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 pick is the Tavool Self-Leveling Laser Level, which emits extremely accurate vertical, horizontal, and cross-lines over a 50-foot projection range. Here are the best laser levels from our tests. The self-leveling feature takes a lot of the guesswork out of setting the laser up and is extremely easy to use. Once you have the laser positioned within 4 degrees of true level, the laser will take over to fine-tune the final position. If the level is more than 4 degrees off-level, it will flash to indicate you need to make further adjustments before the self-leveling function can kick in. But if you need to project something that is intentionally skewed, the lock mode will let you position the laser any way you need. Even if you’ve never used a laser level before, it’s easy to understand and operate this useful tool. There are no complicated instructions; just one top button to switch through the various laser settings. We found it easy to figure out how to switch among horizontal lines, vertical lines, and cross hairs. Even after being dropped during testing, the laser level suffered no damage and continued to work just as well as before. The device runs on four AA batteries, which are included. It can be mounted on a tripod with a 1/4 inch thread pole. Price at time of publish: $56 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. Price at time of publish: $46 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. Price at time of publish: $144 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. Price at time of publish: $170 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. Price at time of publish: $50 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. Price at time of publish: $70 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. Price at time of publish: $182 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. Our tester 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. Price at time of publish: $209 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. Price at time of publish: $180 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. The testers then set the laser levels back onto their tripods and tested them again for accuracy. Finally, testers 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. Our top choice, the Tavool Self-Leveling Laser Level, had perfect scores in our tests of accuracy.
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.
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. 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. 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.
For this roundup, Michelle relied on feedback and test results from testers at The Spruce’s lab in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as input from Larry Campbell, a licensed master electrician and member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
