Best Laser Levels
A laser level is one of those tools that once you use it you wonder how you ever got by without it. They can be broken up into three different types: plumb or dot lasers, line laser levels, and rotary lasers.
Plumb or dot lasers project a dot onto a surface as a reference point, sort of like a laser plumb bob. These are the simplest and cheapest models, but help the least.
Line laser levels emit a beam in the form of a level line onto a wall or workspace. They are designed to fan out to the widest angle possible which tends to be about 160 degrees for a vertical line and about 130 degrees for a horizontal line, although there are units that exceed 180 degrees including up to a full 360 degrees. There are also dual-beam or three-beam lasers that emit horizontal and vertical lines to establish both plumb and level.
If two lines can intersect then you might see that model referred to as a cross-line laser level.
These models are best used indoors and in shorter distances. You can use them outside, but it will be extremely difficult to detect the laser in daylight.
Rotary laser levels are a special type of laser level that has a rotating head that when spinning emits a laser beam in a horizontal level line around an entire space or 360 degrees. Some can be laid on their side to project a vertical line or have slope adjustments to change the angle of the line.
They are larger and cost more money, but usually work better at longer distances. They are primarily used outside, but you will probably need a laser detector to help you because it is difficult to see the laser in daylight.
Below we review the best laser levels including line levels and rotary lasers. Below each section we include a comparison chart so you can easily compare one laser level versus another.
Laser Line Levels
9.4
DeWalt DW089LG Green Beam 12V Battery
Powered by a 12V li-ion battery, the DW089LG has a visible working range of 100 feet and a 165 feet range with laser detector all while being accurate to 1/8″ at 30 feet. In addition to the battery it comes with a charger, magnetic bracket with 1/4″ and 5/8″ thread, and green enhancement glasses all in a hard case.
While being an outstanding choice for professionals, you can save some money and avoid the DeWalt DW089LG if you do not need full 360 degree coverage or three beams. Potential buyers could also consider the red laser version for around $395 (comes with holder for 4 AA batteries instead of 12V).
9.3
Bosch GLL3-330CG
The Bosch GLL3-330CG projects three 360-degree lines, two vertically and one horizontally, with an accuracy of ±3/32 inch at 30 feet. It is powered by a 12v li-ion battery and can be controlled across the room on your smart phone using the Bosch app. It also comes with the BM1 Positioning Device for line lasers which is a versatile mounting device with microfine adjustments.
The red laser version, the Bosch GLL3-330C, is also available and is about $80 cheaper.
9.2
DeWalt DW088LG 12V Cross Line Laser - Green
The DW088LG projects green self-leveling horizontal and vertical cross lines that are four times brighter than red lasers. This enables easy visibility for indoor use with a working range of up to 100 feet and accuracy of 1/8″ at 30 feet. The unit has a built-in magnetic bracket and is powered by a 12V battery which is included along with a charger.
The only slight negative is the price. There are some cheaper options available including the $170 DeWalt DW088LR which is essentially the same laser level but with a red laser instead of green.
Overall we highly recommend the DeWalt DW088LG for any type of construction work indoors and even some outdoor work thanks to its bright, crisp green laser lines.
9.2
Bosch GLL 55
The GLL 55 emits two self-leveling red beams that are not as bright as green lasers, but still give you a working range of up to 50 feet with an accuracy of up to 1/8″ at 33 feet. It comes with a magnetic L bracket in addition to 1/4″ and 5/8″ tripod mounts. It is powered by 3 AA batteries.
While not as bright as the more expensive green laser levels, the Bosch GLL 55 is a great choice for occasional users who don’t need to work with long distances.
9.1
Klein Tools 93LCLS Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level with Plumb Spot
The 93LCLS is powered by 3 AA batteries and has an integrated magnetic 360-degree mounting bracket with 1/4-Inch and 5/8-Inch tripod mounting threads. It also comes with an additional mounting clamp attachment for use on ceiling grid applications.
Overall the Klein Tools 93LCLS is a great choice for anyone in the DIY user level.
9.1
Bosch GLL75-40G 75' Green-Beam Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser
Powered by 3 AA batteries, the GLL75-40G is accurate to ±1/8 inch at 33 feet and has a working range of 75 feet. It comes with a magnetic L mount bracket.
The Bosch GLL75-40G is the perfect choice for anyone who wants two green cross laser lines, but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on one.
9.1
Bosch GLL 2-20 360-Degree Self-Leveling Line and Cross Laser
Powered by 4 AA batteries the Bosch GLL 2-20 has a visible working range of 65 feet with accuracy of 3/16″ at 30 feet. It comes with the BM3 mounting device, 1/4-20 inch thread for tripod, laser target, and carrying case.
You can save some money by looking at other models if you do not need 360 degree coverage, but for those of you who want a horizontal line that covers 3 or 4 walls then the Bosch GLL 2-20 is a great choice.
9
DEWALT DW088K Cross Line Laser
It emits two bright red beams and self-levels. It is powered by 3 AA batteries.
The DeWalt DW088K is very comparable to the Bosch GLL 55, which we like better mainly becaue of the price which is about $20 cheaper.
8.7
Bosch GLL 30
Overall the Bosch GLL 30 is not quite as bright or accurate as some more expensive models, but it is a perfect choice for a home owner who only has an occasional need for a laser line level. If you are a professional you should avoid the GLL 30 and step up to a better, more expensive model.
