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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 and making for an excellent leveling tool for DIY projects.
Laser levels can differ greatly in price depending on the make and mode. High-quality models can cost between $100 to $200, while more basic models can be found for $25 to 40.
To help you decide which laser level will work best for your home improvement tasks, we tested and reviewed four of the top laser levels. We then put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you find the best product for your home, and you can find more information about shopping for tools in our tools buying guide.
Overall, our choice for the top laser level is the DEWALT Line Laser, which delivered a clear line in all of our tests and can project up to 165 feet.
In This Guide: | Top 7 | Our Testing Experience | Buyer’s Guide | FAQs | Our Testing Process | Why Trust Us
Best Laser Levels: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: DEWALT Line Laser
- Best 360-Degree Level: Huepar Cross Line Laser Level
- Best Value: Motovera Laser Level
- Best All-Inclusive Kit: Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level
- Best Small Kit: RockSeed Laser Level
- Best With Clamp: SKIL Self-leveling Cross Line Laser Level
- Best Basic Level: BLACK+DECKER Laser Level
How We Tested and Ranked the Best Laser Levels
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 during outdoor use.
- 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.
How Do the Best Laser Levels Compare?
| Product | Range | Laser Color | Self-Leveling | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Line Laser | 165 feet | Red | Yes | 9.65 x 9.25 inches |
| Huepar Cross Line Laser Level | 85 feet | Green | Yes | 11.2 x 8.2 inches |
| Motovera Laser Level | 100 feet | Green | Yes | 5.5 x 3.4 inches |
| Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level | 50 feet | Red | Yes | 4.4 x 2.2 inches |
| RockSeed Laser Level | 100 feet | Red | Yes | 3.9 x 3.5 inches |
| SKIL Self-leveling Cross Line Laser Level | 65 feet | Green | Yes | 12.3 x 3.8 inches |
| BLACK+DECKER Laser Level | 25 feet | Red | No | 7.3 x 7 inches |
| Product | Range | Laser Color | Self-Leveling | Dimensions |
Terms To Know About Laser Levels
- Range: This measures the distance away from the laser level that the beam remains visible.
- Self-Leveling: Self-leveling laser levels automatically find and maintain a level within a specific range, so you don’t need to manually level the device.
Best Overall
Beam Features: 4.55/5 | Feature Set: 5/5 | Price Point: 1.67/5
DEWALT Line Laser
- $135
- $209
- 35% off
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 laser 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 had a long range visibility of 165 feet.
What Are People Saying About the DEWALT Line Laser?
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.
“So far, I used this for hanging drywall in two room additions, and I love it! This is my first laser level of this type. I’ve only had it a short time, but it has been an absolute game-changer. Being able to project both a vertical and horizontal line at the same time is super handy. The magnets on the included mount seem to be plenty strong and hold nicely to metal corner bead on finished drywall walls. Also, I checked it for level using a four-foot bubble level, and the self-leveling pendulum for the emitters seems to be absolutely accurate and repeatable to the claimed accuracy specification.” — Paul S via Amazon
“I just didn’t research this enough before I jumped in and purchased it. This isn’t the fault so much of the tool, it was mine for not be thorough. It’s a red-line laser, not the newer green line. The line was also a little thick. t’s only two-dimensional, not three and only projects the lines forward, not 360 degrees. Will not project a line completely around a room (for chair rails, etc).” — LouieD via Amazon
Best 360-Degree Level
Beam Features: 5/5 | Feature Set: 4.55/5 | Price Point: 1.67/5
Huepar Cross Line Laser Level
- $139.97
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a level that can capture measurements of an entire room at once.
Our Testing Experience: When we tested this laser level we were impressed with its bright green light that showed up on the walls as well as on the ceiling. When we took this laser level outdoors, its line was less visible, but we were still able to see it. We also liked that we could use this level while it was in its charging port, although we found that the charging port was difficult to open.
What Are People Saying About the Huepar Cross Line Laser Level?
We found that those who were satisfied with this laser level liked that it delivered bright, easy-to-see green lines that were easy to see from any distance. Others were impressed with its hard case, and several noted that they had positive experiences with Huepar’s customer service team. However, some others felt that this product’s level wasn’t always accurate, and others had difficulty when attempting to use it outdoors.
“My wife and I wanted to repaint our garage and install chair rail as one of our projects. This self-leveling laser was amazing and made the task so much easier. We set it up in the middle of the room, and it put a line on all the walls. It has so many features, and it’s perfect for DIY projects or much larger projects. I had a question, and the company responded almost immediately, could not be happier.” — GrandpaJake via Amazon
“….What I learned in using it is a couple of things. First, using a traditional bubble level, I found that the dead center bubble is not exactly where the vertical line falls (it’s close but off enough to notice at a distance. Second (not as important), if you put it on a pole or tripod, it is so sensitive to walking near the mounting it will shake the beams a lot and it takes a bit to recover. It’s a nice product, but I expected more accuracy for the spend.” — Karisa Marie via Amazon
Best Value
Beam Features: 4.17/5 | Feature Set: 5/5 | Price Point: 3.33/5
Motovera Laser Level
- $35.99
- $55.98
- 36% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a green laser level with high visibility at a low price point.
Our Testing Experience: This model from Motovera still performed well in our tests and was actually the brightest green level that we tested both indoors and outdoors. It also performed extremely well in our magnetic pull test with its included magnetic screw mount. However, we did find the battery compartment difficult to open.
What Are People Saying About the Motovera Laser Level?
