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The 8 Best Laser Levels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

A must-have tool for your next DIY home project

Laser Levels Group Shot

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

A laser level is a must-have tool for precision tasks, like installing ceramic wall tiles and cabinets or framing a home addition. These tools emit precise beams of light that provide accurate lines for all types of installations. Larry Campbell, a licensed master electrician and member of The Spruce's Home Review Board, recommends, "If you are going to use your laser level for complex projects, then get one that includes plumb dots as well as horizontal, vertical, and cross-lines. These tools cost a little more, but the plumb feature is amazing when installing things like islands or crown molding, where you need to project a vertical line from a location on the floor to the ceiling. Lastly, a green laser projection is much easier to see at a distance, so green provides the best visibility."

We tested 25 laser levels in The Lab, evaluating them for accuracy, ease of use, durability, and overall value in a variety of scenarios that require precision, such as installing cabinets.

Our Top Picks

Best Budget

HYCHIKA 50-Foot Laser Level

hychika-50-feet-cross-line-laser-level-with-dual-modules

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Accuracy
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Self-levels within 4 degrees

  • Vertical, horizontal, and cross-lines

  • Includes magnetic mounting bracket

What We Don't Like
  • Instructions are not very clear

  • Not quite as accurate as some other models

If you don't need a laser level often, then you might not want to spend a lot of money to purchase one. Luckily, the HYCHIKA 50-Foot Laser Level provides satisfactory accuracy, although it is a little more challenging to use than some of the higher-priced options. While testing, we noted that the instructions were not very clear, especially for the self-leveling function of the laser, but that once we understood the process, the laser performed well. It projects a red horizontal or vertical line, or crossed lines, up to 50 feet with good accuracy. Like other red-beamed laser levels, it is difficult to see the laser outdoors or in dim light.

This is a simple laser level in terms of controls, with one button for on/off and mode selection, and one button to lock or unlock the laser. The tool performed well in the drop test but did require 90 seconds to reset itself afterward. The laser comes with two AA batteries and a magnetic mounting bracket but does not include a tripod. It can be mounted on a 1/4-inch thread tripod pole, however. While this isn't the right choice if you need a laser level for projects requiring the highest levels of accuracy, it is more than sufficient for simple tasks such as hanging shelves or pictures.

Laser Color: Red | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

HYCHIKA 50-Foot Cross-Line Laser Level placed on wood table

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Best for DIYers

Johnson Level & Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level Kit

Johnson Level & Tool 40-0921 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
What We Like
  • Includes tripod, case, and laser-enhancing glasses

  • Cross-lines

  • Self-leveling

  • Projects up to 100 feet

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Not great for outdoor use

If you take on DIY projects that require exceptional accuracy, such as installing kitchen cabinets or counters, hanging doors, or even hanging draperies, then you need a laser level you can count on. That's just what you get with the Johnson Level & Tool 40-0921. In our tests, this professional-grade tool was easy to use and self-leveled perfectly. It was right on target for both vertical and horizontal beams. The laser level was dropped onto every side in our tests, but it remained just as accurate as before and showed no damage.

The usable range of the level is up to 100 feet indoors, allowing you to set vertical, horizontal, or cross-lines across even large rooms. One unusual feature of this laser level is that it comes with red glasses that greatly help you visualize the laser beam, something we found quite impressive. This one is also a good option if your projects run long, as the included three AAA batteries will provide nearly 12 hours of continuous use. The kit also includes a tripod and a sturdy carrying case for all of the kit components. All in all, this is a great choice if you frequently need a laser level for large or challenging projects.

Laser Color: Red | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Best for Outdoors

Huepar 3D Laser Level Cross Line

Huepar 621CG 3D Cross-Line Self-Leveling Green Laser Level

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
What We Like
  • Green laser for outdoor use

  • Versatile range of beams

  • Very accurate

What We Don't Like
  • No tripod included

The majority of laser levels cast a red beam, which is easy to see indoors or in good lighting conditions. But if you need to use your laser level outdoors, you'll want a tool that produces a green laser, which is much easier to see in the bright outdoors. The Huepar 621CG casts a 360-degree green beam that wraps around a room on the horizontal plane and a 180-degree vertical line that includes two red plumb dots. We found it very simple to use and noted that it was easy to see the laser beam for a long distance, even all the way across the yard. It has two brightness modes as well, which might be useful when using the tool in poor light.

The laser level can self-level to within 3.5 degrees, which is better than most other similar tools. The manufacturer states that it has an accuracy of 1/9 inch within 33 feet, but it was right on target in our tests. It survived the drop test without any damage or loss of function. It includes four AA batteries as well as a magnetic pivoting base, but not a tripod. You can, however, attach it to any tripod with either 1/4-inch or 5/8-inch threads.

Laser Color: Green | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Best Flexible Clamp

Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level

bosch-self-leveling-laser-level

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
What We Like
  • Can be mounted at just about any angle

  • Vertical, horizontal, and cross-lines

  • Bright red laser lines

What We Don't Like
  • Accurate only up to 30 feet

  • Does not include tripod

The Bosch GLL25-10 includes a flexible mounting clamp that lets you attach the tool to any surface that's 1/2 inch to 2 1/4 inches thick, making it much easier to cast a beam from otherwise awkward angles. That can be very useful when you need a vertical, horizontal, or cross-line up high, or in an area where it would be difficult to use a tripod. But that's not all this tool offers. We found it to be very accurate, without ever having more than 1/16-inch of deviation. We also appreciated the thin, crisp, red laser lines that were easy to see.

This tool self-levels within 4 degrees and maintains its accuracy at up to 30 feet, making it a fine choice for most indoor projects, but not suited to exceptionally large rooms. It's easy to use and survived our drop test well without showing signs of damage or losing its settings. Along with the mounting bracket, it includes two AAA batteries. It does not include a tripod, although you can mount it to any tripod with a 1/4-inch thread pole.

Laser Color: Red | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Best Compact

Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level

Bosch GLL30 Cross-Line Laser Level

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Compact size

  • Includes very versatile clamp

  • Accurate and easy to see lines

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't include tripod

  • Only a 30-foot range

Around the same size as a tape measure, the Bosch GLL30 won't take up much room in your tool box, but is more than handy for use around the house when you need to be sure your lines are straight. This level projects a red cross-lined laser beam up to 30 feet with great accuracy. The laser line is easy to see up close or from a distance. The tool is very easy to use, doing most of the work itself when it comes to leveling and adjusting, a feature we appreciated very much. It comes with a clamp that fastens to any surface that's 1/2 inch to 2 1/4 inch thick, and it also has a micro-fine adjustment knob for even more precise angling.

The tool easily survived our drop test, functioning without problems even after being dropped twice. This laser level operates on two AA batteries, which are included. It does not come with a tripod, but you can mount it on one if desired, as long as the threads are 1/4 inch. This is a great choice if you don't need a laser level for challenging projects but just want to have one on hand for those occasions when you want to hang a mirror accurately or do other similar tasks.

Laser Color: Red | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Best Rechargeable

Huepar 3D Cross-Line Self-leveling Laser Level

B30CG Pro Laser Level

Huepar

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    4/5
What We Like
  • Battery can be recharged

  • Green laser

  • Multiple laser configurations

What We Don't Like
  • No tripod

The Huepar B03CG Pro can be recharged from an included USB cable, unlike most laser levels that run from disposable batteries that need to be replaced. This is a professional laser level with numerous beam options, all green for superior visibility even outdoors; one 360-degree horizontal and two 360-degree vertical beams can be mixed and matched to suit your needs. That means you can project a beam around the floors, walls, or ceilings of a room easily, which is very useful when carrying out complex tasks such as installing cabinets or framing. While appreciating the accuracy of the tool and its effective self-leveling abilities, we did note that the instruction guide was not easy to follow, however.

The tool's beam range is up to 85 feet with a stated accuracy of plus or minus 1/9-inch, but our tests found it to be more accurate than that. And even after being dropped three times, the device was still accurate and undamaged. Still, this may be a tool more suited to a professional or experienced DIYer and overkill for the average person who just wants to use a laser level to hang pictures or draperies. The device includes a carrying case, a rechargeable battery with a charging cord and base, and a magnetic pivoting base. It does not include a tripod, but it can be mounted on one that has 1/4-inch threads.

Laser Color: Green | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Best Long Range

DEWALT Cross-Line Laser Level

DEWALT DW088K Cross-Line Laser Level

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
What We Like
  • Very long range

  • Accurate

  • Vertical, horizontal, cross-lines

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Doesn't include tripod

If you need a straight line over a long distance, then you might find that many laser levels simply don't cast a long enough beam, with ranges of 30 feet or so. The DEWALT DW088K, however, can produce a red laser beam that's visible for up to 100 feet when used indoors in somewhat dim conditions. If the light is brighter, then you should still be able to see the beam for up to 50 feet, which is more than enough for most tasks. With a separately sold detector, you can see the beam for up to 165 feet.

The device emits horizontal, vertical, and cross-lines but does not have 360-degree function. It's accurate up to plus or minus 1/8 inch at 30 feet, although it was even more accurate than that in our tests. The laser level self-adjusts within a 4-degree angle and is very easy to use. It's wrapped with a rubbery outer molding that protects it from damage, should it be dropped. In fact, one tester on our team reported that this was the best laser level he's used for accuracy, performance, and ease-of-use, adding that it is a great choice for professionals or serious DIYers. It comes with three AA batteries, a magnetic pivoting base, and a carrying case. It can be used with a 1/4-inch thread tripod.

Laser Color: Red | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Best Professional

Cigman 3x360° Green Laser Level

cigman-laser-level-self-leveling-3d-green-cross-line

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
What We Like
  • Three 360-degree lasers for full-room coverage

  • Remote control

  • Includes mini tripod

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Might be overkill for a casual DIYer

If you are taking on a major DIY home remodeling project or need a laser level for professional use, then the CIGMAN 3x360° 3D Green Cross-Line Laser Level is worth the expense. This pro tool beams a green laser line that can be seen up to 100 feet as long as it's not being used in the brightest sunlight. Indoors, we had no problem in seeing the crisp, green lines across the length of the testing room. The tool has three lasers, which can be used individually or in various combinations: one 360-degree horizontal line and two 360-degree vertical lines. That lets you create grids for complicated installations of cabinets or other large items.

This laser level comes with a remote control that lets you adjust the brightness of each laser from a distance; a handy feature if you are working in a large space. The tool self-levels within plus or minus 4 degrees, or you can lock it to use it without the self-leveling feature. It's accuracy is plus or minus 1/9 inch at 33 feet, and even our drop test didn't affect its performance. The batteries recharge with an included USB cord, and the tool also includes a mini tripod, a magnetic clamping base, and a carrying bag.

Laser Color: Green | Beam Orientation: Vertical, horizontal, cross | Self-Leveling: Yes

Final Verdict

The HYCHIKA 50-Foot Laser Level is our top choice, thanks to its ease of use in creating precise laser lines on both horizontal and vertical planes. It's ideal for just about any indoor project. But if you need a laser level for use outdoors, then the Huepar 621CG, which has a green laser rather than the usual red, is our top pick.

How We Tested the Laser Levels

We purchased 25 laser levels and tested them at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Our team of product testers started by calibrating the laser levels, if required, and evaluating the thoroughness of included directions before moving on to testing the tools in scenarios designed to replicate common DIY projects, including installing a chair rail, hanging photos, installing cabinets, or creating a paint/wallpaper border.

Each laser level was checked for accuracy on horizontal, vertical, and cross-lines at a various distances, with testers noting how quickly and accurately the laser hit the target, as well as whether the tool leveled itself if required. 

The laser levels were then dropped twice onto the floor and evaluated for any obvious damage. We then set the laser levels back onto their tripods and tested them again for accuracy.

Finally, we evaluated the laser levels for overall ease of use, as well as value for the price. All test results and scores were then tabulated and the top products determined.

What to Look for in a Laser Level

Accuracy

The most important feature of a laser level is its accuracy. After all, if it can’t produce a straight line, what’s the point? Most laser levels specify their accuracy right on the packaging. If it’s more than 1/4-inch deviation at 100 feet, keep on shopping.

Beam Orientation

The beam orientation is the direction of the line produced by the laser level. There are three possibilities: horizontal, vertical, and 360-degree, which is a horizontal line that encircles all four walls of the room. Many higher-end laser levels have all three options. Less expensive models typically just have vertical and horizontal beams. Some professional models, such as the Huepar 621CG, also have plumb dots, which are red dots at the high and low ends of the vertical beam. These are ideal for installations where you need a line from the floor to the ceiling.

Self-leveling

A self-leveling laser level automatically adjusts to compensate for slightly uneven surfaces, typically far more accurately than you could manage with your own eyeballs alone. This is a must-have feature if you expect to use the tool frequently, or in less-than-ideal settings. All of our top picks are self-leveling.

Color

Most laser levels produce a red beam of light. Red light uses less battery power but is more difficult to see outdoors. Green lasers are more expensive, use more battery power, and are potentially more dangerous to your eyes, but they are also easier to see outdoors and over lengthy distances. The CIGMAN 3x360° 3D is a professional tool that includes three green lasers for the utmost in versatility.

Tavool Self-Leveling Laser Level

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

FAQ
  • How does a laser level work?

    The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. While the science is a bit complicated, basically, that means that lasers emit radiation in the form of visible light. In the case of a laser level, that radiation light is emitted by an LED (light-emitting diode) semiconductor, and then tightly focused by use of an internal mirror or prism into an intense beam of light.

    The tool emits thin beams of light on vertical and horizontal planes, which enables you to use them as guidelines when installing cabinets, hanging artwork, or carrying out other tasks requiring objects to be lined up very precisely.

  • How do you use a laser level to hang pictures?

    If you are just hanging a single lightweight picture on the wall, you don’t really need a laser level. But if you are hanging several pictures in a row, are hanging a single heavy mirror or picture that requires multiple nails to secure it in place, or are hanging pictures along an incline, such as over a staircase, then you’ll find a laser level makes the job far easier than eyeballing it or relying on a measuring tape and pencil. 

    To hang pictures with a laser level, first, determine where you want to hang your pictures and the desired layout. Next, use your laser level to cast a beam of light onto the wall where the pictures are to be hung. 

    • If you want the tops or bottoms of the pictures to be aligned, you'll need to measure the distance from the hanging hook or wire on the back of the artwork to the top or bottom edge. Now measure that distance above or below the beam of light to indicate where you'll need to place nails.
    • If you're aligning your artwork by the midpoint of each picture, you'll need to measure the height of the artwork and divide it by two to come up with its midpoint. Now, measure the length from that midpoint to the hanging wire or bracket on the back of the picture. Finally, use your ruler to find that measurement above the laser beam, and make small pencil markings to mark each spot where you'll hammer in a nail. Then, hammer in the nails and hang your artwork.
  • How do you use a laser level without a tripod?

    While a tripod makes it easy to keep your laser level steady, it’s not impossible to use without one. You can set the laser level on a chair, table, or cabinet, or any other flat surface that’s across the room from the wall where you want to beam the light. You might need to use books or other items to raise the laser level up to the appropriate height.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, Michelle relied on testing insights from The Spruce's lab in Des Moines, Iowa.

Our Experts:

  • Larry Campbell, a licensed master electrician and member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board