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What is the best laser level for construction? A self-leveling laser level could be considered the #1 top tool for builders, as with many trades-people. A good quality laser is arguably one of the most time-efficient tools a builder can utilize to making building faster and more accurate.
The best laser level for builders is either a 5 point or a 3X360 green laser level. Lecia and Dewalt make 5 point laser levels, while Dewalt makes the best full 3X360 tool following with Bosch.
For DIY and homeowners, the best laser level for the money is the SKIL LL932401 it is built better than the others in its class, and will let you do internal leveling jobs quickly.
Best laser level (5-point)
#1 Best Leica laser level
LEICA LINO L2P5
- Green cross-line laser with 5 points and cross-line (Best Type For Builder
- The option of both a rechargeable battery and AA battery’s depending on what you want
- 20 Meters viable range or 80 meters range with an additional electric receiver
- Water protected to IP54 standard
- Leicas models have better accuracy than the other brands (Comparison chart down the page)
- Magnetic base for easy attachment to metal surfaces, and tripod mounting options.
- Not as durable as the Dewalt
#2 Best Dewalt laser for builders
DEWALT DW0825LG
- Green laser, with 5 dots and cross-lines (Best Type For Builder)
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery, dots 50 hours, 1 line 14 hours
- Arguably the best laser level for construction
- 2-Meter drop resistance rating
- IP65 debris and water rating
- Magnetic base for easy mounting on metal surfaces
- The base-plate swivel the tool smoothly and sits on the ground nicely
- Actually has a pendulum lock, unlike some other Dewalt models
- The base can get in the way
#3 Best value laser line
Leica lino L2P5 (old model)
- Awesome value for money
- Top accuracy at a cheap price
- High-quality thin laser lines and dots
- Good base and mounting ability with tripod connection and magnetic base
- 7-hour battery life with 4 AA batteries
- Dewalt and Leica’s new green lasers have a better battery life
#4 Best Johnson laser
Johnson level & tool 40-6685
- Good base height
- 3 Year warranty
- 5 points and cross line
- Expensive in compassion to the old Lecia Lino
- Battery life
- Doesn’t have a water resistance rating
#5 Best Makita 5 point laser level
Makita SK103PZ
- Decent accuracy
- Performing tool brand
- Good base and mounting ability
- Not many features
#6 Best Bosch laser level
Bosch GCL25
- Decent Dots
- Cheap
- The base is to low to the ground
- Cheap but not the best laser level for the money
Best rotary laser level 3x360
#1 Best Dewalt 3x 360 rotary laser level
Dewalt DW089LG
- 3X full 360-degree line to help in full room layout, with thin crisp thin green lines
- 12V lithium-ion rechargeable battery, with good battery life
- Well made base-plate rotates smoothly when on the ground
- Green laser level lines with 100-feet visibility range
- Cheaper than the Bosch
- Warranty of 3 years
- Built to IP65 water and debris resistant
- 360 Horizontal line is good for ceiling set outs, and most leveling jobs
#2 Best Bosch rotary laser line
Bosch GLL3-330CG
- Shoots 3 X full 360-degree lines for internal set-out work.
- Built-in battery saving technology
- A working range of 330-Feet with optional receiver
- Runs of rechargeable battery that can last the day
- Green laser level of 10mw
- Bright green laser with 200-feet of range
Top 360 deg and cross-line laser
#1 Dewalt 360 and line laser level
Dewalt DW0811
- Full horizontal 360 line + plumb line
- IP54 water/debris resistant
- Good for someone that only needs to level, rather than set out or plumb
- 100-feet working range
- A small portable laser like this should have a plumb dot
- Only takes 3 AAA Batteries
#2 Bosch line laser with 360 level line
Bosch GLL 2-20
- Full 360-degree horizontal level line and 1 vertical line
- 2-year warranty
- Does everything you expect it should
- Visibility of only 65-feet
- No plumb dots (I keep saying this because it is important for a small portable laser to have plumb dots for a construction site)
#3 Skill 360 laser
SKIL LL932201
- Full 360-degree level line and 1 vertical line
- A small tripod is included!
- Rechargeable battery via micro USB
- A good choice considering the price
- 5 Year warranty
- Only visible for 65-feet
- No plumb dots
#4 360 Johnson laser
Johnson 40-6606
- Magnetically damped pendulum to help protect it.
