We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Home Improvement The 7 Best Laser Levels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed From minor DIY projects to major home improvements, these laser levels are accurate, durable, and affordable. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 15, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Henry Wortock Whether you’re looking to hang up a picture frame, install a cabinet, or undertake any other kind of home renovation requiring precise measurements, a level is an essential tool. But while a traditional bubble level may not always be the most reliable or long-lasting, a laser level offers far more accuracy, durability, and overall performance. To find the best laser levels on the market, we tested 25 popular options in our lab, evaluating them based on qualities like ease of use, value, accuracy, and more. In addition to our insights, we also spoke to Gary McCoy, a Lowe’s store manager, and Fariha Nasir, the DIY and lifestyle guru behind Pennies for a Fortune. Our Top Picks Best Overall Laser Level : SALE DEWALT Cross-Line Laser Level at Amazon $209 $128 Jump to Review Best Budget Laser Level : SALE HYCHIKA 50-Foot Laser Level at Amazon $46 $27 Jump to Review Best Laser Level with Clamp: Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level at Amazon $55 Jump to Review Best Laser Level for DIYers: SALE RockSeed Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser at Amazon $40 $30 Jump to Review Best Laser Level for Outdoor Use: Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level with Magnetic Base at Amazon $108 Jump to Review Best Heavy-Duty Laser Level: Cigman 3x360° Green Laser Level at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Laser Level Kit: SALE Johnson Level & Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level Kit at Amazon $146 $118 Jump to Review Best Overall Laser Level DEWALT Cross-Line Laser Level PHOTO: Amazon $128 at Amazon View on Toolnut.com $189 at Home Depot Our Ratings Performance 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Accuracy 5/5 What Stands Out This pick is accurate, durable, and easy to use. What Could Be Improved It's one of the pricier models on our list. This laser level earned perfect scores across the board for its ease of use, performance, accuracy, and durability. With clearly marked buttons, we found it incredibly intuitive to use. The self-leveling function hardly wobbled, making the positioning process quick and easy. The unit also produced an accurate, visible red beam that casts a long distance. Thanks to its durability, we think this laser level will last a long time. Since the outer casing is made of rubberized over-molding, the level was able to endure two drops with no changes in performance or appearance. It also comes equipped with a wall mount and a solid carrying case to keep it secure as you transport it. While it's one of the more expensive picks, we think its impressive performance makes up for it. Overall, we think this is the perfect pick for any home improvement task, from an intense remodel to a quick basement finish. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Red | Self-Leveling: Yes Best Budget Laser Level HYCHIKA 50-Foot Laser Level PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon View on Hychika.com Our Ratings Performance 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Accuracy 4.8/5 What Stands Out The level produces crisp lines that are easily visible from up to 50 feet away. What Could Be Improved The tripod is a bit unstable, requiring manual adjustment. If you want to stay within a tight budget, make sure to check out this inexpensive level from Hychika. It’s a simple-to-use, reliable tool that performed impressively in our tests. We found the laser lines very crisp—double the width of a pencil line—and visible from 50 feet away. Despite the lines' thickness, the level still provided precise results. In addition to its visibility, this unit also stood out for its durability, sustaining no damage when dropped from its tripod height. This dual model allows you to switch between horizontal, vertical, and intersecting lines. It comes with a magnetic L-shaped mount, batteries, and a user manual. We initially found the instructions a bit confusing, but they became more helpful as we grew accustomed to using the level. After repositioning the level on the tripod, it took about 90 seconds to fully reset. The tripod requires manual human manipulation, leaving it up to you to adjust. While we noticed no vertical deviation at all, we did notice a slight horizontal one. That said, we think a more robust, professional-grade tripod with a calibrated dial would have improved accuracy. Still, considering the affordable price tag, we believe this laser level offers excellent value. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Red or green | Self-Leveling: Yes Best Laser Level with Clamp Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level PHOTO: Amazon $55 at Amazon View on Boschtools.com Our Ratings Performance 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Accuracy 5/5 What Stands Out The affordable level is extra sturdy and reliable. What Could Be Improved The level only emits laser lines up to 30 feet. Laser levels that come with a clamp are a great choice, as they let the device rest securely on any surface. This option from Bosch has a super handy clamping mechanism, in addition to a 360-degree rotating neck and the ability to attach to a tripod for extra steadiness. This level has vertical, horizontal, and crosshair modes, and features self-leveling as a bonus. In our testing, it emitted bright red lines that are very thin and crisp, but still easy to see. We also found it to be extremely durable and accurate, and liked that it only requires AAA batteries to use. The brand is trustworthy and the price is reasonable, making this level a solid purchase. On the downside, the laser light only goes for 30 feet, not 50 feet like some other models, and it can only be used indoors due to the strength of the light it emits. Still, there’s a lot to love about it, especially the included clamp, self-leveling capability, and fairly low cost. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Red | Self-Leveling: Yes Henry Wortock Best Laser Level for DIYers RockSeed Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Our Ratings Performance 4/5 Ease of Use 3.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Accuracy 4/5 What Stands Out It's ultra-bright and impressively durable. What Could Be Improved The self-leveling feature is a bit tricky to use. If you're always making improvements to your home you’ll want a laser level like this one from RockSeed, which is particularly great for DIY projects like putting up art and cabinets. It emits horizontal, vertical, and crosshair lines in a vibrant green light, and has both manual and self-leveling features. Although we would consider this a “no-frills” laser, we found that it casts a consistently bright line at a long distance. The level is designed to be waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and more, and we noticed that it suffered no damage throughout two drop tests, likely thanks in part to its protective rubber over-molding on the edges and corners. As for negatives, we found that the lines do wobble during self-leveling, making positioning a bit of a chore. Still, we were able to work around the shakiness by positioning the locked levels using the crosshairs aimed at the point you need. Given the ease of use and durability, the price of this level seems reasonable. It also comes with a convenient carrying pouch and has batteries included. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Green | Self-Leveling: Yes Henry Wortock Best Laser Level for Outdoor Use Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level with Magnetic Base PHOTO: Amazon $108 at Amazon $110 at Walmart View on Huepar.com Our Ratings Performance 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Accuracy 5/5 What Stands Out The bright level works effectively indoors and outdoors, even in the sun. What Could Be Improved It's a bit bulky and cumbersome to carry. Although most laser levels are intended for indoor use, some are geared for outdoors, such as this top-rated model from Huepar. Its extra-bright lights and all-around coverage make it able to be effectively used outside in the sun. In our testing, this level offered crisp, clean lines that were easy to see. The lines broadcast so far that we could even use this level across our yard. Other perks of this level include its easy and quick setup, reliable self-leveling mode, and two brightness modes, which was a unique feature relative to other options we tried. We found this level to be highly durable, due in part to its generously padded case and hefty build. Additionally, the level provides a 360-degree horizontal line, one vertical line, and even two plumb dots to help with alignment. Just keep in mind that, as a tradeoff for its bulk, the level may be a bit cumbersome to carry. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Green | Self-Leveling: Yes Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Heavy-Duty Laser Level Cigman 3x360° Green Laser Level PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon View on Cigman.com Our Ratings Performance 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Accuracy 5/5 What Stands Out With many advanced features, this level can cover an entire room. What Could Be Improved The high price tag and extra features may be unnecessary for those doing smaller DIY projects. If you're working on major home renovation projects that require the utmost precision and care, consider a laser level like this option from Cigman, which has plenty of features that make it ideal for heavy-duty work. First and foremost, it has three lasers—one horizontal line and two vertical lines, all 360 degrees—so you can cover a large area with ease. Having three lasers provides more possibilities for splitting up a room, which could be useful depending on the project you're working on. We were impressed by the level's crisp and visible green lines, which proved easier to see in a brighter setting than red lines. In addition to their enhanced visibility, these lines also broadcasted up to 100 feet. There’s even an included remote control with rechargeable batteries to make handling the level as simple as possible, as well as a portable bag, mini tripod, magnetic base, and more. Truly, this level has everything you need for those larger-than-average projects. Still, there is the factor of its price, which is far above most other levels we tested. That said, we think this option comes with features, accessories, and capabilities that push it toward the professional level. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Green | Self-Leveling: Yes Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Laser Level Kit Johnson Level & Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level Kit PHOTO: Amazon $118 at Amazon View on Northerntool.com $129 at Lowe's Our Ratings Performance 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Accuracy 5/5 What Stands Out The kit comes with various accessories to provide a highly accurate level. What Could Be Improved Someone doing less intensive projects will not need all of the accessories. If you don’t want to buy add-on accessories like a tripod or carrying case, we recommend a laser level kit like this great option from Johnson. Inside the hardcover kit, you’ll find an elevating tripod that can be quickly attached to the laser, tinted glasses to help you see the laser lights more clearly, and, of course, the level itself. The glasses proved especially helpful in our testing, noticeably brightening up the red laser line. We found this level extremely easy to run thanks to its automatic and precise self-leveling, clean vertical and horizontal lines, and 360-degree base for angling. It was extremely durable and easy to install on the included tripod, making it suitable for projects that require extra stability. It can also last for 12 hours continuously and has batteries included. Because of its high price, this level kit won’t be for everyone, especially those who typically do more minor DIY projects. But if you do need a laser level to be as close to perfect as possible, then this device is an excellent choice. Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross | Color: Red | Self-Leveling: Yes Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict Our top pick is the TDEWALT Line Laser, Self-Leveling, Cross Line, Red Beam (DW088K) due to its ease of use, proven durability, and precise performance. If you're seeking a more affordable alternative, we recommend the HYCHIKA 50 Feet Cross Line Laser with Dual Modules, which produced crisp, clearly visible lines from up to 50 feet away. Our Testing Process We acquired 25 laser levels and tested them in our lab, assessing their performance, ease of use, accuracy, and durability. First, we set up each laser level, evaluating how easy it was to turn on and whether we needed to perform any calibration steps to get the laser to work. Using a stopwatch, we timed how long it took for each level to attach to the tripod and project the laser. Next, we put the laser level through three tests. Adjusting only the tripod and not the laser itself, we timed how quickly the laser aligned with a pre-marked level line on the wall, noting how visible the laser line was. If it did not match up perfectly, we measured the deviation to the nearest 1/16 inch. We then marked a point either three inches above or below the pre-marked line. Adjusting only the tripod, we evaluated whether the laser line remained level. If it didn’t, we measured how closely the laser matched this new line. Using a pencil, we marked the laser line on the wall, evaluating how fine the laser line was and how easy it was to mark. Henry Wortock Third, we again adjusted the tripod so that the laser was aligned with the premarked line on the wall. We changed the laser mode to emit a vertical line only and then adjusted the tripod head until the vertical laser line aligned with the premarked plumb line on the wall. We evaluated how visible the line was and whether it matched the premarked line. If it didn’t, we measured the deviation to the nearest 1/16 inch. Without moving the tripod or laser, we changed the laser mode to crosshair—aka, a vertical and horizontal line simultaneously. We evaluated whether the laser aligned with both the vertical and horizontal premarked lines, and if it didn’t align, we noted the ease or difficulty of adjusting the laser or tripod to achieve alignment. Finally, we evaluated each level’s durability by dropping each laser to the floor from the top of the tripod. If nothing broke, we dropped it again. We then turned each laser on and evaluated whether it was able to turn back on and work in all modes. We also examined each laser to see if it gained any scratches, cracks, or other markings. Considering the price of each laser level, we evaluate its overall value. We took all of these testing insights to come up with the best laser levels. How to Shop for Laser Levels Like a Pro Accuracy Naturally, you’ll want a laser level that offers as accurate results as possible, with lines that require no adjustment to be perfectly level and plumb. When shopping for these tools, make sure to take a look at the degree of accuracy typically listed on the packaging; the best options should have a very minimal deviation (or none), ideally under ⅛-inch. Beam Orientation Most laser levels offer two beam orientations: vertical and horizontal (with one or both being 360-degree planes). Some higher-end models, though, will have an extra vertical laser listed, allowing you to cover the area of a larger space. Consider the size of the room(s) you’ll primarily be using the level in to decide which number of orientations is right for you—and if cost permits, always aim for a level with at least one 360-degree beam so you can have your territory covered easily. Beam Color Laser levels come with either red or green laser lights. If your priority is gaining as much visibility as possible, a green laser is the way to go, as they “are more visible from a further distance and easier to use when working outdoors” than red lasers, says McCoy. “On the other hand, red lasers are less powerful but use less battery life and are less expensive.” Range Many laser levels will project their light anywhere from 30-50 feet, which is typically more than enough for most home projects. If you need to cover a larger amount of space, however, look for a model that goes up to 100 feet—just be prepared to pay a good amount more for the extra range (like the Cigman 3x360° Green Laser Level, which has a range of 100 feet). Self-Leveling If possible, opt for a laser level with a self-leveling capability, as this will help you “avoid calibration errors,” says Nasir. To ensure the level’s stability, you’ll only need to place it on a flat surface and let the internal pendulum and magnets get to work and make it totally level. This feature can be especially useful if you’re working on a project in which accuracy is of the utmost importance and you don’t want to risk any errors. All of the lasers we recommend in this article are self-leveling. More Laser Levels to Consider Skil Self-Leveling Green Cross Line Laser Level: This laser level has a quick self-leveling feature, a durable build, and an especially long reach (up to 65 feet). Still, it wasn’t as accurate as other models we tried out, with some deviation in our testing results. Also, the laser it produces is a series of dashes, rather than a solid line, which might not be preferable to many users. Huepar 3D Cross Line Self-Leveling Laser Level: We were impressed by this high-grade level's ease of use, durability, and accuracy. The right side was always a bit off from the left side, though, and the instruction manual was difficult to follow. Questions You Might Ask Are laser levels worth it? A laser level is worth the cost according to both experts we interviewed. “A laser level is 100 percent worth purchasing if you do any kind of DIY projects around the house like trim work or even something simple like a gallery wall,” explains Nasir. “It makes it so much easier to have a visual line as a guide rather than holding up a traditional level.” McCoy adds that laser levels “help you to produce perfect angles and flat planes, no matter the job.” Do you need a tripod for a laser level? For a relatively small job, a tripod isn’t necessary, although “it can be very helpful to adjust the height of the laser,” says Nasir. For larger and trickier jobs, however, a tripod can provide added “support and stability,” notes McCoy, especially on uneven ground. Consider the size and setting of the project in question to determine whether a tripod might make sense to purchase (some, like the Johnson Level & Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Kit, come with a tripod). What are some safety tips for laser levels? First and foremost, be as gentle as possible when using the level, says Nasir, as its delicate nature means “the internal leveling unit can get damaged with rough handling.” McCoy adds that you should “never stare directly into a beam or direct it at others” to avoid potential eye injuries, and also “always position the device securely to prevent falling and resulting damage to the product or injury to the user.” Last but not least, he says, “do not leave the device turned on when unattended. Always turn it off when it’s not in use.” You can never be too careful! Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications, and Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To come up with this list, we tested 25 laser levels in our lab and evaluated each for factors such as ease of use, accuracy, durability, and more. For expert insight, we tapped Gary McCoy, Lowe’s Store Manager serving Charlotte, NC, and Fariha Nasir, the DIY and lifestyle guru behind Pennies for a Fortune. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.