sits in a different lane.

It keeps the cost low, gives you more ball data than you’d expect, and delivers the cheapest way to play GSPro without connector fees.

If you want accurate ball data and simple practice without a subscription ladder, Square makes a lot of sense.

The best choice comes down to your space, your budget, and how you actually plan to practice.

If you want help figuring that out, we’ve built a few tools that make the decision a lot easier:

• Our full Launch Monitor Comparison Tool shows side-by-side specs in seconds:
   
• The Launch Monitor Filter Tool lets you shortlist options based on space, budget, and features:
  
• And if you want a fast recommendation, take the Launch Monitor Quiz and we’ll match you to the right one.