Laser Level

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            Are you tired of using the old air-bubble level? While this tool helps for precise alignment and costs little money, it is outdated. Laser levels, on the other hand, offer a higher degree of accuracy and can be used for much more applications. They are perfect not only for simple DIY projects but also for harder jobs. Carpenters, plumbers, electrician, and many others should add this tool to their toolset.

            There’s no need to look for the best models as we’ve already done it for you. Here below you will find the 5 top-rated cross-line lasers compared and reviewed. Learn more about how exactly we ranked them and choose the one you consider more appropriate for your projects. Make a smart purchase for no-hassle layout tasks.

Top Laser Levels Comparison

	1. PLS-60521	2. Dewalt DW088K	3. Tacklife SC-L04	4. Bosch GLL 55	5. Makita SK104Z
	BEST MODEL	OUR CHOICE
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Design
Dimensions&Weight
Dimensions (in.)	2 x 2.87 x 3.37	2.40 x 4.40 x 4.44	3.8 x 3.4	4.2 x 4.4 x 2.2	4.25 x 4.6 x 2.83
Weight( lbs.)	1.7	3.81	1.76	1.08	2.4
Color&Housing
Color	Yellow	Black&Yellow	Black&Orange	Black&Blue	Black&Light Teal Blue
Housing	Plastic	Over-Molded	TPR Soft Rubber on All Sides	Plastic Composite	Over-Molded
Specifications
Type&Laser Class
Type	Laser Cross-Line	Laser Cross-Line	Laser Cross-Line	Laser Cross-Line	Laser Cross-Line
Laser Class	Class II	Class II	Class II	Class II	Class II
Power
Power-Source	3 AA Batteries	3 AA Batteries	4 AA Batteries	3 AA Batteries	3 AA Batteries
Operating Time (h)	35/12.5	40	8	N/A	35
Leveling
Type	Self-Leveling	Self-Leveling	Self-Leveling	Self-Leveling	Self-Leveling
Range	6°	4°	4°±1°	4°	4°
Accuracy&Working Range
Line Accuracy	± 1/8″ at 30′	± 1/8″ at 30′	±1/9″ at 33′	± 1/8″ at 33′	± 1/8″ at 30′
Working Range	100′	100′	98′	50′	50′
Operating&Storage Temperature
Operating Temperature	0° F – 122° F	20° F – 115° F	14° F – 122° F	14° F – 122° F	14° F – 104° F
Storing Temperature	-40° F – 158° F	-5° F – 140° F	-40° F – 158° F	N/A	-13° F – 158° F
Beam
Number	2	2	2	2	2
Direction	Horizontal&Vertical	Horizontal&Vertical	Horizontal&Vertical	Horizontal&Vertical	Horizontal&Vertical
Miscellaneous
Indoor/Ourdoor	Indoor	Indoor/Ourdoor	Indoor	Indoor	Indoor/Ourdoor
Environment	Water-Resistant; Not Submersible	Protected from Limited Dust and Water Spray	Protected from Limited Dust and Water Spray	Protected from Limited Dust and Water Spray	Protected from Limited Dust and Water Spray
Mounting Method	Wall or Tripod	Wall	Wall or Tripod	Wall or Tripod	Wall or Tripod
Features&Accesories
Features
	Internal Shock Frame	Built-In Magnetic Pivot Base	360-Degree Vertical and 360-Degree Horizontal Line	Magnetic L Mount	Integrated Pendulum Lock
	Out-Of-Level Shutoff	Low Battery Indication	Low Battery Indication	Out-of-Level Indicator	Pulse Mode
			Out-of-Level Indicator		Multi-Purpose Magnetic Bracket
Accesories
	Rubber Sleeve	Acoustic Ceiling Mount	Magnetic Pivoting Base	Magnetic Mounting Bracket	Magnetic Mounting Adapter
	Carrying Pouch	Kit Box	Portable Bag	Laser Target Plate	Target Card
	Wall Bracket	Batteries	Batteries	Hard Carry Case	Carrying Pouch
	Carrying Case			Batteries	Batteries
	Tripod Extender
	Batteries
Warranty&Support
Warranty	3-Year Limited Warranty	3-Year Limited Warranty	2-Year Limited Warranty	2-Year Limited Warranty	1-Year Limited Warranty
		1-Year Free Service			30-Day Satisfacyion Guarantee
User Manual
Customer Support
Online Support

Laser Levels Reviews

1. PLS-60521

            You can use this tool in a wide range of jobs, including plumbing, electrical work, and so on. The laser level is lightweight and compact, so you can carry it around without too much hassle. It is a class II laser and is battery-powered. Due to the fact that is self-leveling is very accurate. It projects crossing horizontal and vertical lines with an accuracy of 1/8 inch at 30 feet. Additionally, it can work for up to 35 hours with a single beam and up to 12.5 hours with both beams.

            The model is designed for indoor use but you can also use it outdoors with a PLS-SLD detector. You can mount in on a wall or tripod and is water-resistant. For more convenience, the internal shock frame protects the tool in case of impacts, featuring at the same time an out-of-level shutoff. It comes with multiple accessories, including the batteries, as well as a carry case and carrying pouch. This model is backed by a limited 3-year warranty.

PROS	CONS
Long visibility range: up to 100′	Using it outdoors may be difficult as the beam is not very strong
Works up to 35 hours continuously
It can automatically level up to 6 degrees
The magnetic dampening makes it ready to use in less than a second
It features the PLS pendulum design
VERDICT
High accuracy and versatility. You can use it for many purposes. It comes with a long 3-year warranty and is very easy to use. The built-in features are pretty interesting and will help you finish your job faster and without any inconvenience. We consider it a long-term investment for anyone who’s looking for a well-made laser level.

2. Dewalt DW088K

            This tool is among our favorite ones. It is made by a reliable brand and it will surely impress you with its features. It has an over-mold housing that makes it very durable. In comparison to the other models, it is a little bit heavier. The class II laser offers great visibility not only indoors but also outdoors, so you can use it for all your projects. It is self-leveling at 4 degrees and it features a high rate of accuracy, 1/8 inch at 30 feet. Without a detector, it provides a range of 100 feet but if you install a detector, you can use it up to 165 feet. The 3 AA batteries can work up to 40 hours and they come with the tool.

            The model projects both vertical and horizontal line, having a dedicated button for each of them. The lines cross with each other. It features a magnetic pivot base and a low battery indication. In what concerns the mounting possibilities, you can easily mount it on a wall. When purchasing the tool, you will also receive an acoustic ceiling mount and a kit box. What is interesting about this particular model is that besides the 3-year limited warranty, the manufacturer also offers a 1-year free service.

PROS	CONS
You can use it on wet surfaces as it is protected against water spray	A little bit heavy
Alerts you when it’s time to change the batteries	No lock on the pendulum
Durable over-molded housing
Class II laser
Built-in magnetic pivoting base
VERDICT
Ideal for both professionals and beginner. It features a solid housing and can be used for outdoor works. It comes with a flashing indicator to replace the batteries. Additionally, besides the long 3-year warranty, you will enjoy free service for 1 year. The only major drawback is the fact that it doesn’t have a lock on the pendulum for a more convenient transportation.

3. Tacklife SC-L04

            Another laser level to consider is Tacklife SC-L04. It is both compact and lightweight. The TPR soft rubber on all sides provides protection against any possible shocks. This is a class II laser and is accurate to ±1/9′′ at 33′. It boasts a working range of 98′. Just like the previous models, it levels itself up to 4 degrees. The tool produces horizontal and vertical cross-line beams. It also features dual 360-degree horizontal and vertical plane. When all beams are on, it can work for up to 8 hours. You will need 4 AA batteries for this tool, which are included.

            This model indicates an out-of-level condition in case it gets out of level and it automatically locks when you switch it off. It is both waterproof and dust-proof. You can easily mount this tool on wall or tripod and you can use it outdoors with the laser detector. It includes the batteries, a portable bag, and a magnetic pivoting base. It is backed by a 2-year warranty.

PROS	CONS
360-degree vertical and horizontal line	Not so great in the daylight
One-button operation design	The user manual should be more detailed
Lightweight and compact
Solid construction with TPR soft rubber
It locks automatically when you switch it off
VERDICT
This laser level does a great job. It is lightweight and compact and it comes with a nice zipper bag to carry it around. The 360-degree feature is a great addition although you won’t need it too often. However, according to some customers, the tool is not so great in the daylight.

4. Bosch GLL 55

            You will like this laser level as is accurate and well-made. It is the lightest model on our list and is made of plastic composite. You can use it for multiple indoor jobs but it won’t work in the daylight. It has an accuracy rating of ± 1/8′′ at 33′ and a working range of 50′. You can set it to project both vertical and horizontal lines that cross with each other. Since this tool is self-leveling, it automatically levels itself up to 4 degrees. It requires 3 AA batteries that are included. The laser is class II.

            The VisiMax technology provides superior beam brightness and prevents diodes overheating. At the same time, the tool indicates out-of-level conditions for increased accuracy. For a secure transportation, the pendulum is locked automatically every time you switch the tool off. You can mount this tool on wall or tripod and it comes with a magnetic mounting bracket. Besides this, you will also receive a laser target plate and a carry case. As about the warranty, the manufacturer covers it for a period of 2 years.

PROS	CONS
Features VisiMax technology	It can’t be used outdoors
It can indicate out-of-level condition
Automatic lock of pendulum
You can use it at any angle with the manual mode
Lightweight and budget-friendly
VERDICT
Made by Bosch, this laser level works well and won’t cost you a fortune. Due to the VisiMax technology, this tool delivers superior beam brightness while the diodes are protected against overheating. This model is very lightweight, affordable, and user-friendly. However, it can’t be used outdoors.

5. Makita SK104Z

            Makita SK104Z is another great option to go with. It features a solid housing that provides superior protection and is battery-powered. The 3 AA batteries are included and they deliver a continuous operation of up to 35 hours. Just like the other models, it is self-leveling up to 4 degrees. It features an accuracy rating of ± 1/8′′ at 30′ and a working range of up to 50′. The two vertical and horizontal lines can be used individually or simultaneously. You can use it both for indoor or outdoor works and you can mount it on a wall or on a tripod.

            With the pulse mode, you will be able to extend the battery life while the integrated pendulum lock allows slope incline applications. Besides the laser, you will also receive a magnetic mounting adapter, a target card, and a carrying pouch. However, even though this model comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, it is backed by only 1-year warranty.

PROS	CONS
Features a pulse mode	Short warranty, 1-year
Long operating time, up to 35 hours	Rather tricky to change from vertical to horizontal mode
Works for indoor and outdoor jobs
Comes with a multi-purpose magnetic bracket
Features an integrated pendulum lock
VERDICT
This laser level made by Makita is available at an affordable price. It comes with some pretty interesting features and it can be used not only indoors but also outdoors. For more peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Nevertheless, it is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Product Research&Ratings

            When we talk about laser levels, the accuracy and working range play a significant aspect. Besides this, we made our research taking into consideration aspects like housing, operating time, leveling type, and so on. More about our findings and how we rated the products will be detailed below.

• Operating Time

            All our models are battery-powered. This means that eventually, you will need to replace them. The tool with the longest operating time is Dewalt DW088K that can work for up to 40 hours. Makita SK104Z can provide up to 35 hours of continuous use, same as PLS-60521 if you use one beam only. Tacklife SC-L04 works for 8 hours with all the beams on. Unfortunately, we have no information about Bosch GLL 55.

• Leveling

            In terms of leveling, the laser can be manual or automatic. The manual ones require you to check if the unit is leveled or not. Leveling the tool may be more difficult, especially for beginners, as some thumb screws have to be adjusted. Self-leveling lasers are more convenient from this point of view. They feature an internal pendulum that does all the job for you. So, even if the surface is not smooth, the tool can level itself up to a particular degree. All our models are self-leveling, with small differences in what regards the range. Therefore, PLS-60521 levels for maximum 6 degrees while Tacklife SC-L04 features a compensation range of 4±1 degrees. All the other models have a range of 4 degrees.

• Accuracy

            In general, self-leveling lasers are more accurate than the manual ones. However, the error increases with distance but some models have an impressive accuracy of up to 1/64″ at 30′. If we take a closer look at our products, the most accurate one is Tacklife SC-L04, with an accuracy of up to ±1/9″ at 33′. PLS-60521, Dewalt DW088K, and Makita SK104Z feature an accuracy of ± 1/8″ at 30′. As about Bosch GLL 55, it has an accuracy rating of ± 1/8″ at 30′.

• Working Range

            Level lasers automatically level if they remain in a specific range. Some models can expand the working range up to 100 feet indoors and up to 200 feet outdoors. From this point of view, the most versatile models are PLS-60521 and Dewalt DW088K with a range of 100 feet indoors. They are followed by Tacklife SC-L04 with an indoor working range of up to 98 feet. Bosch GLL 55 and Bosch GLL 55 feature a visibility range of up to 50 feet.




• Beam

            There are lasers that emit only a horizontal beam or a horizontal and vertical beam. A model with 2 beams helps you level objects across a horizontal or vertical plane, according to your needs. You can use the beams separately or concomitantly for increased flexibility.

• Features

            Each and every model comes with certain features. Some of them feature a flashing indicator to notify you when the battery runs low or an out-of-level indicator for knowing when the tool gets out of level. PLS-60521 features an internal shock frame that protects the tool against collisions and Tacklife SC-L04 comes with dual 360-degree horizontal and vertical lines for more convenience.

• Accessories

            The more accessories, the better. All models come with the batteries and a carry case or box for storing or transporting the laser under safe conditions. Some of them include a bracket for mounting the tool on the wall. PLS-60521 has some extra accessories like a tripod extender and a carrying pouch. Makita SK104Z comes with a carrying pouch.

• Warranty

            Usually, this type of lever is backed by the standard 1–year warranty. The models with the longest warranty are PLS-60521 and Dewalt DW088K as they are covered for a period of 3 years. The latter also comes with a 1-year free service. Tacklife SC-L04 and Bosch GLL 55 are backed by a 2-year warranty. The shortest warranty is given by Makita, only 1 year. However, the manufacturer allows you to return the product within 30 days of purchase.

Available Types and Their Particularities

           

• Dot Lasers: These lasers are also called plumb lasers. They work by projecting one or multiple reference dots on a surface. They are further classified in 3-point and 5-point models. The first type features ahorizontal dot, as well as a plump up and down. The second type features 2 horizontal dots at 90°. They are ideal for indoor jobs and are the less expensive in comparison to the other types available.
• Line Lasers: Line lasers or line generators project a single line (horizontal) or double lines (horizontal and vertical) from one point to the other. The horizontal and vertical lines can also cross. They have a range of up to 100 feet and are mainly used for indoor applications. However, there are some models that can be used outdoors.
• Rotary Lasers: Just like the line lasers, these lasers projects a line but the difference is that the line rotates around the entire room in 360°. The tools can produce both horizontal and vertical lines. They work best for outdoor applications. Nevertheless, they are the most expensive ones, being at the same time less compact than the other types.

       There’s absolutely no doubt that a laser level is a tool that comes in handy when you need to level floors or to align masonry. After a thorough research, we came to the conclusion that PLS-60521 is the best model to go with. Even though is not so great for outdoor tasks, it does a great job for indoor works. You will have to pay more money for this tool but it’s worth paying the price if you want to improve accuracy with your DIY projects. Dewalt DW088K is another tool we recommend if you want to pay less money and enjoy a great performance. Besides the 3-year warranty, this laser comes with 1-year free service for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions