Best Laser Measuring Tool – 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
The laser measuring tool can now be found in every tradesman’s toolkit. Replacing the tape measure this popular gadget requires just one person, provides accurate readings, and saves you time and money.
There are certain factors to understand before buying a laser measuring tool such as different measuring modes, Bluetooth, or memory data storage, whether it can do calculations or not.
With this in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive review and buyers guide of five of the best laser measuring tools on the market to help you to make an informed decision before buying.
Laser measuring tool comparison table:
| Image | Model | Price | Editor Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Bosch GLM 20 | Check Price | 4.3 / 5 |
  | Tacklife HD60 | Check Price | 4.5 / 5 |
Top  | Bosch Blaze GLM 50 | Check Price | 4.8 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Leica DISTO D2 | Check Price | 4.4 / 5 |
  | WETOLS Laser Distance Meters | Check Price | 4.6 / 5 (Best Value) |
5 Best Laser Measuring Tools – Review
Bosch GLM 20 Compact Blaze 65′ Laser Distance Measure
- The Bosch GLM20 measures distances up to 65 feet to within ⅛ inch accuracy and measures in meters, feet/inches or inches only.
- The laser measuring tool is easy and simple to use, by pressing the button once the accurate measuring starts and to hold the measurement press again.
- Just like a tape measure, it provides default real-time measurement that adjusts as you move closer and farther from the target. The display is backlit allowing measurements to be read easily even in dark areas.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Compact and small enough to fit into any pocket the GLM20 is a Class IIa laser product, 1mW power output.
- Requires 2AAA batteries which are included. Dimensions: 4 x 1.4 x 0.9 inches, weight 3.2 ounces. 90-day warranty. An accurate tool over shorter distances and very suitable for DIY use.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to operate | Accurate up to 65ft only |
| Batteries included | |
| Compact |
Tacklife HD60 Classic 196Ft Laser Distance Measure
- The Tacklife HD60 measures distances up to 196 feet to within 1/16 inch accuracy, measures in Meters/inches/Feet/Feet and Inches and has two bubble levels, vertical and horizontal, providing more precise measurement.
- The HD60 has various settings, calculates area and volume automatically, 30 sets of data storage, delete data manually, addition and subtraction button, maximum/minimum values measurement, automatic shutdown, with a wider application of distance, volume, area measurement modes, continuous measurement and Pythagorean mode
- It has a large LCD with backlight giving better visibility in low-light conditions, a mute button to choose measuring quietly or voice mode, is shock-resistant, waterproof, and dustproof.
- Requires 2 AAA batteries which are included and are Laser Class 2 products.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor with a robust and durable casing. Included with the laser measuring tool are Batteries, soft portable carry case, hand strap, and user manual.
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.98 x 2.36 inches. Weight 7.2 ounces. 1-year warranty. A very versatile tool for professionals and DIY at a good price.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accurate up to 196ft | Fragile screen |
| Tons of features | |
| Indoor & outdoor use |
Bosch Blaze GLM 50 C Bluetooth Enabled 165’ Laser Distance Measure (Best Overall)
- The Bosch Blaze GLM50 measures distances up to 165 feet to within 1/8 inch accuracy with imperial measurements.
- Just like a tape measure, it provides default real-time measurement that adjusts as you move closer and farther from the target.
- It has an upgraded color display with backlighting giving increased visibility in poor light and Bluetooth function to transfer and store measurements conveniently from the laser to a smart device via the Bosch app.
- Will store up to 50 measurements. The built-in inclinometer allows for advanced features such as angles, minimum/maximum, stakeout, and double indirect.
- The all-round soft grip protection helps the device last longer and protects it from damage. Requires 3 AAA batteries which are included and is a Laser Class 2 product, less than 1mW output. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is small and compact and will fit into any pocket.
- Included with the laser measuring tool are: Pouch, Hand Strap, Target Cards (5), Batteries (3). Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches, weight 5 ounces. Has a 1-year warranty but will be extended to 2 years if the measuring tool is registered, 30-day money-back guarantee for refund/replacement.
- This is a compact, accurate tool, sturdy and robust, with very good features for professionals and DIY but is a little more expensive.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top notch LCD screen | Pricey |
| Bluetooth and app | |
| Very accurate |
Leica DISTO D2 330ft Laser Distance Measure with Bluetooth 4.0
- The Leica DISTO D2 measures distances up to 330 feet to within 1/16 inch with metric measurements.
- Can be used with Bluetooth 4.0 sending measurements through to the free DISTO Sketch app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. Other software through Bluetooth can be used but it is an additional cost.
- The Leica D2 has functions such as area, volume, two and three-point Pythagoras, add/subtract, count-down timer, and intelligent endpiece.
- Its end piece allows the tool with the min/max function to get all the way into corners for accurate diagonal measurements. The tool remembers the last 10 measurements taken.
- It has an intuitive LCD backlit display and is small and compact and will fit into any pocket. It has an operating temperature range of 14°F to 122°F / -10°C to 50°C, and is dust and splash protected. Requires 2 AAA batteries which are included.
