We Tested the Best Laser Measures for DIYers and Pros

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A laser distance measurer can help you take more accurate measurements at longer distances.

Editor’s Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 updates.

Laser distance measures use a laser and an optical sensor to determine the distance between two surfaces to find the height of a room, the length of a stairway, or other helpful measurements. With this tool, you won’t have to rely on a flexible metal tape measure. We put some of the best laser distance measures through the paces to test how accurately they measure, noting their features, to compile this list of the best laser measures for both DIYers and pros.

After lining up the laser distance measure with the surface on the other end of the room, this tool calculates the measurement almost instantly. Many laser measuring tools also provide area or volume measurements, as well as an impressive accuracy range that can measure to within ⅛, 1/16, or even 1/32 inch.

To help you find the best laser tape measure, our hands-on testing of some of the top models on the market included putting each of the following through a series of measures. We also spoke with industry experts to get their insights on ideal features that make a great laser measure, and we took this into consideration to evaluate other features like display, ease of use, and included apps. The result: this list of top picks by category.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bosch GLM50C 165-Foot Laser Measure
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Atolla Laser Distance Measure
3. UPGRADE PICK: Bosch GLM400CL Blaze Outdoor 400-Foot Laser Measure
4. BEST COMPACT: Leica Disto E7100i Laser Distance Measure
5. BEST FOR PROS: DeWalt Tool Connect 100-Foot Laser Distance Measurer 
6. BEST HYBRID: Lexivon 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure
7. BEST RANGE: Leica Disto D2 Laser Distance Measure
8. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: Bosch GLM165-25G Blaze Green-Beam Laser Measure
9. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Klein Tools Compact Laser Distance Measure 
10. BEST FUNCTIONS: Mileseey Outdoor Laser Distance Meter With Camera

How We Tested the Best Laser Measures

Before getting our hands on our top picks for testing, we interviewed Matt Mace, a drafter and interior designer for HartmanBaldwin, a full-service architecture, construction, and interior design company serving Los Angeles and Southern California, who says that laser measures can vary greatly in price point, so shoppers will want to consider what they would be using one for. “The complexity and power of the laser measure will determine its maximum distance. It is likely that the more expensive the unit, the greater the distance capabilities it will have.”

Mace goes on to say that “for the more technologically advanced, spending a little more can get you a unit that has Bluetooth capabilities that works in conjunction with a smartphone application to generate a floor plan automatically, and in real time.” We took this advice when selecting our range of products to test, ensuring that we had picks for both DIY and more professional applications.

The number of measurements we pulled during testing numbered well into the hundreds. We tested length, area, volume, level, and every other function we could—many times.

The first test included taking a measurement across three rooms, from the front door to the back of the house. Next, we used the laser measures to calculate the square footage of a room. We pulled each measurement from the exact same spots to ensure the laser measures were given a fair chance. Each measure from the laser measures that made our list proved to be accurate. After testing area measurements, we went with the volume test, which these models also passed.

For laser measures with extra features like Bluetooth or an extended range, we waited until the end of the test to dig in and see how they worked. We downloaded apps, connected our phones, and used the long-range features on nearby buildings to get a full scope of what these models could do.

Our Top Picks

There are a lot of details to consider when selecting the right laser measure for the job. To help shoppers find their best option in a laser distance measure, below are some of the best product picks based on quality, price, and the considerations outlined above. We performed hands-on testing with these models to ensure they met our expectations, and eliminated those that did not.

Best Overall

Bosch GLM50C 165-Foot Laser Measure

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Product Specs 

• Range: 165 feet
• Display: Backlit LED
• Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

• Excellent digital display for DIY or professional use; can also be seen in low-light conditions
• Display rotates with angle changes for added user-friendliness
• Completely flat bottom offers accurate positioning on floors and tabletops
• Built-in digital level provides ample versatility

Cons

• Holster’s belt loop is likely too small for some users’ preferences

This compact laser distance measure from Bosch travels in a pocket or bag and gathers measurements at distances of up to 165 feet. The device automatically takes measurements as the user moves it around, accurately measuring to within 1/16 inch while providing information for length, area, and volume. It has an easy-to-use control keypad and a bold color display with large backlit text for easy reading in dim or lightless conditions.

With its Bluetooth connectivity, this laser distance measurer shares information wirelessly with a phone, while the free Bosch app gives users the ability to document measurements and create floor plans. This device also has a soft slip-resistant grip on its body to help protect it from drops and impact damage.

The Bosch was an absolute joy to use during testing. First, it was the most compact of all the models in the test, yet it offered more features than almost any of them. All of the functions, including the built-in level, were accurate. It took a few minutes to understand how it integrates with the MeasureOn app, but transferring measurements was very easy. Also, the bottom of the GLM50C is completely flat, which made it easier to line up measurements. The only complaint we had is that the holster the GLM50C comes with has a very small belt loop that won’t fit comfortably over tool belts or wider leather belts.

Get the Bosch GLM50C laser measure at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Atolla Laser Distance Measure

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Product Specs 

• Range: 196 feet
• Display: Backlit LED
• Connectivity: None

Pros

• Offers lots of calculations for user-friendliness and versatility; provides accurate measurements
• Compact design is suitable for use by professionals as well as DIYers
• Surprisingly accurate compared to other models available
• Several measurement modes included; single and continuous measurement, area, distance, volume, and Pythagorean

Cons

• Bottom isn’t perfectly flat; might not stay level when placed against a surface
• Laser wasn’t straight for some users

Portability and affordability are important considerations for some folks, and this model offers both. The Atolla device is compact enough to fit comfortably in a pocket, a tool box, or a bag, and is affordable enough that nearly any DIYer will want to consider it. Its adjustable wrist strap can be set to the ideal size to ensure that it doesn’t slip off the user’s wrist.

The Atolla water-resistant laser distance meter can measure accurately to within 1/16 inch up to a maximum distance of 196 feet. It features several measurement modes, including single measurement, continuous measurement, area, distance, volume, and Pythagorean mode. The backlit LCD screen is easy to see, and the built-in level helps properly align the laser with the targeted point in the distance.

The Atolla laser distance meter isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it proved to be an excellent value during testing. First, the bottom isn’t completely flat, so it does rock a bit when trying to get a measurement. Also, the laser wasn’t straight. But compared to the other models, neither issue affected its accuracy. It offers most of the same calculations, including length, area, and volume. We also liked that it’s relatively compact for such a budget-minded laser measure.

Get the Atolla laser measure at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

Bosch GLM400CL Blaze Outdoor 400-Foot Laser Measure

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Product Specs 

• Range: 400 feet
• Display: Backlit, plus video viewfinder
• Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

• Video viewfinder is ideal for long-distance measuring tasks
• Has the longest measuring range in the test; suitable for large spaces
• Fully digital menu provides ample user-friendliness

Cons

• Lots of beeping (but it can be turned off)

This outdoor laser measure from Bosch has a robust, reinforced glass screen that’s anti-scratch, glare-resistant, and shatter-resistant, which protects it and makes it easier to read the measurement results in bright light. It has several measurement options as well as built-in data storage capable of keeping the last 50 measurements and more than 600 images.

Bluetooth connectivity allows users to transmit collected measurements wirelessly through the free Bosch app, which can also create custom blueprints. This device can measure accurately to within 1/16 inch with a maximum distance of up to 400 feet. It also has a built-in camera with an adjustable zoom so users can locate the laser at a long distance when outdoors, despite the light from the sun.

During testing, the GLM400CL appeared to have everything one could want from a laser measure. For one, the 400-foot range is excellent for outdoor calculations. The menu is fully digital, so swapping between area, volume, distance, stakeout, and other settings is simple. Also, the video viewfinder is incredibly useful in pulling measurements from long distances. Unfortunately, every button press emits a beep, and this model’s beep drove my dog (who often works with me) up a wall. Fortunately, for both my pooch and myself, I was able to turn it off (30 beeps later).

Get the Bosch Blaze laser measure at Amazon, Lowe’s, or DK Hardware.

Best Compact

Leica Disto E7100i Laser Distance Measure

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Product Specs

• Range: 200 feet

• Display: Backlit LED

• Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

• Thinnest model in the test; suitable for those who work on jobsites
• Bluetooth connectivity provides user-friendliness and sharing capabilities
• Detachable pocket clip assists with portability
• Perfectly flat bottom for easy measuring in certain spaces

Cons

• No volume calculation included in the model
• App is a little frustrating to use; may be tough for first timers

Anyone looking for a compact laser measure that they can keep in a pocket or a tool belt will want to give the Leica Disto E7100i some serious consideration. This model has a measuring range of up to 200 feet (with a claim of 1/16-inch accuracy at that distance). It comes with a detachable pocket clip as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

Also, the Leica Disto E7100i features a min/max function that allows the user to sweep the laser measure across a corner while it records only the longest measurement, offering extreme accuracy. It also has length and area measurements.

Testing proved that the Leica Disto is clearly a precise machine; its compact design does not affect its accuracy. We liked the pocket clip that can grip onto the lip of a tool bag, and it detaches easily. The bottom of this model is dead flat, so placing it against a surface and getting a quick, accurate measurement was a breeze. The only cons were that, despite the product description, we could not find a “volume” mode on this laser. Also, the Disto Plan app was a little frustrating to use; it wasn’t as easy to swap between metric and imperial measurements as it was on the actual laser.

Get the Leica Disto E7100i laser measure at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best for Pros

DeWalt Tool Connect 100-Foot Laser Distance Measurer

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Product Specs 

• Range: 100 feet
• Display: Backlit negative LED
• Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

• Best app in the test; suitable for those who need to share or save measurements
• Simple functionality for first-time pros or DIYers
• Hard to lose, with large, durable construction and yellow color

Cons

• Bottom isn’t flat; may not suit some users’ needs

This DeWalt laser measuring tool is an option for professionals who need an easy-to-use device to take quick measurements of 100 feet or less. It has only five buttons to learn, and the entire device is covered in a thick, durable protective cover to help keep the laser measure safe from scratches and impact damage if it’s dropped.

The device can take and send measurement data through an active Bluetooth connection. The brand’s Tool Connect app collects and stores data for use in creating new projects like flooring or painting. It also can be used to export the project, saving pros time and effort that might otherwise include drawing a plan by hand.

The reason why the DeWalt laser distance meter is the best for pros truly boils down to its app. Pros who use the DeWalt Tool Connect app won’t have to add an additional app or confuse matters with another interface, and that’s a real “pro.” It was also the best app in the test, as it was the easiest to use once it was set up. The laser was simple to use, with very few buttons and easy functionality (despite having more functions than some more expensive models). We also like that it’s yellow, so it is harder to misplace. The only issue we had is that the bottom is not flat, so it wobbles quite a bit when held against a surface.

Read our full review: DeWalt Tool Connect 100-Foot Laser Distance MeasurerGet the DeWalt laser measure at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best Hybrid

Lexivon 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure

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Product Specs 

• Range: 130 feet
• Display: Backlit negative LCD
• Connectivity: None

Pros

• Convenient 2-in-1 design acts as a distance measure as well as a tape measure
• Digital display is surprisingly clear; suitable for professionals or DIYers
• Simple 1-button design is perfect for first-time users

Cons

• Magnet in hook is very weak; might not hold up for some users

When it comes to convenient design, it’s hard to beat the Lexivon two-in-one digital laser tape measure. This model has a built-in tape measure, allowing the user to pull measurements up to 16 feet. But, should the user want a faster method or a longer measurement, the laser measure can handle them up to 130 feet.

There aren’t many other bells and whistles to the Lexivon tape measure, but that’s part of its beauty. Its one-button design makes it easy to use, a