Most laser levels project a horizontal line, which is beamed out across your workspace to establish a uniform height, but some also project a vertical line to help you vertically position things, too. However, depending on the types of projects you have on your to-do list—and the features that’ll be most helpful to you as you’re working—one type of laser level may be a better fit for you than others. We spoke to Jesse Newell, a contractor at Montcalm Construction in Nashville, Tennessee, to get his expertise on the best laser levels. He recommends shopping for a laser level with a plumb line since it will help you with hanging picture frames, chandeliers, and overhead lighting. Newell also prefers a green laser over a red laser, since it’s easier to see in outdoor settings and over longer distances. We tested 25 laser levels in our Des Moines, Iowa lab to determine which ones are the best for most home and outdoor projects. Each of our experts recorded how long it took to get the laser leveled, measured for deviations on each axis to ensure accuracy, and recorded how easy the device was to use. They also noted the quality of the laser’s design and even performed a durability test, dropping the laser onto the floor repeatedly to see if it suffered damage. To pick the best laser levels, we then tallied all this data and compared the results. Whether you’re looking for a laser to help you set cinder blocks along the bottom row of a home’s foundation, grade gravel outside, install cabinets, or hang something evenly, the best laser levels are crucial tools. We recommend the cross-line Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level, which our testers found to be the best combination of reliability, value, and quality on the market. Read on for a look at the best laser levels, according to our testing. Keep In Mind: Red lasers are harder to see and don’t have the range that green lasers deliver. During testing, we loved its built-in mounting device that can hook onto the side of your ladder or work table for easy setup just about anywhere in your home or work site. It’s also self-leveling, which eliminates any calculations or guesswork on your part. Our testers found that the Bosch Self-Leveling Laser level was highly accurate and its red beams are bright enough to be clearly seen in just about any conditions. Conveniently, it also runs on AAA batteries, which are included with your purchase. The Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level uses a cross-line system, meaning it projects both a horizontal line and a vertical plumb line to ensure that it’s useful for aligning things at both a 90-degree and 180-degree angle. This cross-line levels itself using a pendulum that easily locks into place, and when you’re done using it, you can simply slide the plastic panel back into place. This ensures that the laser inside stays undamaged. Our tester was pleased with how rugged the laser was and found that it suffered no damage after two drops. Keep in mind that green lasers are often easier to see in outdoor settings and over longer distances, but this particular model uses a red laser. If you’re frequently completing tasks outside and need a laser level with a long-range, this may not be the best option for you. Price at time of publish: $46 Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 35 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 1.1 pounds Keep In Mind: The self-leveling pendulum can be difficult to adjust. Despite its budget-friendly price, our tester found the Tacklife to be not only effective but also dependable. With only one operating mode—making it super easy to use—the level continuously emits a horizontal and plumb line that self-levels with a lockable pendulum. Our testers noted that the pendulum wobbles a bit with adjustments, so you’ll need to have patience as you reposition it, but we found during testing that its measurements were quite accurate. When we dropped the laser from tripod height twice, testers found no visible damage to the exterior and that the laser self-leveled just as before. Though at first glance the Tacklife Feet Laser Level may seem designed only for flat placement on a ladder rung or tabletop, it also connects to tripods and ships with a handy magnetic bracket that makes it easy to mount onto metal surfaces. It also comes with a carrying case to protect the device when not in use and a set of batteries so you can use it right away. If you’re looking for value, but still expect performance, this budget cross-line laser is one of the best laser levels for the job. Price at time of publish: $27 Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 30 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 1.05 pounds Keep In Mind: Some of its features may not be necessary for common household needs. Unlike cross-line beams that throw a horizontal and plumb line onto the wall, the CIGMAN emits 360-degree beams on three planes to give you accurate alignment in all directions. Using the laser target plate allows you to measure and adjust your job throughout the space and makes it ideal for laying foundations, or setting up an even grade for a foundation. These can be turned on or off, depending on the project you’re working on. With self-leveling and manual leveling, you’ll also be able to use your Cigman laser level to work at an angle, set up stairwells, or draw out more complex patterns. This laser level comes with a mini tripod but also affixes onto traditional tripods and comes with a powerful magnetic connector that mounts on walls, columns, and more. Its rechargeable battery is a nice feature, and while our tester found the remote control to be an unnecessary feature, some might like it for completing their projects. We also love the fact that this laser level features an IP54 ingress protection rating, which guarantees that it’s durable against water sprays from any direction and most dust incursions. And since it survived our drop tests without a single scratch, we can only conclude that the Cigman laser level is as rugged as such a pricey level needs to be. Get this laser level for its 100-foot green-diode visibility, 360° beams on three planes, and solid build. For the average person who may only use a laser level once or twice a year, we recommend shopping for a different model on our list, since you likely have much use for many of its high-tech features. Price at time of publish: $170 Beam Color: Green | Beam Orientations: One 360° horizontal line and two 360° degree vertical lines | Range: 100 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: .75 pounds Keep In Mind: Our tester found that this laser was tricky to use at first. Our tester found that while the Hychika laser level offers great accuracy, they had to refer to the manual several times in order to use it correctly. While it took a moderate amount of time to set up an accurate line, they said that with more practice, the Hychika would be extremely accurate and helpful to use. With an L-shaped magnetic connector included, this laser is quite easy to set up on a metal ladder rung or work table even if you don’t have a tripod. During testing, when we dropped this laser level multiple times to check its durability, the device suffered no scratches after falling and remained just as accurate as before. This makes us more confident in its ability to last over time. We also like that it has an IP54 ingress protection rating, which ensures that it won’t get damaged by water or dust while on the job. With fifty feet of projection, dual modes for cross-line, vertical, or horizontal, and a small yet durable build, the Hychika 50-Feet Cross-Line Laser Level is a buy we can get behind. Price at time of publish: $30 Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 50 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 1.08 pounds Keep In Mind: This might not have the range of features required for industry and outdoor work. The Bosch 30-Foot laser level does an excellent job with moderate distance projection. Reaching up to 30 feet, its red cross-line laser self-levels reliably well and is quite visible, making it effective for use in most environments. It took our tester just under a minute to level a horizontal line, so it’s quick to set up, too. The Bosch 30-foot laser level is also reliably durable, suffering no damage after repeated drops, meaning it’ll last a long time whether you use it once a year or far more frequently. The self-leveling system also locks when the device is switched off, making it easy to toss into a backpack or toolbox without worry. While this laser level is intuitive for beginners to use, it lacks the high-tech features that someone with more experience may be looking for. If you’re looking for a professional-grade device, we recommend shopping one of the other models on our list of the best laser levels. Price at time of publish: $50 Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 30 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 0.5 pounds Keep In Mind: Its price is similar to more visible green lasers. During testing, our experts found the level had zero deviation on the vertical axis at forty feet out, making it a reliable and accurate choice. We measured a slight 1/16 inch deviation from the pencil line on the right axis, which was close enough to perfect to impress our tester, who recommends it as a great buy for precision jobs. The Johnson Level and Tool is also durable, suffering no damage when dropped multiple times, a trait that’s all important in a tool you’re going to be bringing onto the job site. Our tester loved the Johnson Level kit’s red glasses, which are designed to make the red laser beam more visible. We found that with these laser enhancement glasses the laser was drastically easier to see, even when stretched toward the edges of its 100-foot range. All in all, this is a great kit for anyone who wants a precise laser for frequent use without buying a bunch of separate pieces of equipment. However, we do have two gripes: with no manual mode, this laser level isn’t good for planning angles on stairwells or working around the angled molding. Second, at its price point, we wish it had a green laser system, which is more visible over long ranges. However, this laser level remains a trusty pick if you’re committed to getting a cross-line system and you want the extra kit features. Price at time of publish: $144 Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 100 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 5 pounds Keep In Mind: It uses up batteries quickly. The Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level is one of the pricier models we tested, but with such reliable accuracy, we still think it’s a value buy. Our tester found that the auto-level had no deviation and created a perfect horizontal line in just under 30 seconds—one of the quickest self-leveling jobs of any laser we examined. The level