The Best Laser Levels for DIYers and Pros

Laser levels offer precision, reliability, and a measure of safety. Unlike traditional bubble levels, laser levels project a beam of light that serves as a reference point for various construction and home improvement tasks. Whether you’re hanging pictures or tackling larger projects like deck construction, these tools streamline the process and help ensure a level plane.

With technology improving constantly, we wanted to see if today’s most popular laser levels would deliver the accuracy that DIYers and professionals demand. To do that, we tested 11 top models in our homes and on jobsites.

We also reached out to Ben Illig, a general contractor and owner of Illig Properties based in Edensburg, Pennsylvania, who uses laser levels on a regular basis. We wanted to get his insights on what our readers will want to consider when shopping for one. 

After testing and with key considerations in mind, we chose the Huepar HM03CG Laser Level as our best overall pick for its bright green beams, self-leveling feature, accuracy within ⅑-inch at 33 feet, and value pricing.

Ahead, learn what IlIig advised users to look for and find out how the following models earned a spot in this lineup of the best laser levels. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Huepar HM03CG 360-Degree Green Laser Level
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Skil LL932201 360-Degree Red Cross-Line Laser Level
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3. MOST DURABLE: DeWalt DCLE34020G Cross Line Laser Level
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4. MOST ACCURATE: Klein Tools 93LCLS Red Cross-Line Laser Level
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5. BEST WITH PLUMB DOT: Bosch GPL100-50G Laser Level
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6. BEST WITH 360-DEGREE LASER: Bosch GLL3-330CG 360-Degree Green Laser Level
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7. BEST FOR HANGING PICTURES: Black+Decker BDL190S Line Laser With Stud Finder
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8. BEST FOR INSTALLING SHELVES: Bosch GLL 1P Laser Level
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Laser Levels Comparison

Our Top Picks

While the following laser levels vary in beam intensity, features, and use cases, each one passed our tests, even when the road got a little bumpy.

Note: All of the following laser levels proved to be highly accurate, far beyond what we could check with a standard bubble level (though we did use a bubble level for extra verification several times during our tests).

Our Ratings

Some projects only need leveling, others need to be leveled and squared, and a few need to be plumb, level, and square on multiple planes. The Huepar HM03CG 360-degree Laser Level is built to handle all of these scenarios, indoors or outdoors, and the price is very affordable. It features three 360-degree self-leveling beams with manual lock. It projects bright green lines up to 98 feet, and boasts accuracy within ⅑-inch at 33 feet. The kit includes a USB charging cable, threaded tripod mount, and hard plastic case.

We used this Huepar laser level to lay out footings and post bases for a deck. The green lasers were surprisingly bright in low light conditions, and worked well in midday shade, but became difficult to detect in bright sunlight (similar to other laser levels). 

As a battery saver, we especially liked the option to turn on only the beams that we needed at any given time. For instance, the two vertical beams were only required for the base layout, but only the horizontal beam was needed to level the tops of the posts. Although it didn’t feel as heavy-duty as some of the more expensive laser levels, this one performed just as well on our project—and cost less than half as much.

What our tester says: “I was not familiar with Huepar products before working on this guide, so I wasn’t prepared to be blown away by this laser level. But I was. In every test, it performed on par with similar tools from the premium tool brands, and less than half the price.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews writer and tester

Get the Huepar laser level at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Our Ratings

Every DIYer has different needs, and a high-end, expensive, heavy-duty laser level isn’t always a priority. For those who’d prefer something a bit more modest and affordable, this 360-degree self-leveling laser with tripod from Skil is worth a look. It has all the features necessary, including horizontal and vertical lasers. The horizontal beam offers 360-degree coverage. The result is a capable yet minimalist laser level at a lower price, and it even comes with a tripod for fast and convenient setup.

The Skil surprised us in our hands-on testing. We found it to be a highly capable light-duty model. For its price and intended use, it’s well-built and durable while being very simple to set up and use. It also steadied very quickly. The tripod was one of the only setups in the test that allowed for positioning the laser at a fixed angle. 

