Best Overall
Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
- Accuracy5/5
- The handy clamp on this self-leveling cross-line laser makes it easy to use all over your home or work site.
The handy clamp on this self-leveling cross-line laser makes it easy to use all over your home or work site.
- Red lasers are harder to see and don’t have the range that green lasers deliver.
Red lasers are harder to see and don’t have the range that green lasers deliver.
With clear visibility, a thin and highly accurate cross-line, and a useful clamp leg, it’s easy to see why our testers gave the Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level five stars. It’s a great addition to any DIYer’s toolkit.
During testing, we loved its built-in mounting device that can hook onto the side of your ladder or work table for easy setup just about anywhere in your home or work site. It’s also self-leveling, which eliminates any calculations or guesswork on your part. Our testers found that the Bosch Self-Leveling Laser level was highly accurate and its red beams are bright enough to be clearly seen in just about any conditions. Conveniently, it also runs on AAA batteries, which are included with your purchase.
The Bosch Self-Leveling Laser Level uses a cross-line system, meaning it projects both a horizontal line and a vertical plumb line to ensure that it’s useful for aligning things at both a 90-degree and 180-degree angle. This cross-line levels itself using a pendulum that easily locks into place, and when you’re done using it, you can simply slide the plastic panel back into place. This ensures that the laser inside stays undamaged. Our tester was pleased with how rugged the laser was and found that it suffered no damage after two drops.
Keep in mind that green lasers are often easier to see in outdoor settings and over longer distances, but this particular model uses a red laser. If you’re frequently completing tasks outside and need a laser level with a long-range, this may not be the best option for you.
Product Details: Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 30 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 0.6 pounds
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Key Terms to Know
- Cross-line: This type of laser level projects two beams—horizontal and vertical plumb line—for better alignment.
Best Splurge
Cigman 3x360° Green Laser Level
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
- Accuracy5/5
- It has three high-visibility green lasers and a manual mode.
It has three high-visibility green lasers and a manual mode.
- Some of its features may not be necessary for common household needs.
Some of its features may not be necessary for common household needs.
Happen to be framing a house, grading gravel across a patio, or installing a staircase and banister? In these cases, the high-tech features of the Cigman Laser Level Self-Leveling 3D Crossline Level make it one of the best options on the market. This high-visibility green-diode laser does a great job in enclosed areas and open spaces alike, so you’ll be able to see the beams no matter where you’re working. Plus, with three beams emitting 360-degrees and a laser target plate, it’s versatile enough for all sorts of jobs.
Unlike cross-line beams that throw a horizontal and plumb line onto the wall, the CIGMAN emits beams 360 degrees on three planes to give you accurate alignment in all directions. Using the laser target plate allows you to measure and adjust your job throughout the space and makes it ideal for laying foundations, or setting up an even grade for a foundation. These can be turned on or off, depending on the project you’re working on.
With self-leveling and manual leveling, you’ll also be able to use your Cigman laser level to work at an angle, set up stairwells, or draw out more complex patterns. This laser level comes with a mini tripod but also affixes onto traditional tripods and comes with a powerful magnetic connector that mounts on walls, columns, and more. Its rechargeable battery is a nice feature, and while our tester found the remote control to be an unnecessary feature, some might like it for completing their projects.
We also love the fact that this laser level features an IP54 ingress protection rating, which guarantees that it’s durable against water sprays from any direction and most dust incursions. And since it survived our drop tests without a single scratch, we can only conclude that the Cigman laser level is as rugged as such a pricey level needs to be.
Get this laser level for its 100-foot green-diode visibility, beams on three planes at 360 degrees, and solid build. For the average person who may only use a laser level once or twice a year, we recommend shopping for a different model on our list, since you likely have much use for many of its high-tech features.
Product Details: Beam Color: Green | Beam Orientations: One 360 degrees horizontal line and two 360 degrees vertical lines | Range: 100 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 0.75 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Small
HYCHIKA 50-Foot Laser Level
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use4/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
- Accuracy4.8/5
- With a small cross-line laser, auto leveling, and manual mode, this is a simple solution that will fit in any tool chest.
