By now you must be aware that rangefinder applications on your mobile phones can substitute for any conventional rangefinder device. If you’re not, then you have come to the right place.
Apart from being readily available to you at any time and being incredibly reliable, mobile phones have proven to be very useful when it comes to activities involving shooting. You may be wondering how this is even possible, seeing as your mobile phone is not capable of utilizing lasers in distance measurements.
Well, it’s really simple. Your phone utilizes relatively modern and advanced technology in pinning your target’s exact distance when shooting.
It does this by combining advanced algorithms with your mobile phone’s GPS technology and camera to accurately measure distance and pinpoint the exact location of your shooting target.
These apps are also capable of storing the records of previously visited shooting or hunting terrain so that you do not have to go through the entire process over again.
These mobile phone applications usually do not cost a dime, and if they did, it would be almost negligible considering the value that they offer. Either way, these applications are cost-effective and as such should be considered first before any other option.
Best Rangefinder Apps for Shooting
If you are confused about the right rangefinder app to download from either Android or iOS store, then you are on the right track. Here is a compiled list of some of the best shooting rangefinder apps for you.
HuntStand – Best Rangefinder App for Hunting and Shooting
HuntStand is one of the best rangefinders apps you can find for all your shooting needs. Its numerous nominations for the position of Editor’s choice as the best hunting/shooting application by Outdoor life magazine prove this point.
With millions of new downloads, it is difficult to see any other rangefinder application dethroning HuntStand from the number one spot any time soon. There are several revolutionary features to enjoy with this rangefinder app when you are on your next shooting expedition.
Features like tracking, mapping, weather, and several social features like sharing with social media platforms.
One of the interesting features of this app that you might not find in others is the option to edit the map while you are out shooting in the field and then proceed to use the edited map offline.
This is particularly useful if changes have been made to the terrain and you want to customize the map to be able to easily read it. The same goes for the weather feature that can be accessed online, synced with your account, and then be available offline.
You will also get a kick out of the hunting land layer feature that gives you access to 3 layers of satellite pictures that you can utilize out in the field. As for the social features, you can gain knowledge on how to shoot, hunt and utilize tactical gear by watching videos and mastering techniques.
You can opt for the Pro version of this app or stick with the free version depending on your budget. However, the Pro version has some notable advantages. There are no annoying or distracting ads, you are provided with more knowledge to improve your shooting and it gives you an overall quality experience.
Pros
- Measure distance in different metrics
- Properly synchronize your maps and layout
- Print your maps in ultra HD
- You can easily find your friends using the find friends feature
- Join areas with a group hunting
- Uses GPS and maps to get accurate measurements
Cons
- Too many ads in the free version can be distracting
- Not fully equipped with all necessary features
Range finder tool – Best iOS Rangefinder App for Shooting
There’s so much to love about this rangefinder app. You may be aware of its ability to accurately measure distance, but that’s not all. It is also capable of measuring angle, width, and height using augmented reality.
You are also equipped with a compass and an inclinometer which will come in very handy during your next shooting adventure. You can select any one of 8 unique sniper scopes to measure the distance and height of different objects in your line of sight.
In the case where you need the accurate distance between two specific points on the map, all you need to do is select those two points with your finger and measure the distance.
On the app, you can also edit your waypoint using very different audios and icons and then track the waypoint using a compass. This compass also shows you the moon, azimuth, sunrises, and of course waypoints.
The app also provides you with a 3D camera with augmented reality to view distance, waypoints, objects, and heights in 3D.
Pros
- Very simple to use
- Free application
- Expert navigation
- 3D augmented reality
- Provides you with maps for waypoints
- Measures height, distance, and angle
- Integrated with a compass
Cons
- Does not include a lot of languages
- The app is only compatible with iOS
ZEISS Hunting
There are only a handful of rangefinder apps with just the same level of popularity as the Zeiss hunting rangefinder app. This app has managed to gain popularity by being a shooter’s best friend out in the field.
Expert hunters and shooters require accurate information to be able to get the job done, and this app provides just that. With different innovative and intriguing features to utilize, there is no doubt you are bound to have an amazing shooting or hunting experience.
You don’t have to worry about ballistic calculations anymore as this app has got you covered. You will be able to calibrate accordingly and be poised to take the perfect shot by measuring distance, angle, and height utilizing the measurements.