- Full 360 level line and 1 vertical line
- Looks a bit average
Best cross-line, laser level (3 beam)
#1 Best Dewalt 3 beam laser level
Dewalt DW089K self-leveling 3-beam
- 165 feet range with a detector otherwise 50-feet
- Takes 4 AA batteries with 30 hours run time
- Accuracy of 1/8 inch
- Shoot 3 beams 1 more than a standard cross-line
- Intersecting lines can give you plumbing points.
- Tripod optional extra
- IP54 protected
- 3 Year warranty
- Intersecting lines give you 4 dots, not 5 like a 5 pointer
- No pendulum Lock
#2 Best 3 beam Bosch laser
Bosch GLL 3-50
- Good height away from the ground
- Projects 3 lines, interesting lines give you plumbing dots
- Has a pendulum lock unlike the Dewalt
- With the optional receiver, it can detect at 165-feet
- Short battery life as it only takes 2 aa batteries
- Intersecting points only gives you 4 points, not 5
- Only displays red lines
- Although the legs have good height they look easy to break
Best cross-line laser level
#1 Best cross-line laser level
Leica lino L2
- IP54 rated dust and splash-proof rating
- A simple and easy to use tool
- Good choice for artists and interior designers that don’t need the 5 points
- Leica has the best accuracy
- The feet make for quick mounting from the ground
- You need to register to extend the warranty to 3 years
#2 Best cross-line laser level for DIY
Skil LL932401
- Self-leveling Green Laser
- Cheap to buy
- Projects cleanly to 65-feet
- Comes with an easy mounting clip
- 5 -year warranty
- Rechargeable battery via a USB port
- Does not shoot 5 points, only cross lines
#3 Best Bosch green cross-line laser
Bosch GLL75-40G
- Good shooting distance of 75-feet
- Feels really well-made with a bit of weight
- Bosch’s add-on tripod is pretty cheap
- Green lines
- No plumb dots
#4 Best Dewalt cross line laser level
Dewalt DW088LR 12V Cross Line Laser, Red
- Pendulum actually locks on this DeWalt laser
- Can take a 12V lithium-ion rechargeable battery but not included, otherwise runs on 4 AA batteries
- Warranty is limited but 3 years
- Red only lines
- No plumb points
#5 Best Bosch cross line laser
Bosch GLL 2-50
- Good shooting distance of 65-feet and 165-feet with the detector
- Bosch’s add-on tripod is pretty cheap
- Red lines
- Less distance than the above Bosch
- No dots for plumbing
#6 Best Klein cross line laser
Klein tools 93LCL
- Rated for IP54 water and dust resistant
- Screw on the magnetic base and it can easily be set to the right height
- Cross-line beams
- Small battery life as it only takes 3 AA batteries
- No Plumb dots
#7 Bosch cross-line laser
Bosch GLL 55
- Cheap cross-line model
- IP54 rated
- Fairly short battery life
- Only a cross line, so does not shoot 5 points
- Relatively short shooting distance
#8 Hammerhead laser level
Hammerhead HLCLGO1
- Cheap for a homeowner, or artist, to hang pictures on the wall
- Green hammerhead laser level
- Comes with easy to use mounting clip
- Not suitable for construction
- If this is your budget you might as well get the Skil
Introduction
A laser line level, is a tool relied on by builders to accurately level, plumb, and square internal building set-out work. It’s pretty amazing really, that a tool like this can quickly give clear visible lines inside a room indicating the perfect level and plumb points.
With so many types of self-leveling tools out there it can be hard to decide on the best type of laser to buy, before even deciding on the best brand. In this laser level review, I have separated the best into the following categories.
- 5 point
- 3 line
- 360 rotary laser level
- 360 cross-line
- Cross-line laser
If you want some tips on how to use a laser level, have a look at my guide for more information.
Types of self-leveling lasers
- Level line – This is used to quickly transfer any height reference inside a room. Or outside with a sensor, or low sunlight conditions.
- 5 dots – Can be used to square rooms, plan view, and square walls vertically, as well as plumb corners.
- 3 points – Can be used for plumbing walls and doors.
- The plumb line – Is used for straightening walls, ready for linings like plasterboard. Just set the laser up shooting along the full length of a wall with the same set distance at each end. You can quickly measure the same of-set distance at any area of a wall to find bulges or inverted areas that need buzzing using your electric planer or packing. It is still recommended to use a straight edge afterward
- 360 deg rotary level line – Unlike just a level line, this type of laser can display a clean line in more than just 1 direction. Instead, the entire room will get a level-line from a 360-degree projection, from the tools mounting position, making this type perfect for ceiling and floor set out work.
3 Point vs. 5 pointers
Photo of an old Ramset 3 pointer
3 pointers are fine for plumbing door, and wall corners but that is pretty much al they can do. They lack needed setting out functionality for builders that a 5 point tool can do.
