Best Golf Irons 2025: Our favourite irons on the market in every category

For most of the game's history, the prevailing wisdom in golf has held that your irons, being the clubs that make up more than half of the average set, are the most important clubs you'll invest in throughout your golfing career.

Each year, more than a dozen different models of iron hit the market, each respectively geared towards better players, mid-to-high handicap players and even complete beginners, and each of them achieves very different things when it comes to helping us hit a golf ball. 

As such, that all-important purchasing decision can quickly descend into an overwhelming experience.

But fear not, because here at GolfMagic we have crunched all the numbers in both the studio and on the golf course to reveal the irons we think you need to be taking a very close look at this season. 

Of course, if we tried to round up the pros and cons of every iron on the market right now, this guide would soon become too long for anyone to read. As such, here, we've have picked out a select few irons from three key categories, selecting the absolute cream of the crop that truly deliver on what an iron set should in 2025. 

If you consider yourself a better player or play with a single-figure handicap, we recommend you go start at the top and browse our picks of the best players irons right now. Conversely, mid-to-high handicappers should head down to our our game-improvement iron section, which breaks down the most forgiving, high-launching options on the market. 

If you're somewhere in-between, or are a mid-handicapper looking to get your handicap down towards the single digits, the Players Distance category is for you.

If none of these irons quite fit the bill for your needs, you can check out our more specific buying guides for each iron category below:

• The best players/low-handicapper irons
• The best players distance irons
• The best game-improvement irons

As always, if you do take the plunge on any of the irons below, we highly recommend you opt for a custom fitting to get the most out of your game. But without any further ado, let's dive in to our very favourite irons you can get right now.

Best Golf Irons 2025

All prices listed for a full 5-PW set.

Best Players Irons for 2025

PING Blueprint S

Key Features

• Elastomer insert: concealed in the pocket of the irons, ensuring the solid feel and sound expected in a forged player iron
• Precision Pocket Forging: forged into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is reallocated to increase the MOI and optimise the centre of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control.
• Forged 8620 carbon steel head: provides premium levels of feel and performance

Price: £1199

Pros

• One of the best-looking irons 
• Incredibly consistent performance
• Lovely forged feel

Cons

• Mis-hits suitably punished in terms of feel
• chrome strip may not be to everyone's taste

The Blueprint S irons by PING target better players seeking a forged players iron with enhanced forgiveness. Designed with inspiration from PING's renowned “S” series, these irons boast a sleek appearance and a well-crafted cavity back profile.

The irons feature a short blade length, appealing primarily to elite players. The satin and chrome finish combined with the cavity back design combine for one of the best looking irons. While minimal offset and a sharp topline may be intimidating, they align with the demands of Tour feedback.

The feel of the irons has markedly improved, offering a soft sensation on well-struck shots. Tour pros swiftly adopting these irons speaks volumes about their performance. They excel in workability, consistency, and turf interaction, which allowed us to shape shots and control spin effectively during testing.

While distance isn't the primary focus of a players iron, these deliver bags of power and provided us optimal gapping throughout the set.

Their balanced blend of power, spin, and workability makes them formidable on the course. With multiple Tour winners already trusting them, the Blueprint S irons are our top pick in the category.

For superior ball strikers seeking an upgrade, these irons should be a top consideration. Their combination of aesthetics, feel, and performance makes them stand our favourite irons for low handicappers.

READ OUR FULL PING BLUEPRINT S IRONS REVIEW

Mizuno Pro S-3

Key Features

• Grain Flow Forged HD construction process
• Created using 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel: For a soft, responsive touch
• Copper Underlay: A subtle yet impactful addition that enhances vibration patterns
• Triple Cut Sole is engineered to improve turf interaction and adaptability

Price: £1179

Pros

• Best looking irons of 2025
• Workability is first class
• Plenty of power for a players iron

Cons

• No notable cons

Mizuno continues its legacy of crafting exceptional player irons with the new Pro S-3 range, designed for precision, workability, and premium feel. With a thin topline, compact blade length, and narrow sole, these irons cater specifically to skilled golfers, offering unmatched feedback and control.

Visually, the Pro S-3 irons are stunning, with a brushed satin finish, centered branding, and meticulous detailing that exudes elegance. At address, the compact profile and minimal offset convey precision and confidence. Mizuno’s grain flow forged construction delivers a buttery feel at impact, with plenty of feedback for discerning players. The triple-cut sole enhances turf interaction, gliding smoothly through the ground for consistent contact.

Despite being engineered for workability, these irons deliver impressive ball speed and forgiveness. Even off-center strikes retain decent speed and spin, while well-struck shots produce optimal numbers. The Pro S-3 irons excel in shot shaping, allowing players to easily adjust trajectory and direction.

Though not for high handicappers, the Pro S-3 irons are ideal for serious golfers seeking a blend of aesthetics, performance, and precision. For players looking to elevate their game in 2025, these irons are a must-try. Mizuno has once again set the standard for player irons.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO PRO S-3 IRONS REVIEW

Callaway Apex Ai150

Key Features

• 1025 forged hollow-body design for ball speed and forgiveness
• 455 steel face cup and 17-4 steel face throughout the set optimise ball speed and forgiveness
• Screw-in tungsten insert lowers CG and maximises MOI

Price: £1199

Pros

• Fantastic forgiveness in a compact package
• Balanced feel and feedback
• Consistent spin and workability

Cons

• Coloured insert might throw some people off

Callaway's Apex Ai150 range is something of a replacement to the 2023-spec Apex Pro model, filling a gap for a more forgiveness-oriented players iron that provides a little more consistency but in a more compact, bladed profile.

The uber-thin top line and smaller head give the Ai150 away as an iron designed for players more confident in their swing, but packs in an impressive amount of tech to optimise launch and MOI.

The combination of steel face materials that are implemented at the long and short end of the set provide a fantastic feel that sits just in between the softness of a Mizuno and a firmer iron from a brand like TaylorMade, while the face materials also help keep ball speed and spin more consistent.

We were mightily impressed by the combination of workability and forgiveness that the Apex Ai150s provide, and while the more modern looks might not be to the taste of players who want their players' irons to have a traditional feel, there's plenty on offer here for high single-digit handicappers who want a little more forgiveness on their side while they attack the pins.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY APEX Ai150 IRONS REVIEW

TaylorMade P7CB

Key Features:

• Optimised perimeter weighting: delivers a blend of workability and stability
• Compact Tour shaping: every aspect of shaping designed to fit the eye of the elite ball striker
• Precise milled face and grooves: deliver an optimal launch and spin combination for the ultimate control and precision

Price: £1059

Pros:

• Super soft feel at impact
• Updated aesthetics ooze shelf appeal
• Five star control and responsiveness

Cons:

• Soft forged steel does mark up quite easily

TaylorMade's newest players iron the P7CB is the brands latest Tour inspired iron, that is designed to deliver optimla performance for the best players in the world.

In terms of aesthetics, TaylorMade has opted to slightly enlarge the profile of the head compared to the P7MCs making it slightly less intimidating down at address. 

TaylorMade has also opted to utilise classic RAC styling on the rear of the head, a move that will undoubtedly appeal to those who love a bit of nostalgia from their irons. 

In terms of feel, the P7CBs are without a doubt one of the softest forged irons we have tested from TaylorMade and considering they have withstood 2,000 tons of force during the forging process, it's not hard to see why. 

That softness translates beautifully into a wonderful forged feel and crisp muted sound at impact that we absolutely love. 

When discussing players irons it's less about power and forgiveness and more about control and workability, and the P7CBs excel in both disciplines. 

We found these irons incredibly easy to work through the air, and they delivered outstanding results out on the course, holding greens with pin point accuracy. 

A very impressive offering from TaylorMade and without a doubt one of the best players irons of 2025.

Srixon ZXi7

Key Features

• i-Forged construction: New, softer S15 steel for incredible feel and control. A reworked Tungsten weight also tweaks the centre of gravity to aid feel and swing consistency.
• PureFrame: Expanded ridge in the rear of the cavity enhances impact at the sweet spot
• Tour profile: Thin top-line for a sharp look at address.
• Progressive Grooves: Wider grooves on the long irons and narrower grooves on the short irons and wedges create consistent spin across the bag.
• Tour V.T. Sole: combination of sole widths, bounce angles, and notches designed to deliver ideal turf interaction.

Price: £949

Pros

• One of the best-feeling clubs we've ever hit when struck well
• Sleek looks that combine a classic blade profile with an angular, futuristic build
• Stable ball flight and spin across the bag

Cons

• Very little forgiveness for inconsistent ball strikers

Perhaps the most underrated iron brand in the game, Srixon are in our eyes one of the undisputed heavy hitters in the category.

The ZX7is are more of an incremental upgrade over the ZX7 — an iron that was among our for low handicappers over the last year thanks to their beautiful feel, ample forgiveness and distinguished looks.

Featuring in the bag of US Open champion J.J. Spaun, RBC Canadian Open winner Ryan Fox and Srixon staffers like Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka, they offer everything you could want from an iron designed for the best players around.

We emphasise that, however, because this is an iron designed very much for the best players around. When struck well, the ZXi7s might be the best feeling irons on the market now. The the softer steel used in this model, as well as the expanded Pureframe and Tour V.T. Sole, means that the ball seems almost to melt into the club at impact.

However, while Srixon have dialled up the feel, it feels slightly as if they've prioritised this slightly over forgiveness. Tester Tom found that distance and dispersion were impacted dramatically when he caught the ball off the toe or the heel.

Take note, then: these are irons that will reward good, consistent players in the best ways. Those wanting a little more forgiveness may opt for the more player-friendly ZXi5 model instead—as indeed some tour pros have.

READ OUR FULL SRIXON ZXi7 IRONS REVIEW

Best Players Distance Irons 2025

TaylorMade P790

Key Features:

• Individual head optimisation and modal analysis tools paired with SpeedFoam™ Air
• Ultra high strength, high speed forged face material
• Faster 4340M face, individual head optimisation and FLTD CG™ for precise centre of gravity (CG) positioning generates increased carry distances with optimal launch and spin windows for better gapping through the set.
• Thinner topline for a cleaner look in the playing position, and an increased sole radius with progressive leading edge designed for consistent turf interaction and an improved impact location

Price: £1249

Pros:

• Sleek new design is absolutely stunning
• Five-star power and forgiveness
• Premium feel and sound at impact

Cons:

• Performance improvement from 2021 is minimal

Without question, a clear No.1 in the Best Players Distance Irons market for 2025.

The TaylorMade P790 Iron (2025) is undoubtedly an upgrade over previous versions, particularly in sweet spot size, forgiveness and consistency.

While feel is subjective, the performance gains are clear—spin retention, ball speed consistency, and distance control are all improved.

Straight off the bat, we love the clean, premium aesthetics with the new TaylorMade P790 irons. We enjoyed more more consistent spin throughout our testing and an improved launch even off-centre strikes.

Better players will certainly appreciate the more compact look and the added playability that comes with it.

For golfers who want forgiveness in a premium package, the P790 remains one of the best players’ distance irons money can buy.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE P790 IRON REVIEW

Mizuno JPX 925 Forged

Key Features:

• CORTECH Design featuring Contour Ellipse Face: This new design optimises ball speed across the entire face, ensuring consistent performance even on off-centre strikes.
• Grain Flow Forged HD: Forged from Chromoly 4120 for the long irons (4-7), this material blends strength and malleability for unparalleled speed and adjustability. Shorter irons (8-GW) are forged from 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel, ensuring precision, control, and that iconic buttery feel.
• Triple Cut Sole: The leading edge is gently bevelled for clean entry into the turf. A hard-cut trailing edge ensures a smooth exit for uninterrupted ball contact. Combined with carefully balanced weighting, this sole design promotes precise control, even on challenging surfaces.

Price: £1099

Pros:

• Premium forged feel
• Remarkable consistency even off-centre strikes
• One of the best performing players distance irons of 2025

Cons:

• An evolution rather than revolution on the former Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons

The brand new Mizuno JPX 925 Forged joins the family's already strong lineup for 2025, which includes the impressive JPX 925 Hot Metal irons.

The JPX 925 iron is designed to compete with the TaylorMade P790 iron but with a distinct Mizuno touch.

What we love so much about the new Mizuno JPX 925 Forged irons is that even on slight mishits, the feedback is clear without feeling harsh.

It still delivers a solid shot, which is something many irons in this category fail to do.

A lot of players’ distance irons feel “punchy”—but Mizuno has found the perfect balance. The JPX 925 Forged combines strong ball speed with a premium forged feel, something few brands have managed to accomplish.

Looking at our testing data, the consistency was remarkable, even on off-centre strikes.

If you currently own the Mizuno JPX 923 Forged irons, you likely don't need to rush for an upgrade—it’s an evolution rather than a revolution.

However, if you're in the market for a new players’ distance iron in 2025, this should be right at the top of your list.

READ OUR FULL MIZUNO JPX 925 FORGED IRONS REVIEW

Wilson DYNAPWR Forged 

Key Features:

• Variable face thickness: optimised for increased ball speeds across the face and improved forgiveness
• Power hole design: featured from 4-7 irons to improve face flexion
• Low CG and high MOI: the centre of gravity has been pushed lower, and weight has been moved towards the toe for greater forgiveness and high launch

Price: £769

Pros: 

• Feel and sound are incredible
• Plenty of power and forgiveness on offer
• Chrome finish looks great

Cons: 

• Power holes detract from the overall visual appeal

One of the most impressive irons in this iron category, Wilson's Dynapwr Forged line offers stand out performance, sleek visuals and feel and sound that will leave you wanting to hit balls until the sun goes down. 

Benefitting from variable face thickness, the Dynapwr Forged irons deliver outstanding ball speeds from across the face, aiding both performance from the centre of the club face but also forgiveness from poor strikes. 

The low CG and increased MOI also delivers a towering ball flight that ia accompanied by an incredibly satisfying noise and feel through impact. 

Wilson has really upped it's game in recent years, and these irons are a perfect example of the best work the brand can do. 

Coming in at under £800, these irons also offer excellent value for money, and would be an ideal fit for golfers who's handicap ranges from 8-20.

Our only issue with the irons is the power holes on the sole, as we believe they diminish the visual appeal, however that's only our personal preference.

Best Game Improvement Irons 2025

TaylorMade Qi

Key Features:

• Integrated System Design: a suite of technologies aimed at optimising each individual iron head
• FLTD CG:  easier launch with long irons and better control with short irons
• Cap Back Design with Toe Wrap Construction: blends the advantages of a hollow-body iron with those of a traditional cavity back
• HYBRAR Echo Dampers: reduces unwanted vibrations while maintaining a desirable sound and feel.

Price: £979 / $999

Pros:

• One of the best-looking game improvement irons on the market
• Outstanding all-around performance
• First-class distance and forgiveness

Cons:

• Low spin on long irons proved difficult to stop on greens

Arguably the most forgiving irons we've tested this year, the TaylorMade QIs offer an exceptional complete package for golfers looking to improve.

During testing, we found these irons incredibly easy to hit, with offline dispersion and ball speed retention kept incredibly tight even from poor strikes.

Each individual head has been optimised to deliver ideal ball flight and spin rates, and we noticed during testing that our gapping was also remarkably consistent throughout the set.

A fresh new design is also a big upgrade from the Stealth range, with a sleek black back panel complimenting the attractive topline and head shape.

While aimed at beginner golfers and those looking to improve, these irons could also be utilised effectively in a combo set with TaylorMade's P790 Irons. Thanks to the updated aesthetics, the two models blend well with each other, and thanks to the added level of forgiveness on offer from the QI line, they could be an ideal long iron replacement for those who struggle to strike their four or five-iron consistently.

All in all, the QI irons are one of the best game improvement sets and also the most forgiving we have tested.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE QI IRONS REVIEW

Callaway Elyte X Irons

Key Features:

• Speed Frame construction allows additional patented urethane microspheres to deliver exceptional sound and feel
• New Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face.
• Tri-sole design features three distinct sections to ensure fast, smooth turf interaction

Price: £999

Pros:

• Capable of generating seriously impressive ball speeds
• Very forgiving from across the face
• Excellent visuals

Cons:

• Strong lofts do produce a slightly lower than optimal ball flight

Callaway’s new Elyte X irons, part of the Elyte series, are designed for maximum distance and forgiveness. Paying homage to founder Ely Callaway, the Elyte line pushes performance to elite levels with advanced technology.

The standout feature is the Ai10x face, boasting 10x more control points than its predecessor, combined with a speed frame construction and urethane microspheres for improved sound and feel. On the course and at Custom Golf Works, these irons proved ideal for high handicappers or beginners seeking power and forgiveness.

Visually, the Elyte X irons are a triumph. Their sleek silver aesthetic and mixed material back design strike a perfect balance between premium and simple. Despite the longer blade length and thicker topline, they maintain a refined profile, inspiring confidence without appearing clunky.

Performance-wise, the Elyte X delivers impressive results. With a 7-iron, the strong 28-degree loft consistently added 20+ yards to my shots, though spin rates and ball flight were slightly lower than ideal. Nevertheless, the forgiveness across the face is exceptional, maintaining speed even on mishits.

If you’re looking to enhance your iron game with added speed, forgiveness, and stylish design, the Callaway Elyte X irons are a top-tier choice for 2025.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY ELYTE X IRON REVIEW

Titleist T350

Key Features:

• Max Impact Technology, a new dual taper forged face with dual tungsten weighting
• Multi-material hollow body construction provides maximum forgiveness while retaining a pure player's feel
• Variable bounce sole allows the clubhead to move faster and smoother through the turf

Price: £1,069

Pros:

• Best-looking irons in the category
• Solid and satisfying feel at impact

Cons:

• Most expensive in the category

Titleist's T350 iron, designed for ultra-game improvement, successfully combines the brand's renowned classy aesthetics with an ultra-forgiving head shape. Unlike typical game improvement irons that can appear clunky, the T350s maintain a sleek and appealing profile despite their larger head size. The blended top line reduces the overwhelming look, making them one of the best-looking heads in this category.

In terms of feel, the T350 features a forged, dual-taper face that delivers a solid, satisfying impact sensation. While not as soft as traditional Titleist irons, it still ranks favourably compared to its competitors.

When it comes to performance, the T350 delivers on its promise of forgiveness. These irons are easy to launch, making them an excellent choice for high handicappers. While they may be slightly less controllable than more refined models, they maintain ball speeds across the face, which is crucial for golfers struggling with consistent ball striking.

Highly recommended for high-handicap golfers, the Titleist T350 irons stand out as one of the best-looking game improvement options on the market. Offering forgiveness and sleek aesthetics, they should be seriously considered during your next fitting session.

READ OUR FULL TITLEIST T350 REVIEW

How we test golf irons

GolfMagic tests irons both indoors and outdoors.

All testing is led by our Equipment Editor Alex Lodge, and Review Editor Johnny Percival, both single-figure handicap golfers.  

To test irons in both settings is very important because one provides us with statistical data and one provides a real-life experience on the golf course.

Testing irons in an indoor studio, such as Custom Golf Works is important because this is how we discover the differences between old models and new models. We find out what improvements have been made and ultimately why we should spend our money on these clubs.

Whether it is launch angle, ball speed or overall distance, we use data gathered from the indoor environment to gather pros and cons about all iron sets.

But it is also important to hit the irons out on the golf course. We need to feel these new irons interact with the turf and gain a view of how they perform in real-life situations.

We hit these irons both from wooden tees and off the deck. We want to give you accurate reports on how these irons perform and which golfers they are aimed at to ensure you spend your money wisely. 

Learn more about how we test golf equipment

What is a player's iron?

Player irons, or better player irons as they are also known, are usually built with precision and feel in mind for players who want an added feature of workability in their game.

With a player's iron, they often feel and look like a blade, but they also come with a little forgiveness which helps ball-striking and accuracy.

If the aim of your game is to control your ball flight and work the ball in the air, you should definitely consider buying a set.

They suit low handicappers and confident ball strikers.

Better player irons usually feature a thin sole with a thin top line too which slightly reduces forgiveness.

Game-improvement irons are much easier to hit. But the feel is often reduced. 

What is a game-improvement iron?

A game improvement iron is suited to golfers in the early stages of their careers or higher handicappers who want to build confidence in their ball-striking and overall game.

Traditionally, the design of a game improvement iron is larger and thicker than a player’s iron.

The larger sole creates a larger sweet spot, so even if you miss the middle of the club face, you won’t be punished as heavily as a better player iron.

With a player’s iron, you will know if you’ve hit the ball from the heel or the toe. A game improvement iron increases your confidence and gives you good results with off-centre hits.

The benefits of being custom fitted for your irons

In the modern game, it is absolutely essential to be custom fitted for your irons.

Your golf clubs need to suit your swing speed, body shape and swing path.

Fittings are free at various places, so there is no extra expense on top of the clubs you are buying.

You will be fitted with the correct grips, heads and shafts based on your game.

It is now more important than ever to be custom fitted for your clubs. It is risk-free and it will serve your game better than buying your new irons off the rack.

Things to consider with your irons

Moment of Inertia (MOI)

This term refers to the behaviour of our club face and how the club resists opening and closing. It is a measurement of a club’s resistance to twisting.

A high MOI golf club will be more forgiving than a low MOI golf club because it will be less likely to twist by the time the face connects with the ball.

When your club face hits the ball from the heel and the toe, this causes the club to twist and this ends in a loss of distance in most instances.

High MOI makes the club more resistant to twisting and increases the success and quality of off-centre strikes.

Centre of gravity (CG)

This term is the point in the club head where the weight is concentrated and balanced. This is usually found in the middle of the club head.

The centre of gravity is placed lower in the club head in bladed and player’s irons which is why it is so hard to hit these clubs. This is because if the CG is off-centre, this puts more side spin on the ball.

Players with high handicaps or slower swing speeds are suited to irons with a higher CG. These details essentially summarise why it is so important to be custom fitted and in possession of all the facts.

Loft and lie 

Loft refer to the angle of each of your irons. This is fairly straightforward. For example, the most lofted club you can get your hands on is a 64-degree wedge and at the other end of the spectrum, you can buy drivers of eight or nine degrees.

The lie in an iron refers to the angle made by the line of the bottom of the shaft and the ground. A club with more lie has a shaft that points towards the ground at a steep angle.

The lie can impact how steep your swing is. A high lie angle could cause you to stand closer to the ball than an iron with a lower lie angle.

If you have a steep swing plane, you will want more lie in your irons. If you have a steep swing plane, this is suited to irons with a lower lie.

An indication of the correct feel of your irons is simple. If you look down at address and the bottom of the club is lying perfectly flat and the middle is facing the target, then this is the lie for you.

If your irons lie at an angle where the heel or the toe hits the ground before the middle of the club face, this is when your ball flights can be skewed. Once again, this is another feature that can be altered in custom fitting.

Sound and feel 

The feel of your irons is very important. Regardless of whether you find the middle of the club face, you want a buttery feel from the irons and a satisfying connection.

Many features can contribute to the feel of your irons such as the type of shaft, the grip and the materials used in the club head.

The sound of your irons might not seem like an important aspect, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on your new collection and have them sound like a frying pan.

It is a feature that can become annoying if you play a lot of golf. When you hit an iron out the middle and the ball is soaring towards the hole, the last thing you want is the echo of a horrible sound that lingers each time.

Which irons are in your bag this season? What do you make of our results? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels or come and visit us over on the GolfMagic YouTube Channel where you can check out all of our latest reviews. 

More Golf Equipment Guides: 

Best Golf Drivers
Best Golf Putters
Best Golf Shoes
Best Golf Rangefinders
Best Golf Wedges
Best Golf Tees
Best Golf Waterproof Jackets