sports a 360° horizontal line paired with a 140° vertical cross-line and two red plumb dots. Its bright green lasers are quite bright, making the line easily visible whether you use it indoors or outside. It’s one of the better picks for setting up patios, fencing, and other outdoor work. With a self-leveling mode as well as a manual mode, this laser will work great for setting up stairs or lining details up to angles. It also comes with a magnetic mounting plate that pivots and makes it easy to mount onto metal objects such as ladders to help you get accurate readings. It also has an IP54 rating, which means it’s protected against damage from splashes, rainy days, and dust. Our tester found that it suffered no damage after two drops on the concrete, and also appreciated the padded case for the protection it offers. However, we found during testing that it uses up a lot of battery power. Since it requires four AAA batteries to operate, you’ll find yourself swapping in new batteries far more frequently than other models on this list. Price at time of publish: $110 Beam Color: Green | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 180 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 0.5 pounds Keep In Mind: It’s pricier than many green lasers that will have better visibility. This red cross-line laser delivers solid range and has very little wobbling as it self-levels. Our tester found that the laser took very little time to level a horizontal line, quickly stabilizing its pendulum and getting the job done in under thirty seconds. With two buttons to activate the vertical and horizontal lines, it’s equally a breeze to switch modes. This means it makes a great no-fuss tool, whether you’re completing a simple task or a more complex one. The level comes with a classic magnetized mount that makes it easy to hook onto studs, door frames, and ladders, but also includes a novel socket for ceiling mounts for easy setup anywhere. Like other red lasers, this will perform best inside. When dropped from ladder height onto concrete multiple times, this laser level suffered no damage and remained just as accurate as before. This makes us more confident that it’ll last for years to come, even if accidentally dropped or exposed to dust and moisture. While the Dewalt laser level is priced similarly to more visible and versatile green lasers, it makes a case for itself with rubberized over-molding, excellent precision, and easy setups, whether it’s your first use or your fiftieth. Price at time of publish: $150 Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 165 feet with unincluded laser detector | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 1 pound
What To Know About Laser Levels Before Shopping
Beam Color
One important factor to consider when shopping for the best laser levels is beam color. Standard laser levels use either red or green beams. Green beams offer better visibility than red beams, especially outside. According to Bruce Garetz, laser specialist and associate chair of the NYU chemical and biomolecular engineering department, this is because of how the human eye detects bright light. “The sensitivity of the human eye varies depending on the color of the light,” Garetz says. “For bright light, the sensitivity of the eye peaks in the center of the visible spectrum, in the yellow/green region, and falls off near the ends of the visible spectrum (violet, red). Therefore, a green laser beam of a given intensity will appear brighter to the eye than a red laser beam of the same intensity.” Because of this phenomenon, we recommend green lasers for use outdoors or in brighter settings, since it is easier for your eyes to detect. If any of your projects take place indoors, you’ll probably only need a device with red lasers. Green lasers are usually more expensive than their red counterparts, so take this into consideration when you’re shopping.
Beam Orientations
Beam orientations vary from one laser light to the next. Most cross-line systems project at 120°, 140°, or 180° to help you align things accurately. However, some lasers project 360°, which allows you to project a beam of light in multiple directions without having to turn the housing. While not every situation calls for a 360° horizontal line, many of the best laser levels are capable of this projection, but can also be turned off for simpler tasks.
Range
The range of laser levels varies considerably. Among the laser levels we tested, many projects are only 30 feet, while more heavy-duty laser levels are visible at well over a hundred. A laser detector can also be used to extend the functional range of some laser levels. Keep in mind that laser levels will generally project much further and with more clarity indoors than outdoors, so if you tend to use a laser level outside, you’ll want to find a device with a longer range.
Self-Leveling
Self-leveling lasers use a pendulum to automatically level themselves, which makes it easier for you to keep everything square, level, and plumb. Once set down, the pendulum balances and achieves a level line. These days, self-leveling is a common feature, and many self-leveling lasers cost less than $30. While this feature is highly useful, there are many situations where it’s useful to throw an angled line—something that requires manual leveling. In these cases, it’s nice to have a laser level that includes self-leveling and manual modes so that you can lock the level and set up these angled lines yourself.
