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Garmin Approach S44 vs Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch

The Garmin Approach S44 is the better golf watch for players who want a bright AMOLED screen, full-color course maps, score upload to Garmin Golf and a path to club tracking. The Bushnell iON Elite is simpler and lighter, with a slightly larger screen and slope-compensated distances, but owners report durability and charging problems and no out-of-warranty repair. Build quality favors Garmin; Bushnell wins on nothing beyond screen size and weight.

  • Choose the Garmin Approach S44 if you want a full-color AMOLED golf watch with course maps, score upload and optional club tracking.
  • Choose the Bushnell iON Elite if you want a light, simple GPS watch with slope distances and a slightly bigger screen.

Prices

  • Garmin Approach S44: $249.99 at Rock Bottom Golf (checked today)
  • Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch: $120.00 at eBay (checked today)
  • Difference: the Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch is $129.99 cheaper than the Garmin Approach S44 today
Garmin
Garmin Approach S44

Garmin Approach S44
$249.99at Rock Bottom GolfObserved at 9:54 AM
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Visit Rock Bottom Golf

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Pros
  • Bright AMOLED screen is easy to read in sunlight
  • 43,000+ preloaded courses
  • Score upload to the Garmin Golf app
  • Optional CT10 club tracking
  • Up to 15 hours in GPS mode
Cons
  • Course maps, contours and PlaysLike need a Garmin Golf membership
  • Larger and heavier than the Bushnell
  • Club sensors sold separately
Bushnell
Bushnell iON Elite

Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch

Bushnell iON Elite

$120.00at eBayObserved at 10:00 AM
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Visit eBay

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Pros
  • Light at 38 g
  • Slightly larger 1.28-inch screen
  • Slope-compensated distances without a subscription
  • Auto course recognition
  • Simple to use, owners say
Cons
  • Owners report charging failures and no out-of-warranty repair
  • Hazard function is confusing
  • Small font
  • No club tracking or score app ecosystem

What separates them

Garmin Approach S44Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch
Display1.2-inch color AMOLED touchscreen1.28-inch color touchscreen
Courses preloaded43,000+38,000
Battery in GPS modeUp to 15 hours12+ hours
WeightNot specified, aluminum case38 g
Course mapsFull-color CourseView maps and green contours with Garmin Golf membershipHoleView shot planning and GreenView pin placement
Slope distancesPlaysLike Distance with Garmin Golf membershipPatented slope-compensated distances built in
Club trackingPairs with optional Approach CT10 sensorsNot supported
Durability reportsGarmin golf watches are widely reported as durableSome owners report charging failure after about ten rounds

Price history

  • Garmin Approach S44: lowest $249.99 on Nov 9 at Rock Bottom Golf.
  • Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch: lowest $199.99 on Nov 9 at PGA TOUR Superstore.

Prices at every store

Garmin Approach S44

  • Rock Bottom GolfNew

    In stock

    $249.99Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit Rock Bottom Golf
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $299.00Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit The Home Depot
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $299.00Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit The Home Depot
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $289.00Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 16 stores and price history →

Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch

  • PGA TOUR SuperstoreNew

    In stock

    $199.99Free shippingObserved at 10:34 AM
    Visit PGA TOUR Superstore
  • GolfDiscount.comNew

    In stock

    $219.99Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit GolfDiscount.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by marsmon86 (100% positive, 42 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $120.00+ $7.34 shippingObserved at 10:00 AM
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $219.95Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 17 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecGarmin Approach S44Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch
Color (Strap)SilverWhite
Color (Watch)SilverWhite
Color ScreenYesYes
colorSilver—
Case MaterialAluminum—
Display size—1.28-inch colour touchscreen
Battery life—12+ hours
Weight—38 g
For Kids—No
Navigation System—GPS
Wireless Communication—Bluetooth
Features—Pedometer, Sleep Tracking
Show all 15 specsShow fewer specs
SpecGarmin Approach S44Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch
Battery Life (h)—12.0
Water Resistant—Yes
Sports—Golf

What reviewers say

Garmin Approach S44

Owners of the Approach S-series generally praise the readable screen and simple yardages, and the S44 follows that pattern. Golfers like the light feel and the scorekeeping, while some wish more of the advanced mapping features were included without a membership.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners say the AMOLED screen is bright and easy to read on the course.
  • YardagesPraisedGolfers find front, middle and back distances accurate and quick to glance at.
  • WeightPraisedThe watch is described as light and comfortable to wear for a whole round.
  • MembershipMixedSome owners note that enhanced maps and PlaysLike Distance require a Garmin Golf membership.

Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch

  • 4 / 5Google Shopping · 662 ratings

Owners rate it highly for ease of use and accurate GPS at a fair value for the features. The recurring complaints are durability, mainly charging failures, and a hazard function that confuses more than it helps.

What people mention
  • Ease of usePraisedOwners say the menus and touchscreen are simple to pick up mid-round.
  • GPS accuracyPraisedDistances are reported as accurate, and the watch reconnects quickly after signal loss.
  • ValuePraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for beginners?
The Bushnell iON Elite is simpler: auto course recognition and slope distances with no membership. The Garmin S44 gives more data but some features need a Garmin Golf membership.
Which lasts longer?
The Garmin S44 has the better durability record and 15 hours in GPS mode versus 12+ on the Bushnell. Some Bushnell owners report the watch stopped charging after about ten rounds.
Is the Garmin S44 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want full-color course maps, score upload and club tracking. If you only need yardages and slope, the Bushnell covers it.
Does the Bushnell need a subscription?
No. Slope-compensated distances and course maps are built in. The Garmin S44 needs a Garmin Golf membership for enhanced maps, green contours and PlaysLike.
Which has the bigger screen?
The Bushnell at 1.28 inches versus 1.2 on the Garmin. The Garmin's AMOLED panel is generally brighter and sharper.
Can either track my shots automatically?
Only the Garmin S44, with optional Approach CT10 sensors. The Bushnell has no club tracking.

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More comparisons

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best golf GPS watches
Buyers feel it delivers the key golf features without paying smartwatch money.
  • Hazard functionCriticisedReviewers find the hazard screen confusing and rarely useful.