Customers who gave this laser level a positive review liked that it was easy to level and provided accurate measurements. Others were pleased with its durable design and magnetic bracket. However, some reviewers found the instructions difficult to follow and set up difficult. Others said that it was hard to hold still, which made keeping it in place without a tripod difficult.
“I do a lot of projects around the house, and I needed a leveler. So far, I have been using this for more than six months; this has been such a handy tool. The design is great because it is small and lightweight, and attachments which they come with are also very helpful. It is so easy to use, and I really like the brightness of the lights. It is durable and budget-friendly. Overall it is a great little tool to have. I highly recommend this product.” — Igor via Amazon
“I used this to hang bathroom mirrors so it worked great on a tripod for that purpose. But, it was so bouncy at the slightest touch or if someone walked by. The cross beams worked well for measuring the centerlines, edges and crossing points for a mirror (relative to a sink faucet and light fixture). I still used my traditional bubble level to verify everything since I wasn’t sure if the one on this device worked well…. If you’re occasionally going to use a laser level then this should be fine. Just get a tripod as well.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
Best All-Inclusive Kit
Beam Features: 4.55/5 | Feature Set: 4/5 | Price Point: 1.67/5
Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level
- $129.95
- $149
- 13% off
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.
What Are People Saying About the Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level?
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.
“We are remodeling, so I bought this for trim carpentry and tile projects. I absolutely love this laser! I use it for so many things, including hanging pictures and mirrors, etc. I teach construction management, so I have borrowed a couple of the lasers in the lab over the years. When I was considering my own purchase, all of our lab guys said that this was the absolute best for the money. I have to agree. Great product, small and light, bright and accurate. Best buy for sure!” — bobwhitebarry via Amazon
“Overall, this is a very handy tool. Unfortunately, the switch used to lock your level line is way too stiff. When you go to lock the line, the jolt from the switch throws off the pendent inside, and you end up locking a very un-level line. This makes vertical adjustments very difficult. You must use it in self-leveling mode and therefore have a tripod or stack of objects the exact height of the line you’re trying to achieve.” — HertiageHD via Amazon
Best Small Kit
Beam Features: 2.73/5 | Feature Set: 3/5 | Price Point: 5/5
RockSeed Laser Level
- $23.18
- $39.99
- 42% off
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.
What Are People Saying About the RockSeed Laser Level?
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.
“First off, the self-leveling feature is a total game-changer. It basically does the hard work for you, making sure everything is perfectly lined up without you needing to fiddle around too much. And the green laser? Super bright and clear, even when the sun decides to show up. I’ve been using it for everything from hanging pictures in my living room to getting those kitchen cabinets just right. Plus, it stretches out to 100 feet, which is pretty wild.” — Sebastian Clauer via Amazon
“Although you can use it to project on the ground, when the unit itself is not level, it flashes instead of emitting a solid beam. You can only emit a solid beam when the unit is level (ie pointing on a wall). I wanted to use it to put marks on the ground too and it’s not really that useful for that purpose.” — WJ Handy Dad via Amazon
Best with Clamp
Beam Features: 3.33/5 | Feature Set: 3/5 | Price Point: 1.67/5
SKIL Self-leveling Cross Line Laser Level
- $99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a wide-reaching laser level that comes with a clamp for secure placement.
Our Testing Experience: We found in our test that it didn’t quite project as well as the other green levels we tested, but we were impressed with its adjustable magnet and self-leveling feature. We also liked how easy this laser level was to charge. However, our team found that its clamp was difficult to adjust.
What Are People Saying About the SKIL Self-leveling Cross Line Laser Level?
We found that customers who were satisfied with this level were pleased with its sturdy base and self-leveling capability. Others appreciated how easy it was to set up and use. On the other hand, we did note that some customers found this laser level to be, but others found the tripod/clamp to be cheaply made, and some found the vertical lines to be hard to see.
“Awesome tool for anyone needing to get super accurate, level readings, even in broad daylight. This level comes with a sturdy stand and is easy to use right out of the box. It has “X” crosshairs, so you can get accurate 90-degree measurements. Definitely recommend!” —RDWright via Amazon
“The vertical laser doesn’t show up on the ground very well. A couple of feet in front of the laser is the best you get. Also, the clamp mount that comes with it is loose no matter how hard you tighten it, a little bump throws it off.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
Best Basic Level
Beam Features: 2/5 | Feature Set: 3/5 | Price Point: 5/5
BLACK+DECKER Laser Level
- $17.45
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.
What Are People Saying About the BLACK+DECKER Laser Level?
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 wasn’t a self-leveling laser level.
“I bought this laser level to align bricks to edge my rocks in my front yard. It works well. Comes with batteries. Easy to use and see the laser. It has a magnet for metal surfaces or a wheel and pin for use on walls. It even has two liquid levels at the top. I really liked it, and it helped me create a straight line of bricks, straighter than I did just eyeing it or using a string.” — DJP via Amazon
“The laser works well enough, and it’s helpful to have the bubble-type levels on it, but the laser itself is very dim. It is hard to see more than a couple of feet away from the laser itself, especially in the daytime. I found that it was easier to work with at night. It looks like the strongest part of the laser sits a little higher than the surface, so maybe this could be fixed with a mirror, but it’s not ideal.” — Arushton via Amazon
What Should You Know Before Buying a Laser Level?
When choosing a laser level for your home, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of laser level, the accuracy of the device, its range and visibility, and any additional features. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best laser level for your needs.
What are the different types of laser levels?
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.
How do you determine the accuracy of a laser level?
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.
What is a good range and visibility level of a laser level?
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.
What other features should you look for in a laser level?
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.
What Are the Best 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.
FAQs About Laser Levels
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.