With a small cross-line laser, auto leveling, and manual mode, this is a simple solution that will fit in any tool chest.
- Our tester found that this laser was tricky to use at first.
Our tester found that this laser was tricky to use at first.
A straightforward addition to any tool chest, this red cross-line laser is a great pick when you’re looking for a small laser with wide applications. The Hychika 50-Feet Cross-Line Laser Level offers both self-leveling and manual modes, ensuring it will be just as useful for hanging pictures along the slope of a stairwell as it is for lining up cabinets.
Our tester found that while the Hychika laser level offers great accuracy, they had to refer to the manual several times in order to use it correctly. While it took a moderate amount of time to set up an accurate line, they said that with more practice, the Hychika would be extremely accurate and helpful to use.
With an L-shaped magnetic connector included, this laser is quite easy to set up on a metal ladder rung or work table even if you don’t have a tripod.
During testing, when we dropped this laser level multiple times to check its durability, the device suffered no scratches after falling and remained just as accurate as before. This makes us more confident in its ability to last over time. We also like that it has an IP54 ingress protection rating, which ensures that it won’t get damaged by water or dust while on the job.
With fifty feet of projection, dual modes for cross-line, vertical, or horizontal, and a small yet durable build, the Hychika 50-Feet Cross-Line Laser Level is a buy we can get behind.
Product Details: Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 50 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 1.08 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best with Clamp
Bosch Cross-Line Laser Level
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
- Accuracy4.5/5
- This laser level is super easy to use and set up anywhere in your home, whether you’re a home improvement beginner or an expert.
This laser level is super easy to use and set up anywhere in your home, whether you’re a home improvement beginner or an expert.
- This might not have the range of features required for industry and outdoor work.
This might not have the range of features required for industry and outdoor work.
The Bosch 30-foot cross-line laser level clamp adds extra value to this device for its easy use, making it the best choice for mounting just about anywhere in your home. By clamping it to tabletops, chair legs, the lips of ladder steps, or bookcases, you can connect to just about any surface between 0.5 inches and 2.25 inches thick. However, the connecting thread is also compatible with standard tripods, ensuring you’ll be able to use your laser for more professional applications as well. This makes it super easy to use anywhere in your home or worksite without a lot of planning or set-up.
The Bosch 30-Foot laser level does an excellent job with moderate distance projection. Reaching up to 30 feet, its red cross-line laser self-levels reliably well and is quite visible, making it effective for use in most environments. It took our tester just under a minute to level a horizontal line, so it’s quick to set up, too.
The Bosch 30-foot laser level is also reliably durable, suffering no damage after repeated drops, meaning it’ll last a long time whether you use it once a year or far more frequently. The self-leveling system also locks when the device is switched off, making it easy to toss into a backpack or toolbox without worry.
While this laser level is intuitive for beginners to use, it lacks the high-tech features that someone with more experience may be looking for. If you’re looking for a professional-grade device, we recommend shopping one of the other models on our list.
Product Details: Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 30 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 0.5 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Kit
Johnson Level and Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level Kit
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
- Accuracy5/5
- It comes with a protective case, a tripod, and red glasses that enhance the laser line.
It comes with a protective case, a tripod, and red glasses that enhance the laser line.
- Its price is similar to more visible green lasers.
Its price is similar to more visible green lasers.
So many laser levels give you decent functionality but require a tripod to unlock the rest of their potential, but we like that the Johnson Level and Tool device gives you everything you need to start leveling in one convenient kit. In addition to an effective and easy-to-use laser level, you also receive a handy tripod, laser-enhancement glasses, and a protective case.
During testing, our experts found the level had zero deviation on the vertical axis at 40 feet out, making it a reliable and accurate choice. We measured a slight 1/16-inch deviation from the pencil line on the right axis, which was close enough to perfect to impress our tester, who recommends it as a great buy for precision jobs. The Johnson Level and Tool is also durable, suffering no damage when dropped multiple times, a trait that’s all important in a tool you’re going to be bringing onto the job site.
