No matter if you are working in the field or are hanging a picture inside your house, you are going to want to keep things level. Laser levels offer precision, reliability and accuracy no matter the type of job you are doing. As opposed to old-school bubble levels, laser levels project a beam of light that acts as a reference point and allows you to complete various DIY or construction types of measuring tasks.
The range of usage starts from simple indoor leveling to more complicated outdoor tasks like hanging ledger boards for decks. Advancements in technology allow surveyors to work on a leveled playing field today, which perhaps wasn’t the case a couple of years ago.
For that reason, we wanted to check out the best self-leveling laser levels that are available on the market today and see how they compare to each other. We also determine their best possible usage, making it a lot easier for people who are looking at a laser level for a specific job.
Top Picks
While making our picks and laser levels reviews, we went through a whole bunch of them, but what we stood tall with was making sure that all of them are more accurate compared to a standard bubble level. We also made sure that each model is tripod compatible, making it more versatile.
DeWalt DW089K 3-Beam Line Laser Level (Best Overall)
Whether you're tackling DIY projects or working on a professional jobsite, this DeWalt line laser level is up to the task. With three self-leveling red beams - one horizontal line and two vertical dual-beam lasers - it's versatile for a variety of projects. Achieving precision within 1/8 inch at 30 feet, it offers accuracy with a micro-adjust knob for perfect beam alignment.
Among the tested models, the DeWalt laser level stood out for its ease of setup and use. Featuring a magnetic back and beam clamp, it's adaptable for various surfaces and setups. The bright red laser ensures visibility, while its robust design, though not the largest, withstands tough conditions, as evidenced by its resilience in a drop test. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't project a 360-degree beam.
Specifications:
Beam orientation: 2 vertical and 1 horizontalAccuracy: 1/8 inch at 30 feet
Beam color: Red
Pros:
- The self-leveling feature allows for fast measurements.
- Robust build, excellent for heavy-duty use.
- Does not take long to set up.
Cons:
- Lacks a 360-degree beam function.
Skil LL932201 360° Self-Leveling Red Cross-Line Laser (Best for Work in the Light)
Not every DIYer requires a top-of-the-line, heavy-duty laser level. For those seeking a more affordable option, consider the Skil 360-degree self-leveling cross-line laser level. While it may lack some premium aesthetics, it offers all the necessary features, including horizontal and vertical lasers with 360-degree coverage. Despite its modest appearance, it delivers capable performance at a lower price point, complete with a tripod for versatile height adjustment.
The Skil actually has surprising capabilities as a light-duty model. It's well-constructed and durable for its price range, boasting simplicity in setup and use. Additionally, it quickly stabilizes for efficient operation. Though the included tripod isn't the highest quality, it offers flexibility in positioning the laser at various angles, distinguishing it from other setups.
Specifications:
Beam orientation: 360-degree cross-line laser level
Accuracy: 3/16 inch at 30 feet
Beam color: Red
Pros:
- Self leveling laser function allows for more accurate measurements.
- Very decent build quality, even for heavy-duty use.
- Steadies much quicker than other levels.
Cons:
- The level tripod included is of low quality.
Klein Tools 93LCLS Red Cross-Line Laser Level (Best for Heavy Duty Use)
The Klein Tools 93LCLS stands out as a professional-grade laser level, offering unique features not found in other models. In addition to both vertical and horizontal beams, it includes a plumb-spot finder, beneficial for tasks such as conduit installation or drop ceiling placement. Multiple mounting options, including a magnetic mount with swivel and a specialized drop-ceiling track mount, enhance its versatility.
While the 93LCLS lacks a continuous 360-degree plane, its swivel capability on the mount compensates for this limitation. The Klein laser level is robust, reliable, and easy to use. Its visibility is excellent, and the plumb spot feature proved quicker than traditional methods like plumb bobs. Setup is straightforward, though considering its price, the absence of a 360-degree beam is a drawback worth noting.
