COMPARISON

Garmin S62 vs Shot Scope V5: Best GPS Watch 2026

Ryan O., Cubical Golfer founder and gear editor
Ryan O. 12-handicap weekend golfer, Chicago, IL 📅 Updated: 2026-03-28  ·  ⛳ How we test →
Independently tested
✅ Updated 2026-03-28 — Both products independently purchased and tested over 20+ rounds. How we test →

Why Trust This Comparison

See full testing methodology →

Who This Comparison Is For

Both watches automatically track shots without button presses. Both cover 40,000+ courses. The difference is $150, a subscription model, and ecosystem preference. After a full season using both devices, here is the honest verdict.

Garmin Approach S62 GPS Golf Watch Garmin Approach S62 ~$399 Check Today's Price → at Amazon · Free shipping Check Price at Golf Galaxy → Prices checked today
Shot Scope V5 GPS Golf Watch Shot Scope V5 ~$249 Check Today's Price → at Amazon · Free shipping Check Price at PlayBetter → Prices checked today

🏆 Winner: Shot Scope V5

The Shot Scope V5 wins for most weekend golfers — automatic shot tracking, 14-hour battery, and 42,000+ courses at $249 with no subscription. The Garmin S62 offers a premium touchscreen experience and Garmin Connect analytics, but at $399 with a larger footprint, it is the better choice only for golfers who already use the Garmin ecosystem.

~$249 Buy the winner → at Amazon Check Price at PlayBetter →
Both products were independently purchased and tested across real rounds. No manufacturer loans, no sponsored content. See our full testing methodology

Full Comparison: Garmin Approach S62 vs Shot Scope V5

For golfers who want automatic shot tracking without thinking about it, the Shot Scope V5 is the cleaner choice. No subscription, 14-hour battery, and the data transfers automatically after each round. It does exactly what most weekend golfers need: GPS distances, club averages, and handicap tracking — all without managing an app during the round. The Garmin S62 earns its $150 premium for golfers who want a premium watch experience — touchscreen navigation, more refined green mapping, and Garmin Connect integration if you already use Garmin products for running or cycling. The transition to Garmin Golf is seamless if you are already in the ecosystem. For everyone else, Shot Scope V5 is the better buy.

Our Pick After 20+ Rounds

🏆 Shot Scope V5

~$249 at Amazon · Free shipping · Prices checked today

Check Today's Price →

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Prefer the Garmin Approach S62? Still an excellent driver.

Check Garmin Approach S62 price at Amazon → Prices checked today

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Shot Scope V5 require a phone during the round?
No — the Shot Scope V5 is a fully standalone device. It tracks shots, displays GPS distances, and stores round data without needing your phone nearby. You sync to the app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth after the round to review stats. This is a genuine advantage over systems that require your phone in your pocket throughout.
Does the Garmin S62 include shot tracking?
Yes — the Garmin S62 includes automatic shot tracking through the Garmin Golf app integration. It detects shots and records them to your Garmin Connect account. However, the tracking works best with the Garmin Golf app active on a nearby phone for real-time data. The Shot Scope V5 handles all tracking fully on-device.
Which GPS watch has better battery life?
The Shot Scope V5 is rated at 14 hours in GPS mode — enough for any round and a full day of practice. The Garmin S62 is rated at 20 hours in GPS mode and 10 days in smartwatch mode. Both last a full round comfortably. The Garmin wins on absolute battery life, but the Shot Scope is sufficient for all golf use cases.
Does the Shot Scope V5 work without a phone on the course?
Yes. It operates independently during your round showing distances and tracking shots. You need the app after the round to sync data and view analytics.
Can the Garmin S62 track shots like the Shot Scope V5?
The S62 has basic auto-shot detection, but for detailed tracking comparable to the V5, you need Garmin CT10 club sensors ($300 extra). Without sensors, it tracks distances but cannot identify which club you used.
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Products were independently purchased. Learn more about how we work
Last updated: 2026-03-28

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