Get the Skil laser level at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

If your projects involve working in dusty and/or wet conditions, you may want to consider a rugged construction laser like the DeWalt DCLE34020G Cross Line Laser Level. It has an IP54 rating, meaning that the housing keeps out dust and splashing water. The laser comes equipped with a strong magnetic mount, fine adjustment knob, rotating head, and locking pendulum. Powered by the included 20V MAX 2-amp hour battery, the laser runs up to 17 hours per charge. The kit includes a ceiling/wall bracket, laser target, and battery charger in a heavy-duty case.

This pro-quality laser level is larger and heavier than the others in our test group, and it was designed with outdoor work conditions in mind. In addition to the dust and water resistance rating, the green beam provided excellent outdoor visibility in most conditions, especially with the help of the laser target. The overmolded housing provided both secure grip points and good shock absorption in our drop test. The working range of up to 280 feet without the aid of a detector makes it a good choice for larger projects. 

What our tester says: “This heavy-duty DeWalt laser level doesn’t just feel substantial, it also has a resistance rating for working in less than ideal conditions. I would choose it over all the others in this group for projects like retaining walls, fencing, patios, and decks.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews writer and tester

Get the DeWalt laser level at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings

For a professional-grade laser, the Klein Tools 93LCLS checks most of the boxes and has some features that the other models don’t. It has both vertical and horizontal beams, along with a plumb-spot finder that projects a vertical beam, which we felt could be a real asset when installing conduit, piping, or drop ceilings. It also boasts several mounting options, including a magnetic mount with a 360-degree swivel and a specialized mount for drop-ceiling tracks.

Unfortunately, the 93LCLS doesn’t provide a constant 360-degree plane, but the ability to swivel it on the mount while maintaining level helps to offset that shortcoming. The variety of mounting options makes it incredibly versatile, and the 3/32-inch accuracy at 33 feet was the best of any we tested.

Testing the 93LCLS laser level revealed the Klein to be a sturdy, accurate, and reliable laser level. We found it very easy to see, and the plumb spot was faster to use than an actual plumb bob or level. The setup was also very simple. The one con with this particular level is that considering its price, it should offer a 360-degree beam.

Get the Klein Tools laser level at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

If you’re using a plumb bob to establish a perfect vertical line, you might be wasting time. The Bosch GPL100-50G laser level instantly projects plumb spots above and below the unit (along with 3 level horizontal dots), and it only takes a few seconds to set up. This is the ideal tool to plumb walls, lay out door and window installations, or transfer lighting layouts from floor to ceiling.

Not every job calls for a line projection. We liked the simplicity of this laser level with its high-visibility green dots marking the ends of a level line, the 90-degree line intersecting it, and plumb (vertical) dots. It eliminates the need for an old-fashioned plumb bob on a string, and the time it takes to set one up. This unit uses a single diode to project all 5 dots, improving accuracy over models using multiple lasers.

We especially liked the low-profile, multi-purpose mount. It features strong magnets as well as a threaded base for easy installation in various locations. Once mounted, it allows 360-degree rotation in order to mark multiple level points in a layout. The design is simple, the equipment is easy to use, the green dots are easy to see, and the build quality is excellent.

Get the Bosch laser level at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co..

Our Ratings

Shoppers who are looking for a level that can do it all and don’t mind spending quite a bit more on one of the best brands may want to consider the Bosch GLL3-330CG. This self-leveling model has a 360-degree horizontal plane laser and two 360-degree vertical plane lasers, providing a level line of reference for any job. The green laser has a working range of up to a 200-foot diameter, though this can be extended to 330 feet with the separate purchase of an LR8 receiver.

Some of the GLL3-330CG’s premium features are so subtle that they can actually go unnoticed. For example, this laser level monitors its battery life and adjusts the beam for optimal visibility. Its CAL Guard feature utilizes internal sensors to detect drops, high heat, and other faults that could mess with the unit’s calibration.

The Bosch laser level proved to be a serious piece of machinery during testing. It is highly accurate, with a maximum deviation of just 3/32 of an inch at 30 feet. The three 360-degree planes were easy for us to see and use. 

After we dropped the GLL3-330CG three times, it registered a calibration fault that required logging into the app to clear. This was more of a benefit than an issue, as it was easy to clear and did warn of the shocks. Another thing we liked about this level is that it can be powered by different types of battery sources. You can power it with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that comes included or with four AA alkaline batteries. The only drawback? While it is the best 360-degree laser level on this list, it’s a bit pricey.

Get the Bosch three-plane laser level at Amazon.

Our Ratings

For those who don’t need all the features available on top-of-the-line models, the Black+Decker BDL190S is a nice option at an affordable price. This isn’t the ideal laser level for a major project or renovation, but it is the best laser level for hanging pictures and other simple tasks around the house.

This budget-friendly laser level offers some features we really liked, including a stud finder and electrical wire detection. It also comes with a hanger that attaches to the wall with a tack-like pin. Once hung, the laser will self-level. 

During our tests, the BDL190S served its purpose. It projected a perfectly self-leveled line to the left and right and steadied quickly. There was a section of the wall where the beam appeared to lighten, making it more challenging to see, but this is because there was a bow in the wall, and this effect is typical of wall-mounted laser levels. 

The beam finder was a nice touch and appeared to work well. The downside of the Black+Decker level is that it requires the user to poke a small hole in the wall to mount it, which could be a deal-breaker for concrete or brick surfaces. Also, it only projects a horizontal line.

Get the Black+Decker laser level at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Black+Decker.

Our Ratings

If you need an easy to use laser level for home projects, consider this compact, affordable model from Bosch. Equipped with two bubble vials and a fixed-angle red laser, it can be used to lay out horizontal, vertical, or angled project lines. This pocket-size tool runs on a pair of AA batteries (included) and easily fits in any tool box or drawer.

This tool was simple and easy to use. The built-in bubble vials show when it’s level. A 3-way sliding switch on top controls the laser function. The left position turns on the red line projection on the left end of the level. The center position is “off.” The right position turns on the red dot projection on the right end of the level. Only one end can be “on” at a time.

We really liked the mounting base. It includes a threaded tripod mount, a keyhole wall mount to hang from a nail or screw, and push pin mounting holes. A strong magnet in the base holds the level in place. A fine adjustment screw beneath the magnetic base raises or lowers one end of the level to establish an accurate position. The magnetic base swivels on the mount, with register marks to help maintain position.

In our tests, the easiest and best use for the Bosch GLL 1P was in a single, fixed position. Since the laser is not self-leveling, whenever we swiveled it to a new position, we had to re-level it by referencing the bubble vials. It was easy to level with a vertical surface as well, but it was not a good tool for locating plumb spots.

Get the Bosch laser level at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Laser Levels

After researching 28 laser levels, we brought in 11 for testing. Since these tools are already rated for accuracy within the width of the beam itself, our tests centered on the user experience. We analyzed critical factors such as how visible the laser lines appeared, how straightforward the levels were to set up, and how easy it was to adjust their different features. We also focused heavily on durability. We set up each level to compare its accuracy, beam intensity, and additional features. Then, because accidental drops are entirely possible during a project, we dropped the levels on the ground to test their durability. We dropped each one from the height of a sawhorse three times. To compare them, we awarded points based on a scoring rubric. The better the laser level performed on a specific test, the more points it won. After testing, we averaged the points for each model and used the results to determine the best categories and use cases for each laser level. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Laser Level

Laser levels vary greatly in terms of features, ease of use, convenience, and accuracy. Before selecting a laser level, consider your needs and intended use to determine what type of beams you require. 

Red vs. Green Laser

It might not be obvious, but the colors a laser level emits make a big difference. There are two options—red and green—each with pros and cons. 

• Red lasers are less powerful but use far less battery life. These lasers are also less expensive, which is why many of the most popular models on the market continue to rely on red laser beams.
• Green lasers are more visible from a greater distance and can be easier to see in high-brightness conditions, such as outdoors in sunlight. However, they’re also more expensive and potentially more damaging to users’ eyes than a red laser. 

For these reasons, many professionals own both red and green lasers and use them for projects that play to their respective strengths.

Illig also has some specific advice on using laser levels outdoors: “It’s challenging to see lasers outside, so if you’re looking for an outdoor model, you might want to consider one that has a sensor (known as a laser line receiver) that alerts you when the laser hits the receiver.”

Accuracy

Whether it’s a spirit level or a high-tech laser model, accuracy is the hallmark of the best levels. A laser level’s accuracy rating should be listed on the packaging or in the manual. As a rule of thumb, look for a model with less than ⅛-inch deviation at 30 feet for truly dialed-in results. 

A self-leveling laser will typically give highly accurate results, much more precise than DIYers can achieve with a bubble level. The act of holding a bubble level perfectly and completely level is challenging, and determining whether the bubble is perfectly aligned in the capsule requires good eyesight.

Beam Orientation

One of the most important features of any laser level is its beam orientation. There are models with up to three orientation planes: two vertical dual-beam lasers and one horizontal. One or more of those planes might be 360 degrees. Often, the more planes, the more expensive the level.

While the usefulness of the horizontal and vertical beams is obvious, a 360-degree laser level’s practicality cannot be overstated. A 360-degree beam can help hang an entire room’s worth of pictures quickly and accurately, or it can help the user dig perfectly level sections of the yard. Also, for projects like drop ceilings, having the most accurate laser level on hand is critical to ensuring the strength of the finished product.

Self-Leveling

A good laser level makes leveling into a simple task. Most models with self-leveling technology use a laser on a pendulum in conjunction with magnets to provide stability. Once placed on a relatively flat surface, the pendulum takes over and achieves the final degree of level. This makes setting up fast and easy, especially if a reference point exists to register against.

Many laser levels with a self-leveling feature also lock the pendulum in place when not in use. This helps reduce the risk of calibration issues while transporting it, and it can help get the most out of a level.

Mounting

One of the most useful things about laser levels is that they allow the user to work hands-free. Once set up, they’re designed to be left alone while the project continues, with the user referring to the laser line as a reference throughout.

The best laser levels use different mounts and features to achieve this set-and-forget function. Some of the less expensive models might simply poke small pins into drywall for support. Other models will come with tripods or mounts that attach to metal studs or drop-ceiling tracks. When purchasing a laser level, consider its intended use and which mounting accessories might be necessary.

FAQs

If picking the right laser level feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Let’s bring things back to level by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about laser levels.

Q. How do laser levels work?

Laser levels project a fixed red or green beam of light from a diode to establish a horizontal or vertical line. This line serves as a reference point for aligning and measuring with precision, making it an indispensable tool for all kinds of construction and DIY projects.

Q. Is it worth getting a laser level?

Whether it’s for DIY jobs or for professional use, laser levels are worth getting. For most purposes, they’re more than accurate enough, and the setup time and consistency can make short work of an otherwise long project. 

Q. What are laser levels good for?

When doing construction or measuring in a large space, laser measurers help set up layouts faster and more accurately. Laser levels are especially useful for aligning cabinets and plumbing, leveling floors, installing doors and windows, and measuring drop ceilings. 

Q. Are Bosch laser levels good?

Bosch makes some of the best laser levels on the market, and high-end models, like the GLL3-330GC, offer more features and better accuracy than the competition.

Q. How do you check the accuracy of a laser level?

If you have doubts about your laser level’s readings, you can double-check it by recalibrating the pendulum, the mechanism that allows a laser level to self-level. Many models will have internal buttons or controls for easy recalibration.

Q. How often should you calibrate a laser level?

If you use your laser level regularly, it’s recommended to recalibrate it every 6 months. 

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He spent years working in the trades and industrial building maintenance. 

Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester, and serial DIYer. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand and power tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor. 

 

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