Laser Levels: Are They Worth the Money?

A generation ago, levels meant spirit bubbles and string lines. Today, laser levels project perfectly level lines across rooms. But are they worth it for your work? Let's examine the reality.

What Laser Levels Do

They project a visible laser line (usually red or green) that's perfectly level or plumb. Uses include:

• Hanging pictures and shelves
• Tiling and kitchen fitting
• Dropped ceilings
• Framing and construction
• Electrical and plumbing first fix
• Landscaping and grading

Browse our laser level selection to see current options.

Types of Laser Level

Line Lasers

Project one or more lines. Simpler models do horizontal or vertical; better ones do both simultaneously. Cross-line lasers are most versatile.

Point Lasers

Project dots rather than lines. Useful for transferring points between floor and ceiling, or for plumb reference.

Rotary Lasers

Spin to create a 360-degree line. Used mainly outdoors with a detector. Professional surveying and site work.

Combination Units

Offer multiple modes - lines, points, and rotation. More expensive but more versatile.

Red vs Green Lasers

Red Lasers

More common, cheaper, longer battery life. Adequate for indoor work in normal lighting.

Green Lasers

Up to 4x more visible to human eyes. Better in bright conditions and outdoors. Use more battery power. Worth the extra for professional use or bright environments.

Accuracy

Laser levels are rated in accuracy per distance, typically expressed as mm/m. Common ratings:

• ±3mm at 10m - Basic consumer grade
• ±2mm at 10m - Good DIY and light trade
• ±1mm at 10m - Professional standard

For hanging pictures, ±3mm is fine. For tiling or fitting kitchens, you want ±1-2mm.

Self-Levelling

Modern laser levels self-level within a range (typically ±4°). Place them roughly level and they do the rest. If tilted beyond the range, they flash or beep to alert you.

This is essential. Manual levelling adds time and error. Always buy self-levelling.

Are They Worth It?

Yes, If You:

• Do regular fitting, tiling, or construction work
• Need consistent reference lines across large areas
• Work alone (no one to hold the other end of a string line)
• Want to speed up layout work
• Need accuracy over longer distances

Maybe Not, If You:

• Only occasionally need level reference
• Work in small areas where a spirit level suffices
• Can't justify the cost for your usage level

What to Look For

Essential Features

• Self-levelling
• Horizontal AND vertical lines (cross-line)
• Adequate accuracy for your work (±2mm/10m minimum)
• Mounting thread for tripod

Useful Extras

• Green laser for better visibility
• Multiple lines (additional vertical lines)
• Pulse mode for use with detector outdoors
• Magnetic mount or bracket included
• Carry case

Using Laser Levels Effectively

• Give them a stable base - tripod or magnetic mount
• Keep lens clean
• Remember batteries need replacing or charging
• Don't shine in eyes - even low-power lasers can cause discomfort
• Mark at multiple points rather than following the line directly

Cost vs Benefit

A decent cross-line laser costs roughly what you'd pay for a few hours of trade labour. If it saves you time on even one job, it's paid for itself.

For professionals, it's not a question - laser levels are essential kit. For serious DIYers, they're a worthwhile investment. For occasional users, a spirit level and care might suffice.

Compare options in our measuring and levels collection.