With a 5 pointer, 3,4,5 a measuring technique, used to check buildings for square is not required anymore, instead, the 5 dot laser is faster and not prone to human calculation errors.
Really trying to make this point clear that 5 point lasers are much more functional than the basic 3 point models. Sure they are a bit cheaper but in the long run, you would have wished you got the extra few dots, as the extra 2 dots of a 5 pointer allow you to use the tool as a giant square plan view.
Best builders laser level
If you want the most accurate piece of internal leveling equipment the Lecia Lino L2P5 is what you should aim for with a visible green line, and the best accuracy the Lecia Lino also has a rechargeable battery. This 5 point laser level is my top choice for builders.
A 3X 360 rotary laser level like the Dewalt DW089LG is even better for wall set-outs but is less portable for tricky jobs compared to a 5 pointer. A good trick if you have two of these 3X 360 line tools on site, is to put them both at opposite corners to each other and you can fully create the outline of a square room.
Laser level features
Brand
For an important tool like a self-leveling laser level, you should stick to the top few brands, as with any precise measuring equipment. You want a brand you can rely and trust on to build perfectly square and level within design tolerances.
Most measuring tools on the construction site need constant professional re-calibration and checking before expensive construction set out. As a tool not working correctly can cost 1000’s in rework. But a good laser with a locking pendulum can be used for many years without the need to think about recalibration.
Brands such as Leica Lino, Dewalt, Makita, Klein Tools, Bosch, and Skil. Are all brands known in the construction industry for a good tool. Don’t get a cheap knock off for measuring equipment.
Red vs. Green Laser
Most people prefer a green laser level as it is brighter and more visible to the human eye compared to the red version.
However green models tend to cost a bit more, and is it worth it? that’s up to you, there is nothing wrong with a red laser, a red line is still easy to see in most cases.
Battery types
Most lasers run on 4 AA batteries, they are easy to replace and recharge. However, Dewalt and Leica Lino offer a lithium rechargeable battery, with longer working time.
This makes Dewalt and Lecia Lino stand out, as replacing AA laser batteries frequently can get annoying with regular use.
Outdoor laser level use
Laser levels work best indoors, as the sun can make it hard to identify the beam. Although most do come with a reflector that can help with daytime laser use. It might be better to get an additional: Electric sensor, that will make daytime use possible regardless of how bright the sun is.
Like I said above, a reflector does make outdoor laser level use possible but not perfect, if you don’t want to get an electric sensor, you could make a point to measure your heights early morning, or late afternoon.
Mounting
It is important that you can easily mount your tool in a good position quickly. And to do this there are a few different mounting styles to chose from, to mount your laser at the right height.
Here are some things to look out for when it comes to mounting options your tool should have.
- Strong magnets in the base for quick attachment to steel or metal surfaces
- Thread for a standard construction tripod
- Thread for a standard camera tripod
- Hole in the base to hang the tool on a nail or screw, this is useful on timber walls.
Convenient mounting options make using a laser a breeze, some can be hard to position in the right spot if the mounting options above are not compatible.
Additionally, a base that is too close to the ground makes it difficult to use. You instead want a decent amount of room under the tool. This space gives you room to fit your pencil underneath. This is to see and mark the ground after plumbing a point down from the ceiling.
Good base clearance also lets you align your tool, to a mark on the ground’s surface, without getting an overly chunky base in your way.
Who else uses laser levels
Best laser level for homeowner or artist
Artists can hang paintings on the wall with a cheaper model. For simple picture hanging jobs and DIY jobs, a cross line laser is good for the money, and if you get a green laser it has better visibility.
The Skil cross-line laser is a surprising cheap to buy and can really help with some DIY leveling jobs compared to a hand-held level and it can be charged using only a USB plug.
Electricians
Electricians utilize self-leveling equipment for perfectly aligning light fittings on ceilings. Electricians also use these tools for other jobs like straightening cable trays and making sure their wires are above the ceiling line.
DIY
A DIY enthusiast can get the building accuracy of a professional with a quality laser level.
Even though these tools are for inside leveling jobs, you can still use them to perfectly level things outside in low-light conditions such as in the evening, in the shade.
Click here for more information on how to level a yard with a laser.
With a laser level, you can also level walls, linings, and align a fence capping perfectly level, or even transfer door handle heights and perfectly position your tv wall mount during installation.
You can also use the laser dot to transfer a mark from your floor to the ceiling, this means if you hang a tv ceiling mount you know the exact position it will stand.
These are just a few ideas on how a laser tool can help with your DIY projects.
A DIY’er might not constantly use the tool every day the battery life inst much of a factor for you. The older Lecia lino L2P5 could be the best choice for a serious DIY’er.
What is the most accurate laser level?
| Dot Accuracy At 15m | Dot Accuracy 16.4042 Yards | |
|---|---|---|
| Leica Lino L2P5: | 4.5mm | 0.177165 |
| Makita SK103P: | 5mm | 0.19685 |
| Dewealt DW0825LG: | 5.2 mm | 0.204724 |
| Bosch GCL25: | 7.5mm | 0.29527559 |
As you can see Leica Lino performs with the best accuracy. Makita and Dewalt are not far behind. Really the accuracy from all models is good however the Leica Lino, dot, and line are cleaner and thinner than most models. The Makita also has decent laser line quality to bad the battery doesn’t last long.
How a self-leveling laser level works
A self-leveling laser level works in a similar way as a plumb bob except lasers are attached shooting, up, down, and at other 90 degree angles perfectly. Essentially a plumb bob with attached, light-emitting diodes inside a protective glass box.
The self-leveling works by what’s known as a pendulum (a weight). This pendulum works in the same way as a plumb bob would it self levels with its weight and gravity.
These light-emitting diodes are known as LED’S, both green, and, red are the most common colors however the green beams are noticeably more visible to the human eye vs the red beam.
Tips for using a laser level
An important self-leveling function is for the laser to flash when the tool isn’t level enough to self-level. This will immediately notify you of the user that the measuring tool has been knocked or moved and is not giving you a level line.
Good lasers have a pendulum lock on the side this stops the insides bumping around and getting damaged when the tool is being moved or bumped inside your rolling tool bag.
If you forget to lock the pendulum, it doesn’t mean your laser will get damaged. I see the pendulum locking feature as more of a long-term feature to stop the need for re-calibration.
The beam can be obscured if interfered with by any reflective objects like glass or a mirror. Sometimes heavy dust can interfere with the laser lines also, so watch out for that.
When using a laser level make sure to measure from the center of the dot or the line, as the laser points will become thicker with the greater the distance you are measuring.
The center of the dot, or line, is the most accurate point to work from. This is because the center of the line or dot remains the same and it is only the outside of the line or dot that grows wider with the greater the distance you are measuring.
Conclusion
Accuracy and speed is the reason to get a laser level, and what makes the best laser level. If you are a professional tradesman a high-quality green laser level will set you apart. If you are a DIY enthusiast a laser level can give you the accuracy of a professional.
For me I have used the red Leica lino L2p5 for 6+ years and it still works great. However, now the newer green model with better battery life and would be a better choice to buy new.
Otherwise, the Dewalt DW0825LG is for its better durability and has many more great features and battery life.
Leica also do some of the best laser distance measureing equipment that you can get to match.
Lecia Lino LP25 review
The Leica Lino L2P5 is the most accurate tool that can help any tradesperson with internal leveling jobs. Leica Is known for building quality measuring tools and photography equipment.
The new version has a longer-lasting rechargeable battery, that removes the hassle of finding and replacing AA batteries all of the time on the job.
There are plenty of mounting options with the base and the green laser is easily visible and accurate from a distance.
Pros:
- 5 point lasers are the best overall type of leveling equipment for builders
- The choice to use the long-lasting rechargeable battery or AA batteries
- Can shoot up to 20m, and up to 80m with a digital receiver
- Accuracy is the best you can find
- Has a water resistance rating of IP54
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the drop resistance rating the DeWalt has
#1 Best 5 point laser level
Dewalt DW0825LG review
The Dewalt 5 point green laser level also has a great battery life with its big rechargeable batteries.
The DW0825LG is arguably better for builders with an impressive 2-meter drop resistance rating and its water-resistance durability making it the most durable tool in its class.
Dewalt’s older tools had thick lines and lacked the essential pendulum lock to protect the inside parts, the newer models however now include a pendulum lock and now Dewalt makes the most durable lasers, with great working accuracy for all building jobs.
Pros:
- 5 point Laser Level
- Long rechargeable battery working time
- 2-Meter drop resistance rating
- IP65 debris and water rating
Cons:
- The base can get in the way of the laser
#1 Best 3x360 laser level
References:
- A pendulum explained, retrieved from, https://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-pendulum-clocks-work.html
- How a laser “light-emitting diode” works, retrieved from, https://www.explainthatstuff.com/semiconductorlaserdiodes.html