7.3
Ryobi ELL1750 Multi Surface Laser Level
Powered by 2 AAA batteries the ELL1750 is a bit dim with a working range of only 20 feet.
Overall the Ryobi ELL1750 is definitely not for professionals, however it can be a useful tool for odd projects around the home like hanging pictures. Just remember it does not self level, so it can be a bit more difficult to set up and it is not very accurate either.
Best Line Laser Level Comparison Chart
| Line Laser Level | Rating | Price | Lines / Beams | Laser Color |
Degrees | Self- Leveling |
Working Range (Feet) |
Accuracy | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW089LG | 9.4 | $429.00 | 3 (2 V & 1 H) | Green | 3 planes @ 360 | Yes | 100 | ±1/8 inch at 30 feet | 12V Li-Ion |
| Bosch GLL3-330CG | 9.3 | $529.00 | 3 (2 V & 1 H) | Green | 3 planes @ 360 | Yes | 200 | ±3/32 inch at 30 feet | 12V Li-Ion |
| DeWalt DW088LG | 9.2 | $339.00 | 2 | Green | 2 planes @ ~130 | Yes | 100 | ±1/8 inch at 30 feet | 12V Li-Ion |
| Bosch GLL 55 | 9.2 | $129.00 | 2 | Red | 2 planes @ ~130 | Yes | 50 | ±1/8 inch at 33 feet | (3) AA |
| Klein Tools 93LCLS | 9.1 | $133.20 | 2 | Red | 2 planes @ ~130 | Yes | 65 | ±3/32 inch at 33 feet | (3) AA |
| Bosch GLL75-40G | 9.1 | $219.00 | 2 | Green | Horizontal @ 180, Vertical @ 270 | Yes | 75 | ±1/8 inch at 33 feet | (3) AA |
| Bosch GLL 2-20 | 9.1 | $240.99 | 2 | Red | Horizontal @ 360, Vertical @ 120 | Yes | 65 | ±3/16 inch at 30 feet | (4) AA |
| DEWALT DW088K | 9.0 | $149.00 | 2 | Red | 2 planes @ ~130 | Yes | 50 | ±1/8 inch at 30 feet | (3) AA |
| Bosch GLL 30 | 8.7 | $69.88 | 2 | Red | 2 planes @ ~130 | Yes | 30 | ±5/16 inch at 30 feet | (2) AA |
| Ryobi ELL1750 | 7.3 | $29.97 | 1 | Red | 1 plane @ 120 | No | 20 | ±1/2 inch at 20 feet | (2) AAA |
Rotary Lasers
9.4
Topcon RL-H5A Horizontal Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Level with LS-80L Receiver
The Topcon RL-H5A is the most accurate rotary laser, within 1/16-inch at 100 feet, and has the longest range at 2600 feet of any model on our list. It is powered by 4 D batteries and has a 5 year warranty.
Overall the The RL-H5A excels at outdoor long range use for a variety of construction projects.
9.3
DeWalt DW079LRK 20V MAX Laser Level Kit, Rotary, Red, 2000-Foot Range
The DW079LRK has a working range of 2000 feet with an accuracy of 1/16-inch at 100 feet. It also has a dual axis slope mode and is powered by a 20v li-ion battery which is included with charger.
While it is expensive, the DeWalt DW079LRK is a quality red laser and probably the best out there that uses an existing battery platform.
9.2
CST/berger RL25HVCK Horizontal/Vertical, Interior/Exterior Rotary Laser Complete Kit
The kit includes RD5 detector with bracket, aluminum tripod, 8-feet leveling rod, batteries, and a carrying case.
9.1
Bosch GRL400HCK Exterior Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Complete Kit
The GRL400HCK has a range of up to 1300 feet and is accurate to 3/32-inch at 100 feet. It is powered by 2 D cell batteries that provide up to 40 hours of life. The kit includes the laser detector, LR1 laser receiver and bracket, tripod, and 8 foot grade rod.
8.8
Johnson Level and Tool 40-6516 Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Level
The Johnson 40-6516 is a good choice for anyone who needs a rotary laser for indoor and outdoor use, but is on a tight budget. There are also kits available that include a tripod or grade rod such as Johnson’s 40-6517 or 99-026K models.
Best Rotary Laser Level Comparison Chart
| Rotary Laser Level | Rating | Best Price | Lines / Beams |
Laser Color | Degrees | Self- Leveling |
Working Range (Feet) |
Accuracy | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topcon RL-H5A | 9.4 | $557.00 | 1 | Red | 360 | Yes | 2600 | ±1/16 inch accuracy at 100 feet | (4) D |
| DeWalt DW079LRK | 9.3 | $1,279.00 | 1 | Red | 360 | Yes | 2000 | ±1/16 inch accuracy at 100 feet | 20v Li-Ion |
| CST/berger RL25HVCK | 9.2 | $708.43 | 1 | Red | 360 | Yes | 2000 | ±3/32 inch accuracy at 100 feet | (3) D |
| Bosch GRL400HCK | 9.1 | $629.00 | 1 | Red | 360 | Yes | 1300 | ±3/32 inch accuracy at 100 feet | (2) D |
| Johnson Level and Tool 40-6516 | 8.8 | $399.19 | 1 | Red | 360 | Yes | 800 | ±1/8 inch at 50 feet | (4) AA |