Social features are not left out. After an amazing experience of shooting or hunting, you can share these experiences with other experts via social features and newsfeed.
Pros
- Equipped with a hunting diary to help record different shooting experiences
- Compatible with Zeiss riflescope
- Free and easy to use
- Provides data on stage
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
- Provides necessary information on ballistics
Cons
- Not very accurate when it comes to measurements and record cop
- Might take a little bit for the account to be fully operational
Smart Distance
If you are a regular on hunting expeditions, then you must have heard about the Smart tools collection. It enables you to easily measure the distance between you and any target using the camera feature of the phone.
As a shooter, this app helps you measure distances as small as 10 meters and as large as 1000 meters. The application is very easy to use. It only requires you to input the specific height of your intended target.
If you are unsure, you can quickly perform a Google search to determine the height, then proceed to obtain the measurements.
As with most applications, there is a free version and a Pro version. The free version is usually riddled with ads and promotions that may become disturbing after a short while.
Paying for the Pro version eliminates this challenge as well as provides you with some impressive features like; Speed gun and Camera zoom.
With the speed gun, you can easily calculate the speed of a target trying to get away. While the camera zoom enables you to enlarge the image of the target to see it more clearly.
There are some other similar applications of this app like the Smart measure which helps you measure distances between 1 meter to 50 meters and the Smart ruler for distances up to 50cm.
To truly enjoy this experience, it is advisable to utilize the Pro version of the app.
Pros
- Accurate measurements from 10 meters to about 1000 meters
- Includes a free version
- Includes more advanced features in the Pro version
- Utilizes just a single tap to get accurate distances
- Utilizes the phone’s camera
Cons
- Does not include map overlays, waypoints, shooting guide, etc.
- Disturbing ads in the free version
Rangefinder – Best iOS distance measurement
Many applications claim to measure distance using the same level of precision and simplicity as this rangefinder app, but none actually can. This app takes simplicity to the next level. By using the phone’s camera, you can now quickly measure the distance between you and a visible target.
This application is reserved for iOS users and does not come free which may be an indicator of its quality and efficiency. To get the precise distance measurement, all you need to do is hold your iPhone firmly and steadily in your hands and balance it on one knee with the target just ahead.
Proceed to tap on the image of the target on the screen to lock it in. And just like that, your measurement is complete.
Although this application is not free, it is relatively cheap and also comes with various unique and interesting features that you can enjoy. For example, it shows you the distance measurement in feet or meters depending on your personal preference.
It also includes other interesting features like vibration alarm, fine calibration, measurement quality indicator, and bubble level. You can also utilize the zoom feature of this app to lock in on targets. The app allows for 5x zoom to be able to pick out your target easily and more clearly.
You must remain steady during the process of distance measurement. Ensure you do not shake your phone during the process to avoid the whole process being disrupted. Your hand, knee, and phone must remain as steady as you possibly can manage.
Pros
- Includes a measurement quality indicator that alerts you on the quality of each distance measurement
- Calculates the distance from your position to any visible object in front of you.
- Capable of 5X zoom
- Accurate and precise distance measurement
- Simplified and quick to use
Cons
- This app is relatively expensive
- You have to maintain a steady composure while measuring distance
- Not capable of measuring all metrics
Conclusion
We have managed to cover a great deal concerning the best rangefinders for your shooting endeavors. These are some of the best apps on the market and so you must carefully select the one that best suits you.
If you often struggle with complex app interfaces, then it is advisable to go for the most simplified apps that will enable you to be effective out there in the field.
If you do not wish to pay for a rangefinder app or upgrade to the Pro version of any free app, you can utilize the free version of most apps as long as you are ready to deal with the constant ads and distractions.
Some of these applications are compatible with both Android and iOS software, so you should also make your decision based on the type of device available to you.
A rangefinder application should be a cost-effective choice. This means that it helps you save hundreds of dollars that would otherwise have been spent on an expensive and bulky rangefinder device.
You can at any time change the rangefinder app you are using if you notice that the current app does not attend to all your rangefinder needs. Even if you bought a conventional rangefinder, downloading one of these apps is also a great idea as it will not only be handy at all times but also have a comprehensive record of your measurements and data stored for you.
You can access these records at any time you need to, whether online or offline, and even share your experience with a few friends.