Our tester loved the Johnson Level kit’s red glasses, which are designed to make the red laser beam more visible. We found that with these laser enhancement glasses the laser was drastically easier to see, even when stretched toward the edges of its 100-foot range.
All in all, this is a great kit for anyone who wants a precise laser for frequent use without buying a bunch of separate pieces of equipment. However, we do have two gripes: with no manual mode, this laser level isn’t good for planning angles on stairwells or working around the angled molding. Second, at its price point, we wish it had a green laser system, which is more visible over long ranges. However, this laser level remains a trusty pick if you’re committed to getting a cross-line system and you want the extra kit features.
Product Details: Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 100 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 5 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Heavy Duty
Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level with Magnetic Base
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4/5
- Accuracy5/5
- This green laser level is powerful and durable and includes two red plumb dots.
This green laser level is powerful and durable and includes two red plumb dots.
- It uses up batteries quickly.
It uses up batteries quickly.
Designed with useful features and built to last, the Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level is the best choice for rigorous job sites and frequent use. Not only is this laser level sturdily built and capable of withstanding tough falls, but its green beam is also highly visible and reaches up to 180 feet.
The Huepar Self-Leveling Green Laser Level is one of the pricier models we tested, but with such reliable accuracy, we still think it's a value buy. Our tester found that the auto-level had no deviation and created a perfect horizontal line in just under 30 seconds—one of the quickest self-leveling jobs of any laser we examined. The level sports a 360 degrees horizontal line paired with a 140 degrees vertical cross-line and two red plumb dots. Its bright green lasers are quite bright, making the line easily visible whether you use it indoors or outside. It’s one of the better picks for setting up patios, fencing, and other outdoor work.
With a self-leveling mode as well as a manual mode, this laser will work great for setting up stairs or lining details up to angles. It also comes with a magnetic mounting plate that pivots and makes it easy to mount onto metal objects such as ladders to help you get accurate readings.
It also has an IP54 rating, which means it’s protected against damage from splashes, rainy days, and dust. Our tester found that it suffered no damage after two drops on the concrete, and also appreciated the padded case for the protection it offers.
However, we found during testing that it uses up a lot of battery power. Since it requires four AA batteries to operate, you’ll find yourself swapping in new batteries far more frequently than other models on this list.
Product Details: Beam Color: Green | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 180 feet | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 0.5 pounds
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Easiest to Use
DEWALT Cross-Line Laser Level
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4/5
- Accuracy5/5
- It mounts to ceilings and walls with ease.
It mounts to ceilings and walls with ease.
- It’s pricier than many green lasers that will have better visibility.
It’s pricier than many green lasers that will have better visibility.
Dewalt is known for making tough and durable tools, and the Dewalt Line Laser is one of the best where toughness is concerned. It boasts over-molded housing for better protection and an IP54 rating, meaning it’s built for hard falls, accidental water exposure, and dusty job sites.
This red cross-line laser delivers solid range and has very little wobbling as it self-levels. Our tester found that the laser took very little time to level a horizontal line, quickly stabilizing its pendulum and getting the job done in under thirty seconds. With two buttons to activate the vertical and horizontal lines, it’s equally a breeze to switch modes. This means it makes a great no-fuss tool, whether you’re completing a simple task or a more complex one.
The level comes with a classic magnetized mount that makes it easy to hook onto studs, door frames, and ladders, but also includes a novel socket for ceiling mounts for easy setup anywhere. Like other red lasers, this will perform best inside.
When dropped from ladder height onto concrete multiple times, this laser level suffered no damage and remained just as accurate as before. This makes us more confident that it’ll last for years to come, even if accidentally dropped or exposed to dust and moisture.
While the Dewalt laser level is priced similarly to more visible and versatile green lasers, it makes a case for itself with rubberized over-molding, excellent precision, and easy setups, whether it’s your first use or your fiftieth.
Product Details: Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientations: Cross-line | Range: 165 feet with not-included laser detector | Self-Leveling: Yes | Weight: 1 pound
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK