The best laser measure in 2022: precision tools for calculating distances accurately
The best laser measures help you to measure distances much more accurately than fiddling about with a traditional tape measure. These devices, which are also known as 'laser distance measurers', 'laser distance meters' or 'laser tape measures', take all the hassle out of DIY. They're also great for professional use in disciples such as construction, surveying, IT networking and energy fitting.
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Laser measures work by computing the time taken for a light pulse to be reflected back to the sensor. They may also offer the ability to store previous measurements, perform area and volume calculations, and/or export measurements to other devices. Some even let you prepare files for export to 3D design software, which helps architects draw accurate plans and games designers to re-create real world.
Even if none of these clever features attract you, though, the best laser measures are still worth investing in. Because it's impossible to underestimate the importance of being accurate when it comes to measuring. It really can make the difference between getting a job done quickly and efficiently, and having to scrap it completely. So read on, as we reveal the best laser measures on sale today, for a variety of use cases and a range of budgets.
The best laser measures in 2022
1. Mileseey 70m / 229ft Digital Laser Tape Measure
The best laser measure for DIY
Measurement range: 70m / 229ft | Display: Large backlit LCD | Memories: 20 units | Accuracy: ±1/16 inch (±2mm) | Bluetooth: - | Inclinometer: N | Dimensions: 115 x 50 x 30 mm | Weight: 198 g | Power: 2 x 1.5V AAA batteries (included) | Laser: Class II | Protection: IP54 | Measurements: M / yd
Covers up to 70m
Useful measurement functions
Reasonable price
Other devices measure further
The best laser measures can get quite expensive, but if you just want one for a bit of home DIY, here's our recommendation. This device from Mileseey is quite affordable, and does a good job at measuring, with an accuracy of ±0.2mm/±1/16 inch. With a measuring range of between 16cm and 70 feet, it'ss dust- and splash-proof to IP54 standards, and offers some additional useful measurement functions.
For example, you can just measure the hypotenuse, and the horizontal distance and vertical height are calculated automatically. Or you can measure only two hypotenuses, and the vertical height is calculated automatically.
This device can store up to 20 measurements at one time, and takes two AAA batteries. More expensive models promise more, but for home decoration this is probably everything you're going to need.
2. Dtape DT50
The best cheap laser measure for DIY
Measurement range: 50m / 165 ft | Display: Backlit LCD | Memories: 20 groups | Accuracy: ± 1/16-inch / 1.5mm | Bluetooth: - | Inclinometer: - | Dimensions: 115 x 50 x 29 mm | Weight: 200 g | Power: 2xAAA | Laser: Class 2 650 nm <1mW | Measurements: M/feet/in/ft+in | Protection: IP54
Several memories on display
Multiple features
Extras including bag
Not the greatest range
Short on cash? The Dtape DT50 is nice and cheap, but it still does a good job. It has a two-inch screen with several measurements. It's also capable of area and volume calculations. And there are even indirect Pythagorean calculations on offer.
The rubber design makes this a reasonably rugged, no-slip tool. And while it doesn't measure as far as the first device on our list (50m to the Mileseey's 70m), it still represents excellent value at this price.
3. Dewalt DW030PL Atomic
The best laser measure for short distances
Measurement range: 16.75 m / 55 ft | Display: Backlit light-on-dark LCD | Memories: - | Accuracy: ± 1/4-inch / 6.3mm | Bluetooth: - | Inclinometer: - | Dimensions: 64 x 38 x 19 mm | Weight: 100 g | Power: 3.7V Lithium-Ion | Laser: Class 2 650 nm <1mW | Measurements: M/SAE
Rechargeable
Highly portable
Limited range
Lacks memory functions
If you’re working in small rooms, you won't need a large measuring distance. That’s where DeWalt’s laser measure comes in. It’s affordable, compact, and can dangle on the included wrist-strap without worry.
It comes with a toughness guarantee, while the back-lit display makes it easy to read in a dark cupboard or a bright yard. It has a USB-rechargeable lithium battery (cable included) and while it lacks memory functions, the single button operation makes it nice and easy to use.
4. Leica D1
The best laser measure for carpentry or flooring
Measurement range: 40 m / 130 ft | Display: Illuminated LCD | Memories: 2 measurements | Accuracy: ± 0.08-inch / 2mm | Bluetooth: Yes | Inclinometer: - | Dimensions: 115 x 44 x 24 mm | Weight: 87g | Power: 2xAAA (approx. 20h) | Laser: Class 2 650 nm <1mW | Protection: IP54 | Measurements: M/In/Ft
Elegant design
On-screen memories
Expensive given features
Getting the saw out? The maxim in carpentry goes 'measure twice, cut once', and the best laser measure mean you'll get the super-high degree of accuracy you need.
For these purposes, we like the D1. It's elegant and simple to use, with a light-touch keypad and no more buttons than you need. That makes this a great tool for measuring spaces and single lengths of wood, although those working on larger spaces or outdoors might look for a more powerful laser.
It has some advanced features too. Most notably, it's compatible with Leica’s free Disto Plan app which – via Bluetooth and any Apple or Android phone – extends the measure’s two-button operation into a full room measurement tool with sketch.
5. Magpie VH-80
Bi-lateral laser measure for convenience
Measurement range: 80m/ 260 ft | Display: Backlit LCD | Memories: 20 measurement groups | Accuracy: ± 2/16-inch / 3mm | Bluetooth: wi-fi | Inclinometer: N | Dimensions: 44 x 25 x 126 mm | Weight: 91g | Power: 2xAAA | Protection: IP54 | Laser: Class 2 635 nm | Measurements: M/In/Ft/Ft+In
Can hold in middle of measured area
Phone connection
Take measurements without moving
Higher margin of error
Here is a different take on the laser measure, which takes the sum distance (plus its own length) from two lasers. This means it can be pointed in three directions from the centre of a room to get all three measurements needed for an estimate of the volume without needing to take a step.
The slight sacrifice is that the device has twice the margin of error that a single laser measure would have. But for contract estimators this us unlikely to be a huge issue. On the plus side, the device has a partner app for both iOS and Android, which can not only assist with area calculations for materials but export data and sketches in JPEG, PDF & XLS.
6. Leica Disto S910
Ladder-free measurement, to an angle, with AutoCAD output
Measurement range: 0.5-300m / 2-984 ft | Display: Backlit LCD | Memories: 50 measurements + 20 x 30 points | Accuracy: ± 1/16-inch / 1mm | Bluetooth: Y | Inclinometer: Y | Dimensions: 164 x 61 x 32 mm | Weight: 290 g | Power: Lithium ion | Protection: IP54 | Laser: Class 2 650 nm 1mW | Measurements: M/In/Ft
Ideal for generating full 3D measurements
Optional SmartBase to measure angle
Color point finder camera
Priced to match its features
Tripod mount not supplied as standard
The Leica Disto S910 shows how much more can be achieved with this technology than simple straight-line measurements. Yes, it's expensive. But there are many for whom it will soon earn the investment back.
The ability to take a series of measurements from a single tripod position using the SmartBase is made easier by the built-in camera’s 4x zoom, used to accurate locate points for precise targeting. Exporting the data as DXF to AutoCAD files is easy thanks to WiFi or Bluetooth, or you can go to the Android/iOS Disto App. There are also an amazing number of complicated area and volume calculation features built in, so you can deliver a verdict on site.
7. Mileseey S6
The best laser measure for factories and warehouses
Measurement range: 100 m / 328 ft | Display: Backlit LCD | Memories: 20 measurement groups | Accuracy: ± 1/16-inch / 1.5mm | Bluetooth: - | Inclinometer: Yes | Dimensions: 113 x 47 x 27 mm | Weight: 136g | Power: 2xAAA | Laser: Class 2 650 nm <1mW | Measurements: M/In/Ft/Ft+In
100m range
Digital angle measure
Low price for specifications
Range may be overkill
The Mileseey S6 is a versatile electronic measure with a long measuring range of 100m, making it more useful in factories and warehouses as well as large apartments and other big spaces. It also offers area, distance, volume and Pythagorean measurements.
It's reasonably robust, with IP54 ingression protection. The rubber body makes for a good grip and drops aren’t much of a concern. A bubble-level is included, as well as electronic inclinometer for those just wanting to quickly check a level, or passing the tool to their older workmate and wanting to side-step a “good old days” lecture.
8. Bosch GLM400CL Blaze
The best laser measure with a camera
Measurement range: 120m / 400ft | Display: Color LED | Memories: 600 measurements | Accuracy: ± 1/16-inch / 1.5mm | Bluetooth: Yes | Inclinometer: Yes | Dimensions: 140x29x64mm | Weight: 210g | Power: Integrated 3.6V Li-ion | Measurements: M/In/Ft/Ft+In
Built-in camera
⊕ Reinforced glass display
Regular charging needed
The Bosch GLM400CL Blaze is capable of taking a long measurement on a fairly bright day, but what really sets it apart is the technology it has to back that up. There are a good range of measurements, including (by virtue of the inclinometer) Pythagorean areas, but the icing on the cake is the camera. The camera has two jobs. It helps identify the spot the laser is pointing to more easily, and it records an image with the measurement.
9. Leica Disto E7500i
The best laser measure for surveyors
Measurement range: 200 m / 660 ft | Display: Color LCD | Memories: 30 measurements | Accuracy: > 1/16-inch / 1mm | Bluetooth: Y | Inclinometer: Y (±0.2˚) | Dimensions: 143 x 58 x 29 mm | Weight: 198 g | Power: 2xAAA | Protection: IP65 | Laser: Class 2 650 nm 1mW | Measurements: M/In/Ft
Excellent accuracy
Rugged
Quick user of batteries
Despite its affordable price, the E7500i seems capable of providing the features required by professional surveyors, along with compatibility with Leica’s Disto app and height tracking.
The IP65 rating means it isn’t just splash-proof but will withstand a jet of water. The system can help with all the area, volume, and Pythagorean calculations you’d hope. In addition, the long range, long-distance measurements are easier to achieve thanks to the 4x zoom digital camera and a feature called Smart Horizontal for circumnavigating obstacles.
The only potential issue is the speed of battery consumption. And of course with any long-range measure a pro would do well to pack a tripod, target and perhaps even laser glasses to be ready for any conditions.
10. Nikon Forestry Pro II
The best laser measure for measuring trees
Measurement range: 1600 m / 1 mile | Display: Backlit dot matrix LCD | Memories: 250 measurements | Accuracy: ± 1ft / 0.3m | Bluetooth: - | Inclinometer: Y | Dimensions: 110 x 74 x 42 mm | Weight: 170 g | Power: CR2 Lithium | Laser: Class 1M | Protection: IPX4 | Measurements: M / yd
Illustrated display
Excellent optics
Limited uses
If you need to calculate the height of trees from a distance, the Forestry Pro makes the task a lot easier. It works using an optical monocular finder, and in that respect, has a lot in common with a more professional version of a golfer's laser rangefinder (for comparison, the eye relief is 18mm).
With a magnification of 6x, professionals will find their targets reasonably easily, but there's also the Target Priority Mode to helps find objects in sequence if needed. The memory of 250 measurements lets you cover a lot of ground without getting the note pad out, too, and despite the distance measurements take about 0.3 seconds.
11. TickTock Tools Laser Tape Measure
Old-school tape measure and laser combined
Measurement range: 60 m / 5m tape | Display: Backlit LCD | Memories: 20 measurements | Accuracy: ± 2mm | Bluetooth: - | Inclinometer: - | Dimensions: 76 x 44 x 76 mm | Weight: 170 g | Power: USB rechargable | Laser: Class 2 | Protection: - | Measurements: ft / metres
Offers a choice of measuring method
Rugged design
Backlit display
Belt/pocket clip
Bulkier than traditional tape measure
No USB charger supplied
For good reasons, especially at short distances, it’s good to have a traditional tape measure to hand. Putting the laser measure and tape in the same housing might add a bit of bulk, but its logical and practical.
Unlike some other 2-in-1 designs, the rugged housing doesn’t simply bolt the laser measure onto the side, but houses it naturally.
The laser can measure from the front or back (i.e. include its own length in the measurement or not), but you do need ro remember to use a long-press of the middle button to do this. We don’t love long-press / short-press botton uses for simple devices as they can be forgotten between uses, but there isn’t a lot of space on the body for extra buttons! There are also area, volume and Pythagorean calculation modes which, again, come from presses of that button.
12. Leica D110
Elegant and simple measure with a good name
Measurement range: 60m | Display: Mono LCD | Memories: - | Accuracy: ± 1.5 mm | Bluetooth: Y | Inclinometer: - | Dimensions: 120 × 37 × 23 mm | Weight: 92 g | Power: 2xAAA | Protection: IP54 | Laser: - | Measurements: M/In/Ft
Offers a choice of measuring method
Rugged design
Backlit display
Belt/pocket clip
Not rechargeable
No area calculations without app
Many photographers find themselves lusting after the Leica brand, and the firm have plenty of options in the laser-measure space. This is their most compact – so small that it has a removable belt clip which has a noticeable impact on the size! It is a good-looking design with IP54 splash proof and a backlit screen
It is relatively pricey, but the screen includes previous and current measurements. Not only that but you can transmit measurements to your phone via Bluetooth and create floor plans and sketches with the Leica Disto app.
While the accuracy is higher than many, the design deliberately doesn’t include features like area calculations, leaving these to the app.
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