Specifications:
Beam orientation: Vertical and horizontal with plumb spots
Accuracy: 3/32 inch at 33 feet
Beam color: Red
Pros:
- The plumb-spot finder is excellent for taking measurements of overhead locations.
- Very simple and fast setup.
- Durable enough for long-term usage.
Cons:
- Does not come with a 360-degree plane.
Huepar 621CG 3D Cross-Line Laser Level (Best for Outdoor Use)
This Huepar laser level is an ideal option for outdoor applications, offering excellent visibility and affordability. With a 360-degree laser and IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, it's perfect for various outdoor tasks like deck building, land grading, and siding installation.
Equipped with both vertical and horizontal laser planes, including a 140-degree vertical and a 360-degree horizontal, its green laser is highly visible even in outdoor settings. Despite its 180-foot range being usable only in battery-saving pulse mode, the Huepar is a top-quality laser level, boasting a bright green beam and useful pulse mode.
While the 360-degree horizontal plane is advantageous for leveling large outdoor areas, the Huepar has experienced certain wobbling, potentially affecting accuracy, although it stabilized when motion ceases. Nonetheless, its plumb-spot indicators above and below are notable features rarely found in other models.
Specifications:
Beam orientation: 360-degree horizontal line and 140-degree vertical
Accuracy: 1/9 inch at 33 feet
Beam color: Green
Pros:
- High visibility green beam.
- User-friendly self-leveling system.
- Comes with a built-in plumb spot indicator.
Cons:
- Shakes more than other products on the market.
Bosch GLL 30 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level (Most Compact)
While having a cross-line laser level readily accessible may seem extravagant, the compact and budget-friendly GLL 30 from Bosch makes it feasible. This small laser level boasts both vertical and horizontal red laser beams, accurate within 5/16 of an inch at a 30-foot range. Despite its diminutive size, it conveniently fits into a tool bag or toolbox for easy access.
Given its compact design, the Bosch cross-line laser level sacrifices some precision for portability. It has no accuracy issues, and the setup is straightforward. We appreciated its multipositional mount with a clamp for versatile attachment to various objects. Additionally, its ability to be positioned at any angle sets it apart from most other models.
Specifications:
Beam orientation: Horizontal and vertical
Accuracy: 5/16 inch at 30 feet
Beam color: Red
Pros:
- Very simple setup.
- The multipositional clamp can attach itself to various types of surfaces.
- It can easily fit in a toolbox and be carried around.
Cons:
- Sacrifices a bit of accuracy due to its compact size.
What to Consider When Choosing a Laser Level
A universal Self Leveling laser level does not exist. There are more products out there that vary greatly in ease of use, accuracy, convenience, and the features that they come with. For that reason, surveyors need to take a close look every time they shop for a laser level for a specific job.
The biggest mistake would be picking up a laser level based on its accuracy. Even the cheapest laser levels available today are much more accurate than the human eye. While accuracy is still important, you have to introduce other parameters when making a choice. For that reason, you have to consider other important elements to make your pick.
Red vs. Green Laser
Believe it or not, the color that a laser emits makes a great difference. There are two types, red and green, and each one has its characteristics.
Red lasers are a much less powerful option. But in turn, they don’t use so much of your battery. More so, they are much less expensive, allowing you to get a budget-friendly option when picking laser levels online. Also, they are much more suitable for indoor usage.
Green lasers are more powerful and for that reason are more visible from greater distances. They can even work in high-brightness situations, making them suitable for outdoor work. Unfortunately, they come at a much higher price and also pose a safety risk to users’ eyes.
Nevertheless, it is okay to own both of these so you can switch depending on the type of project you are doing. Many professionals actually do own both, and if you really want to go high-level, getting one with a sensor for outdoor work, which alerts you when the laser hits the receiver, will make your job much easier.
Accuracy
The hallmark of any laser level model is accuracy. It does not matter if you are using an old-school spirit level or a high-tech newer model, working with an accurate instrument is the most basic part. The accuracy is actually listed on every model that you buy, and as a rule of thumb, it is best to look for models that have less than a 1/8-inch deviation at 30 feet for the best results.