- Laser Class II with 1mW output. Included with the measure tool are batteries, Soft carry pouch, wrist lanyard, quick start guide. Dimensions: 4.57 x 1.73 x 1.02 inches weight 4 ounces.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty. This tool is aimed at the professional, but is difficult to read in sunlight and other software is an additional cost.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 330ft measuring distance | Other software additional price |
| Bluetooth & free DISTO app | Screen difficult to read in sunlight |
| Accurate diagonal measurements |
WETOLS 196ft Laser Measure (Best Value)
- The Wetols measures distances up to 196 feet to within 1/16 inch. The electronic angle sensor easily finds the horizontal direction, data is more accurate with the 1M calibration, and the mute button allows measuring in quiet locations.
- It has an LCD backlight, is splash-proof and dustproof, and has a light-blocking plate giving a clear reading even in direct sunlight.
- o meet different needs the tool has continuous measurement, addition and subtraction, automatic calculation of area and volume, and Pythagorean theorem functions.
- Measurement values are displayed in real-time, freely switching between Metric/Inches/Feet. Power is saved with the automatic shut off after 180 seconds. Has 20 sets of storage data.
- The small compact measuring tool can fit into any pocket and is sturdy and robust. Requires 2 AAA batteries which are included. Laser Class 2, 1mW output. Included with the measuring tool is a canvas bag, wrist strap, batteries, and a user manual.
- Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.6 x 1 inch, weight 4.9 ounces. This laser measuring tool has a very high specification for such a low price and is suitable for professional as well as DIY. No Bluetooth connectivity is a possible downside.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap | No Bluetooth |
| 196ft measuring distance | |
| Light-blocking plate |
Best Laser Measuring Tool – Buyers Guide
Factors to consider
Before a laser measure is purchased doing some research is a key factor otherwise you could end up with a product that is a massive and costly disappointment rather than a product that is advantageous to you. Comparing products now can save you a tremendous amount of time later on.
Additional Features
It is important that you know what elements you are looking for before researching for the tool. Almost every laser measure has an additional function, some have quite a few which can make the laser measure complicated, look for one that has a capability to perform well in ways that you require.
Remember that as a rule the more additional features the laser measure has the more expensive it becomes and could prove to be more complex to use than you want it to be.
The live measuring capability and the Pythagoras feature offered by the majority of laser measures on the market are the most popular. It is very important that you think carefully about what functions you really need.
Bluetooth or Memory Storage Data
In this modern age having the ability to connect the laser measure to a smartphone or other device will save a lot of time. Collecting data and information such as specific measurements or past measurements and having them stored in one place to access whenever you need them will prove to be invaluable, no more pencils and pieces of paper to bother with.
More complex calculations like how much flooring will be needed in a property or how much paint will be needed for painting a room, can all be stored ready for future reference.
However, without Bluetooth, there is still the option of memory data storage which some laser measure tools offer.
Outdoor Working
If you are working outdoors for the majority of the time then you need to know your laser measure tool is fully protected from the elements. Waterproof or water-resistant and dustproof shielding will significantly increase the lifespan of your laser measure tool.
Certain surroundings such as workshops, farms, and building sites can put a strain on technology, so it would be very beneficial to have your laser measure protected.
Range
The range is something you should consider without a doubt. Think about the types of ranges you measure on a daily basis and try to work out an average. Not all jobs will have a laser measure range, but buying a laser measure then hardly using it will be a waste of time and money.
To ensure you don’t buy a tool that will be redundant, find an average distance, make sure you know what this is in feet (laser measure ranges are usually displayed in this unit), and buy one that is considerably more than your average distance.
Portability
Most laser measure tools are light and are easily stored in a toolbox or even a pocket with no real issues. However, there are laser measuring tools with added portable methods included in the package. A handy carry case or pouch with wrist straps means they are less likely to be dropped, always close at hand, and not easily forgotten or stolen when on a job.
Conclusion
Having reviewed the 5 products, all of which have their own good quality features, our Best Overall is the BOSCH GLM50 C.
It is accurate, sturdy, robust and built to last, has a good range, backlit color display, small and compact, comes with a pouch, wrist strap and handy target cards and Bluetooth connection via the Bosch app.
This is a good measuring tool for professionals and DIYers with many good quality features and is cheaper than the Leica D2 reviewed.
The Wettols laser measure tool has quality features and functions for professionals and DIYers, good customer ratings by feature, and a very high specification for such a low price which is why it came out as our Best Value product.
The Leica D2 has slightly different features to the Bosch GLM50 C such as two and three-point Pythagoras, larger range, and intelligent end piece but it is more expensive and the customer ratings by feature are not as high as the Bosch. Having said that it is still a popular laser measure product.
The three laser measure tools reviewed with no Bluetooth connection all have their own quality features.
The Bosch GLM20 is aimed at the DIY market and is a simple accurate tool with a good name, good price, and good customer ratings by feature.
The Tacklife measuring tool is a good product for professionals and DIYers, offering quality features and functions at a good price with good customer ratings by feature, and for this reason, came a very close second to the Wettols (Best Value).
We hope you have found the information on laser measure tools helpful and you now have a better understanding to be able to buy with confidence.
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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