Weight
Many of the best laser levels weigh around one pound, but more heavy-duty models may weigh more. The laser levels on this list range between about 0.5 pounds to five pounds. When you’re shopping, remember that heavier levels can be harder to mount in tricky places.
Laser Safety
Many of the best laser levels for home and professional use operate with class two lasers. While class one lasers are safe for the human eye, class two lasers can damage the eye. Because of this, we recommend being aware of the laser at all times and ensuring you don’t look directly at it. Be especially mindful of using these tools around children or pets.
Your Questions Answered
Is a green laser level better than red?
Yes, in most cases a laser level with a green laser is better than one with a red laser. The human eye has an easier time seeing the color green than it does red, so you’ll be able to see a green laser more clearly when working outside or across long distances. However, if a majority of your work needs to be done inside, a red laser level will be sufficient.
Do I need a tripod for a laser level?
Having a tripod on hand will help you get the most out of your laser level. However, many of the best laser levels come with some type of mounting devices, such as a magnetized L-mount that can magnetically connect to studs, ladders, or other types of metal. Some other laser levels come with clamps that can affix to bookshelves, desks, and other furniture, so you don’t necessarily have to have a tripod on hand to use your device.
Are laser levels worth it?
The best laser levels allow you to complete your home improvement project with ease and accuracy. Without a good laser level, you run the risk of incorrect measurements throwing off your project and making for an uneven installation. Decorative painters might use a laser level to lay out an even design. Carpenters often use laser levels to set up a cabinet system and align it to the counter below, or to build some handy garage shelves. Home builders could use a laser level to grade a surface before laying concrete or to line up cinder blocks for a foundation. An interior designer might use a level to set up framed paintings along the same level as the top of a door. Whether you’re a novice when it comes to home improvement projects or you use a laser level frequently, we recommend shopping for the best laser levels on the market for greater accuracy.
Other Laser Levels We Tested
Black+Decker Line Laser, Auto-leveling with Stud Finder
While the Black+Decker Line Laser, Auto-leveling with Stud Finder will appeal to anyone who wants both a laser level and stud finder in one, it’s not quite accurate enough to justify its price, according to our testers. It’s also not compatible with tripods, and requires a tack to attach to your wall. Our tester actually found that the stud finder was a more useful tool than the laser level, so we don’t recommend this product if you want a reliable laser level.
Craftsman Laser Level and Stud Sensor
The Craftsman Laser Level and Stud Sensor mounts to the wall rather than a tripod. Our tester found that the two horizontal lasers were relatively accurate, but given the price and lack of features, it wasn’t worth the money compared to others on our list.
Bosch 50-Foot Cross Line Laser Level Self-Leveling with VisiMax Technology
The Bosch 50-Foot Cross-Line Laser Level is well-priced but failed to deliver on accuracy. Our tester found it to be less accurate than Bosch models which are half its price. Compared to similarly priced green lasers, this simple cross-line has a very limited feature set and reduced visibility.
Who We Are
Gabriel Morgan is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To write this article, he spent several hours researching the best laser levels and how they are used in different settings, as well as factoring in his own past experience working with levels in painting and faux finishing. Gabriel then compared his findings with insights gathered in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. He consulted Professor Bruce Garetz, associate chair of the NYU Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department, who provided insight into the light spectrum and how the human eye picks up lasers of different colors. Gabriel also spoke with Jesse Newell of Montcalm Construction, who offered insights on how he uses laser levels in tiling and contractor work.
What Is BHG Recommends?
BHG recommends comes from the belief that reliable recommendations stem from hands-on testing. You’ll notice the BHG Recommends badge next to every product on this list. We place our seal there with pride, knowing that each of our recommendations has been tested with a rigorous methodology. Most of these products we buy ourselves, however occasionally we receive these products as samples. In such cases we let you know that we got it for free, to remain as transparent as we can.