When it comes to self leveling laser levels, they give much better results than bubble levels do. Holding a bubble level yourself by hand perfectly and accurately is very hard to do. Also, you would need excellent eyesight to hold the capsule aligned. That is why self leveling ones are now much more appropriate to have.
Beam Orientation
Beam orientation is one of the most important features of modern laser levels. There are up to three orientation planes that it could have, one horizontal and two vertical dual-beam lasers. Also, one or more of these planes by be at 360 degrees.
The vertical and horizontal beams are somewhat standard, but a self leveling laser level 360 degrees is much more helpful to have. It can allow you to dig a perfect-level section in a yard. Also, when setting up drop ceilings, it is quite useful to have one of these as the strength of a finished product is what is critical here.
Self-Leveling
Models with self leveling technology make the job much easier for a surveyor. These types of models usually have a laser on a pendulum and magnets so as to provide stability. When you put it on a flat surface, the pendulum will do its job to achieve the final degree of level.
All of this makes setting up a self leveling laser level with tripod much easier and faster, especially with a reference point to register against. Also, most of the self leveling models come with an option to lock the pendulum in place when the device is not in use. It actually helps to avoid calibration issues during transportation and allows you to get most of the level.
Mounting
When it comes to the best self leveling laser levels, the idea behind them is that they are used hands-free. You are supposed to set them up and leave them alone during a project. The user should only refer to the laser line as a reference throughout the job.
To achieve these set-and-forget function, you are going to need a specific mount. Luckily, there are more of them available with various tripods and mounts that attach to drop-ceiling tracks or metal studs being the most preferred option. It works best that you first determine the intended use before obtaining the mounting accessories that you are going to use.
Function
Before you buy a self leveling laser level, you need to completely determine the purpose you are going to be using it for. A standard cross-line laser is usually good for various kinds of DIY tasks around a home. Hanging pictures on the wall, laying tiles or mounting cabinets, these can all be done with the help of a basic one.
If you are planning to do some larger projects, a 360-degree laser might be needed. Especially if you are planning to renovate an entire room or are working on a large site.
Durability
A self leveling laser level for outside use needs to be durable enough to withstand most situations. For that reason, you need to find a laser level with an IP54 rating or above on it. This makes it able to withstand most water and dust damage.
On the other hand, laser levels for construction work should come with protective rubber corners and hard-sided storage cases. These can help protect your surveying equipment in the case of a drop, which is possible especially when working in harsh weather conditions or unholy environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
There's no need to feel overwhelmed with information about this handy tool. Let's get back to level by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about laser levels. Below you'll find answers to your questions.
What does a laser level do?
Their job is to measure levels. Laser levels produce focused, sharp, and straight beams of light from diodes.
Is it worth getting a laser level?
Whether you're doing DIY or professional work, laser levels are worth getting. It's more than accurate enough for most purposes, and setup time and consistency make long projects go fast.
What's the use of laser levels?
If you're doing construction or measuring in a big space, a laser level can make sure measurements are even and level. Using a laser level is great for aligning cabinets, leveling floors, installing doors and windows, and measuring drop ceilings.
Red or green laser levels?
They're both effective in certain situations, but neither is better overall. Red lasers are more difficult to see in sunlight, but they have a longer battery life and are less likely to damage eyes. In daylight, green lights are better to see, but they're more expensive and can damage eyesight faster.
Do laser levels measure distance?
A laser level does not measure distance, only if a surface is even.
What's the best way to check laser levels for accuracy?
You can double-check your laser level's readings by opening it and recalibrating the pendulum (the source of the laser). There's usually an internal button or control for calibration. To check the X and Y axes, you can also place the laser on an evenly-placed tiled surface.
How often should you calibrate your laser level?
You should recalibrate your laser level every six months if you use it regularly.
Does a laser level work outside?
Yes, you can. You can always use laser levels outside. The ones with green lasers are much more suitable for outside work.
Is a laser level visible in daylight?
For outdoor use, green beams may be best since daylight might limit visibility.
