The Best Laser Levels, According to Our Editors

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Have you ever tried hanging a picture on your wall, only to step back and realize everything’s slightly crooked? We’ve all been there, which is why using a laser level is like having a second set of eyes that ensures your lines are always straight. Unlike traditional bubble levels, which have limited range and need constant double-checking to make it right, a laser level quickly projects crisp, accurate lines onto any surface.

Whether you need to lay backsplash on your bathroom wall or install kitchen cabinets, we’ve rounded up the best laser levels below that ensure they are aligned properly. We also spoke to Robert O’Sullivan, a roofing contractor and owner of Ranch Roofing, who gave us tips on what to look for when shopping for one.

The laser beam reaches up to 165 feet with a detector.

It costs more than many others we tested.

None of the laser levels we tested could out-laser the DeWalt Cross-Line Laser Level. It scored high in every category—performance, accuracy, ease of use—you name it. It uses a red cross-line beam, which projects lines horizontally and vertically in the shape of a cross. The beam is accurate down to an eighth of an inch at 30 feet and is self-leveling, which ensures the lines are always straight for your projects.

It has a range of 100 feet, but if you switch it to pulse mode, it reaches up to 165 feet if you have a laser detector. (DeWalt sells this separately.) The settings are user-friendly and come with clearly marked buttons, which made it easy for us to work out what we needed to do. To keep it stable, it comes with a wall mount and clamp accessories that you can nail into the wall or ceiling. You can also mount it on a tripod to give it more stability and position it to different angles.

It’s covered in a tough rubber outer layer to protect it from accidental falls. We dropped it twice during testing, and the tool still worked fine. It also comes with a hard case to keep it safe in storage or when you move it around.

Even though it’s expensive, you’re getting a top-of-the-line laser level that can handle installing kitchen tile and basement finishes and mounting TVs. Batteries are included and last for about 16 hours, and red and green laser beam options are available (more on beam colors later).

Beam Color: Red, green | Beam Orientation: Cross-line | Range: 100 feet, 165 feet with detector | Weight: 2 lbs. | Self Leveling: Yes

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It has both a manual mode and a self-leveling mode.

It projects beams up to 50 feet, which is less than others we tested.

No matter your project, our budget pick from Hychika ensures straight, accurate lines with its manual and self-leveling modes. It uses three types of beams: horizontal, vertical, and cross-line, and has an IP54 rating, which means it’s dustproof and shock resistant. We dropped it on concrete during testing, and it still worked like nothing happened.

This laser level is rechargeable and has fast charging that fully charges it up in two hours, but there is also a battery option if you don’t want to deal with extra cords. During testing, we found the level to be extremely precise and could maintain a sharp 1/16-inch line.

The line can be rotated 360 degrees and beams in all directions. Although you can hold it while you’re working, it's way easier to use the bracket and magnets that come with it to mount it on a tripod or any metal surface. And though it is self-leveling, don’t expect the line to be straight right away—it’s going to wobble a bit before it levels out.

It also has a locking system that you can turn on and off, which keeps the angle locked in place. Locking also activates the manual mode if you need to adjust the angle yourself. Our only caveat was that we found Hychika’s laser beam crisp but slightly dim, and it reaches up to 50 feet only, which is not as far as other models we tested.

Beam Color: Red, green | Beam Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, cross-line | Range: 50 ft. | Weight: N/A | Self Leveling: Yes

It’s a complete kit that comes with a laser level and a tripod.

The instructions made no mention of how to use the laser glasses that came with the kit.

If you’re in pursuit of a perfectly straight line, buying a kit that comes with extra accessories might be useful for you. The Johnson Level & Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Kit has a cross-line laser level, tripod, laser enhancement glasses, triple AAA batteries, and a hard carrying case.

The laser is self-leveling and comes with a 100-foot range, and it’s accurate to within a fourth of an inch at 35 feet, which is precise enough for most home improvement tasks. It sits on a 360-degree base wand and can project lines in all directions too.

The kit includes a pair of laser glasses but doesn’t include instructions on how or when we should use them, but when we put them on, we found it made the laser lines way brighter and easier to see. It also has a lock that prevents the laser from accidentally shifting or readjusting if you're moving around or repositioning it.

Last but not least, it comes with an IP54 rating, so it is durable enough for indoor and outdoor use. Overall, this laser is a great choice if you want commercial quality for your home projects and all the extras you can think of.

Beam Color: Red | Beam Orientation: Cross-line | Range: 200 ft. | Weight: N/A | Self Leveling: Yes

Our top pick is the DeWalt Cross Line Laser Level because it scored the highest in all categories out of all the laser levels we tested—it’s easy to use, worked great, and was ultra accurate and durable. For a more budget-friendly alternative, we also recommend the Hychika 50 Foot Cross Line Laser Level, which will work for most home projects with its two different modes to choose from.

To find the best laser levels to keep in your toolbox, we tested a range of different ones in our lab. First, we assessed the setup process, making notes of instructions, calibration (if any), and setup time.

Next, we used a stopwatch and recorded how long it took to secure it to a tripod. We also checked how long it took to emit a level line while it was on it and evaluated self-leveling and manual adjustment features.

We then timed how long it took to align the laser line with a premarked level line on the wall and recorded any deviations and took note of the brightness of the line. We then repeated the process, this time to see if we could make a level line that was 3 inches above or below the marked line.

Finally, we performed a drop test in which we dropped the laser to the floor from a tripod height. If nothing broke, we dropped it again in the same way and turned it back on to see if it still worked. Our three picks excelled in all of these tests.

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“People usually forget to check the calibration and stability of the laser level, and it is one of the most common mistakes that people make when using a laser level,” O’Sullivan says. Slight movements can throw a laser level out of alignment, which is why it’s important to mount it on a base like a tripod. A mount gives you a flat base so you can always get straight and accurate lines.

There are different mounting styles, and the one you choose can vary depending on the project you’re working on. For example, tripods are ideal when you need to adjust the height or angle of the laser level, especially in a large area. Magnetic mounts are ideal for attaching the laser to metal surfaces like steel beams and metal door frames.

If you’re using a level for outdoor or construction work, a pole mount can give you extra height to project lines over far distances.

Standard laser levels have two beam colors: red and green. Green laser beams are brighter and more visible, especially in daylight, but drain the battery faster. According to O’Sullivan, you get 10 to 12 hours using a green laser level versus 30 to 35 hours with a red one. Red lasers, on the other hand, are more common, budget-friendly, and last longer since they use less battery.

How a beam is configured matters for precision. Most basic laser levels have single and cross-line options. Go with a line laser when you need a straight horizontal (level) or plumb (vertical) line for installing cabinets, hanging curtain rods, or doing ceiling work. A cross-line beam generates a cross frame or grid, which is helpful for tasks that require more precise alignment, like laying tile or framing walls.

Most laser levels are accurate to about an eighth of an inch at 30 feet, which is sufficient for most DIY projects. But if you're doing a more intricate task like laying tile, you might want a laser level with accuracy down to a sixteenth of an inch.

Range is also a factor for accuracy. “If your project site is small, a shorter range is okay. However, for larger spaces or outdoor projects, you need to pick something that can project further,” O’Sullivan. “Stay within leveling range to avoid errors.”

Self-leveling laser levels use a pendulum or sensors to automatically adjust beams so you get precise, straight lines every time. It saves time and is less frustrating than doing it on your own.

Self-leveling should always be done on even surfaces for it to find the right level. “It also shouldn’t be done near reflective materials like glass, as this can easily distort the beam,” O’Sullivan says.

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When shopping around for laser levels, keep these features in mind to help you find the right laser level for your home projects:

Beam color: Like we mentioned earlier, the right color beam depends on your project. If you're working in bright conditions or need maximum visibility, a green beam is the way to go. However, if you’re tackling smaller indoor projects, a red beam can be a budget-friendly and reliable option. Two options on our list, our overall best and best budget pick, have both red and green beams.

Accuracy: Look for models with a low margin of error, which is typically listed in fractions of an inch per distance. A good laser level should always give you crisp, precise lines.

Range: If you’re working on larger projects, like installing cabinets or leveling floors, make sure the laser reaches far enough to cover the space. Laser levels like the DeWalt Cross Line Laser Level and Johnson Level & Tool 40-0921 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Kit have a range of around 100 feet and more if used with a detector.

Beam Configuration: Most laser levels project straight, single lines in horizontal and vertical directions or cross-lines. Like we mentioned, a straight horizontal or vertical line is best for jobs like putting up shelves or hanging pictures. Cross-line beams form a cross and should be used for tasks that require more alignment, like laying tile.

Self-leveling: A self-leveling feature is convenient because it adjusts the laser for you if the lines aren’t straight.

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Nor'Adila Hepburn is a home product expert at Real Simple, specializing in finding the best tools and gadgets to help make DIY projects easier and more efficient. To find the best laser levels for DIYers, we tested a range of laser levels in our lab, evaluating them on mounting style, beam color and configuration, accuracy, and self-leveling. Nor’Adila also spoke to Robert O’Sullivan, a roofing contractor and owner of Ranch Roofing, who gave tips on what to look for when shopping for one.