Two-beam: This type of cross-line level has a horizontal line and vertical line that cross at a single point. You’re not limited to using a tripod though, as one end of the universal mount contains four small magnets. This means you can mount the laser on any ferrous metal, like a radiator, ladder, or even the metal corner bead found on plasterboard walls. Compared with the DeWalt laser level I’m used to, the magnets aren’t quite as strong on the Kaiweets mount, but they’re good enough.

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 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 has a long visibility range of 165 feet. Pros and Cons

Comparing Line Lasers

Harry has real-world tested 46 products for DIY Garden, and is one of our more experienced testers. This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. To come up with this list, we tested 25 laser levels in our Lab and evaluated each for factors such as ease of use, accuracy, durability, and more. For expert insight, Rachel spoke to both Gary McCoy, Lowe’s Store Manager serving Charlotte, NC, and Fariha Nasir, the DIY and lifestyle guru behind Pennies for a Fortune. What Is Real Simple Selects? 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.

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:

How To Find a High-Quality Laser Level: A Buyer's Guide

This level easily gave me level and plumb lines that I felt I could trust,” says our tester. They found that the self-leveling feature does wobble slightly, making “adjusting it a bit more challenging,” but the results were still more than satisfactory. They also found it to be durable and versatile, and a good value with that low price compared to so many others. “It’s a low-cost tool to have around for when you need it,” says our tester. Just keep in mind that it’s only designed to be used indoors. Laser levels come with either red or green laser lights. If your priority is gaining as much visibility as possible, a green laser is the way to go, as they “are more visible from a further distance and easier to use when working outdoors” than red lasers, says McCoy. “On the other hand, red lasers are less powerful but use less battery life and are less expensive.” On the downside, the laser light only goes for 30 feet, not 50 feet like some other models, and it can only be used indoors due to the strength of the light it emits. Still, there’s a lot to love about it, especially the included clamp, self-leveling capability, and fairly low cost, just to name a few.

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. If possible, opt for a laser level with a self-leveling capability, as this will help you “avoid calibration errors,” says Nasir. To ensure the level’s stability, you’ll only need to place it on a flat surface and let the internal pendulum and magnets get to work and make it totally level. This feature can be especially useful if you’re working on a project in which accuracy is of the utmost importance and you don’t want to risk any errors. All of the lasers we recommend in this article are self-leveling. Professionals have to take their equipment, including the laser levels, to all sorts of locations. This transport isn’t always the smoothest ride either. So, any laser level that will break with a few bumps is a no-go since the last thing a professional wants is their equipment to fail in the middle of a job. Durability 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. Pros and ConsOut of bright sunlight, and especially in the dark, the laser was easy to find up to 30 metres away. I was guessing at the exact distance, but it was far enough away to be impressive. For most jobs that a DIYer will take on, it’s absolutely fine. This level has vertical, horizontal, and crosshair modes, and features self-leveling as a bonus. It emits bright red lines that “are very thin and crisp, but remain easy to see,” says our tester. They also found it to be extremely durable and accurate, and liked that it only requires AAA batteries to use. Additionally, “the brand is trustworthy, and the price is reasonable,” they say. Anyone who has tried to use laser levels outside in bright sunshine will know that it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a cheap red laser level or the best quality professional green laser, they’re really hard to see! That’s why the professionals use a laser detector for outdoor work.