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As opposed to a bubble level that allows you to straighten one picture frame or one piece of wall decor, a laser level works by projecting one or more beams of light across the room, allowing you to level several pieces at once. To help you decide which laser level will work best for your home improvement tasks, the This Old House Reviews Team tested and reviewed five of the top laser levels on the market. We then put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you find the best product for your home.
In This Guide: Our Testing Experience | Top 5 | Buyer’s Guide | Uses | FAQs | How We Selected | Our Testing Process | Why Trust This Old House
Our Testing Experience
Our team has been reviewing products, conducting testing, and creating resources for homeowners for over six years. We take pride in our testing process, which we carefully customize to produce the most helpful information for homeowners. For laser levels, we examined the following factors:
- Beam Features: When deciding which laser level is best, a main consideration is the laser beam itself. To evaluate this, we looked at the number of beams, the color of the laser, and how visible it was in different settings: lights on, lights off, and outdoors.
- Feature Set: While all laser levels have the same basic functionality, some come with additional features that might make them more useful. These include auto-leveling capability, IP rating for dust and water-proofing, magnet mounts, and additional accessories.
- Price Point: Laser levels are available in a range of price points, from budget models with a single line to heavy-duty models with two or more lines.
Overall our top choice is the DEWALT Line Laser, which had a highly visible line that extends further than any other laser levels we tested and came with a hard case and magnetic mount.
Top 5 Laser Levels
- Best Overall: DEWALT Line Laser
- Best All-Inclusive Kit: Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level
- Most Durable: Tavool Self-Leveling Laser Level
- Best Small Kit: RockSeed Laser Level
- Best Basic Level: BLACK+DECKER Laser Level
Best Overall: DEWALT Line Laser
Beam Features: 4.55/5 | Feature Set: 5/5 | Price Point: 1.67/5
DEWALT Line Laser
- $151.89
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
The DEWALT Line Laser stood out in almost every test we performed when compared to other laser levels, which is why it stands out as our top choice. Its red beam has a bright light that was also noticeably denser than the other models we tested. It came with a high-quality hard case and attached magnetic mount. It was also one of two laser levels we tested that was visible in the daylight, and it has a long visibility range of 165 feet.
Pros and Cons
✔ High visibility for beam indoors
✔ Strong magnetic charge
✔ Comes with a hard case and attached magnetic mount
✘ Was hard to see outdoors in the sunlight
✘ Has a high price point
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers recommended this line laser because of its accuracy, versatility, and ease of use. Other reviewers noted that it lasted a long time and worked well for various household and professional projects. Dissatisfied customers, however, said they were disappointed the line only projected forwards, while others had issues with the case breaking.
Best All-Inclusive Kit: Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level
Beam Features: 4.55/5 | Feature Set: 4/5 | Price Point: 1.67/5
Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level
- $149
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
The Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level was one of the standouts during our test. It finished second in both the lights-on and lights-off test, only behind the DEWALT laser level. This level was also the most visible level in our outdoor test. Plus, it included the most accessories, as it came with a hard case, screw mount, laser target plate, and a magnetic mount.
Pros and Cons
✔ Had an easy-to-see line
✔ Featured a clear crossing interface
✔ Can be seen outdoors
✘ Model is heavier than others in this review
✘ Is pricier than many other laser level models
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers raved about the Bosch laser level’s exceptional accuracy, bright laser beam, and useful locking feature. Many also said that it stayed in place while they worked. Unsatisfied customers struggled to see the beam outside when it was sunny, while others felt the lock switch was difficult to adjust.
Most Durable: Tavool Self-Leveling Laser Level
Beam Features: 3.18/5 | Feature Set: 5/5 | Price Point: 3.33/5
Tavool Self-Leveling Laser Level
- $55.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
While this laser level didn’t perform as well as the more expensive laser levels we reviewed, it did hold up well for its price point. It featured the third-best visibility in both the lights-on and lights-off test and extended up the wall and onto the ceiling. It also got points for having a cross-line and automatic leveling.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a 50-foot, highly-visible laser
✔ Has a strong magnetic mount
✔ Features a three-beam crossing line
✘ Does not have automatic leveling
✘ Could not be seen during our outdoor testing
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers believed that this was a good value for the money, saying that it was accurate and easy to use. Negative reviews pointed out that the laser beam was too dim, and some customers also said the batteries drained quickly.
Best Small Kit: RockSeed Laser Level
Beam Features: 2.73/5 | Feature Set: 3/5 | Price Point: 5/5
RockSeed Laser Level
- $32.97
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This laser level is recommended for light projects, as it had a less visible line than most of the other laser levels we tested. It did get full marks in the magnet test and comes with automatic leveling. It also included a soft case to protect it during transportation.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a cross-line laser
✔ Offers automatic leveling
✔ Comes with a soft case
✘ Did not have a very visible light compared to other laser levels we tested
✘ Did not include a magnetic attachment
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews highlighted the versatility of this laser level, which allowed it to be used for a variety of leveling projects. They also found the lock feature to be useful and said it was highly durable. Negative reviews pointed out that the included instructions were unclear and that the battery compartment was challenging to open.
Best Basic Level: BLACK+DECKER Laser Level
Beam Features: 2/5 | Feature Set: 3/5 | Price Point: 5/5
BLACK+DECKER Laser Level
- $25
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Our Testing Experience
This laser level didn’t perform as well as the other laser levels we tested, but it is also not designed to be seen from long distances or be used for heavy-duty leveling projects. For what it is designed for, this laser level performed well and has a good value. When set up close to the wall, the light extended up onto the ceiling, and it also performed well in the magnet test. Its rotating wall attachment was also a standout feature.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a magnetic base
✔ Includes a rotating wall attachment
✔ Has a low price point
✘ Ineffective for long distances
✘ Requires self-leveling
What Customers Are Saying
Many reviewers noted that this laser level was easy to use and that the backlit bubble levels were useful. Others liked that it was well-built and that it pinned to the wall when you needed to make measurements. Unhappy customers were disappointed that the level was too heavy for the magnetic base and that it didn’t self-level.
Buyer’s Guide
Read our guide below to determine which laser level will help you complete the tasks around your home.
Laser Type
Laser levels can project a different number of beams.
- Single-line/spot: This is the most basic type of laser level that projects one beam. Single-line levels work best for leveling one item on a wall, such as a picture frame or coat hook. They’re affordable and portable, but they have a limited laser range.
- Cross-line: These are the most common type of laser levels because they’re relatively affordable, but you can complete more projects with them. They can be split further into two-beam and three-beam models.
- Two-beam: This type of cross-line level has a horizontal line and vertical line that cross at a single point.
- Three-beam: This type of level has a second vertical beam that’s 90 degrees from the first. This provides you with red or green lines for the front, back, and side walls, allowing you to work in three dimensions.
- Rotary line: This type of laser level is used in commercial settings that require more range. They usually have one horizontal beam, but some models also feature a vertical beam. This level type tends to be more expensive and larger than other laser levels.
Accuracy
Most entry-level models are accurate to around one-fourth of an inch at 30 feet, which is accurate enough for most household tasks. However, if you’re doing more precise work, such as laying tile on your floors, you’ll want a laser level that’s accurate to around one-eighth of an inch at 30 feet.
Range/Visibility
Cheap lasers only project a beam 20-30 feet before disappearing. Mid-range lasers extend 60-100 feet, and rotary lasers can project upwards of 2,600 feet. Some laser levels are also compatible with receivers. A laser receiver is a separate device that detects a laser. It can help you see a laser better outdoors as well as extend its range. Another factor to consider when it comes to visibility is the laser’s color. Most lasers have red or green beams, with red lasers being more common because they’re affordable to produce. However, green lasers are easier to see outdoors.
Other Features
Laser levels often include features that make them easier to use. For example, a level can come with a tripod attachment point, clamps, or magnets for using it without your hands. Some laser levels are also self-leveling, preventing you from having to look at a bubble to figure out when the line is level. Others have a remote control for easier operation.
Uses for a Laser Level
Laser levels are useful devices for homeowners, DIYers, contractors, and anyone else who needs a straight line for leveling. Here are some of the main ways you can use a laser level.
- Hanging photos or wall art: Laser levels allow you to evenly line up multiple pictures or other pieces of art on your wall to ensure they’re even.
- Hanging photos or wall art on multiple walls: In addition to helping you evenly hang photos on a singular wall, you can also use laser levels to project a straight line onto multiple walls, allowing you to hang photos on the same line on both surfaces.
- Checking the slope of an area: For outdoor job sites or construction uses, laser levels are effective for examining the elevation or slope of an area to keep things like foundations, flooring, or ceilings even.
- Door and window alignment: When building a home or installing new doors or windows, laser levels help provide a straight line reference point between two surfaces which helps ensure they remain level.
- Installing cabinets: For kitchen use, you can use a laser level to project a line you want each cabinet to be built to ensure they will be marked on an even line.
- Installing chair rail or wainscoting: Laser levels help keep your chair rail and wainscoting level across the surface of your walls even if it is broken up by a doorway, hallway, or staircase.
What does the IP rating on my laser level mean?
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are used to explain how well a casing or enclosure withstands damage from solids and liquids. After the “IP” letters, you’ll see two numbers. The first number indicates how well the casing withstands solids, and the second indicates how well it withstands liquids. The solid number goes up to six, and the liquid number goes up to eight. A common IP rating you’ll see for laser levels is IP54. This rating means that the product can withstand water splashes and dust.
Can I damage my eyes by looking at the laser at my level?
The lasers used in your level are either Class 2 or Class 3, which aren’t strong enough to cause serious damage to your eyes. Class 2 lasers only cause injury if you look at them under magnification, while Class 3 lasers can cause temporary flash blindness if you look directly at the light coming from the device.
What type of battery do laser levels use?
Most of the affordable options use AA batteries or AAA batteries. However, larger laser levels may use a 12-volt battery that’s similar to the one you find in cordless drills or other power tools, and these devices may have a longer battery life. Some laser levels also have rechargeable batteries.
Who This Guide Is For
Laser levels are valuable tools for any DIY or professional construction project. The This Old House Reviews team examined various laser levels and measured their effectiveness, brightness level, included accessories, and more.
How We Selected Laser Levels
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research
Our research process began by generating a list of laser levels with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4-5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights
Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection
We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models altogether. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Our Testing Process
Our reviews team rigorously tested each laser level in our final lineup to recommend products that provide our readers with the best overall user experience in a fair, balanced, and transparent way.
At the end of the day, our overarching goal is to recommend products that provide our readers with the best overall user experience in a fair, balanced, and transparent way.
During testing, we evaluated each item for the following:
- Initial setup/installation
- Clarity of instructions from the manufacturer
- User-friendliness
- Overall performance
- Bonus features and components
- Areas for improvement and potential deal-breakers
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.